Welcome to Pete's Corner! NEW
Providing weekly information and resources to our Member's from the desk of the Chamber's Executive Director
September 8, 2010
Exciting career position available
The Chamber of Commerce is seeking a results oriented individual to fill our open position as Member Services Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. Please click on the link below for a complete job description, qualifications, benefits package and application.
Chamber Employment Opportunity
Who’s your
Hero? We want to know!! 
The Chamber’s annual Heroes Dinner is scheduled for this upcoming October the twenty first. This hats-off salute to our all important “FIRST RESPONDERS” to crisis, is long over due. Many First Responder Agencies will be introducing their best and brightest among their own, that by their standards, stand out in a room full to the rim of bright individual lights.
We are seeking businesses and individuals to step up and sponsor a table, thereby allowing us to seat “FIRST RESPONDER” agency personnel amongst them as their guests, to enjoy a colossal spaghetti dinner with all of the trimmings, gratis. You won’t find our public safety employees and volunteers accepting money or gifts for the tireless, sometimes 24-hour-a-day work they are asked of, but a great meal and some good old fashioned public recognition goes a long way in showing them how much they are appreciated.
An evening of thanks is in the planning and would not be complete without your nomination of a hero, or heroin that has touched your life. We want to know of a neighbor, a friend or a complete stranger, who responded during your greatest hour of need. Please let us know in 150 words or less, why your hero should be nominated, we will post their names and your story on our on-line Heroes Nomination ballot and commence the public voting. Those garnering the greatest votes will be honored at this year’s Heroes Dinner along with all of the nominees. Nominating and voting may also be completed at the Chamber office.
Whether you would like to nominate a “FIRST RESPONDER”, sponsor a table or would like to attend the dinner in show of support please contact the Chamber of Commerce today!
August 24, 2010
Activities Guide and Business Directory 2010-2012
The new edition is upon us.! The long awaited and much needed NEW Activities Guide and Business Directory (previously called the Visitor’s Guide) will be arriving this week. Our travelers to this area shall find at journey’s end, a new informative and very descriptive guide to Mariposa County. The Guide contains a brief story of each community and is generous on the photos that tell our story. Yosemite, as well as our lakes, events and much of our abundant scenery are all featured, but this Guide is also a tribute to our greatest asset, our people…..so you will probably recognize some of the folks in the pictures, many of which have been supplied by local contributors.
We expect delivery of over 50,000 copies this week. I encourage all of you who greet visitors to your business or home to come by any of the county visitor centers and grab all the copies you need. The Guides are most valuable and will work the best for our community only when placed in the hands of visitors.
Thank you to all who contributed to support this project through the purchase of ad space, without your fore sight into the value of this marketing piece, we would not have been able to bring this project to fruition. Thanks to Ramiro Guzman and all the Chamber staff and members who toiled many hours to get the min`ute details sorted out before we went to press. A great number of hours have been spent in an effort to ensure that every business, activity and event in the county is included, if any have been excluded, please know that it was not intentional. A special thanks goes to Larry Vilott of Vilott Creative Services for his dedication and over the top commitment during the publication process. We look forward to sharing with our many visitors, all that Mariposa County has to offer with this new marketing tool!
August 10, 2010
New Stage in Coulterville Hosts first Event
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Photo provided by: Sierra Sun Times |
The 8th Annual Sultry Summer Shindig took place this last weekend in Coulterville and was the first event hosted on the new Community Park Stage. There has always been an underlying question about how this stage would “sound”…..meaning how music would sound resonating from it, apparently different venues can have variations on sound due to the acoustics, or the lack there of. Mark Carpenter, the Soundman, remarked with great surprise, that he only needed to run his master volume at 50%, to fill the entire park with great quality sound, and with little bleed-off (sound talk for the extra power he sometimes uses, due to poor acoustics at some venues).
The morning dedication of this stage high-lighted the many construction donors, many of the early & current Shindig Committee volunteers and words of inspiration from Supervisor Turpin, who also did the official ribbon cutting.
This well rounded day was supported by Chamber Director Volunteer’s Extraodinare; Dianne Fritz, Dotty Ducret, Jan Mennig and Patricia White, manning the beverage booth. President Lester Bridges and Director Steven Huff judged the “Show Your Chrome” Car and Motorcycle Show, while past president MaryAnn Huff floated around filling in the gaps. I, as the Vice President of the Shindig Committee helped out by doing the thing that no-one ever wants to do, I MC’d the event. Without the help of all of these selfless volunteer Directors, this event would not have been possible.
A Special thanks to Shindig committee President Amy Vercnocke, once again she worked tirelessly all year to guide the group to yet another great outdoor event…..thanks Amy and of course thank-you to all of the Shindig Committee members.
It was great to find that proportionally the stage fit the park well, without over powering it and each of the different bands, were a comfortable fit on it, the acoustics of the stage sounded great and the old time design will work well in the Historic Coulterville setting. I will work to get this new park amenity added to our county website, so that others will know that it is available to all, for public use.
August 3, 2010
Coulterville Stage Dedication and Music Event
This coming Saturday, the NEW and long a-waited Coulterville Stage will be dedicated as the 8th Annual Sultry Summer Shindig gets under way. Please plan on attending the dedication ceremony at 10:30 am, with refreshments following. This dedication marks five years of fund raising, in the eight year life of this small but resilient SHINDIG Committee. The Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce is proud to be an active supporter of this event.
We salute Construction supporters:
JESKE Home Designs
Davis Engineering
Jerry’s Custom Trusses
Huff Electric
HIGH Sierra Construction Company
This stage would still be a dream if it were not for the generous contributions of time, services and materials of these Mariposa County contractors. Each one of these chamber member companies pushed forward this project at critical times, when just a push was exactly what was needed to help keep the project moving.
Come on out to Coulterville this Saturday and join us in the celebration and stay for the fun! There will be a huge water slide and games for the children with a smaller area for the younger ones, music, a variety of vendors, beer, wine, sodas, more music and of course great food being cooked and served to you by our local gun fighters. There will also be an opportunity to purchase Memorial Bricks with your family or business name or a special message to someone dear.
There will be live music featuring:
Mariposa Rhed and the Wild Cats
Snake Oil
Rock Slide
The Hills Brothers Band
The “SHOW YOUR CHROME” Car and Motorcycle show will be taking place in the park all day, this is a great time to dust off your favorite weekend driver and share it with other “gear head” enthusiasts.
July 27, 2010
Mariposa’s Cal Expo Booth a Marketing Coup
My wife and I had the opportunity to man our Mariposa County booth at the State Fair this last Thursday and Friday in Sacramento, what a fabulous experience. The booth was one of the few walk in designs which invited passers-by to enter and be surrounded. Our theme was the Yosemite National Park as well as the rustic gold mining and cattle ranching culture. Visitors entered our area and engaged in conversations about Mariposa and our plentiful surroundings. The foot traffic on these days was steady and there were but a few moments while I was present when the booth was visitor free. This was marketing 101 for Mariposa, with lots of hello’s as visitors, who wanted only to share their recent fond memories of Mariposa and the National Park, engaged in conversations. It is easy to connect to those who have been as they yearned to return, but the booth was also a magnet for those who suspect the national park to be a cool place to visit, but have been confronted by the busyness of their lives. It was these families that we connected with and they with us. Within the booth, one display was a beautiful landscape of the park, large on the rear wall and down one side, which provided a strong back ground to build up our visitors dreams as they received hiking maps and our destination planner.
As I visited the vast majority of booth entries from the surrounding counties it was easy to measure the visitor’s excitement at them. By observing the hosts in these other entries you begin to see patterns. Many other booths were walk by presentations which, by design, had no point of entry and thus lacked the bigger visitor experience. The representatives from some areas were present but only sat out front to watch passers-by…..pass by. Some booths were unmanned and except for their robotic dolls, faining human motion, or an endless video monitor of a commercial, there was no human contact, thus few connections to be made in these mechanized displays…..certainly no personal connections.
The Mariposa booth on the other hand was warm, inviting and a memorable experience! It is easy to see the gratitude on a visitor’s face as you describe the driving experience in our area or answer questions about fees, Badger pass or my favorite spots to eat in town. Personal connections with our guests planted the seeds in their minds that will surely grow into a full visitor experience.
Our neighboring booth hosts remarked as I made my fifteenth visit to our common room the 2nd day, where our collateral was stored, “The park is a real easy draw, isn’t it?”…..well I said,” The park might get them to our booth, but the personal conversations is what they will take home.” Multiply this times the over 1300 destination planners which will be distributed during Cal Expo and the marketing result is grand.
My hat is off to the 4H for a masterful stroke in design, and this Board for seizing the initiative to return to Cal Expo. I look forward to participating in future Cal Expos and will encourage others to do the same.
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July 19, 2010
Our Stars Shined Bright at Summer Luncheon
During the daily activities as your Chamber Executive Director, I am constantly in touch with the goings on around the county. Almost daily, there are new points of information that cross my desk or in box and add to an already burgeoning list of topics which I keep abreast of in the interest of you, our membership. Most recently I attended the ground breaking ceremony at the Human Services building and regularly I attend the Gateway meetings held quarterly in YNP. I keep in close contact with the Tourism Bureau and attend the weekly Board of Supervisors meetings, therefore; prior to last weeks Summer Luncheon, I felt like I had a good understanding of each of the area’s that our speaker’s were covering.
At last Wednesday’s Summer Luncheon I had the opportunity, simply by assembling the speakers, to share with our membership some of these exciting daily points of interest which are happening in our County of Mariposa. Guest Speakers Supervisor Kevin Cann, Jim Rydingsword of Human Services, Tourism Bureau Executive Director Jeffery Hentz and Jonelle Tanahill from the California Tourism and Travel Commission, each brought great and very informative presentations to both membership and guest attendees. What followed was the realization that while I am privy to the subject matters presented by each speaker as a part of my daily duties…..there is so much more to learn! I, along with our luncheon guest’s, had the opportunity to absorb new and fresh information from each speaker. It was such a pleasure to host an event with a venue that offered such a great exchange of information for all! Chamber Vice President, Tolley Gorham rounded out the almost 2 hour event, with his own personal brand of opening and closing, adding a nice bit of comic relief periodically. Also, we took time to pay special notice to Joy Kitchell, for her above and beyond volunteer contributions for the County of Mariposa, during the recent formation of the Historic John Muir Highway ribbon cutting event.
What fun it was to assemble a luncheon catered by the superb BB’s Catering, with great informative speakers for a nicely attended, appreciative room of dining guests. The program ran 35 minutes longer than expected and I found myself in haste at the end to wrap up the program and I apologize that I forgot to introduce the Chamber staff who had worked countless hours to make this, another memorable event. Pictured below are Ramiro Guzman, Amanda Gunnells, and Jesica Popken, along with yours truly. Thanks to their dedication, attention to detail, commitment and pride the Summer Luncheon event was extraordinary by my estimation. Thanks to this trio our Chamber stars showed bright, making them stars in their own right. Thanks again team and thanks to each of our guest speakers and to all who attended for taking time out of your very busy schedule’s and making this Luncheon an afternoon to remember.
July 7, 2010
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is reaching out with support services to you through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Start a plan for the future of your business today, contact the SBDC today and request a FREE appointment from a business consultant. There is no obligation from you, the business owner or operator, and you will benefit by availing yourself of some of the many services available such as:
- Marketing and sales strategies
- Locating and securing funding
- Record keeping and cash flow strategies
- Market and industry research
The SBDC can be reached at www.alliancesbdc.com click on the Mariposa tab to request a contact. The future of our business is determined by the actions we take today!
June 22, 2010
Get the credit you deserve
To our membership: I am on the receiving end of your payments for dues, event tickets, advertising and other projects we are involved in. From time to time we receive checks that are difficult to apply to an account. This happens if the remitter forgets to include an invoice number on their check, uses a check not having their company business name printed on the face, or worse, using an internet check paying service without logging something in there that clearly tells us who they are. Some checks sent by this last type of service never seem to include the remitter's real name or a check stub with an invoice number and when the 1-800 number printed on the face is called, they cannot provide us any information due to privacy rules.
In order to get your account credited correctly, it is important that you put your invoice number on the front of your check. If you have not received proper credit for a payment made, please call our office with all pertinent info so that we may track it down for you...we want you to get credit for payments made.
Chamber Summer Luncheon
Cool Businesses in a Hot Market is the theme of the upcoming Chamber Summer Luncheon on July 14, 2010. We will begin at 11:00am with net-working, this will be a great opportunity to visit with other business leaders and invited guests. Our luncheon program includes a presentation on the soon to open Health and Human Services building. The condition of tourism in the state of California and locally will be addressed by Jonelle Tannahill from the California Travel and Tourism Commission and our own tourism Bureau Executive Director, Jeffery Hentz. There will also be a presentation from District 4 Supervisor, Kevin Cann about the changes Yosemite National Park is making and others under consideration that will have lasting effects in our community.
So set aside a couple of hours on this Wednesday in July and plan on attending. We have put together this catered event as an informational exchange with you, our membership, in mind. Oh did I mention catered? BB's Catering has designed a special light summer-time meal. We will be hosting this event in the Sequoia Room at the Fair grounds. Please respond promptly to invitations now under way.
June 15, 2010
Lester on the road
President Lester Bridges is out on vacation riding his bicycle across America.
He rides 50 to 100 miles each day and rests in a different town every night. Talk about reducing your carbon foot print. I wonder if this will convert into carbon credits he can sell?? Check out his progress at www.lesterridesamerica.com. Post a comment, let him know that you are thinking about him and what you think about his ride!
Still time to elect business of the month for July.
Here is an opportunity for you to vote your experience with local business! Whether, serving your meal quick and hot, performing a needed repair at your home without soiling your carpet or just because a good employee stood out in your mind with exceptional service or a personable demeanor. Go to the www.mariposachamber.org, click the member services tab and cast a vote. How else are we going to know about their great service if you don't help spread the word!
This month Alpine Builders and Chocolate Soup have both been elected...(Nice job Dave and Elaine!) You should cast a ballot for one of them, if so inclined, or elect a business of your own choice. The winner will appear in the Community Link insert found in the Mariposa Gazette each month on the last Thursday.
June 8, 2010
Stage Taking Shape
The Stage in Coulterville Park began construction April 15 and after several rain delays finally began to take shape. This project, which was born out of the local Shindig Committee , was a commitment to give its community a stage to spur community activity in the Park, possibly outdoor theater, movies in the park etc.
The committee has spent years raising funds via the annual Sultry Summer Shindig event held every year on the 1st Saturday in August. They have received pro bono services from Floyd Davis Engineering, Huff Electric, Jeske Homes, Jerry's Custom Trusses and a bunch of volunteers. General contractor, Jeff Dykhuizen of High Sierra Construction, says the project will be complete on time for the local annual deep pit BBQ held in early July.
The 8 th Annual Sultry Summer Shindig is scheduled for August 7th and will include a ribbon cutting ceremony and an appearance of an original fund raiser performer, Keith Kennam. Please go to www.mariposachamber.org for more info.
Route Name Changed from "J" to John
This last Saturday guests and spectators were on hand in Coulterville to witness the renaming of county road J-132 to the Historic John Muir Highway. Supervisor Turpin from Coulterville and Tuolumne Supervisor John Gray hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony as Muir Hanna, Chamber past-president Mary Ann Huff and renaming chief evangelist Ken Pulvino cut a ribbon that unleashed horse mounted rodeo Queens, a bevy of antique cars and walking bystanders.
The parade moved to Greeley Hill for lunch and finally to Big Creek Meadow Sheep Ranch for a second ribbon ceremony and other theatrics. Our Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau both received recognition from California State assemblyperson Tome Berry Hill for our contribution to this project. Please view a slide show of the event on the Chamber web home page at www.mariposachamber.org
This is a great thing for our our community in many ways! Not only is It is fitting to give this route this very Historic distinction because of John Muir's trek into Yosemite Valley along this byway, but now this route will be a force to be reckoned with.....all mapping resources will have to begin to add it to their maps and directions! Businesses along the route who have been struggling for year's will eventually see the trickle down effect from this momentous event! A big Thank-you to Ken Pulvino for coming up with this idea and for spearheading this long exhausting project!
May 25, 2010
"A Better Bang for Your Marketing Buck"
Often over looked, but one of the most important aspects of your business is your marketing plan. With a few small installations of time and objective observation, your business can chart a direction towards a st
ronger bottom line. With a good overall plan, the steps to your marketing strategy would be divided into three categories of impact; low, medium and high.
Each category entails a related dollar out put and an anticipated return in additional sales revenue. An example of low impact and low cost marketing might be a repeat customer punch card. The cost of printing cards and distribution at point of sale, is minimum. A steady build up of repeat customers would follow, over time.
A medium impact would be measured from the larger dollars spent...say in a weekly display ad in the local newspaper. You would be reaching a larger customer base, enjoy increased traffic and over time, would be able to measure the cost value increase in clientele against advertising dollars spent. Tracking a coupon in this particular case, would help make it easier to measure the increase in sales directly related to the cost of the ad. This part is not always clear cut, but there is a general relationship between dollars spent on marketing/advertising and an increase in sales revenue.
A great example of high impact marketing is how fast food chains promote specials. They commit major funds to a mixed media deployment of print ad, radio, TV and the internet to really shake up demand for their brand. The current "3 items for $ 2.00" promotion by Taco Bell comes to mind. This "special offer" generates an immediate short term, increase in sales. This particular approach, is often called a loss leader in the industry because while you usually lose money on the "special offer," you are generating a measurable immediate increase in traffic.
Anytime you can commit low impact advertising dollars, but can receive medium or even a high impact return from customer response, this opportunity represents a greater return on investment and one that is hard to turn down. An opportunity such as this has come. The Mariposa Visitor's Guide enjoys a long publication history and many strong distribution avenues. It is disseminated locally at all hospitality locations, sent to all California Visitors Centers, included in all requested relocation packets sent out and is hunted down as the guide to have in hand by the traveling and touring public. The Mariposa Visitor's Guide is present in all County wide destinations. The visitor's guide has long been used as an aid to educate visitors on the attributes of our Historical location in the heart of California's Gold Country as well as our valuable relationship with & close proximity to Yosemite National Park.
Our Visitor's Guide has the ability to return medium and high impact value for low impact dollars. A one time display ad cost of $595.00 in this Guide, which has a distribution life of 24 to 30 months, breaks down to about $27.00 a month. This is the charge of a one sixth Page ad, which will be seen by most travelers as they slow down to smell the flowers here in Mariposa County. The guide is read, saved, taken home, and used as a reference over and over. If you want a great return on your advertising investment, I urge you to take a moment to make the call today, to get your business included in the Guide. The Chamber is accepting ad placement and will do so until June the 2nd, after that date your next opportunity to promote yourself in this widely used publication would be in the year 2012! The Chamber phone # is 966-2456.
May 11, 2010
CHAMBER PRESIDENT TO REALIZE A LIFETIME DREAM
Lester Bridges will begin a bicycle journey across America on June the 6th. Planned to unfold over 52 days this summer, this long awaited dream begins in San Francisco with the celebration dipping of his rear tire in the Pacific Ocean waters.
The idea of this adventure probably came about over time. Lester has enjoyed bike riding for decades and after many years of hard work at Napa Auto Parts and with his son, Tim now at the helm, Lester is in a place where he can take this almost daily choice of relaxation to new heights.
He has teamed up with a well established company called America by Bicycle, whose experience in cross country rides will keep Lester's trip paced, organized and above all, safe. You can follow Lester's daily ride experiences on his website: www.lesterridesamerica.com. His trip itinerary and blogs will be posted. I will keep you posted periodically in Pete's Corner, but I do hope that you go there and check his progress as well.
As a small business owner for most of my adult life, I know how important it is to take time off to find and enjoy the quality of life that each of us seeks. Small business has a way of chewing up all your spare time and one can mis-place many years of time, if not careful. This trip reminds me personally that I have not taken any where near enough time off with my wife, to do the things and go to the places, which we sometimes talk about...point well taken. I need to plan more time off, how about you?
May 4, 2010
Chamber Community Link
The "LINK" was the name of the monthly mailer published by the Chamber for a lot of years. It featured stories regaling the operations of commerce, ribbon cuttings and personal interest fliers from membership and others. With the advent of the internet this publication became less relevant both from a content point of view, but also from an economics stand point.
The internet has replaced this paper tool and the essence of this reach-out effort is now E-blasted weekly to membership and a substantial list of non- member inquirers. This enables the Chamber to reach most of our membership easily on a weekly basis, the traffic driven to the web site is nearing 17,000 hits a month these days.
We recognize that there have always been short comings in the communication efforts between the Chamber and its' membership and we continually strive to lessen those. We know that there is some percentage of our membership population that do not have internet access, therefore cannot access the e-blast. As a bridge to these individuals the Chamber has launched our new COMMUNITY LINK publication. You may have seen it last week on its' debut in the Mariposa Gazette! Each month the COMMUNITY LINK publication will hit the news stands on the last Thursday of the month.
A big thanks goes out to Dan at the Gazette for presenting this offer to the Chamber. I hope that you will look for volume one dated April 29 and let us know what you think. This initial publication can be found in the center fold of section one. This installation may look a little sparse as the initial piece, but we look forward to the advertising blocks around the edges being filled soon. These blocks are being offered at a specially discounted rate to Chamber members. These perimeter spaces are available at $40.00 per monthly issue, the size is (2" x 3.88"). This great rate provides a low cost way for Chamber supporters to help make this work and to avail yourselves of some low buck advertising. We hope that you will take advantage of this special offer.
April 20, 2010
Chamber Angels The Chamber's 8th Annual Clubs and Organizations Appreciation dinner took place last Thursday evening. Our staff members, Amanda and Jessie seemed a little apprehensive as they each made last minute preparations before loading up to head out to the Fairgrounds. Our routine in preparation for one of these many annual public engagements appears, to the casual observer, to more resemble a young tike mowing a lawn for his first time. We make our detail lists of what needs to be done in preparation, and then carefully guide staff to mow down or tick off each detail in some careful order. But what the young mower operator discovers at the end of his row is the very same discovery we too make, that we had missed patches of turf and now need to redress, in short order. We think we cut clear rows of detail as we approach our event dates only to find out how much more mowing really needs to be done to get all that is necessary finished on time... for show time. On the final days and evenings leading up to Thursday, these two staff members, no lets rename them for the level of contribution they really made, CHAMBER ANGELS, worked meticulously to mow down all obstacles to a successful event. And that they did. From making contact with fluid groups of volunteer club leaders and members to the detailing of place mats for the Chamber table to ensuring that raffle prizes were properly tagged for the benefit of donors, these ANGELS earned their wings. For those in attendance, what appeared as well choreographed evening of flow from Chamber officer's greetings of guests to Salvador's well received dinner was in reality a freshly baked cake whose frosting was barely sticking to the still warm insides. It looked good but could melt in a moments notice. Kevin Cann's toned presentation and the bombassity of Principal Atwood and to the individual presentations of the many clubs or organizations in attendance were all just tasty morsels as this evening took form. For me a high point was the work up of stories for both the EO Lewis Community Service Award winners, the Mariposa County Contractors Association and the Volunteer of the Year. For the incoming volunteer award winner to be crowned, the out going recipient would be on hand to ceremonially pass on the title. In this case Leroy Radanovich, last years recipient was in the house to crown very surprised Kris Casto. You see as it goes, Mrs. Casto joins a long line of esteemed Chamber of Commerce Volunteer's of the year. Just the very giving nature so many in this community of their free time makes this list difficult to scale. For her organizational skills deployed for the Fine Art and Wine Festival, her fresh and sensible approach on the Agri-Tourism Committee, an un-presented view shared with all of us through the Agri-Nature Trail. She is the Chair woman of the American Association of University Women and the current President of Mariposa Rotary. It was indeed my individual pleasure to welcome Kris Casto on to the Chamber of Commerce's list as Volunteer of the Year for 2009.
April 6, 2010
SHOULD MARIPOSA ALLOW FRANCHISES TO SET UP BUSINESSES IN MARIPOSA? After reading the entries made to the Chamber web site over the weekend, This question might be restated: Should Mariposa implement change to support that independent retailers and formula retail establishments succeed in co-existence? With the current set of ordinances on the books and the slow, if steady proliferation of franchising that has taken place to date; the obersavation of Keynesian Market Theory has been playing out in Mariposa during the last few decades. Maynard John Keynes during his studies of the industrial revolution in the 1800's applied a French term to his observation of economies at the time. He termed a main force at play as societies conducted trade or business as "Lazze Faire" which means "leave alone" and the forces of the free market will prevail. The town of Mariposa has hardware, hotel, auto parts, and financial advisory and even food franchisors already here, doing business just fine. In the observations that one could make, in each instance these businesses are good employers and tax payers, operate clean, tidy and well stocked organizations which contribute to the local tax economy and contribute to the social fiber through civic organization support and out right cash donations. The number of franchisors is low as the Keynesian Theory has been at playing out in our area. Market forces have not drawn vast quantities of this or any type of business to Mariposa. Our Planning, building and environmental ordinances embrace our local desire to apply standards for new businesses to set up shop in our neighborhoods. But more importantly these guiding policies act as Mariposa's invitation to the universe of business to come consider setting up shop here. We have a fair set of play rules and others have come before you and are successful. Today we ask for refinement of the rules, not an out right abolition. If we are intent on maintaining the rural quality of life that our Economic Vitality Strategy defines, as one of the 5 key assets of our county, then we must do so carefully. Our Chamber web site brought to light some common sentiments: "we want to maintain the rural feel, people get up here to move away from the cities- but that does not mean away from amentias and conveniences." Ken Pulvino wrote "What ever approach is taken it needs to be even handed across all businesses". The Chamber of Commerce supports business, in all of its forms. We understand that economic stability is demonstrated best through strong individual components, pieces and people. Responsible growth can take form here in Mariposa County, as it does in larger yet rural communities. Perhaps an adoption of a relationship ratio of the same type of stores or businesses, as they relate to formula franchise businesses ie; a low percentage of over all quantities of operators in food service, auto repair & clothing. We may also want to consider limits on square footage and location. Responsible Growth is the key. Let us apply it more rigorously to enhance our special place in the sun while not tossing aside the invitations to future business, which may already be at play.
March 30, 2010
Mariposa Chamber's Volunteer of the Year
Volunteer of the Year is one of the reputable awards in the county. 2009 the Chamber honored Leroy Radanovich with this award. There were many candidates; however Leroy's outstanding efforts to promote the life of Mariposa and love of the community were all too great to let pass unrecognized. When asked how he came to this accomplishment, he said with a laugh, "I believe you get those kinds of 
achievements by living long enough."
Leroy's accomplishments span decades of commitment and include early volunteer service during the formation of the Mineral and Mining Association which eventually led to the Mining and Mineral Museum moving from San Francisco to Mariposa.
He was front and center with the Chamber of Commerce when the operation of two Visitor Centers, back in 1986, were originally set up for the county. He originated the annual Chamber presence at the San Francisco Boat Show and worked the State Fair on numerous occasions with fellow Chamber members.
While those endeavors cost Leroy countless hours of personal time, we all benefit from the effects of his selfless work. Leroy is taking it a bit easier these days. He can be found writing, doing photography, and playing the saxophone with the illustrious Inky's Basement Band.
The Mariposa Chamber of Commerce is eager to find out who you think should be the next titleholder. The winner will be identified at the chamber's 8th Annual Clubs and Organizations Appreciation Dinner on April 15. Please register your vote. Go to www.mariposachamber.org. You may also stop by the Mariposa Chamber's office for a nomination form or call (209) 966-2456.
STORY TELLING VISITORS HAD POSITIVE MERCHANT EFFECT Thank you Arts council for staging yet another "must see" event. Some town eateries and a sprinkling of rooming accommodation parking lots appeared busy by accounts I spoke with. But these random sighting were just that, random. So the Chamber staff conducted a poll last week asking all rooming and eatery establishments in Mariposa one question: How did the Story Telling Festival being in town effect your business on a scale of 1 to 5? 1 = no effect 2=little effect 3=medium effect 4=high effect 5=big effect Nine of the Rooming providers who answered this poll had an average of 3.11 points on that scale of 5. Three locations rated the event as 5 on their business during the event. All eateries that answered the poll averaged 2.87 points with seven locations rating the event a 3 or better. Here are the individual polling scores for your own personal consumption. ACCOMMODATIONS 5th Street Inn...1 America's best value Inn Mariposa Lodge...5 B & B Association...no response Best western Yosemite Way Station...5 Comfort Inn/Yosemite Valley Gateway...4 Mariposa Hotel Inn...3 Miners Inn...3 Mother Lode Lodge...no response River Rock Inn & Deli Garden Café...5 Super 8 Motel...1 Yosemite Inn...1 EATERIES Burger King...no response Charles St. Dinner House...3 Castillo's Restaurant...2-3 China Station...2 Happy Burger Diner...4 High County Health Food Store & Café...5 Miner's Inn Restaurant...2 Pizza Factory...3.5 Pizza Plus...1 Pony Expresso...3.5 River Rock Inn & Deli Garden Café...4.5 Salvador's Restaurant...2 The Butterfly Café...3 Savoury's...5 Short Stop Sandwiches...1 Sugar Pine Café...no response Take N Bake Pizza...1
March 1, 2010
John Muir Highway Celebration Kicks off June 5th in Coulterville Come join the festivities as the county road, beginning at the intersection of J132 and Hwy 49, out front of the Hotel Jeffery and continuing up through Greeley Hill to the Tuolumne County line, celebrates the dawning of a new name. Mark June 5th on your calendar and come to Coulterville.
SHINDIG COMMITTEE RECEIVES BUILDING PERMIT FOR STAGE IN PARK The Shindig Committee will begin soliciting bids to construct a covered stage in Coulterville Park. The Chamber of Commerce has partnered with this committee at various fund raising activities which began 5 years ago. Call 966-2456 to request a bid package or submit a donation.
Airport Ad Hoc Committee to Report Airport Ad Hoc Committee presented three Business Plans to the County Board of Supervisors at last Tuesdays Board Meeting. This committee has been meeting weekly since November and has drafted three business plans for consideration. Public Plan: A scenario where the County continues to operate the airport. Private Plan: A scenario where a private operator (FBO) operates the airport free from county employees but some county oversite. Hybrid Plan: In this scenario, the county will share operations with private sector operator(s). While these reports were being prepared by committee members Robin Binder, William Brandle, and Tim Wennberg, the Public Works department was sending out Request for Proposals (RFP). Those interested in contracting to operate our airport were to submit their proposals by January 11, 2010. This request produced six such proposals. The report from the Ad Hoc Committee will prepare the Supervisors for the following week's presentation. At that time the Airport Advisory Committee will present to the Board the three best proposals from private parties to operate the airport. The Ad Hoc committee has disbanded since the generating of the final report fulfilled the committee's function. To view a copy of this report CLICK HERE. I look forward to the ushering in of a new era of airport development and the eventual greeting of the first regular charter flight into the Yosemite/Mariposa County Airport.
February 23, 2010
Pearl William's Sons: Trent Williams Winnie and Pearl Williams have 3 sons, two of whom attended the Chamber's Installation Dinner on February the 5th. Trent Williams is a hair stylist but not just any stylist. He seems to serves as the town's focal point of free information exchange. Blessed with a gift of gab, Trent's clientele will confess to him on a regular basis. They relax in his chair and eventually just melt in his hands. Trent told me the other day that he has heard some real dozies in his time while hair styling. And if you ever really wanted to know what's going on in town, "Just come on over and sit in my chair." Through his community support he started the now annual Christmas Home Tours and works vigorously with travel agents to lead groups of his neighbors on trips abroad. He is president of the Mariposa High School Alumni Association and has been, in years past, very active in the Chamber of Commerce. Trent is a constant promoter of Mariposa and the surrounding area and is known to pass along local literature to friends he meets around the world, and then welcome them here during their travels.
Gary Williams During his high school days, Pearl Williams traveled with her son Gary to his first drag race in Madera and after that he was hooked on racing. He once chirped his tires which caught the attention of a sheriff who attempted to pull him over. Instead Gary gave him the slip and hid behind the high school half the night until it was safe to go home. He was awoken in the morning and arrested. After all, Mariposa is a small town and everybody knows everybody, and their car. There is a rumor that Bill may be responsible for putting the lead in the foot of another local young Mariposa speedster, Dave Lawson a local business man. While working for the US Forestry in the early 60's, Gary continued to indulge his love of all things about cars. He acquired a 65 Falcon and began campaigning in a novice racing class called Jr. Stock. This led to a serious of successes which caught the attention of the Ford Motor Company- yeah the big guys in Dearborn. So in 1969 Gary was hired to run the Ford Total Performance Road Show. This traveling show consisted of the best cars built by Ford factories at a time when all the factories competed at the drag strips throughout America for bragging rights which translated to volume car sales. Gary found himself at the center of the racing universe where he has met such luminaries as Carol Shelby, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones and Micky Thompson while at drag strips across the country. He eventually returned to Mariposa and began his sign painting business Gary still races on the weekends and was in Pomona California to compete in the Winter Nationals earlier this month. While I find these two brothers to be different in every way, they share a common thread with their parents which have led each of them to such long and successful careers in the service of others. This family stands today as representatives of entrepreneurialism in all its best forms....quality service and dedication Trent and Gary Williams, the 2009 businessmen of the year. While Gary Williams is a current member of our Chamber of Commerce, Trent's membership had lapsed. He was granted a one year complementary for his achievement.
February 8, 2010
Pearl Carter Williams
Last Friday evening the Chamber of Commerce hosted our Installation Dinner. During that event I had the pleasure of introducing the Business Woman and Business Men of the year for 2009. In an effort to prepare for this evening, I set up a meeting with the Williams Family and in that meeting, I came to understand why the Williams were chosen. In this article I will tell the story of why Pearl Williams has come to be so respected in Mariposa County that her peers have chosen her to be Business Woman of the year.
Lets go back to 1847.....this is when Bill Williams of Cornwall, England arrived in America and found his way to the Silver Fields in early frontier Nevada. By 1850 Bill had made his way to the Gold fields of Hornitos and settled down. There he married and sired 12 boys and a girl. One of Bill's boys married and gave birth to 2 sons, Carver and Winford or "Winnie" to his friends.
While Carver stayed in Hornitos, Winnie came to Mariposa and attended Mariposa High School. Winnie had come up 1 unit short to graduate his senior year and decided to enroll in a simple cooking class. While he mastered cooking, he also met a woman in this class, Pearl Carter, who stole his heart and would later become his bride.
Pearl Carter knew at a very young age, that all she wanted to do in her life was to be a beautician. She remembers standing on a box and doing her mother's hair when she was a small child. She had moved to Mariposa from Merced at age 4 and during her early teen years was already doing hair styles and earning a wage.
A tenacious young woman, she would ride her donkey "little jack" perhaps 3 miles to do a styling, which would earn her 25 cents. This business was brisk enough that a competitor once turned her in for doing hair-do's without a license. Times haven't changed much.
After Beauty College, Pearl returned to Mariposa and finally married her high school sweetheart Winnie, who had also returned to Mariposa after leaving for his beautician degree!
In 1935, Winnie joined the Burt Smith Barber Shop in a down town location near what is now Butterfly Creek Café. He gave hair cuts for 25 cents in the day time and his bride would use the same room at night and style hair-do's.
Later Pearl and Winnie relocated the family business to its current address on Williams road. Pearl has continuously operated in this single trade, steadily, for over 60 years. For her persistence in fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a beautician and offering her skills to the local mariposa community, for what is viewed as an extraordinary length of time, the majority of the previous Business Man and Business Woman award recipients, selected Pearl as the next inductee.
On Friday evening, Pearl received a plaque from the Chamber of Commerce presented by President Lester Bridges, a Certificate of Recognition from the County Board of Supervisors and awarded by Chairman, Kevin Cann. From Congressman Radanovich, Pearl received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition awarded to her by Field Representative Kurt Vander Weide. She also received a Certificate of recognition from the California State Legislature bearing the signatures of both Senator Cogdill and Assembly member Berryhill.
January 26, 2010
Chamber to Recognize Stars in the Business Community
Peter Schimmelfennig, Executive Director
The Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce and recognize the 2009 Business "Men" of the Year. For the first time in over twenty years, two brothers were first elected as a pair and then garnered the voting majority. So on Friday, February the 5th, at the Chamber Installation Dinner, Trent and Gary Williams will both be honored with this, the Chambers highest award. And continuing in the recognition of this long time Mariposa family for their support and contribution to our community, Pearl Williams, mother of these boys, has been voted Business Woman of the Year for 2009.
While the nominees were solicited from all Chamber members, the voting ballots were issued to just the forty past recipient business men and women. This stellar group then narrowed down the slate of nominees and selected all three of the William's family members. Also nominated were Bob Kirchner, Bill Verley, Jim Nady and Jeffery Hentz. The other women nominees were Tracy Dubberke, Dell Knell, Courtney Twiss, Helen Kwalwasser, Sabrina Lyons, Trish Nady and LeeAnn Granville.
The Chamber is equally pleased to announce and highlight the Mariposa County Fair Grounds as the 2009 Business of the Year. Congratulations go out to Fairgrounds Manager and CEO Brian Bullis and his staff. This balloting was cast by the Chamber of Commerce membership who chose from the following list of businesses of the month for 2009 starting with January:
Mariposa Brewing Company
SierraSunTimes/Goldrushcam
River Rock Inn
Mariposa Contractors Association
Mariposa Shipping Company
Yosemite Glass and Window Inc.
Ponderosa Auto Dismantling & Towing
Barn & Garage King
Mariposa County Fairgrounds
Pioneer Market
Foster True Value Hardware
The public is invited to celebrate these individuals and Businesses by attending the Chamber Installation Dinner. This event will be hosted by Chamber President Lester Bridges with a key note delivered by Chairman of the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors, Kevin Cann. So set aside February the 5th on your calendars and plan to be at the Best Western for the 5:30 pm social and 6:30 pm dinner with program to follow. Please RSVP through the Chamber office 209-966-2456 or on line at www.mariposachamber.org
Tickets are going FAST. Reserve your tickets today!
January 12, 2010
Chamber launches 2010 by Honoring Business
I want to welcome the incoming Board members for the Chamber of Commerce.
At last Thursdays evening's Board meeting, President Lester Bridges presided over a robust room filled with the new guiding forces (directors) for Chamber 2010. They are:
Incoming: Marina Fischer
Dotty Ducret
Bob Kirchner
Rick LoBaugh
Kathleen Love
Phil Stepp
Returning: Lester Bridges
Dianne Fritz
MaryAnn Huff
Jan Mennig
Heidi Nelson
Tolley Gorham
Stephen Huff
Kit O'Shell
Patricia Wight
Our Charter states, in part, that the Chamber is organized to promote, preserve and enhance the business community. This group of directors is heavily tilted towards business leadership and living up to this charter will be second nature to us. We live, eat and breath business, practice it in the private sector daily and celebrate each trial and tribulation as yet just another lesson learned. We would not be all this without an annual dinner to showcase our religion.
On February the fifth, please plan on attending the Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation Dinner. Meet this panel of leader visionaries as they embark on a journey for change and continued community support building. We will be giving the coveted Businessman, Business Woman, and Business of the year awards. Chamber members, visit the web site now and here's two good reasons. First nominate your favorite Male and Female Entrepreneurs, and then cast a vote for Business of the Year. Troy and Shirley Foster will be passing the crown that night as the reigning 2008 business recipient.
How else would we celebrate but to honor a gentleman who has contributed so much to Mariposa during his business career. He earned the Businessman of the year award twice, (2006, and 1995) and served as Chamber president in 1993.
On this evening, we will bestow the Chamber of Commerce lifetime achievement award to Donald W. Haag. For his guidance, perseverance and knowledge he shall be revered.
And there is more, for on this evening the Chamber Membership will be honoring Maryann Huff as she ceremonially passes her gravel to Lester. This evening would not be complete without some sizzle so email or call me with any tid-bits, sordid or other, about her presidency, that she would not publically shared, so we can do just that. This night will be an evening to embrace the character that set us, the entrepreneur, apart from the rest.
January 4, 2010
The New Year Bears Fresh Outlook
2010 brings fresh leadership to our Chamber of Commerce. Our election for Board Officers and Directors were held in December. This year's board totals sixteen and five are to hold executive positions.
Lester Bridges is the incoming President. His guidance and support to his fellow officers and board members has always been well received. Having lived in this town for some 50 years, he is a walking almanac of all things Mariposa. His extensive business experience will surely strip away and renew, practices which are outdated. A Chamber's President is astute at charting an idea path and directing the rest along that path and all the while having us believe we thought it up ourselves. This is the "herding cats" part that good managers understand. Lester will exercise his feline knowledge, because undoubtedly, 15 creative directors naturally start out from all points on the compass.
MaryAnn Huff is now the Past-President and will assume the Executive Board position with this title. Her mentoring, peppered with a keen, everybody can win strategy, shall continue to serve this board for 2010. Dianne Fritz will serve as Treasurer, Heidi Nelson as Member at Large and Jan C. Mennig PhD, as Director Emeritus and Parliamentarian. This rounds out the Executive Board and next week I shall introduce you to the rest of the Board of Directors for 2010.
December 22, 2009
AIRPORT TO TAKEOFF WITH CHANGE
Being a member of the Airport Ad-Hoc committee is 5 parts brainstorming, 3 parts reality check and a dash of what-"iffing" out side the box. Up until the recent county wide budget forecasting for 2009-2010 took place, our airport was operated on a "this is how it has always been done" basis. Minor but steady improvements installed over time and no apparent business plan in place, other than to keep the airport open and operational.
While this mode has suited our needs for a couple of decades, flying in the face of a forecasted budget in the red, county managers determined that a review of the current operating plan was overdue. This committee was formed and charged with the exploration of three business plans, and to come up with recommendations as to the best plan to follow to allow the Mariposa Airport to be financially self-supporting. In one plan, the county continues to run the airport, the next plan involves a private contractor running the whole thing, and plan C is a mixture of private and public operators.
While I won't elude to any firm decisions I can tell you that this group of creative thinkers has turned over some very imaginative ideas. Start with the basic needs of visiting airplanes whose passengers currently do not have access to a comprehensive airport website hosting the great visitation points within our towns and points beyond. Couple this with the lack of transportation to and from the tarmac and finally throw in the angry cows that may pursue those who attempt the walk to the closest eatery, the Airport Inn Restaurant.
While this discussion applied some levity for the moment what had quickly become apparent to the group, was that many barriers to customer satisfaction are present. Topics have ranged from rental cars, and the lack thereof, bicycles and segways, public transportation, as well as hoteliers and restaurants making the trip from town if called.
Hanger and terminal optimization as well as a resource inventory are all under way. I sort of feel like a kid again, where anything that is thought of, is possible....just because it was imagined. Wherever this goes, our merchants and destination providers are sure to benefit but ultimately our flying visitors, both first time and returning will see a well thought out and developed, operational plan with their needs and expectations in mind. It is exciting to be a part of this process.
December 16, 2009
Tis the Season to Shop Local
Hidden costs are often wrapped up in the Christmas shopping experience. Start with bundling up the kids, getting in and out of the car 5 or 6 times each shopping trip, the long walks back & forth from the parking lots, the long lines in each store and the hurried chaos of the hustle & bustle of the malls. Now exchange this for the casual drive to a local merchant who will personally help you in the selection of many finely crafted gifts for those folks on your Christmas list. The shorter drive to a quieter setting and the friendly service, easily off-set the exhausting mall adventures. Shopping local is shopping MARIPOSA COUNTY.
The reward of supporting the local economy by shopping within this county will go a long way, towards closing some of the gaps, within our local budget. Shopping out side of MARIPOSA COUNTY sends your sales tax and gas tax dollars to other cities and counties and thereby does not contribute to your home town economy.
During this season of giving, remember to give a gift to your home front, SHOP MARIPOSA COUNTY!
December 13, 2009
HAVE YOU WONDERED WHAT WINTER WONDERLAND IS?
Cherylann Schimmelfennig of the Hotel Jeffery along with Chamber President MaryAnn Huff and a slew of volunteers have assembled the 4th annual Winter Wonderland, in Coulterville. In the big room atop the Magnolia Saloon they have spent many long hours transforming this once barren meeting room into an icy appearing snow-scape.
The scope and dimension of this indoors Winter Wonderland transformation cannot be given justice in this story, you have to see the many scenes of winter, lit critters, wrapped gifts and merriment yourself. There are decorated trees, wreaths & even some special children's gifts to be raffled for the benefit of local marketing projects for the Don Pedro, Coulterville & Greeley Hill area. They are still receiving donations if you would like to be a part of this project.
I have attached a few pictures to wet your Christmas appetite. The real pleasure to your senses can only be fulfilled by taking a drive over to this truly blessed Wonderland. Children of all ages are guaranteed to enjoy!
November 30, 2009
The Chamber is e-mailing Ballots for the Election and re-election of it's Board of Directors. Chamber members: please download a ballot and vote, today. Your vote counts.
We are still accepting applications for parade float entries. Please go to the Chamber web site and download an application today and fax, mail, or deliver in person to the Mariposa Visitor's Center.
This office would like to thank all Chamber members for striving to keep your membership dues paid up. Our policy is that each member keeps their account paid to within 90 days of current. This means if an original invoice reaches 91 days in age without a payment or contact, your membership will suspend until payment is received. We too are a business just like yours and we strive to keep our benefits relevant and delivered to the businesses that support us. Thank you and please keep up the support.
And finally a big "Thank You" to our Merry Mountain Christmas Sponsors: Sierra Tel and Yosemite Bank.
November 24, 2009
Chamber Embraces Chage in 2010
(IT'S WHAT WE DO)
Change is sometimes welcomed; it can be avoided and often ignored. But none the less, whether it's a modification of the current state, a substitution for the prevalent, or just plain old "out with the old and in with the new" change represents how we, in America, get stuff done. If the current set of circumstances no longer works for the majority, then we put "change" to debate and ultimately to a voting contest."
The Chamber is embracing change today. Our policies and procedures were originally adopted in 1990 and in them are described the term of a Director. It lasts for three years, unless one appointed to fill a vacancy, then it will end in December of that same year. If elected, the term ends in the 36th month after taking office. If re-elected, the next three year term begins.
The terms are staggered so each year there is some minority that will be up for re-election or replacement. This change, embraced in our formation documents, helps to keep the Chamber perspective fresh and our journey relevant.
Today, along with the weekly E-blast, the Chamber sent out an Official Voting Ballot for Chamber Directors. The ballot contains the names of five candidates seeking a Director's position. Also listed are three current Directors who are seeking re-election. Each Chamber member is encouraged to fill out a ballot and return it to the Chamber office. The close for voting is December 9, 2009 at 5:00pm. One ballot per Chamber membership please.
Please note out-going president MaryAnn Huff is listed in the "seeking re-election" section of the ballot. This could be an opportunity for her to move on, with honors, should her interests lead in a new direction. Instead, she has decided to continue her hard work for the Chamber and has expressed to me her devotion to our organization in terms like: love, honor, cherish. This may sound like marriage to some. Trust me, it does. I believe, for one to do a really superior job at any endeavor, one enters into wedlock with that job. MaryAnn is has displayed her marriage to the Chamber by the countless hours she has logged at both ends of the county.
Here is a complete list of the Current Board of Directors and the year their terms expire.
Lester Bridges 2010 Vice President/Treasurer
Dianne Fritz 2009
Tolley Gorham 2011
MaryAnn Huff 2009 President
Steven Huff 2011
Gloria McDowell 2009
Jan Mennig Life Time Parliamentarian
Heidi Nelson 2010 Member at Large
Kit O'Shell 2009
Fran Schlotthauer 2009
Elaine Seymore 2010
Patricia Wight 2011
Chamber members: choose and vote. It counts.
November 17, 2009
New Member Services Coordinator on Board
I want to welcome Karen Smith to her new position. She is a local Realtor, a Board Director for Rotary and brings with her decades of administrative experience and will surely work to keep the Chamber wheels well oiled. She is replacing Pamela Gurr who has stepped aside to start a new business venture.
Pamela will still be available to Chamber members for a variety of web site design and launching support. Please call or stop by the Chamber office and welcome Karen Smith to the Chamber team.
Calling all Clubs & Organizations
The Merry Mountain Christmas Parade is just around the corner. Yes it is, just about Christmas, in spite of what the blustery sunshine makes you think. Time to think about your entry in this year's parade. Find your organizational theme and communicate it to your friends and neighbors. Whether you walk, run, dance, ride in or on a vehicle, be towed or be pushed, get your group together on December the 12th.
If your organization has been feeling a little splintered lately then a cool entry project for the parade is just what this organizational doctor has ordered. Nothing like the unity of preparing for a public presentation, and having some fun in the middle can do for the energy level of your club or organization.
Our announcer stand and judges will be at the corner of 6th Street and Hwy 140 and the Parade is set to begin at 1:00 pm. This year's entry categories are Floats, Equestrian, Rolling Entries, Bands, and Marching Teams. Please come by the Visitors Center or go to www.mariposachamber.org to get entry applications and event schedule.
The Chamber will award a Sweepstakes Trophy and $100.00 bill to the single highest scoring entry as rated by the judging panel so be prepared to spend some money if you win.
November 9, 2009
A Shop Local Program for Mariposa County
I recently attended a presentation by an Independent Business Alliance (IBA) organizer. At the invitation of some of the downtown merchants, the speakers presented ideas and options to define a strategy where small business is united against big corporate operations.
They presented an outline for defining what a small local business is and methods for collecting them into a cooperative unit. This unit would then market themselves as an alternative to Big-Box America. The speakers claim that this unity of mom and pop shops is the only way to protect local businesses against the predatory actions of the big rich corporate structures.
Believe me, I have seen where a Big-Box hardware store opens up in town and causes a couple of local hardware providers to close up shop. But ask why this happens over and over, it's always pricing. The big corporate guys are able to buy in bigger lots and pass the savings onto the consumer. Here in Mariposa, both Coast Hardware and Foster's Tru Value are co-ops, which is to say the "local owners" are in a cooperative buying network so as to be competitive with their bigger hardware brethren.
The IBA wants all the small business operators in Mariposa County to unite against Corporate America. In a larger metropolis like Fresno or Austin this activity is taking place and small business is sticking together by producing Shop Local booklets to pass out to the casual consumer, both the locals and the travelers, in an effort to present a united local front against the Big-Box outlets.
Mariposa County is not a metropolis and therefore should be careful how to proceed with an effective Shop Local program. First of all, our locality is defined by our county line. Any consuming that happens within our borders is beneficial to our tax base. Remember, all forms of taxes on goods and services flow down to the local municipalities in one form of another. The benefit of a Shop Local program in Mariposa County should flow from an effective multi layered educational process of all seventeen thousand plus purchasing agents within our county lines. I mean that each and every citizen of our County needs to gain a thorough education on the costs and benefits of Shopping Local. This will save us the need to produce a booklet of support businesses because our program should be defined by our county line and all businesses within the county would be on board.
If we unite our local population in this fashion we will avoid being branded as unfriendly to "corporations". We would not want to figure out down the road that after embracing and enacting the model the IBA has proposed here, that there were hidden costs.
Let's take for example our Tourism Bureau who is working to attract corporate clients to visit our county along with their convention business. It would not take long for corporations to "organize" against an IBA type of alliance if it is in their own self-interest. I could imagine hearing that Oracle, for instance, cancelled a convention they were considering holding here in Mariposa due to anti-corporate activity the IBA may have launched against Wal Mart in the greater Wyoming area. Wal Mart is a huge Oracle client and this type of relationship would be leveraged to counter an IBA activity if the Wal Marts of the world felt threatened.
Let us get together, educate all the different components and levels of our own population with an effective program. Then continue to welcome the rest of the world to visit. Our plan should encourage our visitors to shop and stay overnight, see our attractions, and then go home. This plan will make Mariposa County economically strong and desirable to all who visit, and to those who are considering a visit.
October 26, 2009
SHOP LOCAL
An old business axiom reads: If one cannot profit maximize, then loss minimizing is acceptable. In this current economic business cycle of layoffs, cut backs and downsizing, the loss of profit can be traced to many issues. The collapse of the securities market, an over-heated real estate industry, and yes even the shipping of jobs out of country has contributed to the softening of the demand for all sorts of consumer goods.
However, we are still purchasing consumer goods, just at a slower pace. We know we must eat, but as of lately, we are much more choosey about how much to spend on that meal. Enter a new method for loss minimizing. SHOP LOCAL.
Our personal economics may be measured by the health of our local economy. If the street lights stay on and the sheriffs are still rolling down the road then we might conclude that things are not so bad. An effective SHOP LOCAL program means spending money as close to your home as possible. Since our local economy is countywide, then spending your consumer dollars inside our county is Shopping Local. SHOP LOCAL means we understand and are working to support our local economy.
I wait to gas up my car until I'm near the Chamber office and I always hire local at the family business. Local spending like this directs the sales taxes paid on the purchase to flow into this county's coffers, and by hiring local I do encourage my employees to also shop local. As the economy picks up, my employees will get raises and they will likewise have more to spend locally.
If you must spend then do it in such a way that our families and friends will benefit from the stronger local economy. SHOP LOCAL also benefits us all by keeping our consumer money cycling locally. Each consumer cycle generates sales tax to the local government. They in turn can buy more sheriffs and lamp poles.
You can help keep the lights on and our streets safe: SHOP LOCAL.
October 19, 2009
Post Potty Party World
There is a simple pleasure which has been added to the operation of the Visitors Center here in Mariposa. The employees take great pleasure in ushering our guests to these fresh new facilities.
There are still undelivered Kudos for Hutch and the Contractors Association for pulling the project together. Our star studded server group provided an entertaining mix of brisk service and delightful schmoozing with their public. I promised an accounting of the Chamber donations from the Potty Party so here it is:
Below are the volunteers who signed on to act as servers, raise money for their chosen non-profit, and most importantly, have some fun. The value of the check sent out to each benefactor group in their names appears to the right
|
Janet Bibby |
Mariposa Arts Council |
100.00 |
|
Jim Allen |
Mariposa High School Student Loan Association |
100.00 |
|
Kevin Cann |
United Methodist Church |
100.00 |
|
Steve Dahlem |
Kids First Mariposa |
100.00 |
|
Robert Brown |
Manna House Garden Project |
100.00 |
|
Rick Benson |
Manna House Garden Project |
100.00 |
|
Jim Sigala |
Manna House Garden Project |
100.00 |
|
Tolley Gorham |
Mariposa County Board of Realtors Scholarship Fund |
100.00 |
|
Volunteers |
4-Square Youth Group |
50.00 |
In addition to the unbridled support of these community minded individuals, the Chamber has accepted an unsolicited donation from Sierra Telephone towards this project. There were no donor strings attached so I will forward Heidi Baker's generous check in the amount of $500.00 to Hutch. Thanks to Heidi, for extending the momentum of this project. (Hey Hutch, I've heard that some shade over the picnic table might be the next order of business)
Blue Grass and Green Hills
Last Saturday evening, the Brothers Barton serenaded the Coulterville Country side. Sponsored by the Mariposa Arts Council, this trio from Bakersfield laid down the standard for that smooth syrupy Blue Grass served up on country audiences everywhere. The Brothers Barton, Paul, Loren and childhood friend Joe presented over two hours of their craft to the sunset attendees who wandered into Coulterville Park.
I had previously extended complimentary rooms so the boys could play without the worry of a long travel at the show's end. They had turned down my invitation early on but upon seeing the Majestic Hotel Jeffery up close they acquiesced. It didn't take much to corral them in the Magnolia Saloon later in the evening for an un-plugged show. This caught all who were in attendance off guard and was immediately recognized as one of those cool, once in a lifetime events that happen sometimes. Talk about being in the right place at the right time.
To Donna at the Arts council, thank you for arranging this most excellent show so Coulterville could meet these accomplished individuals. Can't wait to see what's next.
Chamber Projects in Motion
Here are a few of the many projects which the chamber has under taken for you, our membership. We are organizing a system to expedite the installation of temporary banners across Hwy 140, in town. As you may know, there are cables which extend across the 140, one at the intersection of 4th street and the other at 1st and hwy 140. We will publish a calendar of availability, size and material requirements and a method/system to put one up and take it back down. We can even get the $246.00 fee from Cal Trans waived by routing your application through Mariposa Public Works. So in the mean time, if you or your organization needs some first rate visibility for your next event, please contact me.
We are at the approval stage for a complete up grade/face lift of the walking map which is mounted at the Chevron station billboard downtown. It has been designed to coordinate with the existing walking map brochure currently in use. Business owners get ready to be listed on this great tool to drive foot traffic to your front door.
Relocating Coulterville's Visitor Center is not good for our Visitors or the local merchants
Last Thursday evening, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors voted to renew our contract for the operation both of the Visitor Centers. A 5-0 vote came after the Board and the public spoke on the pros and cons of the proposed agreement. While the outcome was as we had all hoped for, the dialogue which preceded the vote was difficult at times.
A question was raised publicly as to why our budget is not audited. CAO Benson did state, that our present contract calls for a financial review and that it had been submitted in a timely fashion. I would further submit, that as a 501(c)(6) non-profit and our financials are available for public review. One just needs to pick up the telephone and make an appointment with this office.
Regarding the competing bid was submitted to the Board of Supervisors by the Northern Mariposa County History Center (NPCHC) to relocate and operate the Coulterville Visitors Center within their location. While this submission was not adopted, the Board did appoint an independent third party to study the relocation idea and report back. I would like to take this opportunity to examine this idea from all sides.
First, from the visitor's perspective, our traveler pulls into town, weary from the twisted roads leading to Coulterville. Spots the Visitor Information sign and aligns his vehicle as close as possible to it. From within few feet at the curb outside the Visitor Center door to a stroll across the street our visitor is now ready to learn about the town and surrounding area. Short quick access is a plus.
The second point of view comes into play as this visitor now heads back to his car. Since his immediate need for direction/information has now been met, his eyes are wandering around the town as he saunters out the door. This is where point of sale attractions posed by the other local merchants comes into play. Whether it's a gleaming trinket in the display window at the Rose Cottage or the smell of mesquite smoked prime rib in the Magnolia Saloon, the visitor will not get back to his vehicle without taking these elements in and then perhaps making a decision to visit longer. Heck, he is already gotten out of his car.
The present location of the Visitor Center in Coulterville draws visitors to the center of town. Every other merchant in town now has the opportunity to attract them to their locale. This is very important in customer acquisition. The subtle messaging to the human scenes cannot be understated here. The prospect of squeezing in a side visit while on their excursion to the Park is now in play. We need to remember to keep the barriers to visitors staying longer as low as possible.
Looking at the visitor center operated with-in the NMCHC starts with ninety five plus feet of walking, at a minimum to get to the front door from the big lot out front. Nobody will argue that once inside the visitor will be exposed to Coulterville history in a fine presentation. What comes next is where the problem lies. As the client leaves the history center he can't smell the smoking ribs or see any of the other store fronts because he is in excess of 400 feet from the next nearest business. If the visitor still wants to see the rest of Coulterville he has two choices. Get back into this car and drive to the town center parking lot and get back out. Or cross the state highway by foot where the speed limit is 55 mph but traffic flows more at 65mph +. Or make the obvious third choice. Get back into his car leave town and drive to his original destination because Coulterville was not in his plan. We only get one chance to sway a visitor to stay longer and that starts with placing our attractions near his parked car.
Continuing to operate the Coulterville Visitors center in its present location serves the Visitor and the local merchants the best. Relocation will surely elevate the traffic at the History Center but this will take place at the expense of the rest of the merchants in town. The Visitor Center is the initial jump off point for the traveler. Let us continue to encourage them to jump out of their vehicles into the center of town.
September 28, 2009
Airport FLY-IN has something for everyone
This last Saturday the Experimental Aircraft Association held its 10th annual Fly In at the Mariposa/Yosemite Airport. A great time was had by all. Weather it was the various planes taxing for take-off , cool cars parked for the day, Inkies Garage Band, the great shaved ice, the roasted Tri-Tip on sight, or even the prospect of your children hooking a ride on a plane, there was certainly something at this gathering for everyone.
Special kudos to Dave Gerkin of Alpine Builders for his generous offer to take your very own Chamber Exe. Director for a quick hop on his bright yellow, canvas covered, pride and joy. We made a fly by complete with smoke trail and took a quick trip to Coulterville. An easy 10 minute ride each way (at 120 mph), my daily commute to Mariposa will never look quite the same again.
Find Dave and the rest of the Mariposa County Contractors Association at the Annual Home Show Saturday, October 3rd, 9am-3:30pm at the Fairgrounds. Please see www.mariposacontractors.org for more info. It's a free show so if you are planning on any additions/upgrades at your home come to the show and make contact with the experts. There will be show specials and the Chamber Booth will also be on hand.
August 21, 2009
Individuals as Owners of Small Businesses Are Eligible for SBA Loans
The flagship loans of the U.S. Small Business Administration - as well as a new loan created as part of the federal government's big economic recovery initiative - are available to individual small business owners, SBA has clarified.
Having these loans available to individual business owners without ambiguity potentially gives a shot in the arm to practitioners who are struggling with high business-related debt. The new loan program, called ARC (For American's Recovery Capital), is an interest-free, deferred payment loan of up to $35,000. One of its intended uses is to help businesses get out from under ruinous debt.
Thus, if owners have maxed- out business credit cards (it has to be business-related debt; personal debt won't qualify,) they can pay that debt off with the far-more attractive SBA loan.
SBA's two flagship loans, known as the Section 7(a) and Section 504 loans, are also open to individuals. The terms of these loan programs have been made more attractive recently, so practitioners have additional loan options that they might want to consider.
On the 7(a) loans, the SBA says, "To assist small businesses during the economic downturn, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act authorizes SBA to temporarily reduce or eliminate loan fees for borrowers... and raises the loan guarantee from the current level to 90 percent."
More information on the loan programs is available at http://www.sba.gov/recovery/index.html
August 20, 2009
Go Green; It's good for business, good for the community, good for our Earth.
Contributed By: Crystal Tresidder
Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce Committee
Your Business and Our Environment
The energy choices we make impact the environment; the circumstances for future generations and the lives of all other creatures we share this planet with, you may wish to consider your businesses environmental impacts.
Environmental sustainability is no longer just for boutique eco-brands. It's no longer just about complying with regulations or securing a good reputation. It's about saving through efficiency, creating new markets, and gaining competitive edge.
Why "Go Green"?
Preserving the world's natural resources is the responsibility of every individual both at work and at home.
With the "Green" movement on the rise more and more citizens are becoming environmentally conscious than ever before. These aware citizens realize in order to put an end to problems that have been created by wasteful, busy lifestyles, we must decrease the demand of new plastics, aluminum, paper, and other new materials. At the same time we must increase the demand of recycled products by buying eco-friendly.
Many organizations are taking advantage of this marketing tool after realizing the increasing number of citizens who refuse to buy from environmentally destructive companies. Because Yosemite is one of our main attractions, appealing to outdoor fanatics, rock climbers, hikers and over all environmentally conscious individuals this change holds an added advantage to your business.
Besides gaining a competitive advantage by differentiating yourself as a "green" company, you are doing good, and showing that your company cares. Setting a positive example for employees boosts morale and company loyalty while providing a cleaner, healthier work environment.
Your company will also enjoy improving efficiency and potentially lowering operating costs.
"Going Green" is also good for the wealth and prosperity of our community! A large part of "going green" is shopping locally.
How Can Your Business Become More Environmentally Friendly?
With a few simple steps (it's not as hard as you may think; little changes make big differences) your business can say "We're doing our part!"
-To slow global warming.
-To help save our forests, animals, and all other organisms we share this planet with.
-To ensure the prosperity of future generations.
-To educate others.
-To slow the overflow in our landfills.
-To continue living in a world with biodiversity.
-To protect our beautiful lands, like Yosemite National Park.
-To improve efficiency (and save money.)
-To improve air quality.
-Plus much more...
Steps you can take:
1. Develop an environmentally conscious purchasing policy.
a. Be aware of the transportation and packaging that is wasted in getting products to you. Purchase goods and services available within your region rather than through large bulk distributors.
- Many distributor companies offer to use a reusable container to ship products to you instead of using a new cardboard box every time.
b. Are you purchasing recycled products as often as possible?
c. Limit use of disposable products, instead buy and use durable products when possible.
d. Check for the EnergyStar label rating.
2. Reduce, Re-use, Recycle!
a. Most materials we throw away are recyclable.
b. Newspapers, mixed paper (junk mail, magazines, cereal or other boxes,) aluminum foil and pens, glass bottles and jars, household batteries, egg cartons, paper and plastic bags, aluminum cans, tin cans, food scraps, plastics, used clothes, furniture, and appliances.
c. Reduce use of new materials by repairing items, using/buying recycled and high-PCW paper, and remove your business from junk mail lists.
d. Print and copy on double sided pages.
3. Conserve energy.
a. Un-plug appliances when not in use, to make it easier use a power strip.
b. Install energy efficient light bulbs.
c. Choose energy efficient appliances.
d. Consider double-pane windows
e. Eliminate drafts with caulking, weather strips, and storm doors and windows.
f. Research where your energy comes from. How much is renewable? How much pollution does your energy source create?
g. Monitor your thermostat.
h. Clean or replace dirty air conditioner filters as recommended to keep the AC operating at peak efficiency.
i. Consider solar panels.
4. Reduce pollution.
a. Dispose of electronics, ink cartridges, and batteries properly.
b. Use phosphate-free soap and detergent.
c. Limit use of pesticides.
d. Clean windows with water and vinegar instead.
e. Avoid asbestos and formaldehyde products.
5. Communicate environmental initiatives to the public.
a. What is your business doing to cut your environmental impact? Send us updates at mariposachamber@sti.net and we'll put it in our e-blast and on our website!
b. Educate others so they know the difference they can make too!
c. Encourage others to shop responsibly.
6. Be aware.
a. Educate yourself on the materials your company is using. Can you replace Styrofoam cups with a biodegradable material?
Your Ecological Footprint
There are many online questionnaires to measure your eco-footprint which incorporates everything from the forests used to grow your timber and paper products to the bush lands used to absorb your carbon dioxide and other pollutants. The results will tell you how many earths and all of its' resources are required to sustain your consumption patterns and absorb wastes on an annual basis if our worlds population lived your lifestyle.
Currently our world's population is over shooting the world's biological capacity by 50%. To sustain present levels of consumption we would need 1.5 earths.
Our country's average eco-footprint is over shooting the world's biological capacity by 625%. If everyone on the planet lived the average American lifestyle we would need 7.25 earths.
Calculate your eco-footprint at the following websites and educate yourself about what actions have a significant impact:
Or, search Google for alternative Eco-Footprint Calculators
August 10, 2009
Tap Assets to Gain Competitive Edge
The Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce and the Benefits of Membership
Contributed By: Crystal Tresidder
Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce Committee
A recent article by Raymond P. Towle, Executive Director of the Political Affairs and Federation Relations at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, urges small businesses to "Tap assets to gain competitive edge... They need to look no further than their local Chamber of Commerce for help."
The Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce is here for you, the community and our visitors. We are a resource. If you are looking to get in touch with government officials, fellow business individuals, or local clubs and organization leaders come to us first. If you are looking to expand or relocate your business we are here to help. If you are looking to have maximum publicity for an upcoming event we will get the word out. (Contact our office for information on our limited time only special offer on web advertising) If your business is new in town or, like many of us, you haven't been able to get out of the office, as Raymond Towle says "Local Chambers are one of the best places to make business connections." Attend our business mixers to network with fellow business individuals and see what is happening in your community.
If you are already a member of The Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce stop by our office at your convenience to find out how to maximize your membership. We have many tools and a wealth of information and contacts to enhance your business.
Don't doubt your Chamber membership; a research study cited by Raymond Towle, The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce, assures Chamber members their membership is valuable. This study was developed by The Schapiro Group and Market Street. The study concludes that an active membership in your local Chamber of Commerce is an effective business strategy. Your membership tells consumers that your business is reputable, uses good business practices, cares about its' customers, and is involved in the community.
The majority of our members are local small businesses, (even though we agree with Yosemite Bank, there is nothing small about your business.) The Schapiro Group study goes in-depth about how a small business benefits from Chamber membership. The results indicate that "the impact of a local chamber membership on small businesses is more consistent and more powerful than for large, national corporations." In our region, as long as consumers are aware your business is a member of the Chamber they are 51% more likely to think favorably of your business, 47% more aware of your business, 56% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future, and the business enjoys a 54% increase of local reputation.
Overall the study concludes your Chamber membership shows consumers that you are a leader in the business community and they are more likely to show patronage and think favorably about your business. The study also reviews the impact of Chamber membership on restaurants, insurance companies, and automobile manufactures. To view the particulars of this study you can download the PDF document here
Though many of the benefits of Chamber membership are intangible we have confidence that your membership is worth every penny. Here in the office we receive an abundance of telephone calls daily from visitors and members of the community about local businesses. We give referrals to Chamber Members first. Because of our affiliated Coulterville and Mariposa Visitor Centers these referrals are particularly valuable as visitors are more aware of businesses who are Chamber members.
By being a member of the Chamber, not only will you enjoy added publicity, visibility and other helpful business tools, but you are joining hands with fellow Chamber members to enhance your community. Your membership (along with donations and fundraising) funds the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce, and we work hard, in and out of the office, in order to benefit the existence and growth of economic prosperity for the citizens of Mariposa County. As we all know, an individuals business prosperity depends on a prosperous community.
We urge you (members and non-members) to stop by or call us at 209 966 2456 to see how we can help you, or to send suggestions, questions, or comments our way. Also, visit us online at www.mariposachamber.org
August 4, 2009
Visitor Center Statistics
A three year visitor report is now available for the asking from the Chamber. Tracking the foot traffic at the Visitor Centers both in Mariposa and Coulterville is a time honored tradition and the numbers are posted here today for your review. This report demonstrates a 15% overall increase in traffic to the County centers during the period of July 07 and June 08.
Conversely, an 8% decrease in foot traffic to our visitor’s was observed July 08 to June 09. One could infer that our county’s overall visitor traffic, including those who come through but do stop into a visitor’s center, is down from last year. But this report only confirms what we already knew: We're in an economic slump nationally which affects all sectors and our county’s main industry is taking its respective hit.
Recently I was asked what the difference was between the Chambers Mission and that of the Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.
The mission of the Tourism Bureau is to “put heads in the beds”, to put it simply. To market our county and Yosemite Park, in all places far and near, where vacation plans are formed. This means England, Germany, and the big domestic and foreign tour booking trade shows. Once the visitors cross our County line, the Chamber takes over and through the Visitor Centers, we greet and familiarize the visitors of our County, and Park, assisting them with their travel needs.
The Chambers mission is to provide the touring public with as many reasons as possible to stay in our County longer. And for travelers who ask, we disseminate all matter of collateral to them with regards to all local businesses within the Chamber.
Coulterville Car Show to Welcome all Entries
Saturday, August 1st will showcase the Sultry Summer Shindig along with the Show Your Chrome Car and Bike Show. Bring your collector car or bike over to Coulterville Park around 8am and sign up. There are 3 judged classes with trophies, the peoples awards for the favorite Nifty 50 car, a favorite Ford award and a 5 foot whopper of a perpetual award for Coulterville America's Most Beautiful Roadster (CAMBR). The sponsor of the award, the Coulterville Community Club, wants to see lots of voting going on and every paid attendee receives a voting ballot upon entry. ... So come on over and hear the funky doo wop Frankenstein 59, the silky smooth Coulterville’s own Snake Oil Band, Rock and Blues from No Borders Blues Band of Modesto and the head liner for the day, The Joe Dollar Band.
Your Business Account may not FDIC Protected.
I recently had the misfortune of experiencing that feeling that I have been violated, when I went on line to check my bank accounts. I had found that while I was at home my checking accounts were being charged by thieves on a shopping spree in South Carolina. The thieves some how obtained my pin numbers and my debit card numbers. They probably made fake cards since a major retailer allowed the transaction.
The transactions, five in all were spaced over a 3 or 4 day period, all within stores located in or around South Carolina. My personal debit card and my business checking account debit card were both hit. Initial contact with my bank resulted in the funds being replaced in my personal account due to FDIC coverage on personal accounts. The business account was another story. My bank told me I was not covered against this type of loss. A call to Visa International informed me that losses for business accounts suffering unauthorized transactions would be covered if the issuing bank has paid for loss insurance on behalf their business clients.
My bank did eventually replace the unauthorized debited funds in my business checking account. But I had to sign a waiver acknowledging no future return of lost funds would be possible.
I would advise each of you business owners to question your bank as to the presence of coverage for this kind of loss and then decide at what level of risk you are willing to accept here. After all, we each are willing to take some risk, which is what an Entrepreneur does, naturally. But it is nice to know all the rules of the game before engaging.
Mariposa County Fire and Clubs to Benefit from Chamber of Commerce
at 40th Annual Deep Pit BBQ at Coulterville Park on July 4th
Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce invites the community to attend the awards ceremony at this year’s Coulterville Fire Brigade 40th Annual Deep Pit BBQ at Coulterville Park on July 4th The Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce will award the proceeds contributed by sponsors and players of the 2nd Annual Gold Rush Scramble Golf Tournament held in May. The BBQ begins at noon, and award ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m.
The event was held as a fundraiser to benefit Mariposa County Fire Stations 24, 26 and 31. We are also pleased to announce that a portion of this year’s proceeds will be shared with three local clubs and organization entries: Community Connections a community service organization that was formed five-years ago to provide meals every Wednesday at no-charge and a place for friends and neighbors to gather and get acquainted. The volunteer-based organization picks-up and distributes food to anyone in need, organize Kids’ Summer Activities and after-school programs including meals. Their submission letter indicated the need for contributions to help with their insurance premium of $1600.00. The Shindig Committee, the second entry, is in need of proceeds to help fund their efforts to build a community stage in Coulterville Park. The committee hosts an annual event in August, the Sultry Summer Shindig, to help raise funds for this community project. The final entry, is the Northern Mariposa County History Center has been a focal point of the North County community for almost 40 years. Proceeds are slated to help replace the rear stairway and patio that connect the main building to the separate rear office.
Again. the Chamber would like to thank everyone who worked so hard on this event and sponsors who donated so much to making the 2nd Annual Gold Rush Scramble Golf Tournament an incredible success. We look forward to doubling, if not tripling our fundraising efforts next year.
Enjoy some of the photographic moments from the tournament...
SBA launches America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) Loan Program
to Small Business
Here comes some relief from the SBA, aimed directly at Small Businesses like yours and mine. Are you in need of critical support during these tough times? This program has deferment of principal payments for 12 months, then up to 60 months to pay back the principal, and the Fed pays all the interest. The maximum loan available is $35,000.
ARC loans are dispersed over a period of six months and funds are to be used for payments of principal and interest on existing, and some qualifying debt. Targeted debt for use of funds are mortgages, term and revolving lines of credit, capital leases, credit card obligations as well as notes payable to vendors, suppliers and utilities. See www.sba.gov/news for more details.
I called around to banks to speak with their respective SBA department folks. I could not find any local banks offering this program. The bigger players are in the game. Wells Fargo Bank (800-35-WELLS) and Chase Bank (800-242-7383) are accepting applications and Bank of America would know any day now. They are requesting up to 3 years tax returns, projections, and in each case there is a need to determine a business hardship. Merely describing your small business hang over the phone will not do. While the SBA recognizes the need to help small business, they still need the banks to due diligence so get ready for the usual paper work flurry associated with banks loans. None of these banks, however, required the applicants to be a current client.
As a fellow small business owner I am always faced with the question of wither the use of a particular type is debt will fit into my over all business picture. Taking on debt without a plan to pay it out is really not a plan at all. However, replacing existing higher priced debt with a no interest loan, like this ARC loan makes sound business sense to me. This ARC loan could be providing some relief in the short term and help keep your doors open in the long run, as their web site reads. The down side of this type of program would be the opportunity to make use of the ARC loan for short term business payments and your future revenue stream remains the same, or worse, continues to slide, which would translate to a greater level of debt overall. Barrowers beware.
Introduces Ken Pulvino - Agritourism Representative for the Chamber!
With a very important topic, Agritourism, on the Agenda for the Board of Supervisors meeting June 16th. I wanted to introduce Ken Pulvino and a letter he submitted back in April. The Board of Supervisors now have the Committee's recently completed Agritourism policy recommendations on the agenda for June 16th (click to county site).
According to Ken, this is an important meeting for all interested parties to come and state their support for the BOS to keep the recommended committee proceedings policy intact and not allow editing revisions by the Agricultural Advisory Committee or Planning Deptarment staff that would unravel the hard fought compromises brought about during the committee's long debate on what would work best for Mariposa County. Comments from these two segments of the county could be of interest but the policy will deteriorate into a partisan, dysfunctional agritourism approach if either of these subsequent review activities are allowed to disrupt the integrity of the document to satisfy their agendas. Comments, yes; editing and dissection, NO!.
If editing and disassembly of the Committee's recommended policy for agritourism are allowed, it would be an insult to all the work done by the diverse membership of the committee representing all segments of the Mariposa County community. The whole situation would revert back to the state of disrepair and confusion that has halted progress on agritourism since the amendment was enacted in June of 2006.
Who’s Mission is it?
Sultry Summer Shindig - Small Committee has big Dreams to build Stage...
This last Saturday the 7th Annual Sultry Summer Shindig took place in Coulterville. Custom Cars and Bikes, live music and games were punctuated by clear 84 degree skies. The over sized Coulterville Americas Most Beautiful Roadster Award (CAMBR) was awarded to Kenny Mc Carty of Groveland for entering his big block (427 cid- 500 plus hp) 1967 Chevelle. 
Other notables were George and Pamela Thomas (of Mariposa Auto Body fame) with a 1956 Chevrolet Belair Wagon and Phil Step's (notorious Ponderosa Towing owner) mother, Georgia, brought her 51 Ford Crown Victoria.
Noted Blues group "The No Borders Blues Band" performed music sets both on the Coulterville temporary stage and later in the Magnolia Saloon to which put a classic blues cap on this perfect car lover's day. Thanks for a terrific weekend in Coulterville.
