Goleta Chamber Embraces New Technologies

The Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce is enjoying new technology, improved staff efficiency and praise of its recent move to a “virtual office”.  (For the full letter from President and CEO Kristen Amyx and the Board of Directors, click here.)

The response has been very positive.  Michael Towbes, Founder of the Towbes Group, said, “I’m extremely impressed with the Goleta Chamber’s decision and I know they’ll do a great job.  They’ve always been ahead of the curve when it comes to working with Goleta businesses.  Their willingness to change and be flexible is a hallmark we look for in businesses we work with.” 

Chamber members who export products and previously walked into the Chamber offices for the necessary paperwork, now have the Chamber coming to them. Kristine Witzel of Tecfen Corporation said, "We appreciate the Chamber now coming to us to sign and stamp the certificates of origin.  Due to international trade requirements, this service provided by the Chamber of Commerce is critical to our business. This service saves us more time to concentrate on our business."

The Chamber has been working with several of its member companies in the transition including Cox Business and Citrix Online.

Laura McCormick, VP Strategic Communications at Citrix Online, said, “We're so pleased to assist the Goleta Chamber of Chamber with their move to a virtual office.  The trend to a "location independent" work place is accelerating and changing the way people work and live.”

The virtual office is not a new trend, alhough stastics are hard to come by. According to a 2008 study by the American Electronics Association, 45 million Americans already telecommute at least one day a week.  Trends suggest that this idea has staying power and the potential to increase exponentially with the right tools. 

“All businesses large and small are looking for ways to do more with less -- especially in this economic environment. With simple to use remote access and collaboration technologies, businesses can change their economics, by cutting infrastructure costs, by driving more efficiencies and greater productivity, ultimately leading to greater ROI. They can hire the best talent regardless of location and employees will have improved work/life balance and greater job satisfaction,” added McCormick. 

“Citrix Online is a pioneer in enabling the location-independent workplace. Online access and collaboration technologies enable full performance without the constrictions of location.”

Other Chamber members who are assisting with the new tech-savvy and green approach are Ameravant Web Studio, Media 27, Synergy Computing, Move Green, ProMoving, and Santa Barbara Signs and Graphics.

Chamber services are still available to members through the phone number (805) 967-2500, website (www.GoletaValley.com) and the staff emails.  If you have a question or concern, we would like to hear from you.  Email Kristen.

For more information on web commuting, visit www.workshifting.com.

Guest Commentary: California's Economy Forecasted to Get Worse Before Improvement
By Senator Tony Strickland

The most recent UCLA Anderson forecast, released earlier this month, confirmed what I think most of us knew instinctively – California’s economy is going to get worse before it gets better.  Already high unemployment will rise to 12% by the end of 2010, grim news for the more than 2 million unemployed Californians struggling to find jobs.

Forbes Magazine recently determined that it’s more expensive to do business in California than in any other state.  In its most recent Business Tax Climate Index, which analyzes more than a hundred factors and measures how each state’s tax laws affect economic performance, the Tax Foundation ranked California a lowly 48 out of 50. 

There is no question California has entered a rough patch. However, which direction legislators choose to go from here can make a world of difference.

That’s why I am focused on legislation that promotes job creation. California needs to foster a business environment that encourages innovation and the creation of new kinds of jobs entirely. We must also focus on job growth through regulation reform, tax reform, and we must work to cut unnecessary red tape on businesses and reduce wasteful government spending.

One example to jumpstart our economy is for California to offer tax credits and incentives for individuals and businesses that transition to a renewable, more energy-efficient economy. Not only will this help create jobs, but it will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, improve the environment, and lower energy prices.

My hope for the future is that in time California will rise out of these troubled times and learn from the past. We need to learn to live within our means by holding state spending to population plus inflation. If we would have done just that since 1990 to the present then we’d be faced with a $15 billion surplus instead of historic deficits.

California must reform old practices and make government more accountable for its actions. We need to reform our business tax structure so that we are more in line with other states. Currently it cost 20 percent more to do business in California.

Lawmakers should be creating opportunities for business to thrive, not making it harder for them to succeed.  I’m committed to helping businesses create jobs, and to do that California needs to reduce the taxes, mandates and excessive regulations that impede economic growth. 

RLA Update: Employers Dodge Workers’ Comp Bullet, For Now
By Brendan Huffman

As bad as the economy has gotten this year, California’s business community dodged a major bullet (or in some cases a coffin nail) when Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner recently rejected a 23% hike in workers’ comp premiums as proposed by the State Workers Comp Ratings Bureau.

Nonetheless, Regional Legislative Alliance members may have noticed their rates creeping up since the workers’ comp overhaul in 2004, which dramatically reduced rates and probably saved thousands of jobs locally. The ratings bureau is only advisory and is represented mostly by insurance companies.

Still, several bills are moving through the legislature that—if signed—would end up costing employers more in workers’ comp costs, and ultimately resulting in job losses.

The business community is concerned about SB 145 that would protect employers from paying for disability that was not caused by accidents in the workplace. And SB 773 would further raise the cost of doing business in California by arbitrarily increasing permanent disability benefits.

The RLA is opposed to both bills and has communicated its objections directly to members of our region’s delegation. Both of these bills have made their ways to the Assembly side, so please let your Assemblymembers know how your members feel.

With the budget stalemate continuing into mid-July, there is not a lot of good news to report out of Sacramento.

However, RLA is helping build local support for 101 freeway improvements along the often congested corridor between Downtown Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. Some local opposition has emerged against a portion of the widening projects. If the projects are not approved soon, state and federal transportation dollars will be shifted to other transportation needs in other regions.

Brendan is the Executive Director of the Regional Legislative Alliance. He can be reached brendan@huffmanpa.com.

Chamber News

Make Your Mark – On the Goleta Map

Thousands of people contact the Chamber for a map of the Goleta Valley each year and we’re working to publish an updated one so that we can continue to distribute this valuable resource.   We have partnered with Village Profile to offer an updated Goleta map.  Sally Jennings from Village Profile will be contacting all Goleta businesses about the opportunity to promote your business in this excellent publication.  If you have any questions, contact Sally at 800-600-0134 ext. 667.

Office Depot Supply Program Benefits Chamber

Office Depot is giving a portion of the sales made by clicking through the Chamber website. View the Office Depot ad on the home page, click through to their site, make your purchase and support the Chamber.

Keeping in Contact with Your Clients and Customers

If you’re not keeping in contact with your clients and customers via email, or are looking at changing the system you have, consider Constant Contact.  This system is a trusted email marketing and online survey service that is easy to use.  Chamber members receive a discount on this service (click here) and the Chamber has recently begun using it to distribute our emails.  We love the ease of use and the ability to track the click through and open rates. It also handles the additions and removals seamlessly. Click here for more information (and a Chamber member savings).

Travel to China with the Chamber Next March

The Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce is offering a Trade Mission to China visiting Bejing and Shanghai in March 2010. This 9-day trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and many other sights.  Your price of $1999 includes hotel, airfare, meals and more.  We will be holding an informational meeting on Monday, Sept. 21st at 5:30 p.m. (Location TBD) RSVP to 805-967-2500 or valerie@goletavalley.com.  Download the brochure today.

Member News

Welcome New Chamber Members
We are pleased to welcome the following Chamber members.
Please get to know them and the services they provide.

Events of Santa Barbara 755-2350

Fereday Swim School 964-7818

Independent Capital Management 484-1011

MoveGreen 570-3115

Sumida Gardens Apartments 962-2121

The Search Engine Pros 800-605-4988

Yo Yum Yum Yogurt 683-6500

Music at the Ranch Free Concert Series

Rancho La Patera & Stow House are hosting the 3rd Annual Music at the Ranch Series beginning Tuesday, July 14 from 5:30-7:30 pm.at Rancho La Patera & Stow House.  For more information visit www.GoletaHistory.org or call 681-7216.

Movegreen Provides Free Electronic Waste Recycling Service to Community

As part of a partnership with ASL Recycling’s GREENetwork, Movegreen has begun providing a free electronic waste recycling service for the community.  All electronic waste can be dropped off at Movegreen’s headquarters at 747 S. Kellogg Avenue in Goleta. Movegreen will pick up quantities of e-waste for a small fee. 

Movegreen is part of ASL Recycling’s GREENetwork, a network of businesses that accept electronic waste. After accumulating a certain amount, ASL Recycling picks up the electronic waste and recycles 98% of the material. Movegreen provides a crucial service for the community at no cost. For more information about Movegreen and its e-waste recycling program, please see www.wemovegreen.com.

Ready to Launch or Grow Your Business?  Enroll in Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) Fall Self-Employment Training (SET) Class

With cutbacks in jobs and work hours, more people are considering the option of starting their own business. Women’s Economic Ventures provides the necessary training through its intensive Self-Employment Training Program. WEV’s comprehensive 14-week program is targeted to women (also serves men), and provides guidance on how to start, operate or expand a business.  Participants leave the course with a complete business plan including a marketing plan, a 12 month cash flow projection, an operations plan, and a core network to help sustain their business.  The program is offered in both English and Spanish. Classes are taught in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and throughout Ventura County.  Participants considering the course are required to attend a free one-hour orientation. 

Reserve your spot now in an orientation! Classes fill quickly. Call 805-965-6073 or visit  www.wevonline.org to reserve your space today!!

Largay Named Chair of Direct Relief Board of Directors; Seven New Members Join

Direct Relief International announced that its volunteer Board of Directors has selected Dorothy Largay, Ph.D., as its chair, and seven new directors have joined.  Largay, a board member since 2005, served as vice chair for the last two years. She succeeds Stanley C. Hatch, who chaired the board from 2007 to 2009. Hatch will serve as a board member for an additional year.The seven new members appointed to the board bring diverse fields of interest and skills to their service at Direct Relief are Patty DeDominic, Patrick Enthoven, the Honorable Paul Flynn, W. Scott Hedrick, Robert A. McLalan, Rita Moya, and George Short. Founded in 1948, Direct Relief International is a Santa Barbara, California–based nonprofit organization focused on improving the quality of life by bringing critically needed medicines and supplies to local healthcare providers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.DirectRelief.org.

EDD Offers Free Payroll Tax Seminar in Goleta – August 18th, 9am – 2:30 pm

More information: http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Tax_Seminars