Business Comments January 2014
Content
January 2014
Business Comments
2014 Employment Law Update
By Teresa A. Cunningham, Esq. Director and Employment Practice Chair with Gaw Van Male
AB 10—Minimum Wage Increase Effective dates: July 1, 2014, and January 1, 2016 This bill raises California’s minimum wage rate from $8.00 per hour to $9.00 per hour on July 1, 2014, and to $10.00 per hour on January 1, 2016. This bill not only affects hourly, non-exempt employees, but also impacts the pay of exempt employees. California Labor Code section 515 requires that exempt employees (under the “white collar” administrative, executive and professional exemptions) must receive a monthly salary of at least twice the minimum wage for full-time employment. Currently, that minimum salary is $2,733.33 per month ($33,280 annually).With the minimum wage increases under AB 10, the minimum salary for exempt status will increase to $3,120 per month ($37,440 annually) on July 1, 2014, and to $3,466.67 per month ($41,600 annually) on Jan. 1, 2016. Employers must ensure their exempt employees are paid at least these salary amounts when the minimum wages increases take effect to maintain their overtime-exempt status. SB 462—Employer Fee Awards on Wage Claims Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends Labor Code section 218.5 to limit recovery of attorney’s fees and costs by a prevailing employer in an action for nonpayment of wages, fringe benefits, or health and welfare or pension fund contributions. Employers will be able to recover where the court finds the employee brought the action in bad faith.This bill makes it very difficult for a prevailing employer to recover attorneys’ fees and costs against an unsuccessful plaintiff in an action for unpaid wages, fringe benefits, or health and welfare or pension fund contributions. AB 241—Domestic Worker Bill Of Rights Effective dates: January 1, 2014, through January 1, 2017 This bill adds sections 1450 through 1454 to the California Labor Code and is known as the “Domestic Worker Bill of Rights.” It regulates the hours of work and provides an overtime compensation rate for “domestic work employees.”The bill requires that these employees be paid overtime compensation at the rate of one and one-half times their regular rate for all hours worked in excess of nine hours per day or 45 hours per week.The bill defines “domestic work” to mean services related to the care of persons in private households or maintenance of private households or their premises, and includes within this definition childcare providers; caregivers of people with disabilities, or sick, convalescing, or elderly persons; house cleaners; housekeepers; and maids.The law also includes live-in domestic workers and personal attendants, but excludes individuals who work in residential care facilities, babysitters under 18 and babysitters whose work is intermittent or irregular. Notably, the bill is effective from January 1, 2014, through January 1, 2017, and the governor is required to convene a committee to study and report on the effects of the act through that time period. SB 770—Family Temporary Disability Insurance Program Effective date: July 1, 2014 This bill expands coverage under California’s family temporary disability program to include time off to care for a seriously ill grandparent, grandchild, sibling or parent-in-law and defines those terms. Currently, this program provides up to six weeks of partial wage replacement benefits to workers who take time off work to care for a seriously ill child, spouse, parent or domestic partner. SB 292—Harassment Because of Sex Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends Section 12940 of the Government Code—the Fair Employment and Housing Act—by adding the following sentence after the definition of harassment because of sex:“Sexually harassing conduct need not be motivated by sexual desire.” SB 292 overrules the California Court of Appeal decision in Kelley v.The Conco Companies, 196 Cal.App. 4th 191, 206 (2011), where the court rejected a male employee’s sexual harassment claim against his male supervisor because there was no evidence that the supervisor’s sexually demeaning comments and gestures were motivated by sexual desire.The Kelley court acknowledged that the comments were graphic, vulgar, sexually explicit and expressed sexual interest (if interpreted literally), but still affirmed dismissal of the claim because the plaintiff could not present evidence that the harasser was homosexual or motivated by sexual desire.This bill clarifies that conduct may be considered sex harassment even if not motivated by sexual desire.While SB 292 is most applicable to claims of same-sex harassment, the bill applies to different-sex harassment claims as well. AB 556—Military and Veteran Status Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends Section 12920 of the Government Code and adds “military and veteran status” as a protected category under the FEHA. It also provides an exemption for an inquiry by an employer regarding military or veteran status for the purpose of awarding a veteran’s preference as otherwise permitted by law. SB 400—Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends Section 230 of the Labor Code to extend certain employment protections to victims of stalking. Existing law prohibits an employer from taking adverse employment action against a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault who takes time off from work to attend to issues arising as a result of the domestic violence or sexual assault, and entitles an employee who is discriminated or retaliated against in the terms and conditions of employment by his or her employer because the employee has taken time off to reinstatement and reimbursement for lost wages and work benefits.This bill extends these protections to victims of stalking. Importantly, the bill requires an employer to provide reasonable accommodations that may include the implementation of safety measures or procedures for a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.The bill also prohibits an employer from discharging, discriminating or retaliating against an employee because of the employee’s status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking if the victim provides notice to the employer of the status or the employer has actual knowledge of the status.
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
Titanium:
Platinum:
KUIC 95.3 The Reporter Newspaper Genentech (A Member of the Roche Group) Sutter Regional Medical Foundation
Gold:
A.G. Spanos Companies First Northern Bank Ford Lincoln Fairfield Gaw Van Male, Attorneys at Law McDonald’s Restaurants Wells Fargo Banks Western Health Advantage
Silver:
Camping World Hampton Inn & Suites Potrero Hills Landfill Raley’s Ray Morgan Co. Solano Irrigation District Standard Pacific New Homes Vacaville Magazine VITUS Wal-Mart Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market (Alamo) Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market (Nut Tree Road)
Bronze:
AAA Northern California Aaron’s Automotive Ad Special T’s Bay Area Electronic Medical Billing Cache Creek Casino Resort Cancer Treatment Center of Vacaville Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty Compassionate Care Dental Costco Wholesale Courtside Cottages of Vacaville Dickey’s Barbecue Pit International House of Pancakes Janssen M&G Duravent, Inc. Mariani Packing Co., Inc. Mary’s Pizza Shack Mercedes of Fairfield Momentum Auto Group Nationwide Insurance Pacific Gas & Electric Paramount House Senior Living Phillippi Engineering Pretty Potties RAS Solano Radiation Oncology Center State Compensation Insurance Fund Suihkonen CPA’s & Consultants Toyota Vacaville Transpac Vacaville Premium Outlets Vacaville Residence Inn.
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2013-14 OFFICERS EXECUTIVE BOARD
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
Leadership Today – A Worthy Investment!
anuary marks the start of a new year, and with it comes a chance to reevaluate where we plan to go in our businesses and professional lives in the twelve months ahead.As you solidify your plans for 2014 and beyond, I challenge you to consider investing in the Vacaville Chamber’s Leadership Today program. Leadership Today is a nationally recognized, award-winning program that turns out knowledgeable, skilled, committed, and active community leaders.Whether to develop your own skills or to help members of your staff connect with the community on a deeper level, there is no better program in our area to meet these objectives. Leadership Today thrives on bringing together businesspeople with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and the
Katheryn Tuberty Chairperson – Farmers Insurance Tracy Mitchell Chair Elect – TradeMark Advertising Dilenna Harris Immediate Past Chair – Kaiser Permanente Debbie Egidio Treasurer – DTS Egidio Albert Sullivan Vice Chair Client/Members – ADValue CPA Services Louie DeBartolo Vice Chair Education – DeBartolo & Co Fine Jewelers Joanie Erickson Vice Chair Business Issues – Associate Member
DIRECTORS
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priority is given to applicants who live or work in and around Vacaville.The selected applicants will spend the better part of a year working together on a civic project, establishing core leadership competencies and taking monthly site visits to interact with leaders of organizations whose contributions effectively run our community. These include leaders in the fields of history and culture, economic development, government, social services, criminal justice, education, healthcare, and the armed forces. Program participants are trained to understand the nature of vital community leadership, to lead community change, create effective teams, effectively communicate and lead successful meetings, mange conflict, make group decisions, understand financial accountability, build community through collaboration,
and chart their individual leadership path. The time you commit to the program can deliver returns many times over. By Katheryn Tuberty Employers Chair of the Board appreciate the program for its ability to develop practical and concrete leadership skills in employees, to gain access to people and organizations that impact our business community and to obtain broader business exposure by participating.Additionally, participants leave with deeper knowledge and a
broader perspective of critical local and regional issues – knowledge they will bring back to their companies. As far as logistics, participants are required to attend two days of retreat in the fall, and one full day per month through graduation in the spring.An additional quarter to half day of work is expected monthly for work on the group’s civic project.An investment in Leadership Today is $1,500 for chamber members and $2,000 for non-members: the fee covers program materials, activities, and lunches on program days. To apply, or to receive more information about the Leadership Today program, please contact the Vacaville Chamber at 707-4486424 or visit the chamber’s website www.vacavillechamber.com. I know you will be glad you did!
Is it really 2014 already?
ith 2013 coming to a close, it is usually a good time to reflect back on our previous year’s work and reflect while we learn from our hardships as well as celebrating our successes in all of our businesses.While 2013 was not an explosive growth year for the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce membership, your Chamber has continued to bring in new clients and continues to work with our existing clients toward achieving their goals and renewing their membership. One of your resolutions for 2014 could be to consider getting more involved in your Vacaville Chamber of Commerce and even serve on a Chamber committee. Our Chamber has various committees that help serve our members and continue our mission. Join the Ambassadors, the Education Committee, the Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee (TRAFC), our one of our three fundraising
Dan Sharp Sharp Public Affairs LLC Mike Fortney Placer Title Pat Hannon Janssen Corporation Dallas Jackson Jackson Medical Supply Barry Nelson Travis Credit Union Scott Pardini Recology Vacaville Solano Scott Reynolds Gaw Van Male Sally Schulz The Reporter
STAFF & CONTRACTORS
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Mark Creffield President/CEO [email protected] Julie Sabbagh Community Relations Director [email protected] Sherry McKillop Leadership Today Director Darlene Chikeles Bookkeeper
committees.You can also start attending our Business Issues Educational Forum that are held the 2nd Friday of the month at the Travis Credit Union Corporate Office. Please review our website at www.vacavillechamber.com for dates and times of our committees and meetings.You can also call me personally and I will be more than happy to go over various ways for you to become more involved in your Chamber. The Vacaville Chamber of Commerce is extremely excited to announce the hiring of Tonya M. Dretzka as our new Membership Development Director.Tonya has experience in working for Chamber’s as she was the Director of Membership for the past three years at the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce.Tonya’s start date is on January 6, 2014.A full bio on Tonya will be published our next newsletter. I want to once again congratulate First Northern Bank our
Chamber’s Business of the Year for 201314 and most recently a recipient of a Spirit of Solano award at the December 5th WestAmerica Bank and Solano EDC sponsored By Mark Creffield Spirit of President/CEO Solano luncheon. December was the month of giving as your Chamber participated in our annual Holiday Canned Food Drive to benefit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Between walk-in donations and canned drives at both our Holiday Mixer at Travis Credit Union and our Holiday Wake-Up at the Hampton Inn & Suites your Vacaville Chamber collected over 1,000 pounds of canned foods.
Thank you to our members and perspective members for your participation in assisting with our annual giving event. Speaking of our Holiday WakeUp, this year’s event was once again, simply tremendous! A round of applause to this year’s event organizers, Kathy Rybicki-Allstate Insurance,Wendy Jackson-Jackson Medical Supply, and Colleen Stafford-All Size Flooring & Carpet Cleaning.There were many in attendance and with the amount of donations collected, almost everyone received a raffle prize. Looking back at 2013, the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce has had their share of successes and is proud of the achievements and goals we have accomplished. On behalf of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce board of directors and staff, I want to wish everyone happy holidays.Your Vacaville Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for what we hope will be a very successful year.
www.thereporter.com
Published by The Reporter
Sales Director - Sally Schulz | Project Coordinator -Shauna Manina
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
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CHAMBER WAKE-UP VACAVILLE, MIXER, EVENTS AND RIBBON CUTTING
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1. Holiday Mixer hosted by Travis Credit Union, 1 Travis Way, Vacaville. 2. Holiday Wake-Up Vacaville. Thank you to our sponsors – Colleen Stafford from All Size Flooring & Carpet Cleaning, Wendy Jackson from Jackson Medical Supply, and Kathy Rybicki from KR Insurance and Financial Services. Thank you to our host - Hampton Inn & Suites, Vacaville. 3. Ribbon Cutting for Cost Plus World Market, 1611 E. Monte Vista Ave., Vacaville.
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AB 263—Unfair Immigration-Related Practices Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends and adds certain sections to the Labor Code regarding “unfair immigration-related practices,” which include: requesting more or different documents than what is required under federal immigration laws, refusing to honor documents that appear genuine on their face, using federal E-verify to check status in a time or manner not required or authorized, threatening to file or filing a false police report, or threatening to contact or contacting immigration authorities. For purposes of retaliation, the bill expands protected conduct to include making a written or oral complaint for unpaid wages and creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if an unfair immigrationrelated action is taken within 90 days of the protected conduct. It also prohibits employers from preventing an employee from or retaliating against an employee for providing information to or testifying before any public body conducting an investigation, hearing or inquiry.The bill increases civil penalties to as high as $10,000 per violation and authorizes a private right of action for equitable relief, damages and penalties. SB 666—Reporting of Suspected Immigration Status Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill, which has overlapping provisions with AB 263, amends various sections of the Business and Professions Code and Labor Code and makes it an adverse action for employers to report or threaten to report an employee’s, former employee’s or prospective employee’s suspected citizenship or immigration status (or the suspected citizenship or immigration status of a family member of the employee, former employee or prospective employee) to a federal, state or local agency because the employee, former employee or prospective employee exercises a right under the Labor, Government or Civil Codes. Certain licensed professionals and businesses may be subjected to license suspension or revocation if the labor commissioner or a court determines that they have taken such an adverse action. Members of the state bar could also be subject to suspension, disbarment or other discipline for reporting or threatening to report the suspected immigration status of a witness or party to a civil or administrative action or his or her family member, to a federal, state or local agency because the witness or party exercises or has exercised a right related to his or her employment. Under this bill, it is not necessary to exhaust administrative remedies or procedures in order to bring a civil action enforcing these rights. SB 435—Recovery Periods to Prevent Heat Illness Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends Section 226.7 of the Labor Code and expands one hour of pay penalties to missed “recovery periods,” which are cool-down periods afforded employees to prevent heat illness. Under this bill, if an employer fails to provide an employee with a recovery period in accordance with a state law—including an applicable statute, regulation, standard or order of the Industrial Welfare Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board or the Division of Occupational Safety and Health—the employer must pay the employee one additional hour of pay at the regular rate of compensation for each workday that the recovery period is not provided. AB 60—Driver’s License for Undocumented Immigrants Effective date: January 1, 2015 AB 60 requires the CA DMV to issue a driver’s license to an undocumented person who can prove identity and CA residency and who can meet all other licensing requirements, such as the written and behind-the-wheel exams. The card will bear a notation stating that the card is not acceptable for federal purposes, such as verifying eligibility for employment. In other words, this card is NOT acceptable for Form I-9 verification. AB 60 does not take effect until January 1, 2015, or on the date the DMV’s director executes a specified declaration, whichever is sooner.
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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
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AB 442—Damages for Minimum Wage Violations AB 442 expands the penalty available for citations issued by the Labor Commissioner for failing to pay minimum wage to include a requirement that the employer pay liquidated damages to the employee, in addition to existing penalties. AB 1386—Labor Commissioner Lien on Property for Employee Complaints AB 1386 requires that the amount due under a Labor Commissioner order, decision or award that has become final shall create a lien that the Labor Commissioner may record on the employer’s real property. SB 390—Employee Wage Withholdings – Criminal Penalty SB 390 creates a criminal penalty for an employer that fails to remit withholdings from an employee’s wages that were made pursuant to state, local or federal law. SB 168—Farm Labor Contractors – Successor Liability SB 168 makes a successor farm labor liable for wages or penalties owed by a predecessor farm labor contractor under certain specified circumstances. SB 496—Whistleblower Protections Labor Code section 1102.5 provides whistleblower protections for employees who have reason to believe that their employer is violating a federal or state statute. SB 496 expands whistleblower protections to include reports alleging a violation of a local rule or regulation. It also protects employees who disclose, or may disclose, information regarding alleged violations “to a person with authority over the employee or another employee who has authority to investigate, discover or correct the violation.” Finally, SB 496 prohibits retaliation against an employee because the employer “believes the employee disclosed or may disclose information.” AB 263—Retaliation and Unfair Immigration Practices AB 263 prohibits an employer from engaging in “unfair immigration-related practices” when an employee asserts protected rights under the Labor Code. For instance, an employer may not threaten to contact, or contact, immigration authorities because an employee complained that he/she was paid less than the minimum wage. AB 263 authorizes various penalties against employers who engage in unfair immigration-related practices, including a private right of action.
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AB 524—Criminal Extortion for Threatening to Report Immigration Status AB 524 clarifies that a person may be guilty of criminal extortion if the person threatens to report the immigration status or suspected immigration status of an individual, or his/her relative or a member of his/her family. SB 288—Time Off for Crime Victims SB 288 adds new protections for crime victims to take time off from work to appear in any court proceeding in which a right of the victim is at issue.The law applies only to specific crimes such as solicitation for murder and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Employees must comply with requirements for requesting the leave.Violations of the law will be enforced by the Labor Commissioner. AB 11—Time Off for Emergency Duty AB 11 requires an employer with 50 or more employees to provide a temporary leave of absence of up to 14 days per calendar year for reserve peace officers and emergency rescue personnel to receive training. Current law only provided the training leave of absence to volunteer firefighters.AB 11 also expands the law to cover time off for “emergency rescue training” in addition to the existing protections for fire or law enforcement training. AB 218—Background Checks AB 218 prohibits a state or local agency from asking an applicant to disclose information regarding a criminal conviction until after the agency determines the applicant meets minimum employment qualifications. There are specified exceptions, such as where a criminal history background check is otherwise required by law for the position.This legislation will not go into effect until July 1, 2014. This article is prepared with the understanding that the author or the firm is not rendering legal advice or opinions on specific facts or matters and, accordingly, assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with its use.
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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
MEETINGS & EVENTS FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2013
January
January 9 – Ambassador Committee meeting held at the Hampton Inn & Suites located at 800 Mason Street, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. January 9 – Ribbon Cutting at the Solano Community College Vacaville Annex, 2002 North Village Parkway, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:00 p.m. January 9 – Joint Mixer with the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber hosted by Solano Community College at the Vacaville Center Campus, 2001 North Village Parkway, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. January 10 – Business Issues Educational Forum held in the Community Room at Travis Credit Union located at 1 Travis Way, Vacaville . . . . .9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. January 21- Wake-Up Vacaville hosted by H&R Block located at 2026 Nut Tree Road, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
NEW VENUE FOR 2014 SOLANO WINE & FOOD JUBILEE
he 27th Annual Solano Wine & Food Jubilee is moving! After several years at the Nut Tree Complex in Vacaville, the 2014 gala will be held at the newly opened Specialty Event Center in Fairfield, on April 25, 2014.The facility, located at 300 Chadbourne Road, is large enough to easily accommodate the Jubilee’s 2,000-plus ticketholders, the more than 120 wine, brew and food vendors, an array of silent auction tables, a special VIP area and, for those fans of The Time Bandits, an expanded dance floor. The Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, organized by NorthBay Healthcare Foundation to support the programs of NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement, has become the biggest and most popular fund-raising event in Solano County. Over the past 26 years this sell-out gala has raised nearly $3 million, enabling NorthBay to provide physical, emotional and spiritual care for the terminally ill, regardless of their ability to pay.With this support, these patients – and their families – are able to live their final days as peacefully and comfortably as possible. Open That Bottle Night, a precursor to the Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, will also be moving to a new venue.The invitation-only evening for the Jubilee’s $1,250-and-above sponsors will be held on February 8 at the Theatre DeVille on Main Street in Vacaville.
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February
February 6 – Mixer hosted by Emeritus of Vacaville, 1111 Ulatis Dr., Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. February 13 – Ambassador Committee meeting at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 800 Mason Street, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. February 14 – Business Issues Educational Forum held in the Community Room at Travis Credit Union located at 1 Travis Way, Vacaville . . . .9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. February 18 – Wake-Up Vacaville hosted by Chevy’s Fresh Mex, 200 Nut Tree Parkway, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Sponsorship opportunities are being arranged now. For the minimum donation of $1,250 -- and up to $20,000 and above -- a sponsor will not only receive invitations to Open That Bottle Night, but early entrance to the Jubilee, beginning at 5:30 p.m., an invitation to a private reception at the event, hotel accommodations, and limousine service. Organizers also plan to offer a limited number of “VIP Table for Eight” packages for Jubilee night again this year.These VIP tables include many of the benefits afforded VIP ticket-holders – early admittance, special treats on arrival, and access to the “VIP Lounge” – for $1,500. Please call 646-3133 to secure one of these highly popular table packages. Solano Wine & Food Jubilee’s Presenting Sponsors for 2013 were Momentum Auto Group, Patt & Al Shaw, Dr. Lee Freeman, Gold's Gym, and the Nut Tree.The Theatre DeVille is a Presenting Sponsor for 2014. The Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, a black tie-optional affair (denim discouraged), gets under way April 25, 2014 at the Specialty Event Center, 300 Chadbourne Road in Fairfield, beginning at 6:30 p.m. for general admission. Tickets, for those ages 21 and over, must be purchased in advance and are $75 each until February 17, 2014, and $100 thereafter if still available.To purchase tickets, call (707) 646-3133, or go online at www.wineandfoodjubilee.org.
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
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NEW / REJOINED MEMBERS FOR NOVEMBER 2013
Children’s Nurturing Project Debbi Davis 490 Chadbourne Rd., STE. A Fairfield, CA 94534 707-422-0464 [email protected] www.childrensnurturingprojet.org Cost Plus World Market Kathleen Booker 1611 East Monte Vista Ave. Vacaville, CA 95688 707-452-0552 [email protected] www.worldmarket.com Just Cakin’ It Jennifer Anderson 179-C Elmira Rd. Vacaville, CA 95687 707-447-2201 [email protected] www.justcakinit.com RAXX Direct Marketing LLC Danyea Gillard PO Box 11190 Casa Grande, AZ 85122-3725 520-426-2074 [email protected] The Leaven Mark Lillis 2397 Heath Dr. Fairfield, CA 94533 707-422-5439 [email protected] www.myleaven.org Zoom Imaging Solutions Jim Martyn 200 S. Harding Blvd. Roseville, CA 95678 916-369-6526 [email protected] www.zoomcopiers.com
AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH
Christine Avellar
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y name is Christine Avellar; I have been a member of the Ambassador Team since joining the Vacaville Chamber in 2010, as the State Farm Representative from Andy Pignataro’s office. Being a part of the Ambassadors has given me the opportunity to meet other business owners and learn about new businesses in our community. I like to think of the Ambassador Team as sort of the “welcome squad” of the chamber; whether we are welcoming a new business with our ribbon cuttings, inviting members to
the monthly mixer to mingle, or starting the day with a cup of coffee at our morning wakeup; we are here to support all of our neighbors in business.As a State Farm Representative I know all about being a “good neighbor” like our slogan says,“State Farm is there”. My office has been in the Vacaville community for the last 7 years.We are here to assist with all of your insurance and financial services needs as well as being a source of knowledge for anyone with insurance questions, our door is always open!
(photo courtesy of Ryan Bates Photography)
Business Comments
2014 Employment Law Update
By Teresa A. Cunningham, Esq. Director and Employment Practice Chair with Gaw Van Male
AB 10—Minimum Wage Increase Effective dates: July 1, 2014, and January 1, 2016 This bill raises California’s minimum wage rate from $8.00 per hour to $9.00 per hour on July 1, 2014, and to $10.00 per hour on January 1, 2016. This bill not only affects hourly, non-exempt employees, but also impacts the pay of exempt employees. California Labor Code section 515 requires that exempt employees (under the “white collar” administrative, executive and professional exemptions) must receive a monthly salary of at least twice the minimum wage for full-time employment. Currently, that minimum salary is $2,733.33 per month ($33,280 annually).With the minimum wage increases under AB 10, the minimum salary for exempt status will increase to $3,120 per month ($37,440 annually) on July 1, 2014, and to $3,466.67 per month ($41,600 annually) on Jan. 1, 2016. Employers must ensure their exempt employees are paid at least these salary amounts when the minimum wages increases take effect to maintain their overtime-exempt status. SB 462—Employer Fee Awards on Wage Claims Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends Labor Code section 218.5 to limit recovery of attorney’s fees and costs by a prevailing employer in an action for nonpayment of wages, fringe benefits, or health and welfare or pension fund contributions. Employers will be able to recover where the court finds the employee brought the action in bad faith.This bill makes it very difficult for a prevailing employer to recover attorneys’ fees and costs against an unsuccessful plaintiff in an action for unpaid wages, fringe benefits, or health and welfare or pension fund contributions. AB 241—Domestic Worker Bill Of Rights Effective dates: January 1, 2014, through January 1, 2017 This bill adds sections 1450 through 1454 to the California Labor Code and is known as the “Domestic Worker Bill of Rights.” It regulates the hours of work and provides an overtime compensation rate for “domestic work employees.”The bill requires that these employees be paid overtime compensation at the rate of one and one-half times their regular rate for all hours worked in excess of nine hours per day or 45 hours per week.The bill defines “domestic work” to mean services related to the care of persons in private households or maintenance of private households or their premises, and includes within this definition childcare providers; caregivers of people with disabilities, or sick, convalescing, or elderly persons; house cleaners; housekeepers; and maids.The law also includes live-in domestic workers and personal attendants, but excludes individuals who work in residential care facilities, babysitters under 18 and babysitters whose work is intermittent or irregular. Notably, the bill is effective from January 1, 2014, through January 1, 2017, and the governor is required to convene a committee to study and report on the effects of the act through that time period. SB 770—Family Temporary Disability Insurance Program Effective date: July 1, 2014 This bill expands coverage under California’s family temporary disability program to include time off to care for a seriously ill grandparent, grandchild, sibling or parent-in-law and defines those terms. Currently, this program provides up to six weeks of partial wage replacement benefits to workers who take time off work to care for a seriously ill child, spouse, parent or domestic partner. SB 292—Harassment Because of Sex Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends Section 12940 of the Government Code—the Fair Employment and Housing Act—by adding the following sentence after the definition of harassment because of sex:“Sexually harassing conduct need not be motivated by sexual desire.” SB 292 overrules the California Court of Appeal decision in Kelley v.The Conco Companies, 196 Cal.App. 4th 191, 206 (2011), where the court rejected a male employee’s sexual harassment claim against his male supervisor because there was no evidence that the supervisor’s sexually demeaning comments and gestures were motivated by sexual desire.The Kelley court acknowledged that the comments were graphic, vulgar, sexually explicit and expressed sexual interest (if interpreted literally), but still affirmed dismissal of the claim because the plaintiff could not present evidence that the harasser was homosexual or motivated by sexual desire.This bill clarifies that conduct may be considered sex harassment even if not motivated by sexual desire.While SB 292 is most applicable to claims of same-sex harassment, the bill applies to different-sex harassment claims as well. AB 556—Military and Veteran Status Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends Section 12920 of the Government Code and adds “military and veteran status” as a protected category under the FEHA. It also provides an exemption for an inquiry by an employer regarding military or veteran status for the purpose of awarding a veteran’s preference as otherwise permitted by law. SB 400—Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends Section 230 of the Labor Code to extend certain employment protections to victims of stalking. Existing law prohibits an employer from taking adverse employment action against a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault who takes time off from work to attend to issues arising as a result of the domestic violence or sexual assault, and entitles an employee who is discriminated or retaliated against in the terms and conditions of employment by his or her employer because the employee has taken time off to reinstatement and reimbursement for lost wages and work benefits.This bill extends these protections to victims of stalking. Importantly, the bill requires an employer to provide reasonable accommodations that may include the implementation of safety measures or procedures for a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.The bill also prohibits an employer from discharging, discriminating or retaliating against an employee because of the employee’s status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking if the victim provides notice to the employer of the status or the employer has actual knowledge of the status.
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
Titanium:
Platinum:
KUIC 95.3 The Reporter Newspaper Genentech (A Member of the Roche Group) Sutter Regional Medical Foundation
Gold:
A.G. Spanos Companies First Northern Bank Ford Lincoln Fairfield Gaw Van Male, Attorneys at Law McDonald’s Restaurants Wells Fargo Banks Western Health Advantage
Silver:
Camping World Hampton Inn & Suites Potrero Hills Landfill Raley’s Ray Morgan Co. Solano Irrigation District Standard Pacific New Homes Vacaville Magazine VITUS Wal-Mart Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market (Alamo) Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market (Nut Tree Road)
Bronze:
AAA Northern California Aaron’s Automotive Ad Special T’s Bay Area Electronic Medical Billing Cache Creek Casino Resort Cancer Treatment Center of Vacaville Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty Compassionate Care Dental Costco Wholesale Courtside Cottages of Vacaville Dickey’s Barbecue Pit International House of Pancakes Janssen M&G Duravent, Inc. Mariani Packing Co., Inc. Mary’s Pizza Shack Mercedes of Fairfield Momentum Auto Group Nationwide Insurance Pacific Gas & Electric Paramount House Senior Living Phillippi Engineering Pretty Potties RAS Solano Radiation Oncology Center State Compensation Insurance Fund Suihkonen CPA’s & Consultants Toyota Vacaville Transpac Vacaville Premium Outlets Vacaville Residence Inn.
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2013-14 OFFICERS EXECUTIVE BOARD
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
Leadership Today – A Worthy Investment!
anuary marks the start of a new year, and with it comes a chance to reevaluate where we plan to go in our businesses and professional lives in the twelve months ahead.As you solidify your plans for 2014 and beyond, I challenge you to consider investing in the Vacaville Chamber’s Leadership Today program. Leadership Today is a nationally recognized, award-winning program that turns out knowledgeable, skilled, committed, and active community leaders.Whether to develop your own skills or to help members of your staff connect with the community on a deeper level, there is no better program in our area to meet these objectives. Leadership Today thrives on bringing together businesspeople with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and the
Katheryn Tuberty Chairperson – Farmers Insurance Tracy Mitchell Chair Elect – TradeMark Advertising Dilenna Harris Immediate Past Chair – Kaiser Permanente Debbie Egidio Treasurer – DTS Egidio Albert Sullivan Vice Chair Client/Members – ADValue CPA Services Louie DeBartolo Vice Chair Education – DeBartolo & Co Fine Jewelers Joanie Erickson Vice Chair Business Issues – Associate Member
DIRECTORS
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priority is given to applicants who live or work in and around Vacaville.The selected applicants will spend the better part of a year working together on a civic project, establishing core leadership competencies and taking monthly site visits to interact with leaders of organizations whose contributions effectively run our community. These include leaders in the fields of history and culture, economic development, government, social services, criminal justice, education, healthcare, and the armed forces. Program participants are trained to understand the nature of vital community leadership, to lead community change, create effective teams, effectively communicate and lead successful meetings, mange conflict, make group decisions, understand financial accountability, build community through collaboration,
and chart their individual leadership path. The time you commit to the program can deliver returns many times over. By Katheryn Tuberty Employers Chair of the Board appreciate the program for its ability to develop practical and concrete leadership skills in employees, to gain access to people and organizations that impact our business community and to obtain broader business exposure by participating.Additionally, participants leave with deeper knowledge and a
broader perspective of critical local and regional issues – knowledge they will bring back to their companies. As far as logistics, participants are required to attend two days of retreat in the fall, and one full day per month through graduation in the spring.An additional quarter to half day of work is expected monthly for work on the group’s civic project.An investment in Leadership Today is $1,500 for chamber members and $2,000 for non-members: the fee covers program materials, activities, and lunches on program days. To apply, or to receive more information about the Leadership Today program, please contact the Vacaville Chamber at 707-4486424 or visit the chamber’s website www.vacavillechamber.com. I know you will be glad you did!
Is it really 2014 already?
ith 2013 coming to a close, it is usually a good time to reflect back on our previous year’s work and reflect while we learn from our hardships as well as celebrating our successes in all of our businesses.While 2013 was not an explosive growth year for the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce membership, your Chamber has continued to bring in new clients and continues to work with our existing clients toward achieving their goals and renewing their membership. One of your resolutions for 2014 could be to consider getting more involved in your Vacaville Chamber of Commerce and even serve on a Chamber committee. Our Chamber has various committees that help serve our members and continue our mission. Join the Ambassadors, the Education Committee, the Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee (TRAFC), our one of our three fundraising
Dan Sharp Sharp Public Affairs LLC Mike Fortney Placer Title Pat Hannon Janssen Corporation Dallas Jackson Jackson Medical Supply Barry Nelson Travis Credit Union Scott Pardini Recology Vacaville Solano Scott Reynolds Gaw Van Male Sally Schulz The Reporter
STAFF & CONTRACTORS
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Mark Creffield President/CEO [email protected] Julie Sabbagh Community Relations Director [email protected] Sherry McKillop Leadership Today Director Darlene Chikeles Bookkeeper
committees.You can also start attending our Business Issues Educational Forum that are held the 2nd Friday of the month at the Travis Credit Union Corporate Office. Please review our website at www.vacavillechamber.com for dates and times of our committees and meetings.You can also call me personally and I will be more than happy to go over various ways for you to become more involved in your Chamber. The Vacaville Chamber of Commerce is extremely excited to announce the hiring of Tonya M. Dretzka as our new Membership Development Director.Tonya has experience in working for Chamber’s as she was the Director of Membership for the past three years at the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce.Tonya’s start date is on January 6, 2014.A full bio on Tonya will be published our next newsletter. I want to once again congratulate First Northern Bank our
Chamber’s Business of the Year for 201314 and most recently a recipient of a Spirit of Solano award at the December 5th WestAmerica Bank and Solano EDC sponsored By Mark Creffield Spirit of President/CEO Solano luncheon. December was the month of giving as your Chamber participated in our annual Holiday Canned Food Drive to benefit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Between walk-in donations and canned drives at both our Holiday Mixer at Travis Credit Union and our Holiday Wake-Up at the Hampton Inn & Suites your Vacaville Chamber collected over 1,000 pounds of canned foods.
Thank you to our members and perspective members for your participation in assisting with our annual giving event. Speaking of our Holiday WakeUp, this year’s event was once again, simply tremendous! A round of applause to this year’s event organizers, Kathy Rybicki-Allstate Insurance,Wendy Jackson-Jackson Medical Supply, and Colleen Stafford-All Size Flooring & Carpet Cleaning.There were many in attendance and with the amount of donations collected, almost everyone received a raffle prize. Looking back at 2013, the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce has had their share of successes and is proud of the achievements and goals we have accomplished. On behalf of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce board of directors and staff, I want to wish everyone happy holidays.Your Vacaville Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for what we hope will be a very successful year.
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Sales Director - Sally Schulz | Project Coordinator -Shauna Manina
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
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CHAMBER WAKE-UP VACAVILLE, MIXER, EVENTS AND RIBBON CUTTING
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1. Holiday Mixer hosted by Travis Credit Union, 1 Travis Way, Vacaville. 2. Holiday Wake-Up Vacaville. Thank you to our sponsors – Colleen Stafford from All Size Flooring & Carpet Cleaning, Wendy Jackson from Jackson Medical Supply, and Kathy Rybicki from KR Insurance and Financial Services. Thank you to our host - Hampton Inn & Suites, Vacaville. 3. Ribbon Cutting for Cost Plus World Market, 1611 E. Monte Vista Ave., Vacaville.
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AB 263—Unfair Immigration-Related Practices Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends and adds certain sections to the Labor Code regarding “unfair immigration-related practices,” which include: requesting more or different documents than what is required under federal immigration laws, refusing to honor documents that appear genuine on their face, using federal E-verify to check status in a time or manner not required or authorized, threatening to file or filing a false police report, or threatening to contact or contacting immigration authorities. For purposes of retaliation, the bill expands protected conduct to include making a written or oral complaint for unpaid wages and creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if an unfair immigrationrelated action is taken within 90 days of the protected conduct. It also prohibits employers from preventing an employee from or retaliating against an employee for providing information to or testifying before any public body conducting an investigation, hearing or inquiry.The bill increases civil penalties to as high as $10,000 per violation and authorizes a private right of action for equitable relief, damages and penalties. SB 666—Reporting of Suspected Immigration Status Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill, which has overlapping provisions with AB 263, amends various sections of the Business and Professions Code and Labor Code and makes it an adverse action for employers to report or threaten to report an employee’s, former employee’s or prospective employee’s suspected citizenship or immigration status (or the suspected citizenship or immigration status of a family member of the employee, former employee or prospective employee) to a federal, state or local agency because the employee, former employee or prospective employee exercises a right under the Labor, Government or Civil Codes. Certain licensed professionals and businesses may be subjected to license suspension or revocation if the labor commissioner or a court determines that they have taken such an adverse action. Members of the state bar could also be subject to suspension, disbarment or other discipline for reporting or threatening to report the suspected immigration status of a witness or party to a civil or administrative action or his or her family member, to a federal, state or local agency because the witness or party exercises or has exercised a right related to his or her employment. Under this bill, it is not necessary to exhaust administrative remedies or procedures in order to bring a civil action enforcing these rights. SB 435—Recovery Periods to Prevent Heat Illness Effective date: January 1, 2014 This bill amends Section 226.7 of the Labor Code and expands one hour of pay penalties to missed “recovery periods,” which are cool-down periods afforded employees to prevent heat illness. Under this bill, if an employer fails to provide an employee with a recovery period in accordance with a state law—including an applicable statute, regulation, standard or order of the Industrial Welfare Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board or the Division of Occupational Safety and Health—the employer must pay the employee one additional hour of pay at the regular rate of compensation for each workday that the recovery period is not provided. AB 60—Driver’s License for Undocumented Immigrants Effective date: January 1, 2015 AB 60 requires the CA DMV to issue a driver’s license to an undocumented person who can prove identity and CA residency and who can meet all other licensing requirements, such as the written and behind-the-wheel exams. The card will bear a notation stating that the card is not acceptable for federal purposes, such as verifying eligibility for employment. In other words, this card is NOT acceptable for Form I-9 verification. AB 60 does not take effect until January 1, 2015, or on the date the DMV’s director executes a specified declaration, whichever is sooner.
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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
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AB 442—Damages for Minimum Wage Violations AB 442 expands the penalty available for citations issued by the Labor Commissioner for failing to pay minimum wage to include a requirement that the employer pay liquidated damages to the employee, in addition to existing penalties. AB 1386—Labor Commissioner Lien on Property for Employee Complaints AB 1386 requires that the amount due under a Labor Commissioner order, decision or award that has become final shall create a lien that the Labor Commissioner may record on the employer’s real property. SB 390—Employee Wage Withholdings – Criminal Penalty SB 390 creates a criminal penalty for an employer that fails to remit withholdings from an employee’s wages that were made pursuant to state, local or federal law. SB 168—Farm Labor Contractors – Successor Liability SB 168 makes a successor farm labor liable for wages or penalties owed by a predecessor farm labor contractor under certain specified circumstances. SB 496—Whistleblower Protections Labor Code section 1102.5 provides whistleblower protections for employees who have reason to believe that their employer is violating a federal or state statute. SB 496 expands whistleblower protections to include reports alleging a violation of a local rule or regulation. It also protects employees who disclose, or may disclose, information regarding alleged violations “to a person with authority over the employee or another employee who has authority to investigate, discover or correct the violation.” Finally, SB 496 prohibits retaliation against an employee because the employer “believes the employee disclosed or may disclose information.” AB 263—Retaliation and Unfair Immigration Practices AB 263 prohibits an employer from engaging in “unfair immigration-related practices” when an employee asserts protected rights under the Labor Code. For instance, an employer may not threaten to contact, or contact, immigration authorities because an employee complained that he/she was paid less than the minimum wage. AB 263 authorizes various penalties against employers who engage in unfair immigration-related practices, including a private right of action.
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AB 524—Criminal Extortion for Threatening to Report Immigration Status AB 524 clarifies that a person may be guilty of criminal extortion if the person threatens to report the immigration status or suspected immigration status of an individual, or his/her relative or a member of his/her family. SB 288—Time Off for Crime Victims SB 288 adds new protections for crime victims to take time off from work to appear in any court proceeding in which a right of the victim is at issue.The law applies only to specific crimes such as solicitation for murder and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Employees must comply with requirements for requesting the leave.Violations of the law will be enforced by the Labor Commissioner. AB 11—Time Off for Emergency Duty AB 11 requires an employer with 50 or more employees to provide a temporary leave of absence of up to 14 days per calendar year for reserve peace officers and emergency rescue personnel to receive training. Current law only provided the training leave of absence to volunteer firefighters.AB 11 also expands the law to cover time off for “emergency rescue training” in addition to the existing protections for fire or law enforcement training. AB 218—Background Checks AB 218 prohibits a state or local agency from asking an applicant to disclose information regarding a criminal conviction until after the agency determines the applicant meets minimum employment qualifications. There are specified exceptions, such as where a criminal history background check is otherwise required by law for the position.This legislation will not go into effect until July 1, 2014. This article is prepared with the understanding that the author or the firm is not rendering legal advice or opinions on specific facts or matters and, accordingly, assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with its use.
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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
MEETINGS & EVENTS FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2013
January
January 9 – Ambassador Committee meeting held at the Hampton Inn & Suites located at 800 Mason Street, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. January 9 – Ribbon Cutting at the Solano Community College Vacaville Annex, 2002 North Village Parkway, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:00 p.m. January 9 – Joint Mixer with the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber hosted by Solano Community College at the Vacaville Center Campus, 2001 North Village Parkway, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. January 10 – Business Issues Educational Forum held in the Community Room at Travis Credit Union located at 1 Travis Way, Vacaville . . . . .9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. January 21- Wake-Up Vacaville hosted by H&R Block located at 2026 Nut Tree Road, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
NEW VENUE FOR 2014 SOLANO WINE & FOOD JUBILEE
he 27th Annual Solano Wine & Food Jubilee is moving! After several years at the Nut Tree Complex in Vacaville, the 2014 gala will be held at the newly opened Specialty Event Center in Fairfield, on April 25, 2014.The facility, located at 300 Chadbourne Road, is large enough to easily accommodate the Jubilee’s 2,000-plus ticketholders, the more than 120 wine, brew and food vendors, an array of silent auction tables, a special VIP area and, for those fans of The Time Bandits, an expanded dance floor. The Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, organized by NorthBay Healthcare Foundation to support the programs of NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement, has become the biggest and most popular fund-raising event in Solano County. Over the past 26 years this sell-out gala has raised nearly $3 million, enabling NorthBay to provide physical, emotional and spiritual care for the terminally ill, regardless of their ability to pay.With this support, these patients – and their families – are able to live their final days as peacefully and comfortably as possible. Open That Bottle Night, a precursor to the Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, will also be moving to a new venue.The invitation-only evening for the Jubilee’s $1,250-and-above sponsors will be held on February 8 at the Theatre DeVille on Main Street in Vacaville.
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February
February 6 – Mixer hosted by Emeritus of Vacaville, 1111 Ulatis Dr., Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. February 13 – Ambassador Committee meeting at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 800 Mason Street, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. February 14 – Business Issues Educational Forum held in the Community Room at Travis Credit Union located at 1 Travis Way, Vacaville . . . .9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. February 18 – Wake-Up Vacaville hosted by Chevy’s Fresh Mex, 200 Nut Tree Parkway, Vacaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Sponsorship opportunities are being arranged now. For the minimum donation of $1,250 -- and up to $20,000 and above -- a sponsor will not only receive invitations to Open That Bottle Night, but early entrance to the Jubilee, beginning at 5:30 p.m., an invitation to a private reception at the event, hotel accommodations, and limousine service. Organizers also plan to offer a limited number of “VIP Table for Eight” packages for Jubilee night again this year.These VIP tables include many of the benefits afforded VIP ticket-holders – early admittance, special treats on arrival, and access to the “VIP Lounge” – for $1,500. Please call 646-3133 to secure one of these highly popular table packages. Solano Wine & Food Jubilee’s Presenting Sponsors for 2013 were Momentum Auto Group, Patt & Al Shaw, Dr. Lee Freeman, Gold's Gym, and the Nut Tree.The Theatre DeVille is a Presenting Sponsor for 2014. The Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, a black tie-optional affair (denim discouraged), gets under way April 25, 2014 at the Specialty Event Center, 300 Chadbourne Road in Fairfield, beginning at 6:30 p.m. for general admission. Tickets, for those ages 21 and over, must be purchased in advance and are $75 each until February 17, 2014, and $100 thereafter if still available.To purchase tickets, call (707) 646-3133, or go online at www.wineandfoodjubilee.org.
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce • Business Comments
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NEW / REJOINED MEMBERS FOR NOVEMBER 2013
Children’s Nurturing Project Debbi Davis 490 Chadbourne Rd., STE. A Fairfield, CA 94534 707-422-0464 [email protected] www.childrensnurturingprojet.org Cost Plus World Market Kathleen Booker 1611 East Monte Vista Ave. Vacaville, CA 95688 707-452-0552 [email protected] www.worldmarket.com Just Cakin’ It Jennifer Anderson 179-C Elmira Rd. Vacaville, CA 95687 707-447-2201 [email protected] www.justcakinit.com RAXX Direct Marketing LLC Danyea Gillard PO Box 11190 Casa Grande, AZ 85122-3725 520-426-2074 [email protected] The Leaven Mark Lillis 2397 Heath Dr. Fairfield, CA 94533 707-422-5439 [email protected] www.myleaven.org Zoom Imaging Solutions Jim Martyn 200 S. Harding Blvd. Roseville, CA 95678 916-369-6526 [email protected] www.zoomcopiers.com
AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH
Christine Avellar
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y name is Christine Avellar; I have been a member of the Ambassador Team since joining the Vacaville Chamber in 2010, as the State Farm Representative from Andy Pignataro’s office. Being a part of the Ambassadors has given me the opportunity to meet other business owners and learn about new businesses in our community. I like to think of the Ambassador Team as sort of the “welcome squad” of the chamber; whether we are welcoming a new business with our ribbon cuttings, inviting members to
the monthly mixer to mingle, or starting the day with a cup of coffee at our morning wakeup; we are here to support all of our neighbors in business.As a State Farm Representative I know all about being a “good neighbor” like our slogan says,“State Farm is there”. My office has been in the Vacaville community for the last 7 years.We are here to assist with all of your insurance and financial services needs as well as being a source of knowledge for anyone with insurance questions, our door is always open!
(photo courtesy of Ryan Bates Photography)
