06/29/2009

Desert resorts roll out deals in quest for staycationers
Travelers spent nearly $97.6 billion in California last year, up 0.8 percent compared with 2007. But tourists are set to cut back their trips by 3 percent this year.

Rental prices push downward
Competing forces have twisted the Inland Empire's rental market into an unprecedented position, challenging rental property owners to steady both vacancy rates and rental prices.

Knowing where you are going is the first step to staying focused
Has anyone ever told you to stay focused in a business setting?

It always sounds like good advice, but what if you do not know where you are going?

This can be very problematic.

Everyone needs to be focused; there is no arguing this piece of sage advice. However, if the goal or outcome is never clearly defined, this usually means there is nothing upon which to focus.

Target-date funds
Popular retirement-plan investments called target-date mutual funds are under scrutiny by the Department of Labor and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

These funds, holding a blend of stocks, bonds and other investments, move to a more conservative mix as investors approach their retirement or target date. At least that was what most people who invested in them before now assumed or were told.

Parking lots for agendas
Ever drive to a mall and park your car and then after you finish shopping, you come back and you can't find it?

This gets worse if you own, say, a white Honda Accord, or a brown Camry. You look and look and look. And after all that searching and frustration, where do you find it? Exactly where you left it.

Defaults, foreclosures loom on commercial real estate front
As the collapse of the housing market in Inland Southern California slowly begins to stabilize, economists and real estate analysts are concerned that increased foreclosures in the commercial real estate market could prolong the region's efforts to recover from the current recession.

What exactly is a Facebook poke?
Q: I've been on Facebook for a few months, but I really don't know what a "poke" is. -- Amy R.

A: Join the club, Amy! I have been asked your question many times over, and the answer is pretty much the same. "No one knows for sure."

06/22/2009

Fro-Yo franchise
Initial investment: $200,000 to $400,000 for established fro-yo market in Temecula; less in other areas

Equipment: $100,000 to $200,000

Avg. customers: 100 to 300 per day

Location: High foot traffic area a must, which means higher rent but less need for marketing

Fro-yo spooning up profits in sweet comeback
From plain tart to lychee and mochi balls to fresh mangoes, millions of people are mixing frozen yogurt flavors and topping them every day as part of a frozen-yogurt frenzy sweeping the nation.

The craze is especially intense in Temecula, where about 10 fro-yo shops have opened in the past 15 months, including four within less than a mile of each other near The Promenade Mall.

Poised for future
Sometimes it takes a crisis to elicit genuine, transformative growth. If we are lucky -- and if we learn from our mistakes -- burning some of the detritus attached to our past will be a welcome byproduct of this painful chapter in economic history.

500 youth start summer jobs from stimulus
More than 500 youth have started jobs in the Summer Youth Employment Program administered by the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County.

This program is designed to teach job skills to the county's youth, ages 14 to 24, while they work at local public and private businesses. Their wages are being paid by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.

Rialto sewage-to-fuel plant ready to start operations
After six years of planning, Rialto can claim the first commercial-scale venture that converts sewer sludge into a usable, coal-like fuel.

It took nature millions of years to create coal.

But EnerTech Environmental, an Atlanta-based company, says it can approximate the same process in about an hour at the plant it has constructed next to Rialto's wastewater treatment plant.

Riverside's purchase for theatre parking draws criticism
Riverside City Councilman Mike Gardner said it made sense for Riverside to buy three parcels from a downtown landowner for $4.7 million -- $1 million more than the city's original appraisal -- so the city could build a parking structure next to the Fox Theatre.

For meetings, give each agenda item a set time
Where does the time go? No, seriously, why can't you store it up? Why can't you borrow it from the future?

Probably because we'd all be dead, having spent our future in replays and do-overs.

But fortunately, you can't store or borrow time. You can only spend it. Here are some ideas on the wise expenditure of time when it comes to meetings.

Tame emotions in tense business encounters
Emotions are powerful and they can be overwhelming.

Learning to control your emotions can be a welcome weapon in your business arsenal.

Court affirms decision on backing Tesco, March JPA
A California appeals court has affirmed that the March Joint Powers Authority was correct in allowing Tesco, the British grocer, to build an 824,000-square-foot distribution hub for its Fresh & Easy markets without a separate environmental review.

Diagnostic assessments are more critical now than ever
When we are sick, we trust our doctors to assess our condition and tell us how we can improve our health. As many small businesses today find their financial health failing as a result of the economy, they too would benefit from an expert assessment of their current situation.

Residential developments benefit from receivership's protective role
Last year marked an extraordinary rise in defaults in unfinished housing developments and condominium construction or conversions. Not surprisingly, the rate of loan defaults -- among a broad spectrum of commercial projects, including unfinished housing and condo construction -- continues its steady increase.

A sales tip on handling objections
Even the most experienced salesperson can fumble and, yes, nosedive when handling objections during a sales call. This is especially true for what I call the "overnight salesperson," the business owner with limited sales experience or a selected employee responsible for sales.

Revenue at tribal casinos in California sinks along with the economy
Gamblers are still spending money at California's Native American casinos, although they appear to have spent less each time they visited last year, a recently released report indicates.

Face-to-face time makes a lasting impression
Over the past six months, meetings, events and conferences have made the headlines in the wake of AIG, Wells Fargo and several other corporations perceived to be spending excessively on lavish retreats and sales meetings.

Use caution when tweeting; TMI can be risky
Q: I recently read an article about a man who tweeted a post on Twitter about being on vacation and while he was away, his home was burglarized. Shouldn't we be careful about what we post on Twitter and Facebook? -- Krista D.

06/15/2009

Pick your participants wisely for meeting
I remember one time when I was going to go do "stuff" with my friends. You know what "stuff" is, right?

Anyway, as I was going out the door, my mom called out, "Take your brother with you!" The presence of my little brother made sure that we would have to substitute different "stuff" to do, much to the consternation of my buddies.

Good habits: the secret to successful business practices
Bad habits get all of the attention, it seems, these days.

What about good habits?

Law firm proves agile
Local law firms are finding they are not immune to the wild ride of a changing economy.

Some are struggling to maintain their current staff while others are adding to their staff to meet increased demands in certain areas of law.

Hiring managers vary on benefits of social media
Online networking tools such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter have already changed our orientation to the job market, adding dimension -- and transparency -- to our professional identities.

Making social networks work for your business
By now you have heard about Web-based social networking (Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc.) and you have an understanding of what it is. You know people are using it, some with claims of free-flowing business opportunities and profitable connections.

Let staff know overall costs of health benefits
A recent survey published by Fidelity noted that workers cited health insurance, retirement savings plan matching and dental insurance as the three most important benefits.

EDAs, with fewer funds, expand roles
Positioning the Inland Empire to not only survive an uncertain economy but to prepare for economic recovery requires strategic measures on the part of the private sector and government.

DK Global expands offerings
The work of DK Global Inc. has made its way through countless courtrooms over the years.

Computer animations of accidents, shootings and product failures have changed the way attorneys present their cases.

06/08/2009

Symposium addresses critical need to update state's water systems
California's economy will continue to struggle and ratepayers can expect high rates despite gains in conservation because of the ongoing drought and the need to modernize a water system that was built in the 1960s.

That was the somber news from the sixth annual Riverside County Water Symposium held May 28 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

State lawmakers honor 13 small businesses
Thirteen Inland-area companies received Small Business of the Year honors from California lawmakers at a recent luncheon in Fontana.

"Businesses were selected because of their resilience in the face of today's tough economic times," said event host Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod, D-Chino, in a statement.

Ontario proactive about retention
The city of Ontario has volunteers going door to door to get a pulse on its business community.

In light of the economy, it has nearly doubled its efforts to survey businesses, with volunteers pounding the pavement to find out what type of assistance businesses need to stay afloat.

Meeting agendas need to be realistic and delivered in advance
You've no doubt heard the expression that a person has a "hidden agenda." We're here to tell you the shocking truth. Everybody has a hidden agenda, and only a few people have an actual agenda. I know, I was scared too when I first heard this.

How to deal with difficult office personalities
It would be hard to find an office worker, in a professional business setting, who has not had to deal with a difficult office personality. Difficult people seem to be everywhere. Whether this person is your boss, a co-worker or a vendor, difficult people drain your energy and dampen your enthusiasm for doing your work.

Local vs. big-box impact plays out in Hemet
On an endless stretch of Florida Avenue reaching east toward the San Jacinto Mountains, Hemet unfolds in a torrent of familiar signs: Applebee's, Hollywood Video, Jamba Juice, Baja Fresh, Target, Baskin Robbins, Starbucks, Wal-Mart.

Rally heartens dealer
Supporters of Hatfield Buick GMC gathered on May 27 at the downtown Redlands auto and truck dealership to sign petitions to ask General Motors to reverse its decision to end the 96-year-old auto dealership's franchise in 2010. More than 300 people attended the rally to sign the petition and write letters of support for the dealership, which first set up shop in Redlands in 1913.

SBA fails in recent change related to goodwill value
On Feb. 12, the Small Business Administration released revised standard operating procedures known as SBA SOP 50 10 5(A) that unnecessarily precludes the healthiest and most profitable businesses from being able to secure SBA business acquisition loans up to their appraised value. The revisions included a seemingly harmless change to its lending procedures and policies regarding a cap and restriction on small business acquisition lending related to the value of "goodwill." However, this seemingly minor change demonstrates a surprising lack of understanding of fundamental business valuation and economic principles that undermines the very purpose for which the SBA was established.

Difron launching Web to TV box
Saigant Technologies Inc. has developed a device its officials believe will be a serious competitor to cable TV.

After two years in development, an Internet appliance box called Difron, which can transfer video directly from the Internet to television, is ready to go to market.

06/15/2009

Quality of your followers trumps quantity
Q: If someone follows me on Twitter, do I have to follow them back? And could you give us some reasons why we wouldn't want to follow someone? -- Debra S.

A: There isn't any written rule that says you must follow those who are following you. People follow you for a number of different reasons.

06/08/2009

Beware of purchased e-mail lists
Q: I need to build up my e-mail database. Someone suggested I purchase a list. Is that a good idea?

-- Michael D.

06/01/2009

Smart eats
Long gone are the days when questionable meat loaf and overcooked spaghetti made up the options at college and university eateries. As students seek healthier food options on campus, school dining services are stepping up their game and winning awards.

About Senate Bill 375
This bill requires local and regional planning organizations to include strategies to reduce greenhouse emissions through land-use and urban planning. It's one of the toughest environmental and planning laws in the U.S., and it could have a major impact on the future of development in the state. Impacts could include higher density housing projects, increased tolls for travel and greater spending on transportation projects.

CSUSB Leonard Transportation Center annual forum Excerpts from local planning experts
Hasan Ikhrata

Executive Director

Southern California Association of Governments

Excerpts from keynote speakers
William Fulton

New law puts compact development into focus
On a day when many people were hitting the roads to have fun, a collection of planners and transportation officials were contemplating the impact of a new California law, SB 375, that aims to get people out of their cars and forever change the state's land-use plans.

Timber product wrestles with retail vs. wholesale
While fires recently consumed multimillion-dollar estates in the Santa Barbara foothills, Matt Forsythe was swamped with phone calls. His product, glass-infused lumber touted as impervious to fire, rot and insects, only seemed to get hotter with the scorching flames flickering on television screens throughout Southern California.

Developers still fill market voids for high demand
Commercial development in the Inland Empire surged in the last four years to meet the needs of a growing population.

Inexpensive land, an abundance of open space and its proximity to several busy freeways made it an ideal place to develop. Now millions of feet of office space sit vacant throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

10 quick sales tactics that may work for you
Sales tactics are important to every business and every salesperson. Using the right sales tactic in the right selling situation is critical for any salesperson selling just about anything. I have compiled a list of 10 sales tactics that have worked consistently for me over the years. Experimenting with one or more of these gems could certainly make you a lot of money in a hurry:

Riverside startup focuses on protecting Web sites
Former UCR graduate student Anirban Banerjee wants to make the Internet safer one Web site at a time.

Even before he graduated from UCR in November 2008, the 27-year-old was working full time to help launch the startup Stopthehacker.com.

Fear, greed, hope drive victims into investment schemes
Let's start with the definition of a Ponzi scheme: A Ponzi scheme is an arrangement in which the perpetrator receives cash from investors and purports to earn income for them. The income turns out to be partially or wholly fictitious. Any amounts actually paid to investors, whether it is claimed to be income or a return of principal, is actually paid from funds provided by new investors. The perpetrator of the scheme criminally appropriates some or all of the investors' funds for their own purposes.

How to make your meetings more effective, and less expensive
We all do meetings. We meet to status tasks. We meet to discuss strategy. We meet to make a decision. We meet to avoid making decisions. We ... what? Meet to avoid making decisions? Yes, we do that, but that's a different topic.

Meetings are part of business. They are among the most expensive activities a company can do, yet they aren't viewed that way. Some simple math may convince you:

Class A space, as in available
Just how good a time is it to buy or lease commercial real estate property?

About as good as it gets, industry insiders say, for those companies fortunate enough to be able to invest in a move into plush new digs.

05/25/2009

SACH emerges with prestige, fiscal success
When Steven Moreau was at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach and accepted the president and CEO's job at San Antonio Community Hospital four years ago, his colleagues asked why he was moving to Texas.

Economists: Region's short-term outlook grim
Economists painted a bleak picture of the region's economy at the University of Redlands' Inland Empire Economic Forecast Conference on May 19.

But as bad as the recession is or seems, the group assured a group of more than 300 attendees, recovery is on its way -- it just may take a while.

Former RV sales manager follows her pet passion
On May 16 Lisa Parcell held the grand opening of her new business, the Pampered Pooch Spa and Bowtique in Murrieta. She had Animal Friends of the Valleys on hand along with a barbecue lunch, drawings and even a cat agility demonstration. Pet treats were handed out as music played, and folks got a tour of the new state-of-the-art grooming facility.

Handling a merger or acquisition the right way
Mergers and acquisitions are often pitched (by the ownership group) to customers and employees as something that will benefit these groups and the company in the long run.

The history of mergers and acquisitions tells a very different story.

Diverse client base benefits Corona technology company
Hemant and Shaila Rao Mistry have mastered the art of designing and manufacturing user interfaces and control panels of everyday products.

Inland fast-pitch competition off to promising start
With sweaty palms and racing hearts, 12 ambitious men and women who have made it their business to take risks steadied themselves for a crucial moment in their lives. More than a moment, actually. Ninety seconds. That's how much time the dozen promising entrepreneurs were allotted to pitch their business ventures' viability to a panel of six discerning judges.

All performed ably.

Why the recession is a perfect time to go back to school
If you're worried about getting a job in the recession, maybe you should stop trying. No, we're not advocating giving up on your career -- but we do suggest boosting your skills to give yourself a better edge in the job market. The outlook might be grim for jobs -- but it's a great time to go back to school. Here's why.

Lockyer pitches insurance for public bonds
If you are one of the thousands of Inland Southern California residents who have a checking or savings account, your deposits are federally insured by Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. in case your bank fails. Now there is a unique concept being promoted by state Treasurer Bill Lockyer to create a similar type of insurance fund for bonds issued by states, counties, cities and other municipalities.

Municipalities eye new bond program
With credit markets cautious about backing new municipal debt in the midst of a severe economic downturn, Inland Southern California cities and counties have been blocked from issuing municipal bonds to pay for a wide range of basic needs from new highways to school construction and new sewer systems.

06/01/2009

Social media in the news
T-shirt goes viral

after user

comments

Online and face-to-face networking work hand-in-hand
Q: I understand the concept of social media networking and building relationships, but I think face-to-face networking gives you the opportunity to create a better first impression and a stronger relationship base. What is your opinion?

-- Jonathan L.

05/25/2009

For world trade, pitch affordability to investors
There was a message of optimism May 14 at the third annual World Trade Month event at the Marriott Hotel in Riverside, but it was clear that Inland Southern California still has a lot of work to do in order to come out of the worst recession in decades.

The benefits of an online identity profile
Why you need to manage your online identity

Keep content simple for successful e-newsletter
Last week's question was, "Are there any secrets to writing a successful e-newsletter?" This is such a huge topic, so I decided to answer it in two parts. As I covered in my last article, there are many steps you need to take to entice recipients to open your e-mail in the first place. This week I will be talking about content. 1.

04/27/2009

Winery's latest novel approach is a club exclusively for women
Keyways Vineyard & Winery, which has already made a name for itself as the only women-owned and -operated winery in Southern California, has broken more new ground.

The winery was scheduled to hold the first meeting of Terri's Brix Chix Clixs, believed to be one of the first women-only wine clubs in the nation, on April 23.

UCR MBA students make their international appeal
Approximately 40 students of UC Riverside's A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management joined MBA candidates from UC San Diego, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Davis and UC Berkeley at the fifth annual UCIBC MBA Career Fair recently in Irvine. The students were seeking internships and full-time employment.

San Jacinto home to many new retail outlets
Despite the economic woes that have hit Inland Southern California, the city of San Jacinto has announced numerous new retail openings and construction.

A new 13,297-square-foot CVS/pharmacy is planned at the southwest corner of Sanderson and Cottonwood avenues. The grand opening is expected in fall 2009. KZ Holdings of Irvine is the developer.

Prom a slow dance for speciality retail
Over the next several weeks high school students will wear stylish suits and eye-catching dresses.

It's prom season; a time for corsages and boutonnieres.

Flowers, limousines and professional photographs are almost a rite of passage during prom season.

But in an economy where nearly everyone is feeling the pinch, students may be looking to cut expenses in preparation for the big dance.

Power of a positive attitude will drive success
Sometimes it is hard to keep your chin up.

Employers face changes in COBRA qualifications
The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) contains a revision for COBRA-qualified health benefits that is mandatory for employer compliance.

ARRA creates a federal 65 percent subsidy for COBRA insurance for individuals who involuntarily lost or will lose their jobs between Sept. 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2009.

There is no single bottom to Inland housing market
Every time I read about someone predicting when the market will bottom, I laugh, and here is why.

Local owners win SBA award
A&R Tarpaulins Inc. and its divisions AR Tech and AR Industries have received the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2009 Family Owned Small Business of the Year Award.

SoCal companies poised to deliver electric cars
Looking like a futuristic space pod with winglike doors, the plug-in electric 2e gives off zero emissions and an equal amount of noise, as it zips through the streets near the Aptera Motors headquarters in Vista, about 25 miles south of Temecula.

Anxious grads seek additional career services
Graduation is looming ahead for Lalaine Lampa, a senior at UC Riverside, and she said she is nowhere near where she had hoped to be at this point in her life.

In fact, graduation is one terrifying aspect of her life already.

"I'm horrified, I'm scared to graduate; it's just not a good time to graduate," Lampa said.

Cigars: from novelty to luxury
If the tobacco-themed establishments scattered throughout high-end shopping districts are any indication, the cigar craze of the 1990s may stand to make a comeback. Various independently owned lounges, stocked with premium cigar products and decked out with swanky decor, are popping up in cities such as Corona, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Temecula and Upland.

Free choice vs. secret ballot
Many business leaders and retailers from across Inland Southern California are urging lawmakers to oppose legislation that would make it easier for local workers to gain union representation.

Chambers of commerce throughout the two-county region have come out against the Employee Free Choice Act, commonly known as card-check legislation, that has been introduced in both chambers of Congress.

Online usage surges among Hispanics
Typically when marketers have wanted to reach the Hispanic community, they turned to the traditional arsenal of tools: radio, television and print media. Online advertising was shrugged off as not appealing to their target audience. Now reports have come out showing an increasing surge of Internet usage among Latino users -- especially in entertainment and social media sites. According to ComScore, the Hispanic online population reached a record 20.3 million visitors in February 2009, representing 11 percent of the total U.S. online market. The total amount of time spent online by Hispanics increased 6.9 percent in 2009 (3.9 times faster than the total U.S. online population's rate), while total pages consumed grew 6 percent (3.6 times faster than the total U.S. population's rate).

Free online marketing strategies to start today
Q: Business has slowed down over the past few months, and I've begun to cut back on some of my costs, including marketing. What are some inexpensive ways I can promote my business online? -- Richard Q.A: You are not alone, Richard, and I'm sure you know that.

04/20/2009

Fox restoration crucial to downtown Pomona
The partially restored Fox Theater in Pomona held its first event April 18, a fundraiser for the organization that is rebuilding the historic theater at the southwest corner of Garey Avenue and Third Street.

That gathering of Friends of the Fox Theater in the building's main auditorium could turn out to be historic.

Written agreement key to any partnership
Partnerships in business can be very powerful.

In most cases, this power is positive.

Occasionally, partnerships can dissolve over time and lead to big trouble.

Let me explain.

Golf course proprietors eye impact of discounts
Few businesses can say they've added patrons during the past year, but officials with Upland Hills Country Club say they can make that claim.

The 18-hole semi-private golf course south of the Foothill Freeway has 112 members, up from the 98 members it had one year ago, said Rick Parillo, Upland Hills' general manager and director of golf.

Glen Ivy tweets to record crowds
Chule Day at the Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa near Corona drew more than 550 people on a Friday morning.

Guests brought in food donations for the event, named in honor of two of the spa's longtime guests, in exchange for a $10 discount on their admission.

Web site must pop
There is no good excuse for a bad Web site. Advanced, affordable options for business owners, even technophobic ones, put a universe of Internet sales and marketing within reach.

Got ID? Why branding is everything for a small business
As the economy continues its downward spiral, many small-business owners are being forced to re-evaluate their operations -- including fundamental aspects they may have taken for granted during more prosperous times. And while few are reaping benefits from the crisis, the wise ones are formulating their recovery strategies. For many entrepreneurs, a second look at branding and basic identity can mean the difference between survival and failure.

Identity starts with niche vs. mass
In pursuit of the security offered by mass markets, many entrepreneurs content themselves to dangerously reduce their margins in exchange for higher volume. But is it really worth it?

Growers try to bring economic issue closer to home
The California Cut Flowers Commission will launch a campaign this May to encourage people to buy flowers grown in the state.

It's a push that is expected to help flower growers, distributors and retailers make it through this economic slump.

Brand-building event to focus on real-time tips
If you are looking for new ways to market your business, and looking for things you can put into use right away, then you will benefit from attending "Real Time Brand Building" Thursday. It is the first in a series of interactive panel discussions co-hosted by Perry Design & Advertising and The Business Press.

B2B Expo has eclectic mix of local businesses
They came to mix, mingle and, of course, sell to customers and other area businesses and public agencies.

"I'm here to sell product today, absolutely," said Pat Rose who, along with his wife, Carrie, runs EZ Electric Savings. "The other businesses and agencies here are an important part of our market."

Governor brings optimism as he stumps for reform
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger brought a message of optimism for more than 800 Inland business and political leaders at The Business Press' annual Economic Briefing event at the Ontario Convention Center April 8.

Schwarzenegger underscored his upbeat tone with characteristic cinematic flair.

"California and America always comes back," he said.

American Custom Coach powers bloodmobile with solar
American Custom Coach has unveiled its newest vehicle, and not only is it greener, but it is also expected to help save lives. It's a 40-foot bloodmobile created specifically for the Rancho Mirage-based Community Blood Bank, which serves California's southern desert region.

An hour a day is worthwhile investment in social media sites
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn ... you've heard those words, but what exactly are they? These are just three venues within the exploding social media networking landscape that is creating quite a stir for millions and millions of business owners all over the world. Although face-to-face networking is still the preferred method of making connections, a handshake is no longer the only way to seal a deal. Hi, my name is Eydie and I am a virtual assistant who specializes in e-mail and social media marketing. The intention of this column is to answer your burning questions about the social media revolution and guide you through the maze of social media networking corridors. Let's begin by defining what social media is. Social media is, very simply, any tool or site that allows interaction with its users. If you can comment on a site, interact and engage in conversation with others, or even re-arrange the design of a site ... then that's social media. Now that we have established what social media is, let's get into what social media networking is. Networking comes in when users begin taking those tools to make connections and begin building relationships with others. By using tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging and even e-mail, people can make online connections with other people who have similar interests and backgrounds. Some of the social media venues include: blogs,

04/13/2009

Doctor wins warm acclaim in icy world
Dr. Leisure Yu's easygoing demeanor puts his patients at ease; but he's far from a leisurely doctor.

He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and total-joint replacement and has a private practice in Loma Linda.

Vinton's latest gig is strictly advice
When Lisa Vinton's then-teenage daughter slammed her bedroom door after an argument, her parents took the door off the hinges.

When her then-17-year-old son decided not to go to school one day, she called the police who came to her house and "escorted" him to campus.

Gas stations cope with upgrade fees
Gasoline stations in California must comply with a new state regulation requiring them to install high-tech nozzles and hoses that better capture gasoline vapors that are released into the atmosphere as motorists refuel their vehicles.

Redlands' State Street feeling slump
Some say State Street in Redlands doesn't quite bustle as it used to.

There are several vacant storefronts along the street. Even the one that once housed the Cracker Jack Gift Co. for many years will sit empty for at least a few more weeks.

Simplify your approach to multitasking
It is impossible to be in two places at the same time.

Nothing teaches you this better than owning a business.

'Perfect storm' for infrastructure plans
The esteemed panelists and attendees came from fields as diverse as water reclamation and high-speed rail.

Knowing their audience, they spoke sometimes technically of the advances their projects were poised to make in the coming years.

Spend more on marketing during difficult times
What are you doing today to increase the marketing efforts at your company?

We all know the current state of the economy is tough on many businesses. And it may get even more difficult before it gets better.

Stimulus package to fund job-training services
According to monthly numbers released by the state of California, San Bernardino County's unemployment rate increased again in February to 11.9 percent. Fortunately, this increase wasn't as severe as it was in prior months, and there are signs of relief on the horizon with the approval of ARRA, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the federal stimulus package.

Too many conflicts in selling of securities
A power struggle is brewing within the regulatory bodies and Congress. The issue concerns the very important question of how investors get the financial advice they need.

On one side are agents of banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and independent advisers who have a sales license to sell securities or insurance.

Cutting costs without downsizing
As Gaslamp Popcorn expands operations and pitches to big-volume buyers, cost-cutting measures might make the crucial difference.

"Fuel," sighs Leslie Accuar, CEO. "It kills me to get it there."

Freight costs for the inexpensive products can often exceed her profits.

Small Business, Big Markets
Entrepreneurs searching for a share of the mass market often win the David-and-Goliath game against their large competitors -- but rarely do so without brand value. For a small popcorn company looking to break through to large venues, the need for differentiation is even more pressing.

Auto dealers Benefit from city's efforts
Fairview Ford has been in operations in San Bernardino for 35 years, and this past year has been perhaps the toughest. Truck sales are off about 75 percent from the peak a few years ago, said president and general manager Nicholas DePasquale, and the end of the slide may not be in sight.

"I don't believe we've necessarily hit bottom yet," DePasquale said.

Convention centers adjust to fewer events, attendees
While companies find trade shows to be a valuable tool in generating sales, many are expected to curtail spending on such events this year as economic woes force them to reduce their special-event budgets.

Colton's Miracle Mile sees RV sales suffer
COLTON -- Colton is no Detroit, but like the Motor City it does rely heavily on one industry to generate tax receipts.

In Colton, the cash doesn't come from V-8s, but RVs.

Barnhart completes renovation
The San Jacinto Unified School District and contractor Barnhart Inc. have announced the completion of the $32 million addition and modernization of San Jacinto High School.

The 77,000-square-foot project, which began in March 2007, includes a new two-story, 33-classroom building. Students moved into the new facilities in January 2009.

Local business on social media marketing bandwagon
2009 Social Media Marketing

Briefs
Banking/Finance

Altura to close two branches

Altura Credit Union has announced the closure of two branch offices and the elimination of 35 jobs. In addition, a third branch will transition to an electronic branch.

'Perfect storm' for infrastructure plans
The esteemed panelists and attendees came from fields as diverse as water reclamation and high-speed rail.

Knowing their audience, they spoke sometimes technically of the advances their projects were poised to make in the coming years.

03/23/2009

Women owners get access to help
Tax accountant Joey Sanchez says he normally charges clients $195 an hour for his services.

At the Inland Empire Women's Business Center's first Small Business Success Clinic, business owners could meet with Sanchez and up to seven other experts for just $10.

How many people can you identify in your office by these behaviors?
Don't be that man or woman everyone wants to avoid working with. She or he probably could be identified by one of these 13 consistent behaviors:

Pontification Person.

This person goes on and on, telling you what they're going to say, saying it and then telling you what they said.

Um Person.

Benefits of a home-based online business
Leticia Miller of Redlands became an inventor because of circumstance and a business owner from the resulting opportunity.

She invented a flexible hair dryer stand so consumers can more easily style their hair.

She now sells those stands via an online business she operates in her home.

Verbal commitments do not equal sales
Promises, promises ... I have learned to hate verbal commitments (also known as promises) from the prospect companies I solicit for my firm's products and services.

Loma Linda widens footprint with expansion
The recession has hit the Inland Empire hard as thousands of construction, real estate, warehousing and service-industry jobs have disappeared, but one bright spot has been the health care industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that health care is the fastest-growing sector of the nation's economy.

Insurance within pension plan is complex
Life insurance for employees covered under a qualified plan can often be provided favorably by having the insurance purchased and owned by the plan, using deductible employer contributions to the plans as a source of the funds.

Impact of toxic drywall unknown
A second housing crisis could be creeping up on California and the Inland Empire, one that involves faulty building materials that were imported into the United States at the start of the decade.

Inland group lobbies for foreclosure relief
San Bernardino business leaders take foreclosure issue to Washington

Members of Inland Action Inc. will lobby federal lawmakers to support a public-private group that buys and rehabs foreclosed properties in the region.

With local property values falling and another wave of home foreclosures expected soon,

College gets patient simulators
The Crafton Hills College allied health program recently purchased three top-of-the-line, wireless-computer-controlled human-patient simulators that can breath, blink, generate blood pressure, create heart beats, simulate birth and even talk.

Green education building milestone
The Frontier Project on March 12 celebrated the topping off construction phase of its 14,000-square foot educational center.

A Topping Off ceremony is a dated German tradition that commemorates the placement of the structure's highest steel beam. In this case it was observed by Turner Construction, the project contractor, to acknowledge construction achievement and thank nature for building materials.

Shopping center leverages location
There's plenty to celebrate at the Bel Villaggio Shopping Center, from the opening of its new medical spa Image Rejuvenation to the expansion at the adjacent Promenade mall in Temecula.

While many shopping centers throughout the region are struggling to keep tenants, Bel Villaggio is currently in negotiations to fill four out of its five remaining unoccupied storefronts.

Inland farmers facing several threats
Despite deep cutbacks and layoffs in warehousing, construction and manufacturing production, the Inland Empire's agriculture industry has remained relatively stable during the current economic downturn. But that's expected to change this year as statewide water rationing and the threat of increased foreclosure activity begin to affect the multibillion-dollar industry, according to a bank official.

Your Company Web Site: Choosing the right words
Avoid hyperbole

Like many consumers, I get frustrated by reading "spin" when I go to a company Web site. It tells me absolutely nothing about the company, what it offers or what sets it apart from its competitors.

01/12/2009

Corona firm to market gum to curb smoking


Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. will become the second drugmaker to market a generic version of the popular smoking-cessation product Nicorette in January, the Corona company said in a release.

12/29/2008

Keepers of the inn
She's an emergency-room doctor, he's a practicing physician, and they are keepers of a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning inn. Tracy Conrad and her husband, Paul Marut, own the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn.

Supervisors approve fast track for Cherry Valley warehouse plan
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has approved an application by The Shopoff Group in Irvine to fast track its project entitlements for a proposed 2.3 million-square-foot warehouse and distribution center off Cherry Valley Boulevard and Interstate 10.

An official with the company said the company expects the development dubbed I-10 Gateway Job Center to be built in four to five years.

New options emerge for tapping into solar energy
Although sunshine is free, a rooftop solar system can cost $30,000 to $50,000 -- enough to discourage even ardent environmentalists when financing is hard to find and households are holding on tightly to their cash to weather a recession.

I-Max, retail development part of SB theater plan
The San Bernardino City Council recently approved the sale of the aging CinemaStar Theater at Fourth and G streets to Maya Cinemas North America in a deal that will secure a movie venue downtown and include an exclusive 3-D I-Max cinema, according to the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency.

EDA takes a rock-hard stance to deter theft of metal signs
The Riverside County Economic Development Agency has been replacing stolen bronze or metal signs and historical markers with a granite-look product. Signs in Wine Country were stolen and have been replaced by a granite material that has the look of metal.

The power of media relations
I wish more small and medium-sized businesses appreciated the power of media relations.

Many of these firms lack the sophistication necessary to harness the power of the media and to that degree they are complicit in their own demise.

What is media relations?

How can it help my business?

How can I measure its success and my investment in it?

Health fair draws crowd at Riverwalk
Loma Linda University Health Care and Turner Development Corp. attracted more than 700 people to a recent health fair at the Medical Park at Riverwalk in Riverside.

The event featured booths offering health services such as blood glucose screenings, eye check screenings, plastic surgery analysis and screenings, blood pressure screenings, body fat analysis, and much more.

Proposed sales tax increase costly to small business
Small-business owners are collectively holding their breath to see what the latest crop of legislators will do to small businesses. Will they remember California's leading job creator when asked to heap new fees, taxes and other burdensome costs on "Main Street" as a means of closing the state's massive deficit? History has proven that since the majority of them have never signed the front of a check, the assault on small business will continue.

Green Valley takes aim at logistics
Companies that promote "green" energy for truckers and warehouses soon may be welcomed with tax incentives at the region's former air bases now that a Corona-based booster has lined up federal support for its agenda.

For more than a year, the Green Valley Initiative has been assembling the pieces to promote green technology to create jobs and bolster the struggling economy.

Investors hunt for bargains in finished lots
Homebuyers aren't the only ones looking for foreclosure bargains in this real estate market. Developers and newly formed "vulture funds" are seeking to buy land at distressed prices, hoping to profit by selling it to homebuilders when the rebound comes.

Town of Apple Valley takes over private golf club
Apple Valley has taken control of the town's only private golf club and has opened the facility to the public.

Apple Valley Country Club, which has suffered a severe drop in membership from 400 members to 260 during the past decade, opened to the public Dec. 10, according to Apple Valley officials and the former club's Web site.

Local attractions try to coax fun from their customers
Even with the economy in tatters, the operators of amusement parks know a couple of key things: kids have birthdays; and people like to have a good time.

The latter often requires some coaxing during challenging economic conditions, but those who work in the amusement business are confident that they are well-positioned against the recession.

12/22/2008

Expansion to boost Western's profile
Sometimes among heavyweights it's easy to get lost in the shuffle, and for a lot of its history Pomona's Western University of Health Sciences has been victim to that. But it has now positioned itself to be a major player in educating medical doctors and professionals for the region.

5 new buildings, 3 new colleges planned
Pomona's Western University is undergoing a dramatic transformation with an ambitious building program and launch of three new colleges in the fall of 2009. Those colleges will offer dental, podiatry and optometry instruction. Overall, the university expects to spend about $100 million to build facilities, furnish them and improve existing facilities.

Banfield Veterinary Clinical Center

SB airport seeks funds
San Bernardino International Airport officials are looking to get airport-related improvements included in President-elect Barack Obama's proposed national stimulus program, aimed at generating jobs by fast-tracking infrastructure projects already in the pipeline.

Resale a bargain for some
While economists and bargain-hunters focus on the state of national chain stores this holiday season, another retail segment -- part of what is often referred to as the "second-hand economy" -- is experiencing its own ups and downs.

Ready for face-to-face interview? Maybe after a Botox treatment
In a slumping economy, men are opting to give themselves an edge in the increasingly competitive job market by undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Off-road shop bucks manufacturing trends
While manufacturers in the Inland Empire report a dim outlook for business as they feel the effects of the slumping economy, one custom off-road business in Corona has seen its business grow 10 percent to 20 percent a month since it opened nine months ago.

"Business may be way down in general from two years ago, but we're not seeing it," said Javier Padilla, co-owner of No Limitz Motorsports.

Inland office, industrial space vacancies rise
The Inland Empire's office and industrial sectors took major downturns this year, as the recession continues to take a toll on Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Monster signs deal in Mexico
Hansen Natural Corp. said Monday it signed a new agreement to distribute its Monster Energy drinks throughout most of Mexico. It will start in January.

The Corona-based beverage company said it has arranged for Comercializador a Eloro, S.A., a subsidiary of Grupo Jumex, to distribute Monster Energy everywhere in Mexico but the Baja region and Sonora, where current distribution agreements will remain in place.

Kohl's, Forever 21 acquire leases for Mervyn's locations
Retailers Kohl's Corp. and Forever 21 Inc. have acquired the leases on 46 locations of bankrupt Hayward-based Mervyn's, including two Inland stores.

Representatives of Kohl's said the retailer will take over the Mervyn's location at 233 S. Mountain Ave. in Upland in 2009. Kohl's has 17 Inland stores.

PMI shows dim outlook for region
Manufacturers in the Inland Empire continue to see a dim outlook for business as they feel the effects of the global economic crisis, according to the most recent Purchasing Managers Index.

The PMI rose to 39.6 in November, up from 35.7 in October, which was the lowest figure since the index was first reported in 1993, according to the Institute of Applied Research at Cal State San Bernardino.

Time: Your most precious commodity
How many times have you sat back in your office chair, looked at the clock and wished you had a 25th, 26th or 27th hour to the day?

We've all been in that position at one time or another.

Our instincts tell us that working harder is the only answer that makes any sense.

I completely disagree. We all have to work smarter, not harder.

Mall owner looks to avert bankruptcy
As mall operator General Growth Properties attempts to refinance loans and avert bankruptcy, observers say the immediate outcome will have no impact on Inland shoppers.

Drew Wetherholt, national retail director in the Ontario office of brokerage firm Marcus & Millichap, said that will remain true even if General Growth is forced to sell off some or all of its malls.

Growth for market-driven higher ed
The Business Press asked some local leaders in the business of education about the potential impact of recently announced enrollment cuts in the University of California and California State systems. Here are some of the responses: What trickle-down impact will the proposed enrollment cuts have, such as on staffing levels or in terms of using part-time lecturers instead of full-time instructors?

Cycle shop rides out recession by fixing old wheels
It would be easy to assume that soaring gas prices sent wave after wave of customers into Cyclery USA's stores in Riverside and Redlands for new bicycles.

Well maybe.

While people may not have been in a hurry to buy new bicycles, they often found their existing bikes in poor mechanical shape. And Cyclery USA was there with open arms.

San Bernardino Cadillac dealer to close
Kennedy Cadillac in San Bernardino, a fixture among Inland auto dealerships since 1946, closed its parts and service departments Dec. 12 and will shut down completely within 30 days, owner Jack Kennedy said.

Eight other local dealers have closed in 2008, half of those in the past six weeks.

Expansion to boost Western's profile
Sometimes among heavyweights it's easy to get lost in the shuffle, and for a lot of its history Pomona's Western University of Health Sciences has been victim to that. But it has now positioned itself to be a major player in educating medical doctors and professionals for the region.

5 new buildings, 3 new colleges planned
Pomona's Western University is undergoing a dramatic transformation with an ambitious building program and launch of three new colleges in the fall of 2009. Those colleges will offer dental, podiatry and optometry instruction. Overall, the university expects to spend about $100 million to build facilities, furnish them and improve existing facilities.

Banfield Veterinary Clinical Center

Ready for face-to-face interview? Maybe after a Botox treatment
In a slumping economy, men are opting to give themselves an edge in the increasingly competitive job market by undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Off-road shop bucks manufacturing trends
While manufacturers in the Inland Empire report a dim outlook for business as they feel the effects of the slumping economy, one custom off-road business in Corona has seen its business grow 10 percent to 20 percent a month since it opened nine months ago.

"Business may be way down in general from two years ago, but we're not seeing it," said Javier Padilla, co-owner of No Limitz Motorsports.

PMI shows dim outlook for region
Manufacturers in the Inland Empire continue to see a dim outlook for business as they feel the effects of the global economic crisis, according to the most recent Purchasing Managers Index.

The PMI rose to 39.6 in November, up from 35.7 in October, which was the lowest figure since the index was first reported in 1993, according to the Institute of Applied Research at Cal State San Bernardino.

Time: Your most precious commodity
How many times have you sat back in your office chair, looked at the clock and wished you had a 25th, 26th or 27th hour to the day?

We've all been in that position at one time or another.

Our instincts tell us that working harder is the only answer that makes any sense.

I completely disagree. We all have to work smarter, not harder.

Growth for market-driven higher ed
The Business Press asked some local leaders in the business of education about the potential impact of recently announced enrollment cuts in the University of California and California State systems. Here are some of the responses: What trickle-down impact will the proposed enrollment cuts have, such as on staffing levels or in terms of using part-time lecturers instead of full-time instructors?

Cycle shop rides out recession by fixing old wheels
It would be easy to assume that soaring gas prices sent wave after wave of customers into Cyclery USA's stores in Riverside and Redlands for new bicycles.

Well maybe.

While people may not have been in a hurry to buy new bicycles, they often found their existing bikes in poor mechanical shape. And Cyclery USA was there with open arms.

San Bernardino Cadillac dealer to close
Kennedy Cadillac in San Bernardino, a fixture among Inland auto dealerships since 1946, closed its parts and service departments Dec. 12 and will shut down completely within 30 days, owner Jack Kennedy said.

Eight other local dealers have closed in 2008, half of those in the past six weeks.

Briefs
Real Estate

Four-building complex sold

An Ontario industrial and office park has been sold for $5.6 million, according to a release from the seller's agent. Airport Tech Center, a four-building complex near South Milliken Avenue and East Airport Drive, is currently 80 percent occupied. Essex Realty Management sold the property to LVSW LLC. Hospitality

12/15/2008

A passion for solar power
Rajan Kasetty and Anoop Mathur are at the point in their careers where they could take it easy -- looking forward to life after work.

That, however, is not in the works for either of them. Instead, they are launching an ambitious new company in Riverside called Terrafore, which was recently awarded a $1.8 million federal grant to develop technology to store solar thermal energy using molten salt.

Southern California Logistics Airport: A brief history
George Air Force Base occupies 5,347 acres and is located about eight miles northeast of Victorville in San Bernardino County. The base was constructed between 1941 and 1943 and closed in December 1992.

How to conserve your resources in tough times
With the economy teetering on the brink of a recession, it's easy to understand the concern business owners have when it comes to spending money.

Victorville possible site for inland port
With the Port of Long Beach moving cargo containers at almost capacity, officials may establish an inland port to facilitate the flow of $100 billion worth of goods throughout the nation.

If Victorville officials have their way, the new inland port would be located at Southern California Logistics Airport.

Is it time to lower builder impact fees?
How to jump-start local housing construction, which was such an important factor in this region's growth over the past 20 years? Among the ideas being considered by the executive committee of the Western Riverside Council of Governments is a temporary reduction in development fees so that local homebuilders can produce affordable new houses.

State's raid of redevelopment funds results in lawsuit and criticism
Earlier this month the California Redevelopment Association and the city of Moreno Valley's Redevelopment Agency filed a lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court seeking to block parts of budget trailer bill AB 1389 on grounds that it is unconstitutional. AB 1389 was approved in September 2008 as part of the 2008/09 budget package and certain sections authorize a one-time raid of $350 million in redevelopment funds. The lawsuit seeks both to invalidate that aspect of AB 1389 and to prohibit the state from forcing county auditors to divert redevelopment funds to finance state obligations.

Home construction returns to Dos Lagos
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos in Corona continues to have allure for some seniors shopping for homes.

After a four-month hiatus, a new phase of residential units has begun construction at the Dos Lagos active adult community Shady Grove.

The construction marks the first time since August that new units are being built.

Comfort in cupcakes
It was almost by accident that Connie Barham got into the mall-based cupcake business, and sometimes it takes an accident to discover her store on the second floor of Temecula's Promenade Mall.

12/08/2008

Discounts cloud holiday outlook for retailers
The 2008 holiday shopping season may not be the disappointment that some retail analysts were predicting back in September.

More than 172 million shoppers throughout the United States visited stores or Web sites during Black Friday weekend, according to the National Retail Federation in Washington, D.C.

OctoClean pumps family pride into business
For the Stowe family there are many things to be proud of with their growing business, including a recent honor for their entrepreneurial spirit, but there are clearly two things that stand above all else.

Address customer satisfaction, loyalty
Do you have a formalized customer satisfaction or loyalty program?

It's a simple enough question, isn't it?

This question isn't so easily answered by a large number of small and medium-sized businesses.

Here are some of the answers I hear on a daily basis directly from both the presidents and business owners of these firms:

Resources available to help struggling businesses
Few are aware of the number of resources available to help businesses located in San Bernardino County. Many business owners have experienced growth so quickly in the past several years that there's been no need. Business has become much more challenging in this economy, and now is a good time to be informed about sources of aid.

Business of gay weddings takes another abrupt turn
"Do you perform same-sex weddings?"

That was the first question a number of marriage-minded gay couples in the Coachella Valley posed to the Rev. Judith Doyle following the California Supreme Court's 4-3 decision in May that lifted the state's ban on same-sex marriages.

Financial impact
PlanetOut, a media and entertainment company that conducts surveys about gay and lesbian consumers, says gay consumers earn 20 percent more than their straight counterparts on average and spend about 10 percent more on nuptials.

AEP expanding its Chino operation
Watson Land Co. has leased 143,877 square feet within the Watson Commerce Center Chino to AEP Industries, Inc.

Caterers hit hard by downturn
The feasting season is slimming down because of belt tightening as catering firms, event planners and meal-assembly franchises choke on the impact of the economic downturn.

11/24/2008

Awards honor spirit, vision
Business and community leaders gathered on Nov. 13 to celebrate and honor nine Inland Empire entrepreneurs and Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Malcolm and Joyce Smith during the sixth Annual Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards. The event recognizes the leadership, innovation and business acumen of entrepreneurs. "Entrepreneurs are the creative force of our economy," said Mike Stull, founding organizer of the event and director of Cal State San Bernardino's Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship. "The entrepreneurs honored at our event not only contribute significantly to our local economy, but they also serve as an inspiration to future entrepreneurs."

Partnership provides more housing details
The Business Press will be partnering with Real Estate Economics to bring readers more narrowly focused information on the local real estate market. A sample of data from the Temecula-Murrieta area can be seen on Page 8.

Free rent for year raises eyebrows
Moshe Silagi is willing to go an extra mile to sign an office tenant.

The developer of the Regency Tower in downtown Riverside, Silagi is offering one year of free rent on his new office properties to certain tenants who are willing to sign at least an eight-year lease with his company, Silagi Development and Management Inc. in Thousand Oaks.

Figuring out when to bend your sales rules
I have always been a proponent of the mantra "discipline equals success." However, I also know that there are exceptions to rules.

Deviating from your sales protocols can certainly lead to dire consequences, but I have recently had two experiences that seem to prove the notion that bending a sales rule can ultimately benefit both you and your client.

Let me share two short anecdotes to make my point.

Retailers aim for jolly sales
Everywhere you look there's bad news, but retailers around Inland Southern California are hoping that a little bit of early cheer will go a long way toward saving the holiday shopping season.

Emerging small-business investment trends
It may come as no surprise that small-business investment trends have generally followed the downward trend in our economy of late.

Credit unions swim, not sink
In the midst of the international finance meltdown, member-supported credit unions are quietly surviving and thriving.

Riverside-based Altura Credit Union expanded with the opening of three new branches.

"We're executing a long-term plan we had in place for many years to basically fill out Riverside County," said Mark Hawkins, president and chief executive officer of the credit union.

Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,

Kimberly Pierceall writes, "Egg-laying hens in California have won the right to have more wing room, but the industry that sells their eggs contends a proposition granting those rights is unclear."

11/17/2008

No crush on wine business
Despite a lull in tourism, business at Temecula wineries hasn't completely soured.

Festivals, expansions and new wineries are helping to keep Temecula's Wine Country on the map.

Prop. 2's impact still debated
Egg-laying hens in California have won the right to have more wing room, but the industry that sells their eggs contends a proposition granting those rights is unclear.

Building permits drop; counties cut back on staffing
In another sign of current economic woes, building permits in Riverside and San Bernardino counties continue to drop. In some cases, it's more like a plummet.

Permit volume in Riverside County is down by more than a third from July through September, the first quarter in the fiscal year, and major planning cases are down by more than half.

People on the move
Construction

Cynthia Bongiovanni has joined General Coatings Corp. in Rancho Cucamonga as business development manager. Bongiovanni most recently was employed at Ticon General Contractors in Santa Ana.

Education

Hansen's 3Q earnings set record
Hansen Natural Corp. continued to record solid profits in the crowded energy drink market, and now the Corona-based company is on the verge of doing it with help from one of the world's best beverage distributors.

Local Mervyns neighbors express fears
As Mervyns department stores nationwide liquidate inventories in preparation of closing in the next few weeks, some local merchants are expressing fear.

"It's obviously going to affect us. It will probably affect a lot of things in this complex," said Natalie Torres, manager of the toy store World Discoveries next door to the Mervyns at Tri-City Center in Redlands.

Ten Basic Elements for Your Business Website
Most of us have had the experience of visiting a bad business website.

Within seconds, you discover that there is no telephone number, no contact information and little or no explanation of exactly what the company does.

It is annoying. . . it is discouraging. . . it is frustrating.

We all have the same reaction.

RCCD's local outreach could benefit many businesses
Squeezed by a constricting economy, local businesses are searching for ways to compete smarter, uncover new business opportunities and raise gross revenues through efficiencies. As part of that retooling, some companies will turn their attention to markets and jobs farther from their home bases. While this is often necessary, Riverside Community College District (RCCD) recently took steps to make sure that local businesses are aware of projects closer to home.

Partnerships, education will slow growth in retail crime
Most people outside of the retail industry are surprised to learn that Organized Retail Crime, known as ORC, costs all California business owners money. Fully 85% of retail establishments will be victims of ORC. Yet non-retail businesses will feel the effects of ORC as well. The FBI estimates that more than $30 billion dollars is lost to ORC theft annually, with $5 billion of those dollars lost in California. As a consequence, the Californians will miss out on $237 million dollars in sales tax due to unpaid merchandise leaving legitimate businesses and entering the market in a criminal manner. With Gov. Schwarzenegger recently announcing that the residents of California must prepare for tax increases and state service cuts, it is clear that the $237 million dollars in tax revenue would come in handy during these difficult financial times.

Alternative financing options
In a rough-and-tumble economy and tight credit market, some small-business owners -- unable to secure a small-business loan or line of credit from a bank -- have been forced to think outside the box to access capital to keep their businesses afloat.

DHL to exit March by end of January
DHL, the German global shipping giant, will stop shipping within the United States on the ground and in the air effective Jan. 30, 2009, according to a recent announcement from the company.

Builders use downturn to urge change in approval process
The Inland building industry is using the downturn in the housing market and economy to push and win major changes in how local government handles new construction.

For more than a year, the Building Industry Association of Riverside County has met with county officials to find ways to make it easier to move through the often complicated and bureaucratic process to gain approval for a new home or development.

Commercial real estate developers
Name

11/10/2008

Ontario industrial buildings leased
Lee & Associates has completed the lease for two industrial buildings in Ontario.

Recession will be deeper, longer for Inland Empire
Excerpts from the 2008 Inland Empire Economic Forecast, presented by Beacon Economics in partnership with the University of Redlands:

Brad Kemp

Director of Regional Research

Beacon Economics

Hire a qualified trainer: Invest to ensure fast start for new hires
Your life as a business person -- arguably, your life as a human being -- can be divided into two roles: that of a teacher or a student. A wise man once advised me to recognize my obligation to the former while relishing the opportunity to indulge in the latter. This is sage advice, no doubt, but how many of us actually incorporate this credo into our daily business lives?

Unrealistic consumer spending hits Inland Empire hard
Excerpts from the 2008 Inland Empire Economic Forecast, presented by Beacon Economics in partnership with the University of Redlands:

Christopher Thornberg

Founding Principal

Beacon Economics

Earnings reports down for area banks; some seek relief from feds
Premier Service Bank reports loss

Ontario CVB revenue up; group nights dip
The Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCVB) ended its fiscal year on June 30, 2008, on a high note in several key areas including rental revenue, lead generation and economic impact to the city of Ontario. Ontario-area hotels, however, began to feel the strains and restrictions of the economy.

Economists: Deep recession needed for sustainable growth
The accuracy of economic forecasting may be no more refined than picking stocks or World Series participants. Tampa Bay Rays, anyone?

But if nothing else, interpretations of data help explain why markets have already reacted as they did. Are economic forecasts of much value? That's certainly debatable. Are forecasts of much interest? Unquestionably.

High debt, lack of credit weaken commercial real estate outlook
While commercial real estate has not been overbuilt as much as residential housing, there are big problems in this arena ahead as well, according to a recent panel at the eighth annual Trigild Lender Conference in San Diego.

Cities hit hard as retail sales fall
As foreclosures plague the housing market and employers reduce their work forces, consumers have changed their spending habits. That has translated into a dramatic decline in retail sales in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, leaving cities to address revenue shortfalls by eliminating positions, laying off employees and considering cuts to public services.

11/07/2008

Briefs
CONSTRUCTION

Vanir appoints president

Vanir Development Co. has appointed Patricia Green as its new president. Green started as a property manager in Vanir's San Bernardino office before moving to the Sacramento headquarters in 1994.

11/10/2008

Datebook
About the Datebook:: Please submit items at least three weeks in advance to The Business Datebook, The Business Press, 3540 14th St., Riverside, CA 92501. Fax: 951-368-9003. Web site: www.thebizpress.com. E-mail: jcarlson@thebizpress.com. Please include the address of the event, cost and contact phone number. For more information on activities in the local business community, see The Business Datebook on The Business Press Online: www.thebizpress.com. Your submission should list: Event, Time, Location, Price, Phone, Sponsor.

11/03/2008

Owners trim staff, costs
The tough economy is unavoidably trickle-down, and small-business owners are feeling the pinch. A recent survey conducted by the United States Federation of Small Business and DYMO Corp. reported that 95 percent of small- and medium-business (SMB) owners feel that their business community has been challenged. Additionally, more than 55 percent of those surveyed reported their own personal business as being "down."

Job climate drives growth in education
About 32,600 more residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties were out of work in September than the year before, according to local economist John Husing.

"It's more of the good, bad and the ugly," Husing said. "The numbers are much higher than average. They are sending a signal, and that signal is that unemployment is becoming a serious issue."

Resorts get makeover
An economic slump calls for new ideas, better planning and better business practices. Palm Springs is home to more than 130 hotels; for three of them, the slump means it's time to renovate.

Debt-to-income ratio among key factors in securing a loan
Purchasing a building is one of the most important times in a business owner's career. It can also be one of the most stressful times if you and your business are not in a favorable position to achieve the financing you desire. If you are thinking about purchasing a building for your business, now is a great time because larger banks are still lending, the rates are still lower than a year ago, and while the price of commercial real estate does not drop like residential, sales are very slow, which gives the buyer the upper hand in negotiations. As long as you make sure these items are in line, you will be in a good position to achieve outstanding rates and terms.

Coachella Valley to get first green retail centers
It's not a new concept in terms of office or residential design and development, but more and more retailers are demanding their stores and shopping centers be built according to LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) design guidelines issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Dart Container in Corona opens region's first foam recycling center
While other environmental issues get the bulk of the headlines, the complex issues of solid waste management and recycling also deserve our collective attention. Since the 1980s the United States has generated a 50 percent increase in municipal solid waste. Fortunately, both consumers and manufacturers have ways available to reduce the volume of waste headed to our nation's landfills, ways that now include polystyrene foam recycling in the Inland Empire.

10/27/2008

Maximizing recovery on your loan: What to do when all else fails?
With the meltdown of the capital markets, industry experts are busy analyzing how the Fed's rescue plan and other global conditions will impact the escalating rate of commercial loan defaults.

11/03/2008

What is LEED?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED recognizes performance in five key areas of human and environmental health:

sustainable site development

water savings

energy efficiency

materials selection

10/27/2008

Chamber takes advocacy role on state props
The Corona Chamber of Commerce is committed to representing the interests of our business community at all levels of government. As leaders in our community, we understand the critical link between economic growth and improving quality of life for everyone.

LOCAL CHAMBER POSITIONS ON STATE PROPOSITIONS
High Speed

Local auto dealers feel credit pinch as sales drop
After enduring a decline in sales due to high gas prices, the region's struggling auto dealers are having to adjust to banks tightening their lending practices, which has eliminated most hopes for a recovery in vehicle sales this year.

10/20/2008

Opinions wanted
The Business Press welcomes Letters to the Editor and Guest Columns. If you would like to write a guest column, please contact editor Nels Jensen at njensen@thebizpress.com.

Stop by the BP booth at the Largest Mixer
Inland Empire's Largest Mixer II on Wednesday will bring together businesses representing hundreds of industries and companies.

Market conditions redefine luxury
In a business dependent on discretionary spending, Heather Broman saw storm clouds gathering a year ago.

"We saw retail sales going down," said the owner of Pawlished Paws Boutique and & Spa in Riverside, where every bath for the pampered pet includes a blueberry facial, deep coat conditioning, cologne and a "pawdicure."

Are you a local expert?
The Business Press is creating 12 local expert panels to help analyze trends, industry news and local business news. We'll send out questions and topics for our panelists, and we'll publish responses on the web site and in print. If you would like to be considered for one of the local expert panels listed below, please send a note to news@thebizpress.com or njensen@thebizpress.com. In addition to providing valuable insight, the panels are a great way to network throughout the region and keep a high profile for your company.

Programs help small businesses lower credit risk
It is definitely hard to obtain conventional bank financing in the current state of the financial markets, credit markets and overall economy.

Retail project underway in Calimesa
Fresh & Easy, Walgreens, Carl's Jr., Subway and Denny's are among the tenants that will open in Calimesa next year in a new retail project that broke ground Oct. 16.

Fertility clinics a growth industry
Since 2005, at least three medical offices specializing in fertility have opened their doors in the Inland Empire.

Three years ago, fertility specialist Paul Magarelli, M.D., sought to change public perception regarding the availability of comprehensive care in Riverside County. After maintaining practices in Colorado and New Mexico, he established the Corona Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Fertility.

Fender's Breckenfeld wrote the book on being cool
Del Breckenfeld is the author of "The Cool Factor: Building Your Brand's Image Through Partnership Marketing" and director of entertainment marketing at Fender Musical Instruments Corp. ( www.fender.com.) Del has worked with The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Tom Hanks and Will Ferrell and television shows such as "Two and a Half Men" and "American Idol." He has also been involved in promotional campaigns with Budweiser and Hewlett-Packard.

Datebook
TUESDAY, OCT. 21

Preparing Your Property for The Market

5:00 - 8:30 p.m. AAGIE Office. 10630 Town Center Drive, Ste. 116, Rancho Cucamonga. $60 member/ $75 non-member. 909-948-0784 ext.14. www.aagie.com

Apartment Association Greater Inland Empire.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22

Business Marketing

The $200 Million Dollar Club
Name

10/13/2008

Stop by the BP booth at the Largest Mixer
Inland Empire's Largest Mixer II will bring together businesses representing hundreds of industries and companies.

10/10/2008

2008 Inland Empire Entrepreneurial Finalists
2008 Inland Empire EntrepreneurialFinalists:

Emerging Entrepreneur

Palbinder Badesha, Express Employment Professionals, Corona

Lucia Gallardo, Inland Empire Auto Body & Paint, Inc., Riverside

Jon Gordon, Clemmy's Ice Cream, Rancho Mirage

Corporate Entrepreneur

Albert Arteaga, LaSalle Medical Associates, San Bernardino

10/13/2008

Are you a local expert?
The Business Press is creating 12 local expert panels to help analyze trends, industry news and local business news. We'll send out questions and topics for our panelists, and we'll publish responses on the web site and in print. If you would like to be considered for one of the local expert panels listed below, please send a note to news@thebizpress.com or njensen@thebizpress.com. In addition to providing valuable insight, the panels are a great way to network throughout the region and keep a high profile for your company.

Affordable multifamily housing opens in Indio and Chino
While multifamily housing transactions have declined recently, the Riverside-San Bernardino county region has seen several affordable multifamily housing projects come online in the second quarter.

Apartments join housing in market slowdown
When the housing market falters, the apartment sector usually benefits. But any gains in the multifamily sector in Riverside and San Bernardino counties have been offset in 2008 by increased competition from an unprecedented number of unsold or foreclosed homes and condominiums.

Energy demands lead to efficiencies and opportunities
The Energy Information Administration, part of the Department of Energy, recently forecasted the world's energy consumption to grow by 50 percent between 2005 and 2030.

Opinions wanted
The Business Press welcomes Letters to the Editor and Guest Columns. If you would like to write a guest column, please contact editor Nels Jensen at njensen@thebizpress.com.

Finalists named for Spirit of Entrepreneur Awards
The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at Cal State San Bernardino has announced the finalists for this year's Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards program. The award recipients will be announced at the Nov. 12 black-tie gala at the Riverside Convention Center.

Prudent approach to consumer loans keeps credit unions from banking mess
In the wake of the failures of IndyMac Bank and Washington Mutual, many consumers are becoming more and more concerned about the soundness of their financial institutions.

Where some financial institutions are reeling from the economy, credit unions are not, according to Daniel Penrod, an industry analyst with the Rancho Cucamonga-based California Credit Union League.

How has the current financial crisis impacted our local credit unions?
How has the current financial crisis impacted our local credit unions?

Rick Hoffman, Inland Empire Credit Union: The current financial crisis has had little impact on Inland Empire Credit Union.

10/06/2008

Tell us what you're testing
Are you pursuing any strategic alliances? What concerns do you have in that area?

What creative marketing approaches are you trying?

What options do you see for loans and financing?

Most business owners remain confident
Some 75 percent of small-business owners across the nation surveyed in a recent poll remain confident about their own future despite concerns about the economy.

Here are more findings from the report, which was released Sept. 22 by the Washington, D.C.-based National Small Business Association:

18 percent of small-business owners leverage their business loans with a second home mortgage.

Are you listening to customers online?
According to Fortune, Dell has 42 employees who spend their workdays engaging with the communities on Facebook, Twitter and other social media to improve its once-stellar customer service. Those Dell employees have learned potential customers spend 99 percent of their time on the Web doing research and just 1 percent actually buying. So the company has tried to dial down the hard sell and become -- or at least appear to become -- more helpful. The first step was to add blogs and message boards in the hope that irate customers will talk to the company rather than gripe to the whole Internet. "If we don't do that at Dell.com, it's going to be on CNET or somewhere," Michael Dell told Fortune. "I'd rather have that conversation in my living room than in somebody else's."

About the panelists
Cathy Grimmer, Sr. Broker Associate & CEO

C.G. Young & Associates

www.young-associates.com

Property Rental Areas: Riverside, Norco, Corona, Lake Elsinore, Orange County

Properties Managed: Exclusive Property Manager with limited homes

Moving on a dime
The upheaval in the residential real estate market has created a variety of challenges and opportunities in the property-management industry.

Creative banking, new types of rental agreements and renovation services are needed to meet the growing demand for rental property. Smart agents, brokers and investors are reaping the reward and may be positioned for more business in the next six months.

Are you a local expert?
The Business Press is creating 12 local expert panels to help analyze trends, industry news and local business news. We'll send out questions and topics for our panelists, and we'll publish responses on the web site and in print. If you would like to be considered for one of the local expert panels listed below, please send a note to news@thebizpress.com or njensen@thebizpress.com. In addition to providing valuable insight, the panels are a great way to network throughout the region and keep a high profile for your company.

Look for more changes in the BP
We're making some exciting changes in The Business Press. Our goal is to create a business hub; a place to gather and exchange timely and useful information.

In addition to local business news, you'll see more insight from industry experts and local business leaders. You'll see more guest columns as well.

10/13/2008

Multifamily housing permits

Datebook
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15

Protecting Your Intellectual Property

6:00- 8:00 p.m. Arlington Library, 6556 Magnolia Ave., Riverside. Free. 951-826-5212.

Small Business Development Center.

Property Management Leasing Training

10/06/2008

Real estate watch
Industrial Snapshot Greater Ontario Airport Area (AUGUST)

Size Category (1,000s of SF)

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Available SF

Availability incl. Under Const.

UC Avail. SF

Completed Construction 09/29/2008 Credit Union For Riverside A credit union for school employees will open a facility in Riverside that will eventually employ 200 people. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, based in Santa Ana has signed a 68-month lease on 22,009 square feet of office space in The Towers at Riverwalk, said Alayne Charlton, senior vice president of member services for SchoolsFirst. 09/25/2008 Region sees medical 'crisis' Southwest Riverside County's population increased 40% in the first eight years of this decade, and that growth is expected to continue to accelerate, especially when the current economic climate improves. Retailers brace for break-even Holiday gift shopping season Retail analyst Richard Giss minced no words when asked to assess prospects for the 2008 holiday shopping season. Overall sales this year are likely to be anywhere from flat to a modest 2% increase compared with 2007, said Giss, a retail analyst with the Los Angeles office of Deloitte, an international retail consulting and accounting firm. 09/21/2008 Water Park for Ontario Final plans for a $20 million water park that will be built near Ontario are expected to be released within the next two weeks, according to an official with the company that is developing the project. A corporate sponsor of the yet-to-be-named water park is expected to be named at that time, said Mark Mitzenmacher, vice president with Liquid Management Group Inc. in Ontario. 09/18/2008 Office market slogs through cycle About 1 million square feet of office space is expected to be completed in Riverside and San Bernardino counties this year, according to a study by Marcus & Millichap. That would be 500,000 square feet less than the office space built in the two-county region during 2007 and might only be the beginning of the drop. Hotels register lack of buyer interest Much like home owners at the beginning of the housing crisis who refused to lower their selling prices, hotel owners looking for bidders are in a tug-of-war with buyers who want a deal, according to midyear sales research from Irvine-based hotel brokerage firm Atlas Hospitality Group. Green jobs may be key to recovery When Fred Noble finds someone to fix his many windmills at the entrance to Palm Springs, it doesn't take long for companies from Norway or Texas to hire them away. Windmill technicians, a $15- to $20-an-hour job, are in high demand worldwide, said Noble, the owner of Wintec Energy. 09/11/2008 Bank remains under fire As the litigation continues to mount, PFF Bank & Trust remains intent on completing its merger. PFF Bancorp Inc., the holding company for the Rancho Cucamonga-based bank, filed a definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of voting on a proposal to approve the proposed merger with FBOP Co., parent company of Cal National Bank. 09/10/2008 Auction houses struggle too For Inland Empire Auction in San Bernardino, the current economic slowdown has been a mixed blessing. The auction house at 420 S. E St. is loaded with household items, including furniture, jewelry, tools and various appliances, much of which likely came from home foreclosures. But a lack of disposable income among the buying public, also keeps overall sales down. 09/15/2008 I-215 Economic Summit focus is jobs, growth A few years ago Interstate 215 between Riverside and Temecula was a centerpiece of development. Dozens of major companies were building distribution centers along this artery, and home builders were enthused about nearby subdivisions. Times and conditions have changed, but the I-215 corridor is still a focal point for new developments, at least one new city and some new ideas. 09/08/2008 Mixed- use project stalled A proposed mixed-use development in Palm Springs that will be the southern anchor of the city's downtown redevelopment effort has been delayed, another victim of the slow housing market. 09/04/2008 High-end malls feel the pinch Victoria Gardens recorded a small year-to-year increase in sales during July, but the jump was "slight," and probably wouldn't be worth noting - and might even be bad news - during a normal economy. Flirting with success in social space Tony Ferraro had to choose: hope to create the next LinkedIn or Facebook -- two popular sites that connect people with friends, coworkers and classmates - or create the software that would enable companies to make their own social networking sites. He opted for the latter. 08/28/2008 Bank dissident quits Cynthia Harriss, one of the five dissident slate members voted onto the Vineyard National Bancorp (Nasdaq: VNBC) board of directors, resigned from her position on Aug. 20, according to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings made public Aug. 25. 09/04/2008 CVB near top of bank analysts' list San Francisco-based market observer Stone & Youngberg released its bank analysis and summary for the second quarter of the year. The report lists 70 banks that the firm tracks, including several Inland banks. Ontario-based CVB Financial Co. (Nasdaq: CVBF) is ranked third overall and first in the Inland Empire. 08/28/2008 Unions labor to gain waning clout A landmark federal law has been the blueprint for labor organizing in America for generations, but frustrated union leaders want to change the process and have targeted the 2008 election as the way to do it. Flat-screen TVs change firm's view Businesses sometimes have to come up with dramatic new products to survive. Mike David saw the handwriting on the wall during the 1990s, when he attended trade shows and conventions for the home electronics industry. 08/20/2008 Bank fires execs The board of directors of Redlands-based 1st Centennial Bank (OTC: FCEN.OB) terminated President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Vessey and Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer John Lang on Aug. 15. The bank reported the terminations in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 08/21/2008 Condos no longer fuel hotels The Ritz Carlton in Rancho Mirage may be behind schedule by a year and over budget by 10%, but the $600 million resort had better timing than most. It achieved its financing during the best of times, not the recent worst of times, says the developer. "We're over that hump," said Jerry Landeck, a senior partner with Gencom Group, which has developed seven Ritz Carltons. High Desert gets out of reach In July, the last concrete wall was erected in a planned 1-million-square-foot warehouse-distribution center at the Southern California Logistics Centre in Victorville. 08/25/2008 Former employees sue PFF Bank What PFF Bank & Trust lacks in capital it more than compensates for in litigation. Former employees have filed suit against the Rancho Cucamonga based-bank at a time when the bank is in the process of settling a lawsuit filed by shareholders in June.   Help Center | Contact Us | Terms of Service | Privacy | Sitemap © 2008 The Press-Enterprise Company