We love our members all year round, and we’ll be showing it with root beer floats, hot dogs, and Budweiser beer on Friday, April 3rd, from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Visalia Chamber of Commerce.

This month and next, the Governmental Affairs Council (GAC) will be debating whether to support or oppose the propositions that were recently placed on the special May elec-tion ballot.

Every day, we are asked by someone what the Chamber is doing to help local businesses survive the current economic downturn.

During these tough economic times, many business owners are asking themselves if now is the right time to approach a lender.

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced recently that it will make two important changes as part of President Barack Obama’s economic recovery plan.

During tough economic times, businesses must find strategies to run more efficiently while remaining competitive.  One strategy is to outsource the labor expenses to a qualified staffing agency to manage risk and remain flexible and cost-conscious through the adoption of predictable labor costs.

On February 20, 2009 the 2008-9 Sequoia Regional Leadership class, led by day session leaders, Sheri O'Hara (Marriott Hotel) and Christy Martinez (Jo-Ann Distribution Center) experienced a day being educated on the Legal Systems in Tulare County and on Ethics.

The state legislature adopted a budget this past month, but uncertainty still dominates the feelings among local and state school officials.

Now that Barrack Obama has become President, employers can expect to be in for a bumpy ride.  President Obama has already voiced his support for proposed labor laws such as the Re-Empowerment of Skilled and Professional and Construction Tradesworkers (RESPECT) Act, which would shift the balance of power between unions and employers in favor of the unions.

Donors will receive a commemorative T-shirt featuring artwork by local artist Claudia Fletcher, along with rodeo performance discounts and the chance to meet champion cowboys & rodeo royalty!