Network with business and community leaders and provide ideas for new programs at the Visalia Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting happening Thursday, April 29th at the Visalia Marriott.  Please join us for our annual meeting (previously known as the “State of the Chamber”) and recognize the stars of the community and business arena and begin planning for a brand new fiscal year.  Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Visalia Marriott and the cost is $25 for members and $40 for non-members.

As I write this column, leaders from the Chamber, City, and other businesses and organizations are engaged in a vigorous and important dialogue about what steps can be taken to help stimulate our economy.   The final shape of that program will emerge over the next several weeks and will, by necessity, include compromises by all to create a program that works.   It’s important to recognize that there are fundamental differences in approach and philosophy at work and those involved are working hard to find common ground.

Pacific Employers and the Central California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) take pride in presenting the 2010 Labor Relations Seminar Series.

Leadership Visalia convened on 02/19/10 for a Day Session on Understanding the Interrelatedness of Legal and Service Sectors.  Leadership Visalia was honored to receive several of the most exemplary Leaders of the Community.  Fellow Classmates, involved in the legal system themselves, enriched the experience further by giving Craft Talks.

Ten minutes of time; ten years of impact. It takes just 10 minutes to complete the 2010 Census Form that will shape our community for the next 10 years.

If you are a parent or teacher, you have no doubt heard this question barked out, usually in a frustrated tone, coming from your teen or pre-teen as they encounter their first experience with abstract concepts.  As educators, we strive on a daily basis to better understand how people learn in an effort to make learning more meaningful, relevant, and fun.  Learning is way more complex than we are willing to admit; and most of us teach the way we were taught.  As teachers, today’s society creates new demands on us as we compete with unprecedented stimuli coming at kids through mass media, information, and pop culture.

Family businesses are an often overlooked form of ownership. Yet they are all around us—from neighborhood mom-and-pop stores and the millions of small and midsize companies that underpin many economies to household names such as BMW, Samsung, and Wal-Mart Stores.

The Visalia Rawhide, Tulare County’s only professional sports team, is excited and gearing up for the 2010 season!  A new season brings new promotions and events for fans of all ages!

The Clovis Rodeo Association, KISS Country Radio and the Central California Blood Center are preparing for the 10th Annual Rodeo Blood Drive and inviting the community to ride on in to the Visalia Donor Center on 1515 S. Mooney Boulevard and take part in a great, western life-saving tradition – Thursday, April 22.

Regardless of the economic climate, two elements remain vital to running a successful business: trimming costs and increasing employee productivity.  My business can help you with both.