Jim Clay, Vasili Millias, Lisa Kennedy and Janet Aceves

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce named accounting firm Clay, Millias & Company Small Business of the Year for 2011, at their annual gala on Friday night, March 9, 2012.

For many years, Clay, Millias & Company, has been supporting the community through their pro bono work on behalf of nonprofits. They have provided accounting services for approximately 18 local organizations.

The firm has been in existence for over 60 years and currently supports, on a pro bono basis, 12 nonprofits. Depending on the nonprofit needs, the Clay & Millias team, which includes Lisa Kennedy, prepares tax returns, payroll filings and Lisa is always willing go over and beyond to ensure their pro bono clients understand their books, accounting software and all that is needed to ensure their organization is in compliance with State and Federal laws. When there is a change in leadership in a nonprofit organization the Clay & Millias team is front and center to help go through the organization’s financials and teach the new executive director how to continue the business. It is amazing how quickly a nonprofit can get into hot water without the knowledge and support that the Clay Millias team provides.

Jim Clay received his Bachelors of Science degree from Armstrong College in Berkeley, California in June of 1980. After graduation he became employed with a local CPA firm in Pinole, CA until July of 1982 when he joined the practice. In 1983 he became a partner in the firm shortly after becoming a Certified Public Accountant. In addition to his public accounting experience he has been an instructor of Intermediate Accounting and Federal Taxation and other courses. Over the years he has also participated in various community service organizations and projects.

Vasili Millias graduated in 1982 with honors from California State University at Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Upon completion of his degree, Vasili was employed by Schrambling & Chu CPA’s as a tax accountant and auditor until 1984 in which he then went to work for Price Waterhouse. At Price Waterhouse, Vasili worked as an auditor and tax consultant for both individuals and businesses of various sizes.

Vasili joined the firm in 1989 and two years later he became a partner. With over 27 years of public accounting experience, Vasili has acquired a broad skill set that includes supervised auditing, computer consulting, and tax engagements for clients in a wide range of activities. These engagements have included companies’ large and small, in the fields of retailing, professional services, real estate, governmental, and non-profit entities. In addition to being a principal of the firm, Vasili is also a faculty member at both Diablo Valley Community College and Los Medanos Community College where he teaches courses in accounting and accounting computer software.

SALVATION ARMY RIBBON CUTTING
The Salvation Army’s ribbon cutting has been changed to between 4:00 and 4:30 pm followed by refreshments and tours. They won’t be walking from their old location to their new location as stated in our earlier email.

Sunday March 4th, 2012 from 4:00pm at their new location: 620 East Tregallas Road, Antioch Ca 94509

Antioch Chamber Inaugural Gala – March 9th

Date: Friday, March 9, 2012
Time: 6pm Social Hour, 7pm Dinner
Where: Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center
4800 Golf Course Road
Antioch CA 94531
Register Online on the Antioch Chamber Gala Event Page on the Antioch Chamber website.

Delta Toastmasters Open House March 6th

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Would you like to become a better speaker? Toastmasters can help you! Attend the Delta Toastmasters upcoming open house and meet great people that strive to improve on their speaking skills. Food and refreshments will be provided.

When: Tuesday, March 6, 1012
Where: Mimi’s Café
5705 Lone Tree Way Antioch, CA 94531
Time: 7AM – 9AM
Meeting: 7:10am – 8:10am
Social time: 8:10am – 9:00am

Sponsored by The Wright Start Wellness Center & Mountain Mike’s Pizza by Raley’s on Lone Tree.

Just a quick reminder to join us for Antioch Chamber Business Mixer and The Wright Start Family Wellness Center’s Ribbon Cutting on Feb. 23 from 5pm – 7pm. Bring plenty of business cards, network, meet new members and reconnect with current participants in the Antioch business community.

Location: The Wright Start Family Wellness Center, 3432 Hillcrest Avenue, Antioch, CA 94531

See you there! Antioch Chamber of Commerce, www.antiochchamber.com.

Vasant Lad, BAMS, MASc, world-renowned Ayurveda Physician, scholar and teacher, will be giving a weekend workshop on “Ayurvedic Principles for Body, Mind and Spirit March 16-18. Shri Anandi Ma, Self-realized master of the ancient yoga lineage of Kundalini Maha Yoga will join Vasant Lad for this workshop.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that means “Science of Life.” It is probably the oldest authentically recorded healing science in existence, having been practiced throughout India for over 5,000 years. Its knowledge is empowering and timely. Ayurveda seeks to understand and correct imbalances and to restore the innate intelligence and harmony of the individual through diet, herbal medicines, lifestyle changes and other treatments.

It creates balance within and around us. It is a simple, practical science of life whose principles are universally applicable to each individual’s daily existence. Ayurveda speaks to every element and facet of human life, offering guidance that has been tested and refined over many centuries to all those who seek greater harmony, peace and longevity.

We are thrilled that Vasant Lad will be traveling to our Center in Antioch from his base at the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuqueque, NM.

By Ray Faulkenberry

Steven Siegfried, CEO of Abbey Carpet, has been pushing a little toy truck out in front of store for over 20 years. People will often wonder where Steve’s place of business is located. When Steve tells them, they will invariably state, “Oh, you’re behind where that cool little car sits.” It’s funny in how they miss the huge sign but can see the little car that sits out front.

Located at 1802 Verne Roberts Circle, off Costco Way in Antioch, Abbey Carpet been serving Antioch and its neighbors since 1981. Steve’s two key staff members have been with him for over 23 years. Brad Russell, a jolly fellow with a great smile, was a carpet installer for Steve, and their relationship grew to where Brad is now the Store Manager. Jenny McClinton, Operations Manager, is a sweet soul who provides the magic ingredient of a female touch to balance the team.

I was immediately taken on a tour of the store by Steve, whose energy and enthusiasm for his business and the community is boundless. They pride themselves on a level of customer service and honesty that is just not very common in business these days. Steve and his team have survived all these years when other carpet and flooring businesses have fallen by the wayside.
How have they achieved this?

“Very simply,” said Steve. “We treat our customers like family and our customer service sets us apart. When there is a problem, we don’t contract it out to someone to go and fix it. You’ll get me or Brad out there and we will make sure things are taken care of ourselves. We have a 100% guarantee on our labor and we stand by it. We’re not here to get rich. If we can make enough money to survive, provide for our family and basic needs, we’re doing fine.”

Listening to Steve, Jenny and Brad poke fun at each other, laugh and talk about life made me long for the work environment where it was employer and employee but friends who truly care about each other who came together to not only do business but to enjoy each other’s company as well.

Many places have great ads that promise low cost and installation for only $99. However, what looks to be an incredible deal often ends up being 2 to 3 times higher than the ad’s price.

“I’m not wanting to make enemies, but most carpet and flooring places place a price on their carpet or flooring, but that is without pads, labor, and other materials,” said Steve. “By the time you add up all of the other expenses to go along with the cost of the carpet or flooring, you get a very different price than you were expecting.

“Every (Abbey) carpet price you see includes all materials, top-of-the-line padding, installation … everything. There is no hidden cost. We do one thing – we provide carpet and flooring. We don’t try and do what we’re not skilled at. We are still here for one reason – we do honest business and we treat our customers like family.”

Steve, Brad and Jenny are good souls who work together to serve Antioch and the surrounding community. I love their honest, straight-from-the-hip communication style.

I know from experience what it is like to try and get a straight price from a flooring store, and have come away every time disillusioned. We haven’t yet replaced our carpet or flooring in the house. At least I know where I’m heading when we need get ready to buy. I’m heading for that place right behind the cool little toy truck out front.

Ray Faulkenberry, Ph.D. is a business analyst, consultant, author, coach, and entrepreneur. Log onto his website and receive his books on success, leadership, and transformation for free. He can be reached at www.rayfaulkenberry.com or rayfaulkenberry@comcast.net.

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the date has been set for the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Inaugural Gala and Recognition Dinner. This premier event will be held on Friday, March 9, 2012 at the Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center.

The evening includes the installation of the 2012 ACOC Board of Directors as well as awarding Antioch’s Citizen, Business and Youth of the Year for 2011. Categories for recognition awards are: Citizen of the Year – lifetime achievement and most impact; Business of the Year – large and small; and Youth of the Year.

Nominations are due by February 10. Tickets are on sale now – $70 per person; reserved tables for 8 are $575. Silent Auction and our famous Balloon Pop are part of this not-to-be-missed evening. More information and nomination forms are available by calling the Antioch Chamber of Commerce at 925-757-1800 or obtaining the forms on-line at www.antiochchamber.com.

Wild Orchids is Being Reborn

Wild Orchids The Salon invites everyone to attend their Hair Show and Party on Saturday, February 25 at MFB Mutiny, 422 West Second Street, Rivertown, Antioch.

Every hairdresser in the salon will be creating an image on their model from fantasy to everyday wear., and wedding bride hair and makeup by top makeup artists in our area.

This ‘Red Carpet Event’ will have a circus theme featuring three circus fantasy models, with one being painted by Chris Bustos, hair by Lori Lopez, costumes by Misty Jones, Jeans by Ann, a special appearance by model Brittany Dixie Cervantes – 107.7 The Bone Rock Girl, Delta Funk DJ upstairs and DJ Flip downstairs, and special drinks by the Wild Orchids ladies.

Plus enjoy a live photo shoot by photographer Jellyfish Jones. Watch how they create an image. Also, they will be selling cool, homemade stuff from Reincarnation by KAT.

The event starts at 8:30 p.m., Circus Act at 10 p.m. and Dance Off Contest at 10:30 p.m. – 1st place wins $50!

There’s a $5 cover charge which benefits Wild Orchids’ educational account!

Lori Lopez has built a team of top stylists who not only continue their education in-salon but travel to New York, Santa Monica and Dallas for personal training from experts. They take 4-5 day hands-on courses. An international platform artist for 16 years, teaching Tigi color and haircutting, Lopez created a place where they are always ahead of the times. Color, cutting, hair extensions, Brazilian blowouts and more. Customer service is their main goal.

Lopez has done hair for the Backstreet Boys, Bridgett and Holly from the Girls Next Door, hair for the Grammys, Chanel 5 news anchor John Kesslers hair, the hair for Miss Philippines and she was hired by rapper Nelly for the launch of Apple Bottom, just to name a few.

So you can see that they work on skills from Antioch to Hollywood!

For more information about the salon, contact Lori Lopez at 756-0666 or visit www.wildorchidsthesalon.com.

The Antioch Herald is seeking five advertising sales representatives for immediate hire.  Have fun, make money, work in town, while helping promote local businesses and grow our local economy.

To set up an interview, contact Sales Manager Jaclyn Childs, today at (925) 822-4248.  Commission only. Sales experience preferred.