The Business Outreach Committee (BOC), with co-sponsor Contra Costa Supervisor Federal Glover and City of Pittsburg, invites you to learn about the DBE Certification Program, including one-on-one certification assistance.

Date: Thursday, January 19, 2012
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Place: Pittsburg Senior Center
300 Presidio Lane, Pittsburg, CA
For information on taking public transit to the event, please visit http://www.511.org/

WHY ATTEND?
• Learn how a DBE certification can provide you access to federally-funded projects. New federal requirements coming into effect February 2012 make it even more important for your firm to be certified.
• Bring your DBE certification application or questions and receive one-on-one assistance. Download an application at http://www.caltrans.ca.gov/hq/bep/downloads/pdf/DBE_Application.pdf
• Receive information on upcoming projects from BOC member agencies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR DBE CERTIFICATION:
(Go to www.CaliforniaUCP.com for complete details)
• Firm must be at least 51% owned and operated by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
• Firm must be an independent business.
• Only existing for-profit “Small Business Concerns” as defined by the Small Business Act and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations may be certified.
• SBA size standards apply.
• Personal Net Worth (PNW) of socially and economically disadvantaged owners must not exceed $1.32 Million, excluding the individual’s ownership interest in the applicant firm and the equity in his/her primary residence.

To register online or sign up for future newsletters and event information, click link below (or copy to web browser), complete form, then click “submit form”: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dDZWWUg2ZF83blhPeTZSYUI5MXF4c0E6MQ#gid=0. Certifying agencies include BART, SFMTA, Samtrans, and VTA.

Paula’s Family Florist offers more than flower arrangements, prom flowers or floral services for weddings and funerals. They offer decades of experience in the floral industry, more than you might expect from a business who’s been open since 2006.

That’s because when “Family” is the middle name of this business, they mean it. Paula’s family just happens to come with a lifetime of experience in the floral industry.

Paula Franchetto-Trotta grew up in the family floral business, one owned for about 15 years by her grandparents, Emilio and Yolanda Franchetto. Her parents, Bob and Mary Franchetto, then purchased the shop from them and ran it for an additional 35 years. Franchetto-Trotta herself spent many of her years as a youngster at the shop, and even took naps as a young child in the back. Now her own children do the same, in the same shop where she creates her special floral design, as her parents did years ago.

The shop, which Franchetto-Trotta refers to as the “Little Yellow House” on the corner of A and 15th streets in Antioch, has been a floral shop for many years. “My grandparents bought Cottage Florist back in the 1940’s,” said Franchetto-Trotta. “My parents bought it in the 1960’s.” After 35 years her parents sold the business, but her time working at the shop left an impression. Franchetto-Trotta and her husband Chris Trotta started Paula’s Family Florist in the same location her parents shop had been. Her dad, Bob Franchetto comes in daily to help out. “I’ve got my own consultant here every morning.” When he is done helping out at the shop he creates woodwork specialties that have their own section in the shop. Franchetto-Trotta’s mom, Mary Franchetto helps out most weekends as well.

“I help her with all the dances and weddings,” said Franchetto. Although Mary Franchetto works outside of the shop during the week, she tries to plan her time off around the busy times at the shop. “All the major holidays, I try to take them off,” said Franchetto. “Then I’m here:” In fact Paula does between 150-200 weddings a year now. “Weddings are a large part of our business now”. Paula offers free consultations but you do have to call ahead and schedule and appointment. “I enjoy sitting down with my brides and talk color and flowers.”

“Its nice having them here,” said Franchetto-Trotta of her parents three and a half decades in the flower industry. “They just know so much about the business.” Franchetto-Trotta’s husband and co-owner of Paula’s Family Florist, Chris Trotta met Franchetto-Trotta in the first grade, at the same school three of their four children now attend.

The fourth is now in high school but did attend the same school as well. Back in the dating days, he occasionally was asked to help out at the shop, too. “I worked here helping out on holidays then,” said Trotta. He is the one who takes the early drive to the flower markets to stock the shop. “I do the flower buying. I leave Antioch at about 1 am, I love it,” said Trotta. “It’s great because I’m a night owl. There’s no traffic.”

Trotta’s mom Dee Trotta also helps out at the shop. She mostly takes care of the kids now. Paula’s Aunt Marianne also helps out along with many other family members.

“It says ‘family’ on the sign,” said Trotta. “If you are family or considered family we will put you to work.”

According to Franchetto-Trotta, if you haven’t started decorating the house for the holidays and want to use some fresh flowers, there is still plenty of time to come in and pick up some holiday cheer.

“Everyone can afford something, I have something for everybody in everybody’s price range,” she said. “Most of us are last minute people anyway.”

Franchetto-Trotta also says one of her most popular items now is her $5.00 Friday Special. It’s a mixed bunch of flowers she carries every Friday. She has quite a following for those, now.

She also has a full selection of arrangements at any time at the shop for those who want to grab and go or you can call or come in to the shop and discuss what your needs are, and Franchetto-Trotta can help. “If you want huge beautiful displays I can do that too,” she added.

Paula’s Family Florist is located at 1412 A Street in Antioch. To place an order or for more information call 925-756-6000 or visit her website at paulasfamilyflorist.com. (Or see their ad on the right side of this page and click on it to visit their site)

They’re not only young, they are the youngest owners in Contra Costa County and the East Bay operating a successful automotive repair facility.

Fix It Automotive owners Victor Rivera of Antioch and Dietrick Burks of Pittsburg have broken the age barrier in the industry.

But don’t let their ages fool you. They are professionals and have over 50 years of combined experience.

Located in Antioch on West 10th Street, Fix It Automotive is a jewel in the Antioch automotive industry with quality facilities. They’re Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified and also an Automatic Transmission Rebuilder Association (ATRA) certified, full-service repair shop.

Customer service is a big deal to Victor and Dietrick. They provide all types of service and repairs for a customer’s vehicle needs and their service and expertise is phenomenal. Plus, they’re affordable and friendly, too.

“We want to change the automotive industry by providing reasonable prices for automotive repair while bringing back customer confidence,” Victor stated. “Most people have been beaten by other shops and it makes our job harder. We want the community to know they have a safe haven in the automotive industry. That haven is Fix It Automotive.”

“We will always do right by the customer and their vehicle,” Dietrick added. “We give each one the best service and prices. You will definitely be happy, here.”

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce is changing the date of the Antioch Business Mixer from December the 8th to Thursday, December 15th from 5pm – 7pm at Paradise Skate Roller
Rinkl, 1201 W. 10th St., Antioch.

This change is to allow chamber members to participate in the Reception honoring Tom Torlakson for his election to State Superintendent of Public Instruction, which will be celebrated on Thursday, December 8, 2011 with the Mayor and City Council from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Global NxLevel Strategies & The Antioch Community Foundation is pre-registering for its 2012, “Increase your sales by one-million dollars business planning class.” For existing business owners or new startups, this may be your last chance for business development training for Antioch & Pittsburg residents. Due to 2012 funding cuts, this program may know longer be offered.

Why start or expand a business in this economy, because there are opportunities everywhere. The problem with finding the opportunities is a lack of business planning. 1 out of 5 businesses in the “Land of Opportunity” survives. A business owner, who fails to plan, plans to fail!

GNS wants to help you write a winning business plan. By writing your plan, you will work through your strategies; avoid potentially costly errors like undercapitalizing your business, negative cash flow, hiring the wrong people, selecting the wrong location, underestimating your competition, and pursuing the wrong markets.

To remain relevant in an economy that has experienced downsizing and manufacture’s moving to other countries, GNS is inviting you to register for this 11-week business planning program for just $95.

Not an Antioch or Pittsburg resident? The course is Just $395

Class starts Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact Quincy Hardin at 925-209-1584.

When you think of the average workday for a local chemist, you may imagine sterile laboratories, protective clothing and intricate laboratory equipment. However, don’t be surprised if the next time you are boating or fishing in the Delta you meet one of the chemists from the Delta Diablo Sanitation District (DDSD) going about their work safeguarding the environment where protection means a life vest and sunscreen.

DDSD is responsible for collecting and treating wastewater from all homes, businesses, industries in Antioch. After we flush a toilet, shower, run the dishwasher or do a load of laundry, our domestic waste begins a process of physical and biological treatments to remove bacteria’s, chemicals, and other harmful substances before being released back into the Delta.

It is the role of wastewater chemists to perform and or review the laboratory tests necessary to ensure that processed wastewater meets all standards set by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) permit. The NPDES permit details all the federal and state government guidelines DDSD is required to achieve before treated wastewater can be discharged back into the Delta.

Meeting these regulations requires a range of tests and reporting which are required daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually. Failure to meet these guidelines can result in violations and large fines.

Gurmukh Grewal has been a chemist at DDSD since 1990. Recently awarded the Grade IV Laboratory Analyst certification, the highest qualification bestowed by the California Water Environment Association, he is responsible for collecting and processing samples of the wastewater during all stages of the process to ensure that DDSD is in full compliance with its NPDES permit.

Tests are undertaken to determine specific levels of pollutants such as ammonia, pesticides, metals and bacteria. Tests are undertaken at the Plant, but also in sections of the Delta which are only accessible by boat. Testing done on the Delta is to ensure treated wastewater discharge doesn’t have any negative impact on our local ecosystems.

According to Grewal, “Even after 21 years, every test I undertake is challenging to ensure we are fully protecting the Delta”.

Treating wastewater requires the commitment of highly skilled worked to continually meet the increasing stringent regulations. This past summer DDSD was awarded the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), Platinum 7 Peak Performance Awards recognizing zero discharge violations over seven consecutive years. Achieved by only 1% of wastewater treatment operations nation-wide, this award acknowledges public wastewater treatment facilities for 100% operating compliance with its NPDES permit.

Antioch Chamber and the Antioch School District is co-hosting a FREE work study session to discuss the Linked Learning Pathway initiative and involvement of local businesses and community members on Tuesday November 15, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is a Free Event and Lunch is Provided.

Staff from the District will provide an overview and answer questions regarding the Linked Learning Initiative. We will also participate in an activity that will gather and identify expectations that we have for our students in Antioch. The Linked Learning initiative refers to this expectation as pathway outcomes or a “graduate profile.”

This exciting event will provide a focused opportunity to discuss and develop a set of outcomes for our students in Antioch. This process will provide valuable input into the Districts efforts.

We still have about 8 spots available before we close registration – so if you are interested in attending and having your business represented, please RSVP as registration is first come, first serve.

Event Location will be provided to registered attendees only.

Antioch Chamber of Commerce
antiochchamberchair@gmail.com
925-757-1800

Many of us could use a “second opinion” when we search through our holiday decorations in storage. What should we use this year? What would look nice together? How can we make our displays more modern?

Cindy Lin, a longtime Bay area home stager, is ready to respond to your questions – and for free – Dec. 3 and 4 at Empire Shopping Center, 5875 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, 1-4 p.m. each day at the Kirkland’s décor store. Kirkland’s is a new home décor store there, and it’s the first of its kind in the Bay area. Lin is the special guest designer for the store’s grand opening that weekend.

Lin will answer general questions décor questions about a room in need of assistance. Her advice is one-on-one, for 10 to 15 minutes per person.

It’s basically, “playing up the strengths and beauty of your home,” Lin said of how holiday staging (and any home staging) works. Lin’s own Bay area staging business is called Staged4More (at Staged4More.com).

And while Lin mainly stages houses to sell throughout the Bay area (adding the right amount of furnishings to a home to appeal to multiple types of home buyers), redesigning homes to make better use of owners’ own space for family and friends is a passion, especially at this time of year.

There’s no better way to start thinking about redesign than with all of our treasured holiday décor. Lin’s general tips for staging also apply to holiday, so here are a few ideas that can help with that red-white-and green decor:

· Color is essential – but not too much. “We need colors to make the space looks interesting but not so much color it overwhelms,” Lin said.

· Display and furniture have to be balanced. Too much, and you have the “overcrowded furniture showroom” effect, Lin said.

· Staging, whether it’s holiday displays or to sell a home, does not have to be costly.

At this free event, Cindy asks that people bring a few digital photos of the boxes for holiday display, photos of the areas where the displays will go, or general photos and questions for a key room in your house.