Free Coffee at Florin Road McDonald's Restaurants

Ring in the new year with a FREE cup of joe at Sacramento-area McDonald's restaurants!

Starting Monday, January 2, 2012 through Sunday, January 15, you can get a free, small cup of coffee during business hours with no purchase necessary. 

There are 3 McDonald's restaurants in our business district:

• 2335 Florin Road (near 24th Street)
• 4124 Florin Road (at Southgate Plaza)
• 6091 Florin Road (at Florin Towne Centre).

Meet 'n Greet Central Division Sheriff's Administration

Mark Your Calendars!

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Dept. Central Division is hosting a Meet 'n Greet on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.  Drop in anytime between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm at the Central Division Substation's Community Room, located at 7000 65th Street, Sacramento. 

You'll have the opportunity to meet the division's new administration:  Captain Tracy Petrie, Commander, Lt. Chet Madison, Assistant Commander, and Sgt. Ray Duncan, POP Supervisor. 

Light refreshments will be provided.  For more information, please call Laura Grossman, Crime Prevention Specialist, at 916-876-8322.

Florin Road is Ready for the Holidays - Are You?

We're ready for the holidays - are you? 

 Lots of great deals & discounts await you at nearly

500 Florin Road corridor merchants.

While you're here, check out our holiday decorations!

Bus Driver, Move That Bus!

Pending Congressional funding, the Sacramento Regional Transit District may restore some night service beginning in April 2012.  In preparation for this, RT is recruiting bus operators for a wait list. 

Job applications are available online at http://www.sacrt.com/ and at RT's human resources department, 2830 G Street, Sacramento.  The recruitment period will last through November 16, 2011.  For more information, call RT's 24-hour jobline at 916-321-3806.

Same Space, New Name

U-Store-It self storage is now CubeSmart.  They have two locations in our business district, at 7245 55^th Street and at 2620 Florin Road, Sacramento. 

CubeSmart offers mini-storage units, furniture storage space, covered and dry boat storage, vehicle storage, moving and storage supplies, and more.  They can also accommodate national accounts and commercial storage. 

For a limited time, CubeSmart is offering up to 15% off their prices and two months rent free.  For more information, visit http://www.cubesmart.com.

A Cornucopia of Business Events

What:  Connectionopolis.  Learn how to acquire new prospects, expand your business contacts, and identify business trends.  Presented by the Sacramento Business Journal with speaker Alejandro Reyes, founder of Winning Local.

When:  Tuesday, November 15, 2011, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Where:  Hampton Inn and Suites, 2305 Longport Ct., Elk Grove.

How:  Pre-register at http://www.bizjournalevents.com.  For more info, call 916-558-7881 or email rbazaz@bizjournals.com.

What:  Small Business Success and Sustainability Symposium & Luncheon.  Interact with business leaders, change agents, and key innovators to prepare your company for a world where profit, people, and the environment connect. 

When:  Thursday, November 17, 2011, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Where:  Cal EPA Headquarters, 1001 “I” Street, Sacramento.

How:  Register by November 10 for only $20 (lunch included).  Visit http://jadegreencommunity.com/Contact-Us.html

What:  Utilize the Library as a Powerful Business Resource.  A seminar on how to best use library resources to identify potential customers and competitors, research neighborhoods and companies, access market research, and more.   Presented by two librarians from the Sacramento Public Library.

When:  Thursday, November 17, 2011, from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

Where:  Sacramento Metro Chamber, One Capitol Mall, Suite 300, Sacramento.

How:  For more info or to register, call 916-319-4273 or visit http://www.saclibrary.org

What:  The 10 Components to Creating Business Success.  Presented by the Sacramento Business Journal.  Interactive training with sales expert Jason Everett.  $99 fee includes dinner and a one-year Business Journal subscription.

When:  Thursday, November 17, 2011, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Where:  The Citizen Hotel, 926 J St., Sacramento.

How:  Pre-register at http://www.bizjournalevents.com.

RadioShack Recycles

You know that you’re not supposed to throw old batteries and cellphones into the trash, right?  But you don’t want them lying around the house, either.  So what should you do?  Take them to RadioShack! 

The Shack accepts many types of rechargeable batteries for recycling (sorry, no alkaline, lithium non-rechargeable or wet-cell batteries.)  And they accept any and all wireless phones for recycling – regardless of their condition and with or without their chargers. 

For more information, please visit http://www.radioshackcorporation.com/citizenship/battery.php.  And be sure to visit our local Radio Shack store at 6029 Florin Road, Suite 100, in Florin Towne Centre.

Shop Big or Small - We've Got It All!

Looking for a particular merchant or type of business
on the Florin Road Corridor? 

Our downloadable Merchant Directory features nearly 500 businesses in an Excel spreadsheet.  We've got everything from large chain stores and internationally-known restaurants to small mom-and-pop shops and eateries, schools, worship centers, government offices, and more.

Just visit the "Directory" page of our website at http://www.florinroad.com/.  On that page you can also download our District Map and check out each month's Featured Business.

Playgrounds Cost a Fortune, But are Worth Every Penny

The Fortune School, a public charter school serving grades K-3, recently opened in Stockton Square Plaza at 6829 Stockton Boulevard (at 65th Street) in Sacramento.

Although the school offers indoor yoga classes, they do not have a playground for the children.  They have already raised $16,000 towards their goal of $30,000 to build one.  The school is asking for your financial support as well as volunteers to help build the playground over the MLK Day weekend of January 14-16, 2012.

For more information, or to sponsor, please contact Carmy Preston at cpreston@fortuneschool.us or call 916-924-8633.

November Events & Seminars for Small Biz

What:  The Impact of Cal/OSHA and Labor Laws on Your Business.  Free seminar sponsored by State Compensation Insurance Fund.
When:  Wednesday, November 2, 2011, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Registration and complimentary continental breakfast at 7:30 am.
Where:  Hilton Sacramento – Arden West, 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento.  Free parking.
How:  Register online at www.statefundca.com or by calling Steve Heller at 916-567-4800.

What:  Navigating Health Insurance Options for Businesses.  Free seminar sponsored by Paychex.
When:  Wednesday, November 2, 2011, from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm ET. 
Where:  Online.
How:  Register at www.paychexinsurance.com/seminars.aspx

What:  The Connecting Point.  Workshops, panel discussions, small business resources and networking opportunities. Free admission.
When:  Thursday, November 3, 2011, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.  Registration is at 8:30 am. 
Where:  Citrus Heights Community Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive, Citrus Heights.  Free parking.
How:  Register at www.dot.ca.gov/dist3/sbevent

What:  State of Small Business.  Leading economists and a panel of experts will speak about healthcare-related opportunities for small biz, clean tech, venture capital funding, international trade/exports, and more.
When:  Thursday, November 3, 2011, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Where:  Citrus Heights Community Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive, Citrus Heights.  Free parking.
How:  Contact Gordon Hinkle at 916-446-7883 or email ghinkle@calasiancc.org.

What:  401(K) – A Retirement Plan Option and A Well Written Handbook May Help You Manage Risk.  Free seminar sponsored by Paychex. 
When:  Tuesday, November 8, 2011, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Where:  In your local Paychex office or a nearby location.
How:  Register online at www.paychex.com/localseminars or call toll free 1-877-321-8581.

What:  The 10 Components to Creating Business Success.  Hosted by the Sacramento Business Journal.  Includes training with sales expert Jason Everett, dinner, and a one-year Business Journal subscription.  
When:  Thursday, November 17, 2011, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Where:  Citizen Hotel, 926 J St., Sacramento.
How:  Contact Ruvi Bazaz at 916-558-7881 or rbazaz@bizjournals.com to register.

What:  Social Media Marketing Made Simple, presented by Karen Rice of Constant Contact and hosted by The Personal Assistant. 
When:  Friday, November 18, 2011, from noon to 2:30 pm.
Where:  Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel and Event Center, 6920 Destiny Drive, Rocklin.
How:  Register at www.thepersonalassistant.com/news.

Don't Delay - Reach More Customers Today!

Florin Road corridor merchants can be a "Featured Business" on our website and
reach more than 1,000 unique visitors each month - for FREE! 

Just download the submission form from the "Directory" page of our website at http://www.florinroad.com/. Then tell us in 100 words or less what makes your business unique:  your merchandise, multilingual employees, extended hours, etc.  Return the form to us by email, fax, or snail-mail.

Each month we'll randomly select several businesses from the submissions received.  These businesses will be profiled on http://www.florinroad.com/ using the information provided.  (All submissions may be edited for space and clarity.)  We'll also take a photo of your business and include it in the profile.  You'll be notified if your business is selected.

This special FREE promotion is only available to merchants within
the Florin Road Business Improvement District.  

Over 100 businesses have been featured so far.

What are you waiting for?

Don’t Stop Celebrating!

Congratulations to Smog Stop on their 20^th Anniversary! 

Visit their test only station at 4750 Florin Road, Sacramento (between IHOP and Chevron).  And be sure to get your discount coupon in the PennySaver.  For more information about Smog Stop’s services, call them at 916-393-1448.

Are you a Florin Road Corridor merchant who’s celebrating a business anniversary?  Whether it’s 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, or more, we want to hear from you!  Help us help YOU celebrate your success. 

These Boots are Made for Walkin’

A recent survey of over 1,000 American adults reported that 64% said they had walked out of a store due to poor service (source:  Consumer Reports, Sacramento Business Journal 8/19/11). 

The top 5 customer complaints:

#1:  Rude sales staff
#2:  Pushy sales staff
#3:  Sales person unavailable
#4:  Wait at checkout or counter
#5:  Wait for scheduled repair.

What makes YOU want to walk (maybe even run) out of a store? 

Catch Me If You Can

The Sacramento Employers Advisory Council and the Employment Development Department are hosting a full-day seminar to show employers how to minimize the loss and liability associated with technology. 

“From Twitter to Facebook:  Avoiding the Risks of Today’s High-Tech Workforce” will be held on Monday, October 24, 2011 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, at the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza at 300 J Street, Sacramento.  Register at www.saceac.com.

A To-Riffic New Eatery Has Arrived!

Billing itself as the “Best Korean Restaurant in Town!!”, 88 Tofu has opened in Pacific Plaza at 6914 65^th Street, Suite 301, Sacramento (across from Walmart). 

They’re open 7 days a week and feature a menu of tofu soups and USDA choice grade meats with no MSG.  For more information, please call them at 916-421-0888.

Get Your Edge Back

The California Employers Association and the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency are hosting the Professional Edge Workshop Series for unemployed/underemployed Sacramento area professionals. 

Topics include job search and interview strategies, social media, and personal branding.  The workshops are 9 am to noon every Thursday from October 20 through December 15 at 925 Del Paso Boulevard, Sacramento.  For more info, visit www.employers.org.

A Golden Opportunity

Now through October 27, 2011, the Golden 1 Credit Union is hosting FREE workshops and webinars to help you plan your financial future. 

For more info, visit www.golden1.com and click on “Achieve Your Goals” or call 916-732-2900.

Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet

The public is invited to attend the Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet Job and Resource Fair on Thursday, October 20, 2011.  The event will be held from 10 am to 3 pm at the Garden Pavilion, 5640 Dudley Blvd., McClellan. 

The fair is sponsored by various federal, state, local and private organizations within Sacramento, Yolo, Placer and El Dorado counties.  For more information, call 916-227-2152.

Are California Small Businesses Anti-social?

The October 14, 2011 edition of the Sacramento Business Journal reported that small business owners in California were less likely than business owners in other states to believe that social media was helping them.  According to a study by the American Express OPEN Small Business Monitor, 55% of the California small business owners surveyed viewed social media as a waste of time or burdensome.

Are you a Florin Road Corridor small business who has used or is currently using social media to promote your business?  If so, we’d like to hear from you!  What social media outlets have you tried?  Did social media help or hinder your business?  What advice would you give to other merchants in our district who are considering using social media?

The Florin Road Corridor Is On Fire!

The Florin Road Partnership proudly welcomes Firehouse Crawfish to our business district!  Joining the more than 75 eateries in our area, Firehouse Crawfish adds to the diversity of dining choices that await you.

Don’t miss their Happy Hour, from 3 pm to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. 

For more information, please call 916-429-9034 or visit Firehouse Crawfish at 6519 Savings Place, Sacramento.  They’re in Lotus Plaza, at the corner of 65^th Street and Savings Place.

New City Council District Boundaries

The Sacramento City Council recently approved new Council district boundaries.  These take effect today, Thursday, October 6, 2011. 

A map of the new districts and the staff report with the adopted ordinance are available at http://www.cityofsacramento.org/redistricting.

Celebrate Sacramento was a Success!

Children and adults wanted to meet the friendly State Farm mascot at the Celebrate Sacramento Festival on Saturday, October 1, 2011. 

The event was presented by Assemblymember Roger Dickinson and Sacramento City Vice Mayor Bonnie Pannell.  Over 2,500 area residents and their families attended the five-hour celebration at the Florin Road Light Rail Station.  The Florin Road Partnership is proud to have sponsored this event.  We hope the festival will return to our district again next year for even more fun.

There was plenty to see and do, with vendor booths, informational displays from government agencies and non-profits, children's activities, and of course, yummy food and great music.

Many thanks to the event organizers, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, performers, and attendees for making this event a success!  And a special thank you to Mother Nature for keeping the rain at bay!

City of Sacramento Online Survey for Utility Customers

The City of Sacramento Department of Utilities is seeking residential and commercial customer input on the department’s future services, programs and priorities.

The department provides city commercial water, sewer, drainage and related services, residential garbage, recycling, and solid waste services.    Increased federal and state mandates, including  water meters and water quality requirements, have left less discretionary funds for projects such as improvements to aging pipes. This in turn has impacted services offered to customers.

If you are a Sacramento city business or residential customer, please complete the survey by visiting http://www.YourUtilitiesYourVoice.com by October 3, 2011.  The department will also make presentations to community groups upon request.  For more information, please email info@yourutilitiesyourvoice.com. 

Stay Up-to-Date with EDD

It’s easier than ever to stay updated and informed abut programs and services offered by California’s Employment Development Department. 

Their FREE email subscription services provide the latest information about forms and publications, events, and announcements.  This includes:

·        Employment and Payroll Tax Information

·        Labor Market Information

·        Paid Family Leave Information

·        Workforce Investment Act and Wagner-Peyser Act.

To subscribe, go to the EDD home page at www.edd.ca.gov and select “Get E-mail Notices”, then select the option “I want to subscribe”.

FREE Tech Training for Small Biz & Start-Ups

Take your business to the next level with FREE technology training through California Resources and Training (CARAT). 
CARAT was founded in 1994 to integrate and build the capacity of the technical assistance industry in California. They will provide free technology training to small businesses through March 2012, covering topics such as:

·        Collaboration Management

·        Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

·        E-Marketing

·        E-Commerce

·        E-Procurement

·        Online Communications

·        Online Financial Management

·        Purchasing and Inventory Management

·        Website Development

·        Project Management Tools.

These trainings are designed for Existing Small Businesses, Home Based Businesses, Microenterprises, and Start Up Businesses. 
You can benefit by getting big business solutions for your small business, expanding your market presence, reaching new customers, managing operations, and making money through investment in technology. 

Visit http://www.caratnet.org for the training calendar featuring both web-based and classroom sessions near you.

October 1st: Celebrate Sacramento!

Don't miss Celebrate Sacramento, a FREE community festival presented by Assemblymember Roger Dickinson. 

This family-friendly event will be on Saturday, October 1, 2011, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Florin Road Light Rail Station.  There will be live music and performances, arts and crafts, vendor booths, local cuisine, and kids' activities.

This is the festival's first year in South Sacramento, and the Florin Road Partnership is pleased to be a sponsor.

For more information, please call 916-446-7600 or visit www.CelebrateSacramentoFestivals.com.

Celebration Destination

Congratulations to Wienerschnitzel, the world's largest hot dog chain, on their 50th Anniversary!  Check out their der-licious menu at 2464 Florin Road, Sacramento, near 24th Street.

Are you a Florin Road corridor merchant or restaurant who is celebrating an anniversary this year?  We’d love to hear from you and give you a shout-out on our social media sites.  Email us at Florinroad@aol.com!

EDD Online Services for Employers

Did you know that the State of California’s Employment Development Department now offers expanded online services for employers and agents?  This includes:

·        Account balances and payment history

·        Viewing and printing returns electronically submitted after January 2011

·        Filing and amending returns

·        Viewing current rates for Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Employment  Training Tax (ETT)

·        Making debit or credit card payments for tax deposits and outstanding liabilities

·        Viewing correspondence sent by EDD

·        Granting or denying third party access to the account.

      Enrollment is required to use the service and Microsoft Silverlight 4 or higher must be installed on your computer.  Visit https://eddservices.edd.ca.gov to enroll.

FREE Business Webinars

Grow your business through a series of FREE webinars from Office Depot which feature industry experts.  Sessions run from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm EST:

·        Tuesday, September 20, Finding Riches in Niches. Quick Start Keys to Success in Niche Marketing.  Presented by Susan Friedmann, bestselling author and niche marketing expert.

·        Tuesday, September 27, Planning for the Unexpected.  Presented by Ines Pierce, CEO of Pearce Global Partners, Inc.

·        Tuesday, October 4, Boost Your Sales.  Smart Tactics to Leverage the Power of Referrals.  Presented by Joanne Black, founder of No More Cold Calling.

·        Tuesday, October 11, Personalizing Your Pitch.  Pitching your business to different types of audiences.  Presented by Sam Horn, author of POP! and TongueFu!

For more information, or to register, please visit http://www.officedepot.com

Where Did YOU Shop Locally Today?

A July, 2011 national survey by American Express found that consumers say that about one-third of their discretionary spending is with independent local businesses.  Here are some more stats to get you to open your wallet:

Fifty-nine percent of respondents to a 2010 Intuit survey said they spend at least $100 a month at small businesses.  Ninety percent of the survey respondents said that small businesses are vital to the community and 65 percent wanted more small businesses in the area.

For every $100 spent in a locally owned independent business, $68 is returned to the community through taxes, payroll, and other operating expenses.

If just half the U.S. employed population spent $50 each week in a locally owned independent business, more than $42.6 billion in revenue would be generated. 

So, where did YOU shop locally today?

(Sources:  American Express, Intuit, The 3/50 Project, The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal) 

9/22 Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Mixer

The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and Union Bank are hosting an exciting networking event on Thursday, September 22, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Union Bank, 700 L Street, Sacramento. 

Meet with local small business owners and find out about the Chamber's programs and services.  Admission is free for chamber members and $20 for non-members. 

Register online at http://www.sacasiancc.org/ or call the Chamber at 916-446-7883.

9/14 and 9/28 Community Partnership Meetings

The City of Sacramento is hosting a series of meetings to facilitate broad communication between the City and the community on issues, policies and priorities.  At this month’s Community Partnership Meetings, you can:

·         Meet the new City Manager

·         Find out about New Council District Boundaries

·         Learn how to create a Neighborhood Newsletter.

For Council District 8, the meeting is Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the Pannell Meadowview Community Center, 2450 Meadowview Road, Sacramento.

For Council District 5, the meeting is Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at the Oak Park Community Center, 3415 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Sacramento.

The meetings are from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.  Staff from the City of Sacramento’s Neighborhood Services Department will be available at 6:00 pm to assist you with your neighborhood questions and concerns.  For more information, please call 916-808-6789.

Help Launch a New Generation of Business Leaders

Junior Achievement of Sacramento is seeking business people to volunteer in the classroom. 

JA is a national organization that helps K-12 students with financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship skills.  The organization provides the curriculum and training but needs volunteers who can give a "real world" perspective.  The programs will be hosted at 13 schools this fall, primarily in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. 

For more info, call Nelson at 916-480-2770, ext. 13 or visit http://www.jasac.org/.

North Franklin District Biz Assoc Annual Mtng

Our friends at the North Franklin District Business Association are holding their Annual Meeting this Friday, September 16 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.  The location is the Franklin Business Center, 7000 Franklin Boulevard, Suite 500, Sacramento.

The association will be recognizing numerous businesses who have been on the boulevard and in their district for over 50 years.  Several individuals and organizations who have helped the association and the community in general will also be honored. 

This is a popular event and seats go quickly, so reserve yours today by calling Kathy at 916-455-2124.

9/14 Social Media for Small Biz Workshop

Learn how your small business can benefit by using social media to build relationships with customers, drive traffic to events and products, create a positive buzz for your company, and more.   

Register for the "Social Media for Small Businesses" workshop offered by the Northeastern California Small Business Development Center - Greater Sacramento.  Topics will include Facebook, Twitter, Linked-in, and email marketing.  The cost is $40 and includes resource materials.

The workshop is Wednesday, September 14, 2011, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the SBDC office at 1410 Ethan Way, Sacramento. 

Register at http://sbdc.net/workshops-and-registration.htm

FREE September Seminars for Businesses

Get two valuable topics in one FREE seminar from Paychex on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  A continental breakfast will be served.  For seminar locations and reservations, visit www.paychex.com/localseminars or call toll free 1-877-321-8581.
Top HR Issues:

• Hiring Practices
• Fair Labor Standards Act
• Employee Handbooks
• Harassment
• Family and Medical Leave Act
• Workers' Compensation
• Employee Discipline and Termination
• Protected Activities and Retaliation

Safe Harbor for 401(k) Plans:

• Non-discrimination testing
• Employer options
• Tax-deductible employer contributions

Can't attend a local seminar?  Then check out Paychex's FREE Web seminars, both live and recorded at http://www.paychex.com/.

• What Every Business Should Know About 401(k) Plans, Thursday, September 15, 2011, 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm ET.  Topics include the basics of 401(k) plans, advantages for businesses and participants, steps to set up an effective plan, and how a third-party administrator can simplify the process.

• Navigating Health Insurance Options for Businesses, Wednesday, September 28, 2011, 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm ET.  Learn about whether group or individual insurance best meets your needs and budget, how offering health insurance can benefit you and your employees, and the key considerations for an effective health insurance plan.

Results of Florin Road Business Walk

The Florin Road Partnership and the City of Sacramento hosted the Florin Road Business Walk on May 19, 2011.  Fifty representatives visited nearly 165 businesses in our district asking owners and managers about their operations.  Here are some of the results:

Overall Business Conditions:
43% stated that their business is holding steady
14% stated that their business is doing well

What Merchants Like Most About the Florin Road Corridor:
49% said the area's clientele and demographics
33% said location
18% said proximity to restaurants, schools, and neighborhoods

To address the issues raised during this and other recent business walks in South Sacramento, the City of Sacramento along with the Florin Road Partnership, the Stockton Boulevard Partnership, and the Greater Sacramento Vietnamese-American Chamber of Commerce are partnering to present a business seminar this fall.  Further information will be posted soon on this blog and on our website at http://www.florinroad.com/.

Your Input Needed for Regional Transit's "TransitRenewal" Survey

The community is invited to participate in Sacramento Regional Transit's "TransitRenewal" survey.  This is a comprehensive analysis of the RT bus and light rail system to develop recommendations on how to restore, restructure and "renew" transit service over the next five years in the Sacramento region.

Stop by RT's TransitRenewal booth to receive more information about the project and to fill out a survey.  All surveys completed onsite will be entered into a prize drawing for an RT monthly pass (one entry per person).  For more information about the project or to fill out a survey online, visit www.sacrt.com/transitrenewal. 

Visit the booths:

Wednesday, August 17, 2011
3:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Meadowview light rail station
3:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Florin light rail station

Wednesday, August 24, 2011
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Florin Mall Transit Center

Get Some Sizzle with that Steak!

A Sizzler restaurant is scheduled to open later this year or in early 2012 at Florin Towne Centre.  It will be one of the first locations built with Sizzler’s latest design and will be in 7,200 square feet near Starbucks.  Long-time area residents may remember that Sizzler once had a restaurant at Southgate Plaza at Florin and Franklin.  The colorful new design includes an open kitchen and improved menu selections.  The new eatery is expected to employ 100 to 120 workers. 

Friday Night Lights at LBHS

Construction continues on the Luther Burbank High School Regional Sport Complex.  A new stadium that seats 2,500 is in the works, along with lights, a press box, artificial turf, bathrooms, an all-weather track, two rooms for classes and meetings, and concession stands.  Burbank hopes to have the facility completed by September 10, 2011, in time for their first home football game against rival Grant High School.  If not, the game will be played at Grant.

MetroPCS Opening This Month in Southgate Plaza

MetroPCS plans to open a new location in January 2012 in Southgate Plaza,
at the corner of Florin Road and Franklin Boulevard in Sacramento. 

Cover Your Asphalt

The Sacramento Tree Foundation and the Metro Chamber’s Leadership Sacramento Class of 2011 invite you to a special event on Thursday, August 4, 2011. 

Their luau-themed bingo night will raise money to plant trees and retrofit the parking lot at Florin Road Bingo.  This beautification effort will serve as a demonstration project that other businesses, along with the Sacramento Tree Foundation, can duplicate throughout the Sacramento region. 

This exciting event will be held at Florin Road Bingo, 2350 Florin Road, Sacramento.  Tickets are $45 per person (ages 18+) and include 8 games of bingo, chances to win raffle prizes, a buffet dinner, and a no host cash bar with a specialty drink.  The fun starts at 5:30 pm so don’t be late!  Only 300 tickets will be sold, so get yours today at http://coveryourasphalt.eventbrite.com

FREE Business Advice from the Experts

Are you searching for some FREE business advice

from industry experts and business owners? 

Wells Fargo Bank has an online community - the Business Insight Resource Center - with a wealth of information at your fingertips.  This includes a media library with video, articles, podcasts and webcasts on subjects such as business financials, management, business stages and types, and more. 

Visit http://www.wellsfargobusinessinsights.com/ to tap into these resources. 

The Midnight Train to Georgia?

While it’s not possible to take a midnight Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) light-rail train all the way to Georgia, it may soon be possible to once again ride the trains locally late at night. 

As reported in the June 27^th edition of The Sacramento Bee, transit officials are considering extending light-rail service to around 12:30 am.  Currently, the trains end at 9:30 pm.  RT is also looking at restoring bus line service on Florin Road and Stockton Boulevard.  These proposed changes are the result of an upswing in sales-tax revenue which makes up nearly half of RT’s operating budget.  RT cautions, though, that it could take until 2017 for service levels to match those of 2009. 

June 30th Deadline to Brag About It & Win

Time is running out to enter Burlington Coat Factory’s “Brag About It Challenge”!  You have until 11:59 pm on Thursday, June 30, 2011 to enter.  Just submit a video or photograph with a caption bragging why a certain item from Burlington Coat Factory (BCF) is a great find or why BCF is great.  There’s no purchase necessary to enter or win.  Get the full rules at http://www.burlingtonbrag.com/rules.  You could win a $100 gift card!

And be sure to visit their store in our business district at 5601 Florin Road (at the corner of 65^th Street) in Sacramento.  For more information, telephone 916-399-5726 or visit http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com.  Good Luck!

FREE Consulting Services for Existing & Emerging Businesses

The Small Business Development Center hosted by Los Rios Community College District offers no-cost consulting services to existing business owners and emerging business owners.  They provide information on best practices for small businesses, business plan development, start-up basics, the loan process, procurement and contracting opportunities, regulatory compliance, and money management.

Their consultants can meet with you one-on-one by appointment only for all your business needs.  For more information, please call 916-563-3210, email info@sbdc.net, or visit http://www.sbdc.net/.

If you are a pre-venture or start-up business, you are required to first attend the Business Basics Workshop before scheduling an appointment with a consultant.  Visit http://www.sbdc.net/ for a class schedule.

Resources for Re-entry Job Seekers

Looking for a job in this economy can be a challenge, especially for older or re-entry workers.  Here are some resources that can help:

One Stop Career Centers:  There are 11 of these centers in the Sacramento region with counselors who can provide career assessments, training assistance, resume reviews, interview workshops, and more.  Call 916-263-3800 to find the center nearest you.

“Green Jobs” Hotline:  Construction workers can retrain for green building and energy efficiency jobs through federally funded “clean energy” programs.  Call 916-263-5351.

AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program:  Call 916-483-5991 for free help for job seekers ages 55 and older.

Area 4 Agency on Aging Senior Employment Program:  Job seekers age 55 and over in Placer and Sacramento counties can access job-readiness workshops, which teach resume and interview techniques.  Personalized job search and computer training is also available.  Call 916-486-1876 or visit http://www.a4aa.com.

Slow for the Cone Zone on I-5

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has begun repaving, resurfacing, and restriping Interstate 5 from the San Joaquin County line to Florin Road in Sacramento.

Motorists traveling in both directions can expect 15-minute delays between 9 pm to 6 am through this fall.  This $58.6 million project is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2012.

Remember to drive safely!

Kudos to Sleep Train’s Support of Foster Kids

Congratulations to our friends at Sleep Train for being honored with the Daily Point of Light award from the Points of Light Institute, a national organization dedicated to civic engagement and volunteering.  Sleep Train’s Foster Kids Program has donated more than $700,000 in cash to foster charity organizations. 

Last month their annual Shoe Drive for Foster Kids netted more than 6,500 pairs of shoes to benefit 20 regional foster-care partners.  The Clothing Drive for Foster Kids is underway through July 10.  You can donate new clothes for children and teens at local Sleep Train stores, including the one at Florin Towne Centre. 

For more information, please visit http://www.sleeptrain.com

Get More Business Out of Your Mailings

Learn how to grow your business with Every Door Direct Mail from the United States Postal Service.  This new offering is a cost-effective way to promote your business to customers in your area.

Learn how to saturate a target area with your marketing message by utilizing carrier routes instead of mailing lists.  There's no need to rent mailing lists or print specific names and addresses on your mailpieces.  What a great way to save time and money!

This informative seminar will be held Thursday, June 23, 2011, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, at the Parkway Branch Post Office, 4301 Brookfield Drive, Sacramento.

Reserve your space today at http://www.usps.com/growyourbusinessdays.

You Got a License for That?

Are you looking to hire a contractor to do work on your home or business? 

Be sure to check out http://www.checkthelicensefirst.com.  This website of the Contractors State License Board lets you verify a contractor license or home improvement salesperson (HIS) registration, including complaint disclosure.  The site also has a number of FREE, downloadable guides and pamphlets for consumers, contractors, and building departments, some of which are available in multiple languages.

Fit to Fight Hunger!

Kudos to SUBWAY restaurants for their commitment to fighting hunger in the communities they serve by providing over 700,000 meals to area food banks this spring.   In the Sacramento area, this includes the California Emergency FoodLink and the Placer Food Bank. 

Be sure to try a SUBWAY FRESH FIT sandwich the next time you’re on Florin Road.  There are 8 varieties, all under 6 grams of fat.  SUBWAY has three restaurants to serve you in our business district: 

·         2400 Florin Road, Suite  A (at the intersection of 24^th Street)

·         4363 Florin Road (across from Southgate Plaza)

·         6530 Florin Road (near the intersection of Stockton Boulevard).

Congresswoman Doris Matsui visits Florin Road

On June 8, 2011, Congresswoman Doris Matsui visited our office and took a tour of the Florin Road business district. She's shown here with (left to right) our board members Scott Rogalski, Aaron Chong, Tom Burruss, executive director Larry Carr, and board member Christopher Porter.  Many thanks to all the participants and their staff members for coordinating the visit.

Safety First!

Sacramento Job Corps 3^rd Annual Safety Fair is Wednesday, June 8, from 12:30 pm to 3:15 pm, at the Job Corps Center at 3100 Meadowview Road, Sacramento.  The event is in observance of National Safety Month and emphasizes the safety habits needed in the workplace.

Job Corps students and staff will demonstrate workplace safety and officials from the U.S. Dept. of Labor and the City of Sacramento will discuss worker safety.

For more information, please contact Brian Broadway, Business Community Liaison, at broadway.brian@jobcorps.org or 916-394-4307.

Mmm, Mmm, Good!

Did you know you can buy delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables directly from California growers at a Certified Farmers’ Market (CFM)?  There is a year-round CFM in the front parking lot of Sears at Florin Towne Centre, every Thursday from 8:00 am to noon.  Over 35 farmers are represented at this open air venue.

Produce sold at the CFM is certified by the State of California to be grown by a California farmer.  Buying direct from the producer eliminates packing, shipping and wholesale costs.  This translates into savings for you!  And you have the opportunity to learn where you food comes from, how it’s grown, and how it can be prepared.  The CFMs offer FREE educational field trips to area schools and youth groups.  For more information about the field trips or the Florin CFM, please visit http://www.california-grown.com or call Renae Best at 916-688-0100.

Here are some tips for shopping at a CFM (courtesy of http://www.cafarmersmarkets.com):

These are outdoor markets so remember to dress for the weather and to wear comfortable shoes. 

ü  Bring your own large cloth or net shopping bags.  You can also bring a folding cart or use an old baby or toddler cart. 

ü  Bring small bills and change.  You will pay each farmer directly – there is no central checkout or ATM.  Consider using a fanny or waist pack to keep your hands free and your valuables safe.

ü  Walk through the entire market before you buy.  There are variations in prices for the same type and quality of produce.  It’s usually acceptable to bargain for large quantities but not for small amounts.  

ü  Most of the produce is tree or vine ripened.  It can be delicate to the touch and cosmetically challenged.  Please handle the items with care!

ü  If the farmer is not busy, ask questions about the produce, such as growing methods or recipes.  This is a great way to learn about a fruit or vegetable you haven’t tried before, or even one of your old favorites.