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.

Now Hiring!

The California Job Journal is holding a hiring event on Tuesday, June 14 at 12:00 pm at the Holiday Inn Northeast, 5321 Date Avenue, Sacramento. 

Employers from across the region representing numerous career fields will be featured.  On-site employment experts will also provide free resume reviews. 

For more information, visit http://www.jobjournal.com or call 888-843-5627.

Sat 6/18 FREE Adventure Day to Support Local Schools

On Saturday, June 18, 2011, Southgate Plaza (Florin & Franklin) will host a FREE Adventure Day from 12 pm to 3 pm. 

Shop at any of the Southgate Plaza stores on Friday, June 17 or Saturday, June 18 and they’ll donate 5% of all store sales to a participating school of your choice.  (Receipts must be presented at the information booth during the event on June 18 from 12 pm to 3 pm to qualify.)  Participating schools include Parkway Elementary, Fern Bacon Middle School, and Luther Burbank High School.

Activities during the event will include a rock climbing wall, BMX demonstration, giant slide, merchant booths, extreme sports challenge, and more.  You can receive a FREE giveaway with any Southgate Plaza store receipt of $10 or more dated June 11-June 18, 2011. (Receipts must be presented at the information booth during the event on June 18 from 12 pm to 3 pm to qualify. One giveaway per person while supplies last.)

For event details and store offers, visit www.southgate-plaza.com or on Facebook to become a fan.