Happy Valentine's Day from Our Featured Businesses

New Tenants Coming to Florin Towne Centre

Word on the street is that some exciting changes are coming to Florin Towne Centre (the former Florin Mall):

Sizzler plans to open by early Spring of this year. (Keep your fingers crossed that this dry weather holds!) 

A restaurant is interested in the space formerly occupied by Eatza Pizza.  We hear that it's a new concept out of the San Francisco Bay Area.  Any guesses? (hint:  It's NOT pizza.)

And another soon-to-be-disclosed restaurant is looking to open at Florin Towne Centre.  (Wow, good thing the centre is also home to 24 Hour Fitness!)

Chase Bank plans to expand their presence in our business district by opening a second branch. Don't worry, we're told that the Chase branch at Southgate Plaza is doing well and plans to stay open.

Interior and exterior renovations are in the works for the Sears building.  (We're hearing that easier access to and from the rest of the centre is part of the plan.)

Look for holiday and community events throughout the year to draw shoppers to Florin Towne Centre.  (Yup, that means photo ops with the Easter Bunny and Santa!) 

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.

May Showers Bring Flowers

at Sears, Florin Towne Centre

The recent heavy rains, followed by warm temperatures, have brought out the flowers along the Florin Road corridor.  We know it can be hard to find the time to stop and smell the roses, so we did it for you – and took some photos to share. 



at FAMSA, Florin Towne Centre



Many thanks to the merchants and property owners who keep our district looking “Clean and Green”.  And special thanks to our cleanup crew, House of Hope.  Since 2008 they have worked tirelessly five-days a week, every week (rain or shine!) to remove graffiti, dumped items, and illegally posted signs along the corridor.  In 2010 they collected over 2,000 bags of trash from the public right-of-way and returned hundreds of abandoned shopping carts to stores.

 

at our office

               

at F&M Bank, Florin & Franklin



at Stockton Square