APR 2013 – The Affordable Care Act and Your Small Business

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Health Care: The Affordable Care Act and Your Small Business

With upcoming changes to healthcare, small business owners will need to reevaluate existing policies and prepare for possible penalties.

What qualifies as a small business under the Affordable Care Act?

Until 2016, states have the choice of classifying small businesses as having a maximum of either 50 or 100 Full-Time Equivalent (FTEs) employees. Business owners who fall into this category will need to research which category they fall under.

In 2016, the national definition of a small business will be a maximum of 100 FTEs.

What is affordable care?

  • Insurance must cover 60% of the actuarial value of the cost of benefits.
  • Premiums must not exceed 9.5% of employee’s income of policyholder.

Will I be able to keep my current group health plans?

Right now, the answer to this question is probably. If your company has a group health plan that was adopted before March 23, 2010, your group plan most likely will be “grandfathered” in under the new laws. Grandfathered status can be maintained by keeping plans relatively unaltered. Grandfathered plans are not required to participate in some of the ACA requirements such as:

  • Preventative services without cost sharing
  • Coverage of essential health benefits
  • Providing for an internal and external appeals process for contesting coverage decisions
  • Direct access to an OB/GYN without referral

What types of changes can I expect?

Although grandfathered policies are exempt from some requirements, all policies will be subject to some changes.

ALL POLICIES

By 2014, all health insurance plans must guarantee the availability and renewal of coverage regardless of an individual’s health status.

  • Young adults may remain on a parent’s plan until the age of 26.
  • No plans will be allowed to exclude coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
  • Small businesses will be required to report the proportion of their income from premiums used on medical care and quality improvement. This figure is called the Medical Loss Ratio or MLR. Small business and individuals with an MLR of less than 80% will receive a rebate.

NEW POLICIES

  • Plans will cover a set of minimum benefits, also known as Essential Health Benefits.
  • Premiums will no longer be influenced by health status. However, age, tobacco use, policy type and geographic location are variables that can be used in pricing.

What is an insurance exchange?

An insurance exchange is a market that offers standardized health insurance policies. The market is created and regulated by the government. Depending on your location, your Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) will be regulated either by the federal or state government.

Do I have to use the SHOP?

No. Employers may continue to purchase insurance from the private market; although, insurance reforms will apply to both sectors.

What happens if I decide not to offer affordable care to my workers?

If small business employers fail to provide affordable care to their workers, employees will receive tax credits to purchase health insurance independently. For each employee who receives tax credits, small employers face the lesser amount based on one of two formulas:

  • $3,000 per employee
  • $2,000 per employee (excluding first 30 workers)

NOTE: Businesses with less than 50 FTE (full time equivalent) are exempt from these penalties.

 

APR 2013 – Chamber’s Cruisin’ Cuisine is heading to town

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Here’s a tasty way to treat yourself and your guests to the savory delights of Redlands while strolling in the center of Redlands, window shopping and enjoying the ambiance of the charm of downtown. On Saturday, June 22, ten restaurants will offer a gastronomic experience to guests as they stroll from one establishment to another in sampling specialties, delighting in sophisticated tastes and nibbling signature dishes.  This year delicacies will be available from; Rok N Fondue, The  Corner Bakery & Cafe, The Renaissance Banquet Hall, The Old Spaghetti Factory,  Jersey Mike’s   subs just to name a few.

Check-in will begin at 5:30 PM at the Chamber office where guests with a purchased ticket will pick up a wristband, a map and passport to each of the participating restaurants, then off they go to taste and test to their hearts delight. At each restaurant they will have the host sign their passport and at the end of the evening guest will turn in their passports for a chance to win the grand prize drawing.  For restaurants not located in downtown Redlands, host businesses will partner with them allowing use of facility providing both with great exposure. Hosts this year will include Wildflowers, on State Street.

“This is a great avenue to promote our local restaurants” said Daney Bachiu, Chamber President. “We want to drive people to downtown and showcase our unique restaurants. There is no place better in the Inland Empire to spend an evening out than Redlands.”

Tickets for the event are $35 per person and are limited. To purchase your tickets, or to get more information about Redlands Chamber Cruisin’ Cuisine call 793-2546.

APR 2013 – City will now allow multi-day outdoor sales

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The City will now allow businesses to operate outdoor temporary special event sales. Previously businesses that held special multi-day sales events that included customer enticements such as tents and canopies, flags, and BBQs were prevented from doing so often cited by code enforcement and were forced to shut down. Working with the Chamber and after reviewing the benefits of these “special event facilities or temporary sales” the city has developed a criteria that will allow the sales of goods and services for any organization which represents a variation from the facility’s normal operation or location.

A permit will be required for a special event sale that will allow for a three consecutive day event for a maximum of four times a year. A permit application must be submitted for each of the four events. There are a number of obligations that are included in the permitting process that may require fire prevention standards, business licenses and any additional permits that may be necessary. A fee for permit will be charged. Advanced application will be necessary prior to the sale.

Local companies have been attempting to find new and unique ways to draw customers to their businesses and this is one more avenue that has now become available without the threat of fine or legal action.

To permit a special event sale apply at the “One Stop Permitting Center” at City Hall.

 

APR 2013 – YPN “CASH MOB”

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Licorice pipes, tin signs, cricket clicker, old fashion candy, mustache magnets and so much more—the two dozen people who showed up for the Chamber’s Young Professionals Network first Cash Mob left with great gifts (and presents for themselves too).

After meeting at the Chamber office the “mob” headed out for Sweet Memories, a little known candy and gift shop on 6th Street in downtown Redlands that contains fun treasures and great gift ideas. The cash mob announcement–promoted primarily through social media–asked people to simply meet at the Chamber office at 4pm and march together to the nearby, business destination where participants were asked to spend at least $20.

A cash mob is a simple and inexpensive way to show support for locally owned small  businesses, have fun, and be a small part of what could be a large impact. In addition to the financial imprint, customers get the opportunity to meet the business owner, and the business owner gets the chance to develop a potential long-term relationship. And shoppers might even discover a hidden gem in their community that they didn’t even realize existed!

During the first YPN cash mob, shoppers had the opportunity to explore the sweet shop browsing through retro gifts, old time “soda”, T-shirts, books, and other fun odds and ends.. Everyone left with something–most valued at far more than their $20 minimum to spend.

The shoppers left happy and left with a push of encouragement for the YPN to plan another cash mob. They all agreed to return for a second mob and to try to bring more people along and help spread the word.

“It was a wonderful sight to see people in line to pay, smiling and laughing together while the cash register rang.” said Chamber President, Daney Bachiu. “It may have been only a couple of dozen people, but it a couple of dozen more than would have been in the store that afternoon. And it was great fun to interact with the crowd, the owner, and the young people who organized it. There were a crowd of people who congregated together, who understood the IMPORTANCE of shopping local, and can’t wait to do it again. It was terrific

The YPN plans to mob a store each month in 2013. Check Redlands Cash Mob on Facebook for details.

APR 2013 – MEMBER PROFILE – A Better Class Limousine Service

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A Better Class Limousine Service offers corporate, private, and airport transportation services at competitive rates. They guarantee a quality ride with comfort, clean, and smoke-free vehicles.

For more than 30 years,  A Better Class Limousine Service has continued to serve the area with a commitment to value and service. They have the expertise to assure the luxury limo ride you deserve, as their skilled drivers transport you in the finest and most current limousine fleet in the Southern California area.

A Better Class Limousine Service offers vehicles that seat from 4 to 9 adults comfortably. Their goal is to create memories that last a lifetime and they accomplish it through luxury rides accented with complementary beverages, presidential motorcades, friendly and experienced chauffeurs… And we also offer weekly specials.

Whether you’re coming in for a business meeting or leaving for vacation, they offer airport transportation to all of the airports in the area. A private sedan can take you to or pick you up from any private airfield or airport including:

•   LAX
• John Wayne Airport
• San Diego Airport		 •   Redlands Airport
• Big Bear Airport
• Bermuda Dunes		 •   Riverside Airport
• Palm Spring Airport
• Long Beach Airport

For the professional business traveler, A Better Limousine Service can provide corporate transportation services. Available around the clock, simply call and let them know when you will be leaving for your destination or returning and they will make sure you get to all your connections on time. Corporate specials and presidential motorcades are available.

For a quality ride in style, choose A Better Class Limousine Service. Call for more information at 792-5356 or log on to www.abclimoserviceca.com . Find out about their Sunday through Thursday specials.

APR 2013 – MEMBER PROFILE – United Moving and Storage

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No matter if you are moving across the state or just down the road, United can provide the professional service and equipment you need. Our highly trained and courteous staff will make sure that every detail of your move is taken care of from start to finish. Moving within the same state can fall into two different categories, which are local moving and Intrastate moving.

Local moving is anything less than 100 miles from origin to destination. The cost for a local move is based on an hourly rate from start to finish.

Intrastate moving is anything more than 100 miles. The cost for Intrastate moving is based on the weight of the shipment and the miles between origin and destination. Additional costs may include extra stairs, extra carries and elevators. Your salesperson should be able to give you a better idea of those costs when they survey your home.

Out of State Moves

Whether you’re moving to the next state or across the country, United can service every moving need you have. Some of the services we can provide during your move are:

  • Quality Labor trained and professional staff
  • Assured on-time pickup & delivery
  • Clean Sanitized® treated vans
  • Expert packing and crating services
  • Efficient and accurate billing and claims settlement
  • Precise, accurate estimates
  • Satellite Vanstar® tracking system

International Moves

United’s global network of relocation experts serve both families and businesses alike, making even the most stressful international moves a breeze. Our 98% satisfaction rate speaks for itself.

  • Multilingual staff
  • Online moving tools
  • Single point-of-contact
  • Guaranteed pricing

Office Moves

The team at United Moving and Storage are equipped to handle any and all of your office relocation needs. They are prepared to handle all of your office furniture including any computers and sensitive electronic equipment. They understand that office moves need to be performed at times that are convenient for your business. To accommodate you they can provide services after working hours or on weekends. The sales team will work with you to put together a comprehensive plan that will account for the proper movement of all furniture from one location to the next.

Moving Storage

United Moving and Storage warehouse is located at 5015 Hallmark Parkway in San Bernardino, California, a short drive from the Inland Empire’s largest cities and only 40 miles from the San Gabriel Valley and 60 miles from Los Angeles.

United has facilities for all of your storage needs including;

Professional and Courteous Personnel, equipped and trained to provide excellent service
Over 45,000 Square feet of Storage area in both Washington and California
Full Fire and Theft Security for your stored items
Cartons to pack your household belongings before storage
Containerized Storage Units to provide extra safety
Pads designed to protect your furniture against breakage and damage
Door to Door Pickup and Delivery Services

Records Management & Storage

Are your file cabinets bulging and your storage room filled to capacity? United Moving & Storage is expanding our service offerings to include Records Management and Storage.

RV & Boat Storage

They can securely store your boat, motor home, collector car or almost any other type of RV. The facility is clean and secure with gas stations located nearby.

Portable Storage Containers

Containers are available in several sizes including 12′, 16′ and 20′, featuring steel construction, translucent roof, moisture resistant locking door and no sweat coating.

  • Local Moving from House to House
  • Temporary Storage on site or at our secured storage      facility
  • Spring Cleaning / Remodeling Your Home
  • Selling Your Home

To help with your move or help with your storage needs call United Moving and Storage at 880-8284 or 800, 434-0157.

 

APR 2013 – City News by Mayor Pro Tem Paul Foster

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Economic development is one of the most important priorities to the City of Redlands.  The health of our community is, in large part, reliant on the health of our business community.  For this reason the City offers a number of programs and services in partnership with the business community designed to assist existing businesses, encourage entrepreneurs and attract new businesses.

Below is a summary of the many ways the City works with our business partners to create and sustain a vibrant business environment.

Loan Programs

Microenterprise Assistance Grant Program

The MAP Grant provides grants in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to eligible businesses that want to establish a business or expand an existing business located within the City of Redlands.  This is a grant, and does not have to be repaid as long as all program terms are met.  The objective of the Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) Grant is to fulfill a need in the community; create opportunity for the establishment and expansion of microenterprise businesses within the City of Redlands; to create quality jobs, principally benefitting employees in the low-to-moderate income levels; and to preserve and expand the City’s tax base.

Economic Development Loan Program

The EDLP provides loans in amounts ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 to eligible businesses that want to establish a business or expand an existing business located within the City of Redlands. The loan must be 100% collateralized and be personally guaranteed by the borrower.  The objective of the Economic Development Loan Program (EDLP) is to fulfill a need in the community; create opportunity for the establishment and expansion of businesses within the City of Redlands; to create quality jobs, principally benefitting employees in the low-to-moderate income levels; and to preserve and expand the City’s tax base.

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing Program

The PACE Program is an energy efficiency, property-assessed, financing program designed to help commercial property owners improve their properties and realize the money-saving benefits of energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation upgrades with $0 down.  The program provides property owners financing for energy projects that may not be suited for traditional funding vehicles. PACE financing also helps cities and counties create jobs, spur economic development and meet their AB 32 goals utilizing no public monies.

Business Programs & Services

One-Stop Permit Center

The City of Redlands One Stop Permit Center offers a single place for businesses and developers to submit and coordinate projects and plan checks to ensure efficient and effective service and support from Building and Safety, Planning and Engineering personnel.  The One-StopPermitCenter allows for added convenience and the streamlining of activities related to plan submittals/checks, permit applications and providing information for businesses, developers and residents.

Business Consulting and Workshops

Through a partnership with SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives), the City provides free one-on-one business counseling and monthly business workshops (free and fee-based) to existing and prospective business owners.  Business workshops include information on Starting a Business, Financing, Marketing and other specialized topics.

Site Selection Assistance

The Economic Development Division can assist potential business investors, site selectors and real estate professionals with identifying potential business sites within the City of Redlands including providing information such as site-specific demographics, traffic counts, etc.

California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) Services

Through a partnership with CMTC, manufacturers can receive free assistance and assessments for creating solutions for the improvement of business performance by fostering innovation and sharing knowledge. Manufacturing assessment services provided by CMTC are free to applicants; fees are charged to implement specific improvements.

Business Visitation Program

As part of the City’s business retention/economic gardening efforts, the Economic Development Division will be implementing a new Business Visitation Program in 2013.  This effort is designed to 1.) Introduce City staff to existing business owners; 2.) Identify and assist business owners with potential business-related issues; 3.) Provide information/tools to assist business owners in growing and expanding their businesses.

Business Communications

The Economic Development Division will be implementing a new business tool designed to keep the business community, potential business investors, media and other interested individuals informed about business-related news, activities and opportunities in the City of Redlands.  The monthly business brief will highlight new projects, business news and real estate opportunities, and will be free to recipients.

Online Market Analysis Tool

A collaborative effort between the City, Chamber of Commerce and Esri, this web-based tool allows both existing businesses and businesses considering locating to the City an online tool for analyzing the market area of a selected site.  The tool is free to all users, and ensures that potential business investors can identify and analyze the best locations and opportunities available in Redlands for their business.

Mills Act

The Mills Act is an economic incentive program in California for the restoration and preservation of qualified historic buildings by private property owners. Enacted in 1972, the Mills Act legislation grants participating cities and counties the authority to enter into contracts with owners of qualified historic properties who actively participate in the rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, and maintenance of their historic properties. Property taxes are recalculated using a formula in the Mills Act and State Revenue and Taxation Code. The average savings for individual properties under the Mills Act contract is between 20 and 60 percent.  The full amount of the tax savings received by the property owners must be used to finance the preservation, maintenance and improvements to the property.

City of Redlands Market Night

The weekly market night (farmer’s market and vendor market) allows local businesses/vendors an opportunity to participate and promote their businesses to community residents and visitors from other communities.  In addition to business activities, the event typically features entertainment and a festive atmosphere that not only promotes local businesses but local tourism, as well, through the introduction of a unique downtown experience and the many restaurants and boutique businesses that comprise the downtown district.

If you are interested in learning more about any of these available programs or have suggestions for other ways the City can promote a vibrant business community, please contact the Economic Development office at (909) 335-4755 or by email at redteam@cityofredlands.org

APR 2013 – New Chamber Members – March 2013

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 Chamber welcomes new chamber members:

 

GIRL SCOUTS SAN GORGONIO COUNCIL
Cynthia Harnsch-Breunig
1751 Plum Lane
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  307-6555
Web Site:  www.gssgc.com
 
WILDFLOWERS FIORI DE CAMPO
Lisa Kirksey
208 E. State Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-3345
Web Site:  www.redlandswildflowers.com
 
WYATT’S PAINT & BODY
Gina Valencia
1120 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-3333
Web Site:  www.wyattspaintbody.com

APR 2013 – Chamber Members Renewing March 2013

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ALL-STAR ENGRAVING
Renie De Hoog
1094 No. Wabash, Building 1
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  389-9988
 
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY DISCOVERY SHOP
Alexis Spencer
1534 Barton Road
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-8900
 
BIG MIKE’S PLUMBING & ROOTER
Neli Byrd
268 W. Cluster Street
San Bernardino, CA  92408
Phone:  888-8736
 
BRENNA HAMARICK-STOTTS DDS, INC.
Brenna Hamriack-Stotts
1150 Brookside Avenue, Suite T
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-9711
 
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL
Christine Brents
1505 So. Ford Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-8722
 
COLDREN’S CLEANING CREW, INC.
David Coldren
P. O. Box 8181
Redlands, CA  92375
Phone:  215-2533
 
COLDWELL BANKER COMM-LAZAR & ASSOCIATES
Rick Lazar
1901 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 250
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-3600
 
CONNECTION TO CRUISE
Marlys & George Aballi
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-9133
 
EMERSON & FARRAR
Paul Emerson
27 E. State Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-5888
 
FAMILY SERVICES OF REDLANDS
Cheryl Heensen
612 Lawton Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2673
 
FIGGINS REALTORS
Bob Ramos
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2861
 
HCH CONSTRUCTION
Frances Carter
404 E. Stuart
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-3022
 
HUB INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES
Martin Davis
470 E. Highland Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2373
 
IMAGINE SYSTEMS, INC.
Nicole Campbell
1730 Plum Lane, Suite A
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  792-9063
 
INLAND EMPIRE RESIDENTIAL CENTERS
Penny Radtke
710 Church
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  798-0823
 
INLAND SURGERY CENTER
Jacquelin Belcher
1620 Laurel Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-4701
 
KW COMMERCIAL – J. JEFFRY DILL
J. Jeffry Dill
18 E. State Street, Suite 205
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  809-8181
 
McDONALD’S RESTAURANTS
Dick Shalhaub
612 E. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-1516
 
MIRAU, EDWARDS, CANNON, LEWIN & TOOKE
Mark Edwards
1806 Orange Tree Lane, Suite C
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-0200
 
OFFICE DEPOT
Cheryl Peetz
602 Orange
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-2563
 
REDLANDS CYCLERY USA
Craig Kundig
415-A Tennessee Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-2444
 
ROSE GARDEN RESIDENTIAL CARE
Karen Marangakis
1350 No. Wabash
Mentone, CA  92359
Phone:  794-1040
 
STORAGE WEST
Brina Limon
1680 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-5761
 
SUPERIOR ROOFING
Harry Kylkema
520 E. Stuart
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  792-3681
 
T.A.B.S INC.
Ron Drake
155 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 123
San Bernardino, CA  92408
Phone:  890-2434
 
UNITED MOVING & STORAGE
Jeremy Williams
5015 Hallmark Parkway
San Bernardino, CA  92407
Phone:  880-8284
 
University of Redlands
Dr. Ralph Kunci
1200 E. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  748-8390
 
WYATT VIDEO
Bill Wyatt
31 W. Stuart Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  876-7163
 

APR 2013 – Alta Vista Credit Union – Annual Shred Day

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Celebrate Earth Day with FREE document shredding.  Alta Vista Credit Union is partnering with Cintas-Secure Document Destruction Services to offer FREE document shredding on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Alta Vista Lugonia Branch located at 1425 W. Lugonia Avenue, Redlands.  (across from Citrus Plaza)  This event is open to the community, so tell your friends and family and start planning to attend Alta Vista’s Shred Day.

This FREE community event not only provides secure destruction of sensitive information and documents, but also provides an earth friendly alternative to landfills for these items.  FREE service is limited to four Xerox size boxes of shred unless prior approval is received from an authorized Alta Vista representative.  For any questions or for more information please call (909) 809-3838.