February 2013 Newsletter

ISSUE 02

Business Todaythe official publication of the pittsburg chamber of commerce

VOLUME 46 February 2013

Governer BrownProposes 2013-2014 Budget.....................2

Solar Panels helping to save on PG&E Bills......................................................3New Taxes take effect Jan 1st..................4

New Taxes to Take Effect January 1 to Fund Health Care

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Solar panels help East Contra Costa sanitation district save on PG&E bills

Solar panels are helping Delta Diablo Sanitation District generate big savings on its Paci�c Gas & Electric bills.

Governor Brown Proposes 2013-2014 Budget

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Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. has proposed a balanced state budget that boosts investment in education, implements health care reform and keeps California on a long-term path to �scal stability. This budget builds on the work of the last two years to eliminate the ongoing de�cit.

Billions of dollars in new taxes will go into e�ect on January 1, 2013 to fund provisions in the health care law passed in 2010.

Pittsburg Soroptimists still going strong after nearly 60 years

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2012 Pittsburg Chamber President’s Club:

2012 Partners:

Six decades in, and the Soroptimists of Pittsburg is still going strong. The club, a national service organization dedicated to "improving the lives of women and girls," will celebrate its 60th anniversary this spring with a big lunch.

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Principal Engineer on the project Dean Eckerson poses overlooking a parking lot at Delta Diablo Sanitation District with 990 photovoltaic solar panels in Antioch, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. The panels are expected to save the district more than $100,000 a year in energy costs. (Susan Tripp Pollard, Contra Costa Times).

Pittsburg soroptimist governor founder region Dona Gaddis Wolf, from left, president Timi Tumbaga and longest-standing member Doris Bedford, all of Pittsburg, gather at the castle at Small World Park in Pittsburg on Jan. 15, 2013. Various fundraisers by the Pittsburg Soroptimist Club, including decorated Christmas tree auctions, raised the $60,000 needed to build the play castle at the park where families can rent the structure for parties. This club celebrates 60 years this spring. (Susan Tripp Pollard, Contra Costa Times).

Business Today Page 2

Employers Must Post Job-Related Injuries Summary by February 1The California Chamber of Commerce and your local Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce is reminding employers that they must post a summary of job-related injuries and illnesses from 2012 at their place of business by February 1, 2013

Employers are required to post only the summary (Form 300A)-not the Form 300 (Log)—from February 1 to April 30. The summary must list the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in the previous year and were logged on the Form 300 (Log). Companies with no recordable injuries or illnesses in the previous year must post the summary with zeros on the “total” line. A company executive must certify all establishment summaries.

The form is to be displayed in a common area where notices to employees usually are posted. Employers must make a copy of the summary available to employees who move from worksite to worksite, such as construction workers, and employees who do not report to any �xed establishment on a regular basis.

A free Log 300 wizard is available at www.calchamberstore.com/log300wizard to help a business determine whether it is subject to record keeping requirements.

For more information on Form 300 �ling and posting requirements, or copies of the OSHA Forms 300, 300A and 301, visitwww.hrcalifornia.com.

Governor Brown Proposes 2013-2014 Budget“The budget cuts made in the last two years and the passage of Proposition 30 make it possible to both live within our means and to increase funding for education,” said Governor Brown.

When Governor Brown took o�ce, the state faced a $26.6 billion budget de�cit and estimated annual gaps of roughly $20 billion. The �rst two state budgets under Governor Brown’s watch eliminated these de�cits with billions of dollars in cuts as well as temporary revenues. The 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 budgets provided three dollars of spending cuts for every dollar in temporary tax revenues approved by the voters. To maintain the �scal stability that has been achieved, the budget re�ects the continuation of spending cuts made in the last two years, contin-ues to pay down the “wall of debt” and recognizes risks that remain. “Fiscal discipline is not the enemy of democratic governance, but rather its fundamental predicate. In fact, it is through �scal discipline that this budget can invest in education, expand health care and provide a safety net for the most vulner-able,” said Governor Brown. Significant Details of the 2013-2014 State Budget: Maintains Long-Term Fiscal StabilityBy aligning expenditures with revenues, paying down debt and creating a $1 billion reserve, this budget provides long-term �scal stability on a level that California has not enjoyed in more than a decade. Invests in Education and Increases Local ControlAfter years of decline, this budget signi�cantly increases state funding per student in K-12 schools – $2,700 by 2016-2017. Funding for K-12 and community colleges increases by $2.7 billion next year, and by $19 billion by 2016-2017. While K-12 school districts across the state will bene�t from the increased funding—through a new school funding formula—school districts serving those students who have the greatest challenges will

receive more generous increases—so that all students in California have the opportunity to succeed. The budget increases �exibility at the local level so those closest to the students can make the decisions. Increases Funding to Strengthen Higher Education and Increase Affordability

This budget increases state funding for UC and CSU by an additional $250 million, 5 percent. It proposes a multi-year stable funding plan to strengthen our higher education system, ensure a�ordability and reduce student indebtedness. Higher education costs have risen rapidly and middle class students have paid the price. By shortening the time it takes a student to successfully complete a degree and calling on UC and CSU to deploy their instructional resources more e�ectively, the system can be made more a�ordable—both for the students and the state. Implements Federal Health Care ReformThis budget expands access to health care for Californians by implementing federal health care reform. It expands coverage by simplifying Medi-Cal eligibility and extending coverage to childless adults and uninsured parents. Given promised federal funding, the budget outlines two alternative pathways. It also recognizes that implementation of health care reform will require changes in the respective responsibilities of the state and the counties. The full budget document can be found here: www.dof.ca.gov

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how to get the best from your technology...

Coffee & Commerce

POWs on the Bataan Death March. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Business Today Page 3

Six decades in, and the Soroptimists of Pittsburg is still going strong. The club, a national service organization dedicated to "improving the lives of women and girls," will celebrate its 60th anniversary this spring with a big lunch."We'll invite all the other clubs in our region (to it)," said Doris Bedford, treasurer. Bedford joined the local chapter in 1979, and likes helping raise money and giving it away. The Pittsburg group, which features about 30 members, annually raises about $25,000 to help local residents.

So, just how does the club make $25,000 a year? Bedford said the women head several fundraisers, events and sales throughout the year. The big money-maker is the Festa Italiana event. Members cook a traditional Italian dinner, honor a local family and make about half their annual budget at the event held at the Good Shepherd Church. Other events include teaming with Pittsburg's Steeltown cafe for Co�ee for a Cause; a partnership for a golf tournament; and a huge bake sale."About 15 of us get crazy and (bake a lot of goods.) That raises $1,500," Bedford said. The women meet at noon every Thursday at Country Wa�es on Harbor Street in Pittsburg. The meetings are a mix of business, fundraising discussions, education and social time.

In addition to an upcoming $2,000 scholarship, the group also doles out several awards to those returning to college and one to a teen volunteer, which gives money to the girl and her cause. Over the years, the Soroptimists have helped students in need and made major �nancial contributions to Small World Park for its popular party castle attraction. Current President Timi Tumbaga has gathered plenty of great memories in her seven years with the organization. Two of her favorite memories include the Kidz on Target (spearheaded by Bedford), which o�ers schools supplies and clothes to 100 underprivileged students. "To see the smiles on their faces once they are done is one of the greatest rewards you can ever receive," Tumbaga said. She also enjoys the group's annual luncheon, which features scholarship giveaways. "These awards allow us to hear the di�erent stories from the ladies receiving these and how these can help make a di�erence. "Both these events help remind us why we work so hard to fund raise throughout the year. We get to see �rsthand our projects at work and the impacts they can make on an individual and within a community."

Tumbaga enjoys this "dynamic and resourceful group. These women are very committed and passionate about this organization. If asked to move a mountain, I am almost certain (they) would �nd a way to make that happen."Applications are available for the Marilyn McFaul Vocational scholarship and due by Feb. 8. This is for a female student "currently attending or has been accepted to a vocational/skills training program, trade school or institute of technology program accredited by the state of California."

Pittsburg Soroptimists still going strong after nearly 60 yearsSolar panels help East Contra Costa sanitation district save on

PG&E bills

A new year means a new start -for both you and your gadgets. Get off on the right foot in 2013 with these five essential tech tips, from backing up your hard drive to taking charge of your pile of passwords.

1. Back up your Windows or Macintosh. Yes, backing up all your files and system settings is a hassle, but with automatic cloud based backup services such as Carbonite and Sugarsync, there is no excuse to make an effort to keep your data safe.

2. Speed up your computer with more RAM. Has your Windows or Macintosh computer been feeling poky lately? Check out Crucial.com, a online memory retailer that can scan your system to determine the exact type of memory you’ll need. Give your old desktop or laptop new life with an infusion of RAM.

3. Install virus and malware protection. Mac users are still relatively safe from viruses, but if you’re using Windows, be careful out there. There are plenty of

Since May, almost 1,000 panels installed on nine individual carport structures covering a 75-space parking lot have been providing most of the electricity used by the district's adjacent two-story administration building.

"We paid on the order of $120,000 per year for electricity on that building," before the solar photo-voltaics were installed, said Dean Eckerson, principal engineer for the district, which provides sewage treatment, household hazardous waste disposal services and street sweeping for 52,000 households in Antioch, Bay Point and Pittsburg.

Now, the district expects its yearly power costs will be about $10,000 for the administration building, which also includes laboratories for testing water quality of discharged wastewater, mechanical equipment repair and warehouse facilities.

On an annual basis, the district's 421-kilowatt solar project is expected to provide enough energy to power 58 single-family homes. It is the �rst solar project installed by the district, which is looking into adding a second such project on its property.

The panels, along with the carports that they sit upon, were installed over a California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, will help o�set project costs over a �ve-year period.

But beyond the grant money, the district will be saving more than $100,000 a year from lower PG&E bills, Eckerson said. Having a solar system also lets the district export some of its surplus energy back to the grid.

"There are times of the day and the year when we over generate, and PG&E is crediting us the value back on the bill," he said. Paying less for electricity is among many factors that the district will take into consideration when setting rates in the future.

And while rates aren't expected to decrease going forward, having lower energy costs for the administrative building could potentially o�set other rising operational costs.

"This lowers one portion of operating costs," Eckerson said. "Ultimately, it would be re�ected in the rates, but it's just one component."

Plans are under way for a second solar project for the district's recycled water facility, which would provide up to 70 percent of the facility's energy needs.

Delta Diablo is among a growing number of PG&E customers deriving energy from the sun.

"We've connected solar facilities for more than 75,000 residences and businesses throughout our service area," PG&E spokesman Jason King said. "It is by far the most of any utility in the United States."

for-pay virus-protection packages on the market (Norton andMcAfee among them), but one the best virus protection packages is AVG Anti-Virus and the best part is it’s Free!

4. Take charge of your passwords. Can’t keep track of all passwords-you know, the ones for your online banking account, Netflix, Facebook, Google, iTunes, and so on? Or, even worse, are you using the same password for all your online accounts? Write your passwords down. Yes, your online life will be an open book if your list of passwords is ever found, but it’s probably a safer solution than using a single, weak password for all your accounts.

5. Lock your smartphone with a passcode. Speaking of passwords, do you have a passcode set up for your iPhone or Android phone? It may seem like a nuisance, but you’ll be sorry of your unlocked handset-along with all your email, contacts, photos, and other personal information-falls into the wrong hands.

A parking lot at Delta Diablo Sanitation District is photographed showing photovoltaic solar panels in Antioch, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. The 990 panels are expected to save the district more than $100,000 a year in energy costs. Susan Tripp Pollard, Contra Costa Times.

By Trina GallegosContra Costa Timescontracostatimes.com

By Eve MitchelleContra Costa Timescontracostatimes.com

Business Starts Here

Business TodAY Page 4

New Taxes to Take Effect January 1 to Fund Health Care

SCORE BusinessSmall Business Counseling

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Coffee & CommerceAgenda: BART UpdatesLocation: 985 railroad ave.8:00AM to 9:00AM

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Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce

985 Railroad Ave.Pittsburg, CA.

94565(925)432-7301

NewsletterMonica Couture

Pittsburg Chamberof Commerce

[email protected]

2013...Good things are happening and more to come!

The economy is picking up. Businesses are hiring. Pittsburg is looking good. Your Chamber has some great plans under way for 2013. The Chamber is working to create value for all its members.Our signature program for 2013 is our Neighborhood Businesses Initiative, a shop local program. We have divided Pittsburg into eight di�erent business neighborhoods. The plan is to have the Chamber sta� and volunteers work with the business in that neighborhood for a one month promotional e�ort. We have started with the Highland Square Center on Buchanan Rd. Their one month e�ort will be the month of March with an event day on Saturday March 30, the day before Easter Sunday. The businesses in the center are excited about the opportunity and willing to be the “Guinea Pig” for the Chamber’s marketing program series around the City. The second area is planned for the Center at Bailey Road and East Leland for April.Our second program underway is with the new Chamber Ambassador Committee going out and making contact with Pittsburg Businesses and asking them a few simple questions about their business. This group also does meet and greets at Chamber functions. If you are interested in volunteering as an Ambassador please call the Chamber o�ce at 925-432-7301.The Chamber’s third major focus is to develop another Business/Education Partnership with Pittsburg area educators. We are looking at three di�erent opportunities; one a Mock Interview program at Pittsburg High School, a program to teach educators about business, and a program to work with young entrepreneurs to encourage and teach them about business. The Chamber has a committee looking at these in detail and help the Board of Directors choose the program or programs.The Chamber will continue to host the Pittsburg Chamber’s Annual Seafood Festival bringing thousands of new people to downtown Pittsburg. Your Board is excited about these programs as is the Chamber sta�. We will keep the membership informed as we proceed forward.

Harry YorkHarry YorkCEO

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Chamber MixerLa Pinata Restaurant5:30pm-7:00pm

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Harry’s Corner February 2013 Calendar of events

New Members

St. Claire Cigars64 East 4th St.

Pittsburg, Ca. 94565(925)439-1608

www.stclairecigars.com

Calpine Corp.1200 Arcy Ln.

Pittsburg, Ca. 94565(925)7 57-3924

The new taxes include an increase in the payroll tax on wages, a tax on investment income (including interest, dividends and capital gains) and a new tax on medical devices.

Higher Medicare TaxCurrently, a 2.9% Medicare payroll tax (1.45% from employees and 1.45% from employers) is the primary �nancing source for Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund, which pays hospital bills for bene�ciaries, who are 65 and older or disabled. Self-employed people pay the entire 2.9%, but are permitted to deduct half the amount for income tax purposes.

Starting January 1, 2013, single taxpayers earning more than $200,000 and married couples earning more than $250,000 will be taxed an additional 0.9% (2.35% total) for earnings over that base amount.

A questions-and-answers document available from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) notes that an employer must withhold the additional Medicare taxes from wages paid in excess of $200,000 in a calendar year without regard to the individual’s �ling status or wages paid by another employer.The document recommends an individual make estimated tax payments and/or ask that additional income tax be withheld if he/she anticipates additional liability due to the new Medicare tax. If the taxpayer anticipates not meeting the tax threshold for joint �lers, that individual cannot ask the employer to stop withholding the additional Medicare tax, according to the IRS document.The document advises the individual to claim credit for any withheld additional Medicare tax on his/her income tax return.

New Tax on InvestmentsThe new tax on investment income also is to support Medicare. That 3.8% tax will be imposed on the lesser of the individual’s net investment income or the amount by which the individual’s modi�ed adjusted gross income (AGI) tops $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married �ling jointly).

Net investment income includes interest, dividends, royalties, rents, gross income from a trade or business involving passive activities or that trade in �nancial instruments and commodities, and net gains from the disposition of property held in a trade or business that is a passive activity or that trades in �nancial instruments and commodities. Excluded from investment income are distributions from quali�ed retirement plans and any items taken into account for self-employment tax purposes.

New Tax on Medical DevicesA new 2.3% tax will be levied on the gross sales of medical devices intended for use in a medical institution or by a medical professional. The law included an exception from the tax for retail items purchased by the general public (not medical professionals) for individual use, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses and hearing aids. The �nal IRS regulations include a series of examples to illustrate how a device might qualify for the retail sale exemption.

Other ChangesOther changes due to the health care law that will a�ect taxes:

Medical expenses deduction raised from 7.5% of AGI to 10%. Taxpayers currently can take an itemized deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of AGI. The �oor is raised to 10% starting January 1, 2013.

New limit on health care �exible spend-ing plans. There had been no limit to the amount of contributions to a �exible spending arrangement (FSA), which allows an employee to set aside a portion of earnings to pay for quali�ed expenses as established in a cafeteria plan. Allowable contributions to health FSAs are capped at $2,500 per year starting January 1, 2013. The dollar amount will be indexed to in�ation after 2013.