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4A Daily News –Wednesday, November 23, 2011 Commerce business & enterprise The Buck works here Corning Rental manager Buck Klarenbach receives a plaque from Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce chairman Greg Stevens honoring the business as Novem- ber's Daily News-RBTC Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month. The business was chosen for this honor through a nomination and selection process administered by a volunteer committee of the Chamber. Contributing the business' selection as Business of the Month was the nomination which specifically cited Buck's "excellent customer service -- explains how to use any piece of equipment, always with the cus- tomer's safety in mind." Corning Rental, also recently recognized by the Corning Chamber, is owned by Louis Davies, who took the photo above. Business of the Month nomi- nation forms are available at www.redbluffchamber.com. Cus- tomers whose nominations are selected by the chamber receive a $25 gift certificate at any Tehama County business, courtesy of the Daily News. Courtesy photo Giving thanks with an attitude of gratitude Sometimes I get so busy, I forget to have an attitude of gratitude. I am very grateful for my family, the chamber, our members, directors, staff and all the volunteers that make Red Bluff and Tehama County what they are. Thank you for your never-ending effort to make this such a special place. We have many visitors come through our office, and the common theme we hear is the friendly people they have come across in our commu- nity. Enjoy the upcoming holi- day season, and join me in working on the attitude of gratitude. My hope for all of us is that Thanks- giving is more than a one-day event. *** New members: Firehouse Pizza, 734 Main St., Red Bluff; Wink Fashion and Salon, 332 Oak St., Red Bluff; Alfred Phen, news, you've seen govern- ments around the world struggling to balance their budget and stay afloat. Iron- ically, the basics of balanc- ing the income and expenses of a country are not that dif- ferent from what you do with your own finances — and it can be just as much of a challenge. But a well- planned budget is an invalu- able tool if you want to improve your financial posi- tion. Here are five things you can do now to make set- ting and reaching your 2012 financial goals a lot easier. Step One: Organize your bills Start by gathering all of your monthly, quarterly and annual financial obligations. Next, look back through your check register or your bank statements and collect data of all the products and activities that drain money from your wallet. Then list and categorize these expens- es. Standard categories include food, clothing, gen- eral household, transporta- tion, entertainment and so on. You'll be ahead of the game if your budget accounts for "unplanned" expenses such as a visit to the emergency room (now an especially costly adven- ture, thanks to high deductible medical plans) and car or home repairs. While you may not be able to name what financial bur- den will arise in the next 12 months, you can be sure something will cause you to part suddenly with some of your hard-earned money. If you have cash set aside for just those occasions, then you can pay the expense and avoid a crisis. Step Two: Scrutinize the numbers To create a realistic bud- get, examine and adjust the expenses you've identified above against your take- home pay. Highlight areas that are out of whack. One way to evaluate the numbers is to break down your bud- get categories by percent- ages. Ideally, your housing costs should not exceed 30%; transportation expens- es should not exceed 20%; and food should fall under 15% of your total expenses. Step Three: Fix what you don't like To change your financial reality, set realistic and stretch goals that will Hometown Christmas is coming DDS, 810 Rio St., Red Bluff; Irene Fuller, Red Bluff; Mouse Pad, 410 S. Main St., Red Bluff; Tehama Tees and Screenprinting, 440 Antelope Blvd. #20, Red Bluff; NorCal Guitar Academy, 613 Main St., Red Bluff; 3 Generations Arts & Shop; 409 Wal- nut St., Red Bluff; and Grandma's Daycare, 1326 Nelson Drive, Red Bluff. Dave Gowan is CEO of the Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce. Five steps for a smart financial start in 2012 If you pay attention to the improve your bottom line. When you identify a target — for example, to trim $100 from your month- ly food budget — break it down. What does this mean for you on a daily or weekly basis? Maybe you need to buy items in bulk, purchase off-brand, clip more coupons or employ some other cost-saving strategy. Be cre- ative and rise to the challenge. If it's clear you your spending as necessary. Monitoring your budget this way can make your money more manageable and give you the feeling of being in control. Alan Foley don't have suffi- cient money coming in each month, consider ways to up your income. Do you need to work overtime, go after that promotion, pursue a new career or get a second job? If you're stuck where you are, circle back to your spending habits. Step Four: Follow your budget There's no point in mak- ing a budget if you don't intend to act on it. Keep your budget in front of you and document your expenses on a daily basis. Then adjust Step Five: Check in with a financial advisor There are books and web- sites that can teach you the finer points for preparing and following a bud- get. But there's nothing quite like being in the presence of someone who can share their financial knowledge. Consult a financial advisor for an honest assessment of your financial health and take advantage of insights and strategies that can help you improve your finances in 2012 and beyond. ___ • Hometown Christmas is coming up Dec. 3, and there are lots of ways to participate. If you would like to be in the Parade of Lights and have not received an entry form, you can go to www.corningchamber.org and click on "Corning Hometown Christmas" and you will find the parade entries and rules. Or you can stop by and pick one up at the office, 1110 Solano Street. Deadline is Nov. 28. Craft booth space is also available inside and on the sidewalks. You may also get vendor applications on our website or stop by the office. Sponsor books are ready and will be distributed this week. Those who would like to qualify for a chance to win a beautiful gift basket can participate in the Passport Program. Pick up a sponsor booklet at the chamber office and there four page in the book that reads, "Hometown Christmas Passport". You must visit each business listed to receive a sticker that goes over their name in the book. When you have at least 30 out of 32 of the stickers bring it to the chamber office to fill out a ticket for the free drawing. You will have until Dec. 8 to fill out your book and the winner will be announced at the Christmas Mixer hosted by PremierWest Bank. The winners of Christmas Tree Lane will also be announced. Please take note of some changes this year: Santa will be arriving as usual on the fire truck at 1 pm, but the photos with Santa will be taken at JVan Photography 1120 Solano, (across the parking lot from the chamber office). For a 4X6 photo the price is $5, and they will be printed onsite. This is a great opportunity for a nice photo of your child with Santa for a Christmas gift! Please note that there will be no pictures with Santa after the parade at the Memorial Hall, only during the day between 1:30 and 4 p.m. Another slight change is the location of the Pancake Breakfast. This year the Knights of Columbus will join with the Corning Volunteer Fire Department to provide a fine pancake breakfast at the Fire Hall from 7 to 11 a.m. The Knights of Columbus sponsor the Boy Scout Troop 62 and this is one of their annual fundraisers for the troop. So come out and enjoy a great breakfast and help out the Boy Scouts and the volunteer firemen. The children's activities will be next to the chamber office in the parking lot, with petting zoo, stick horse rodeo, games with prizes, etc, and the free carriage rides will pick up and drop off passengers in front of the chamber office. Another change is the location of the Art Exhibit. This year it will be held at Bank of America, 1222 Solano St. There will be local artists showing their work from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by the bank and see the local talent. Alan Foley is a financial advisor and business financial advisor for Ameriprise Financial, 2150 Main St., Ste.8, and can be reached at 528-1328. The North State's premier supplier of stoves STOVE JUNCTION The Over 25 years of experience COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR All makes and models. We perform dealer recommened 30K, 60K, 90K SERVICES AT LOWER PRICES Smog Check starting at $ (most cars and pick-ups) 2595 + cert. Pass or FREE retest 527-9841 • 195 S. Main St. NOW OPEN! Sales • Service • Installation *Wood Stoves * Pellet Stoves * Gas Stoves Tues-Sat 9am-5pm Closed Sunday & Monday 22825 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff www.thestovejunction.com 530-528-2221 Fax 530-528-2229 BLACK FRIDAY SALE 25% off November 25th Try our New Specials and bring the family down and watch your kids learn to make their own Pizza's at & 26TH , 2011 The Bambino Shack (Anderson Restaurant Only!) Antiques & Collectibles * Wild Wunny Red Hat Ladies Boutique Start a New Christmas Tradition We have lots of items made in old U.S.A. Give a Gift Certificate and keep your money local * Three o'clock Winds & Ranch Design * Shabby Chick 608 Main Street, Red Bluff 530-528-0411 Open 10am-5pm Tues-Sat 478 Antelope Blvd. Red Bluff 530 529-5466 10% OFF Everything in store Friday & Saturday ONLY November 25th & 26th Not including repairs or special orders Mobile: 530/638-1015 FREE & TERMITE INSPECTION or UP TO 15% OFF TERMITE TREATMENT SERVICE* PEST EVALUATION FREE & SAVE 10% OFF PEST CONTROL SERVICE* • Little Miss and Mister Christmas program will be at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at Woodson Elementary School Cafeteria. The program is free and open to everyone. • Corning in the Evening - Thank you, Coffee Club Bistro, for hosting the evening event last Thursday. About 30 people showed up for some coffee, sandwich- es and pastries and to meet Larissa Henson, who oper- ates the business with her husband Christopher and Michael Henson, her brother-in-law. Tina and Rob Hen- son co-owners were unable to be there. Some new mem- bers were introduced during the evening; Omega Fashions‚ owner Fabiola Rivera was there but her husband, Orland, who also owns the business was unable to attend. Kate Linnet is a new member. Also some of the nominees for the Chamber Board of Direc- tors were introduced; Eric Ludwig of Eric‚s Computer Solutions, Kate Linnet Every chamber member should have received a slate of nominees via email or by mail. If you haven't been to the "Bistro" that opened in May you will want to stop by. They serve breakfast and lunch and will soon be serving dinners. Watch for that announcement. • Attention PT Cruisers! Join a group of "Cruisers" in the Hometown Christmas Parade ar 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 3. If you are interested in call Sherry Ingram at 824-6691. It is free to participate if you are in the group. Alan Wylie Local Inspector James W. Tysinger, Jr. M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon Fellow American Academy of Ophthalmology We accept Medical, Medicare & most Insurances Office Hours: Tues-Wed-Thurs 8am-4:30pm Mon & Fri 1pm-4:30pm For Emergencies, After Hours, Week-ends, Call 530-567-5001 345 Hickory St. Red Bluff Tel: (530) 529-4733 Fax: (530) 529-1114