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4A Daily News– Wednesday, September 12, 2012 Commerceenterprise business This is the theme of our upcoming Annual Chamber Installation and Awards dinner, where we install new officers and Directors as well as cele- brate the accomplishments of outstanding commu- nity members.We hope you and your staff will mark your calendars for Wednesday, Sept. 26 and cheer on the accomplishments of the past year. "Together We Can." & Red Bluff Chamber Chairwoman's Corner has shown to be a strong motivator recently such as cleaning up our city streets, organizing branding events, collecting books for local youth and even organizing a flash mob. And there are even busier times upon us. woman elect position on the Chamber Board this year. I know that Darlene will do an outstanding job as chamber chairwoman next year. On a final note, our hearts go out to Prior Gene Penne Award winners include; Cindy Brown, Dan Cargile, Orville Jacobs, Kevin Brunnemer, Ron Clark, Gary Napier, Bill Moule, John Yingling and Marshall Pike. Please call the chamber office for tickets 527- 6220 ext. 301. There have been many instances where this "Together We Can" theme Employment Professionals, one of the nation's largest staffing firms, hand-picks the top associates in its sys- tem and honors them with the esteemed Employee of the Year award. This year, Red Bluff Express associate Luis Tinajero was named Cali- fornia Employee of the Year for his significant career growth since becoming an Express associate. Each year Express Tehama District Fair and don't forget about the popular Beef 'N Brew downtown. Farmers Markets on Wednesday nights and Saturdays are still in full swing and we are working on a plan to provide affordable training to local businesses as an added benefit of chamber membership. Details should be available soon. I would also like to recognize Dar- lene Koontz from Lassen Volcanic National Park for taking on the chair- for several months, Tinajero was unsure of the possibili- ty of finding employment. The Express office in Red Bluff saw that Luis had a great attitude and initiative and was willing to give him a chance. After searching for work Since his employment, Tinajero's great attitude, flexibility and team player mentality have earned him five raises and he has been recognized as a Star Per- former among his peers. He is always willing to improve and learn new skills to make himself a more valuable asset to his employer. "Each year we find jobs for hundreds of thousands of associates, and we often come across truly excep- tional individuals who deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedica- tion to their growing careers," says Robert A. Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals. "The Employee of the Year award is the highest honor an Express associate can receive and we couldn't be have school-age children, you're prob- ably busy getting them acclimated to another year of hitting the books. But the school years go by quickly, so it won't be long before your kids are ready to head off to college. Will you be financially prepared to help them? It's certainly a challenge, especially School is back in session. If you Please stop by our margarita booth at the monster trucks, take your family to the the families who have recently lost their homes due to the Ponderosa Fire in Manton. My hope is that we, as a community, will rally together to help with fundraising and donations and instill hope back in the minds of those who have lost so much. What a valiant effort by the fire- fighters to protect our beautiful county from the many fires around us. I am probably speaking for most of us who sincerely say "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts." Lisa Hansen, CPC, CTS owns Express Employment Professionals at 243 S. Main St, in Red Bluff, and can be reached at (530) 527-0727. Tinajero named Employee of the Year Tinajero more pleased to bestow this award upon Luis." Winners of the Employ- ee of the Year award are chosen based on their unique story as a job seeker and their level of growth in their set career. Nominees are also selected because given rising costs of higher education. Consider these figures from the Col- lege Board: For the 2011-2012 school year, the average cost (including tuition, fees, room and board) was $17,131 per year for an in-state student attending a public, four-year college or university. For a student attending a private four-year school, the compara- ble average cost was $38,589 annually. And these numbers are likely to increase in the years ahead. So, what can you do to help meet the high costs of higher education? For starters, you need to save and invest — early and often. And you'll also want to choose investments that are particu- larly well suited for college. Here are a few suggestions: * 529 plan — When you invest in a 529 plan, all withdrawals will be free from federal income taxes, as long as the money is used for a qualified col- lege expense for your child, or even your grandchild. (However, non-quali- fied withdrawals may be subject to federal, state and penalty taxes.) Contribution limits are quite high so, in all likelihood, you'll be able to put as much as you want into a 529 plan; although you generally can't exceed the annual gift tax exclu- sion, which is $13,000 per beneficiary in 2012. Fur- thermore, if you participate in your own state's 529 plan, your contributions may be tax deductible. * Coverdell Education they exude a Character of Excellence, which means they are reliable, honest, hard working, have an exemplary attitude, and a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure their and others' success. For the 2012 awards, three industry winners were chosen on the national level, five as regional winners and one per state or province on the local level. In total, 50 winners were awarded across North America. National winners receive $1,000 and a professional photo certificate; regional zone winners receive $750 and a professional photo certificate; and state/province winners each receive $500 and profes- sional photo certificate. Invest early — and wisely — for college Savings Account — Depending on your income level, you can contribute up to $2,000 annually to a Coverdell Edu- cation Savings Account (ESA) in 2012. Your Coverdell earnings and withdrawals will be tax-free, provided you use the money for qualified edu- cation expenses. (Any non-education withdrawals from a Coverdell ESA may be subject to a 10 percent penal- ty.) Unlike a 529 Plan, in addition to college expenses, Coverdell funds can be used for kindergarten-12th grade expenses and you can place Coverdell ESA contributions into virtually any investment you choose - stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, etc. Tyler Smail proven popular among many parents and grandparents. However, you'll need to consult with your finan- cial advisor to determine which col- lege-savings vehicles are appropriate for your needs. But don't wait too long — because, before you know it, today's grade-schoolers will be pack- ing for their college dorms. This article was written by Edward Jones.Tyler Smail is a a financial advisor for Edward Jones, his office is located at 733 Washington St. in Red Bluff. He can be reached at 529-3627 or tyler.smail@edwardjones.com. * Zero coupon bonds — A zero coupon bond is priced at a discount to its principal or face value. You receive the principal value when the bond matures. So, you could purchase a zero coupon bond that matures in the year your child is ready to go to college. Although you won't receive regular interest payments throughout the life of the zero coupon bond, you'll still be liable for the taxes on this interest. So, before purchas- ing a zero coupon bond, con- sult with your tax advisor. These investments have Corning in the Evening • Corning in the Evening - 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, Corning Consignment and Resale, located just half a block south of Solano Street at 811 Fourth Street, will host the monthly event and you are invited to come and see what it has to offer in the 7,000 square foot facility. You are invited to bring your business card for a chance to win a door prize. Refreshments will be served. • Save the date - Oct. 13 has lots of things happening in Tehama County. The Carousel of Care Health Spree at the Tehama District Fairground will include the Chil- dren‚s Fair, Sacred Heart Calico Faire Fun Run/Walk, and the 4-H Open house, besides the Health Spree. • The Children‚s Fair brings together families and local organizations that provide services for young chil- dren, in celebration of community, childhood, and the spirit of learning. The Children's Fair is open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Tehama District Fairgrounds in Red Bluff. The Children's Fair offers an informative day of creating, exploring, and fun at booths sponsored by local organizations, including preschools, extra-cur- ricular activity providers (such as scouts, martial arts, music and art), child safety organizations, fire and police departments, local recreation areas, and a num- ber of churches. Northern California Productions pro- vides music and entertainment throughout the day. Everything is free to the families attending thanks to participating organizations and generous local sponsor- ship, as well as volunteer efforts of dozens of commu- nity members. The Children's Fair is a project of the Tehama County Education Foundation and the Tehama County Department of Education. For more informa- tion, call Jackie Douglas at 528-7342. The 4-H Open House, at the Hog & Beef Barn, is a fun, educational way to showcase the Tehama County 4-H Program. Each club in Tehama County will have interactive booths at the event! They are all free to the public. For more information contact the Tehama County 4-H Office at 530-527-3101. Sacred Heart Calico Faire Fun Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. at the lawn area between the Auditorium and the Cafeteria. For registration information call Straw- berry Webber at (530) 200-5394. • Save the date for the Corning Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale Oct. 19 and 20. This is a great time to go through your books and donate them to the library. You can drop off your books whenever the library is open. For library hours call 824-7050, or the Chamber at 824-5550. • Seminar — Are you afraid of losing your home to foreclosure? Are you struggling to make your mortgage payments? Then you won‚t want to miss this free sem- inar, "10 Ways to Keep Your Home. Sound advice on how to avoid foreclosure." There will be a Spanish sem- inar September 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, at the Carlino Event Center, Rolling Hills Casino in Corning. An Eng- lish seminar will be presented September 27, at the same time and location. To register email slown@ncen.org or call (530) 529-7000. The Job Training Center, New Castle Mortgage and Keep Your Home California have partnered to provide you a chance to understand your options, make informed decisions, effectively navigate the system and quickly take your next step towards keeping your home. You will be able to ask questions of the panel of experts at the seminar. Don‚t miss the event. Register now. There will be no sales pitches and no products sold. ——— This column is prepared and submitted by the Corning Chamber of Commerce. Courtesy photo At the Wednesday Farmers Market during the Dance Red Bluff Flash Mob. The Chamber's own Terri and Jason bustin' a move. COME ON DOWN! LAST DAYS Sale Ends Sept. 15th 413 Walnut Street, Red Bluff • 528-8000 OPEN: Tues.-Fri. 10am - 5:30pm • Sat. 10am - 4pm Gold Exchange www.redbluffgoldexchange.com markdowns up to 50% off facebook.com/redbluffgoldexchange