Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/95696
4A Daily News– Wednesday, November 28, 2012 Commerceenterprise business It's said that a healthy and vibrant downtown boosts the eco- nomic health and quality of life in a community. A healthy downtown is a symbol of community pride and history. Now that the holidays are among us, it's the per- fect opportunity to shop local and spend your money in Tehama County. Buy locally and you keep your town alive to thrive. Downtown merchants are offering five fun filled weekends of wonderful holi- day activities downtown. Be sure to bring the family and build on traditions that will be remembered for years to come. The Holiday Hottie Economic Development event filled with, gifts, holiday treats, signature drinks is this Saturday Dec. 1, for Chamber chairwoman's corner & more information or ticket to this fabulous event, contact the cham- ber office. We are very excited to be mov- ing forward with a Murder Mystery Dinner to help benefit the Chamber of Commerce and the Brand- ing Movement. We are firming up the dates and cast and look forward to offering the community another great event. It will be well worth the wait, I promise. looking to add golf tournaments, a motorcycle run, a business expo and mixer, future fireworks fundraising and we have many other ideas to keep the chamber The chamber is looking for vol- unteers who would love to be involved and help to organize upcoming fundraisers. We are and our community active and prosperous. always wanted to do, please let us know. Sometimes people wait to be asked when they have a special tal- ent in organizing events. This is your invite. And finally, don't forget to attend the annual Christmas Mixer at 5:30 p.m. at the Palomino Room on Dec. 6. Bring your staff, share in the holiday spirit and get to know other chamber members who might be great networking resources. If this is something you've happy holiday. Merry Christmas! Lisa Hansen own Express I hope you all have a safe and Employment Professionals and is the chairwoman of the Red Bluff- Tehama County Chamber of Commerce. Should you prepare for a 'fiscal cliff?' As an investor, you can sometimes feel you're at the mercy of forces beyond your control. This may be especially true today, when the entire country appears to be on edge about the approaching "fiscal cliff." What can you do in the face of such a dire predic- tion? short term, and higher taxes, probably for the foreseeable future. To combat market volatility, you may want to take these steps: First of all, you'll need to understand what initially led the Federal Reserve to issue the fiscal cliff warn- ing. Here's the story: Some $1.2 trillion in spending cuts are scheduled to begin in 2013, while, simultane- ously, the Bush-era tax cuts —including the reduc- tion in capital gains and dividend taxes — are set to expire. This combination of spending cuts and high- er taxes could take some $600 billion out of the economy, leading to a pos- sible recession — and maybe something much worse, at least in the eyes of the Fed. Still, there's no need for panic. Despite its political infighting, Congress is likely to reduce the "cliff" to a smaller bump. But as an investor, you may need to be prepared for two sig- nificant events: market volatility, at least in the • Rebalance — You may need to rebalance your portfolio to ensure it still reflects your target mix of investments, based on your long-term goals and your risk tolerance. • Diversify — A broad- ly diversified portfolio can help you navigate "bumps," "cliffs" and other rugged investment terrain. (Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can reduce the impact of market volatility, it can't guarantee profits or protect against all losses.) • Upgrade investment quality — Generally speaking, higher-quality investments are better posi- tioned to withstand the tempests of volatile finan- cial markets. Consequent- ly, when investing in stocks, look for companies with solid track records, strong management and competitive products. And when purchasing bonds, seek those that earn the highest grades from the independent rating agen- cies. Even if taxes on income, capital gains and dividends do rise, they will still, in all likelihood, be much lower than they've been at various points in the past. Nonetheless, you may want to con- sider a variety of steps, including the following: • Take advan- tage of tax deferred vehicles. Contribute as much as possible to your tradition- al IRA, your 401(k) or other employer-spon- sored retirement plan, and any education savings accounts you may have, such as a 529 plan. • Convert your tradi- tional IRA to a Roth IRA. A Roth IRA provides tax- free earnings, provided you don't start taking with- drawals until you're 59-1/2 and you've had your account for at least five years. (Be aware, though, that this conversion is tax- able, and may not be appropriate if you don't have money readily avail- able in other accounts to pay the taxes.) Now, let's turn to taxes. • Consider municipal bonds. If you're in one of the upper tax brackets, you could benefit from invest- ing in "munis," which pay interest that's free of federal taxes, and possi- bly state and local taxes as well. Susie Mustaine on your goals, and by mak- ing well-thought-out moves at the right time, you can help prevent your financial goals from going "over a cliff." Above all else, don't aban- don your long- term plans due to short-term uncertainty — and avoid mak- ing unwarranted and extreme changes to your portfolio. By staying focused This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor. Susie Mustaine is a a financial advisor for Edward Jones, her office is at 2130 Main St., Ste. B, in Red Bluff and she can be reached at 527-4729 or susie.mus- taine@edwardjones.com. Cake contest is happy to welcome these new members: McDaniel Sign Co. P.O. Box 244, Paskenta, 96074. Phone (530) 833-0160. Barbara Vandygriff as an Individual Member and Immacu- late Conception Parish, 814 Solano St., in Corning. Phone 824-5879. • New Members - The Corning Chamber of Commerce year's Decorated Cake Contest being held during Home- town Christmas this Saturday. Cakes must be delivered to 1111 Solano, across from the chamber office, by 9:30 a.m. Judging will take place at 11:30 and a silent auction will follow the judging. Announcement of winners will be at 3 p.m. For any questions call the chamber at 824-5550. • Live Nativity - Come visit the Live Nativity in down- • Decorated Cake Contest - Just a reminder about this town Corning and bring non-perishable food to place in the containers at the scene. The food donated will help support Corning Christian Assistance and also show the true Spirit of Christmas. The Live Nativity scene will be presented from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. right outside of Corning City Hall facing Corning Glass and the Craft Fair. For more informa- tion call the Chamber at 824-5550. • Hometown Christmas will begin Saturday with a Pan- cake Breakfast at the Corning Fire Department. The Volun- teer Fire Department and the Knights of Columbus will be cooking and serving a delicious breakfast and the proceeds will go to the Boy Scouts. Craft and food booths will be in the building at 1111 Solano, near the railroad tracks, across from the Chamber office. Free train rides will be given from noon to 4 p.m. The Art Exhibit of local artists will be held at Edward Jones, 1401 Solano Street this year, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Lighted Parade begins at 5:30 p.m., at Third Street and con- tinues to Toomes Ave. For more information call 824-5550. •Winter Crush- Saturday, Dec. 8, plan to attend the Sec- ond Annual Winter Crush, A Day at the Mill from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Lucero Olive Oil, 2120 Loleta Ave. in Corning. Experience the Citrus Crush and enjoy the citrus and olive aromas, watch cooking demonstrations and try a variety of local foods and microbrews. There is no entry fee. • Christmas Mixer - You are invited Dec. 13, to the Annual Christmas Mixer at PremierWest Bank, 1201 Solano Street from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. As always there will be a festive Christmas atmosphere, with appetizers and refreshments. The winners of Christmas Tree Lane will be announced as well as the Senior of the Year, and the parade winners. • Lighted House Contest- If you would like to enter the Lighted House Contest for the first time and did not receive an entry form, give us a call at the Chamber at 834-5550 and request one, or drop by and pick one up. There is no cost to enter. There will be cash prizes of $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd place and $50 of 3rd place. Decorate your home, trees, shrubs, etc. and enter today. If you are within a four- mile radius of Corning. Contest will be judged from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 21. Entry deadline is 5 p.m. on Dec. 17. Return by mail to Corning Chamber of Commerce, 1110 Solano Street, Corning, 96021 or drop it off. • TRAX Lighted Tour - You are invited to the 13th Annual TRAX Lighted Tour at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, leaving from the Corning Transportation Center. It is free but you must call and make reservations. Seating is limited so call 385-BUSS (2877) by Wednesday, Dec. 19. This column is prepared and submitted by the Corning Chamber of Commerce. Business owners casting ballots on legislative agenda was not the only big one going on in November. Starting this week, bal- lots are being sent to the Last week's election 20,000 small-business- owner members of the National Federation of Independent Business, America's largest small- COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR Tony & Carmen Kelley 22679 Moran Road Corning, Ca 96021 530-824-2195 Fax: 530-824-0748 recommened 30K, 60K, 90K SERVICES AT LOWER PRICES All makes and models. We perform dealer Smog Check starting at$ (MOST CARS & PICK-UPS) 527-9841 • 195 S. Main St. +$ 825 certificate ups 859 Washington St., Red Bluff • (530) 529-2777 Make sure presents arrive on time! Shipping Wrapping Packing 2595 business association. Every year, NFIB asks its members for their opinions on state and national issues in two separate ballots that, based on member preference, are either sent to them by email, fax, or regular post. Results from the polls center NFIB's lobbying positions in Sacramento and in Washington D.C., and, along with legisla- tive testimony, special FedEx 20% ANY K U T S Family Hair Salon K W I K off Regular Haircut $ with any chemical service of $50 or more Not good with other offers Expires 11/30/12 With coupon RETAIL PRODUCT 200 Reg. $13.95 off 1064 South Main St., Red Bluff • 529-3540 811 4th 50% OFF first Sat. of the month 25% OFF 55+ 2ND Sat.11-3, Wed-Thur-Fri 9-5 50% OFF SALE (non consignment items) Visit us on Facebook! HOURS:Mon-Tues 10-5 SAT. 12/1 • 9AM-5PM with $ 2500 Fri of the month purchase Street, Corning (530) 824-9700 fax polls, and visits to small businesses throughout the year, back its claim to be the true Voice of Small Business. Small businesses are not smaller versions of bigger businesses. They have uniquely different difficulties in remaining solvent. This is why since 1943 NFIB has been reminding Con- gress and legislatures in all 50 states that some asked members' opin- ions on such issues as independent contrac- tors, pension reform, paid sick leave and property tax changes. NFIB does not ask ques- tions on social issues or foreign policy ones in order to maintain its seven-decade credibility on knowing of what it speaks: Small business and all the attendant issues that affect its members' ability to of the things they think they're doing for the good of Main Street, mom-and-pop enterpris- es are actually harmful, mainly because of the failure to make the dis- tinction between a small and a large enterprise. Past NFIB polls have own, operate, and grow their enterprises. The 2013 NFIB Cali- fornia Member Ballot asks four questions: • Should Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, be reformed to require sci- entific analysis before listing products as car- cinogens or reproduc- tive toxicants causing birth defects? • Do you support reforming the California Environmental Quality Act to make it easier to develop property? • Should government "CHRISTMAS FOR A CAUSE" The first donations are in toilet paper & paper towels and Hallelujah to Haleakala for all the Path Ladies Sale House For more info and wish lists Sunrise Rotary for adopting the www.redbluffgoldexchange.com Gold Exchange officials be required to spend cap-and trade rev- enues in a manner con- sistent with AB 32, specifically greenhouse gas reduction? • Should fines col- lected by state agencies be applied to the state general fund instead of independent special funds? 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