Bucky and Darlene Dobbs recognized for entrepreneurship, civic contributions
(SACRAMENTO) – Dobbs Electronics, Appliances & Furniture in Blythe was honored yesterday by Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella) as the 80th Assembly District's "2011 Small Business of the Year." Owners and long-time Blythe residents Bucky and Darlene Dobbs traveled to Sacramento to receive the honor as part of the California Small Business Association's annual Salute to Small Business.
"The Dobbs family proves that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the 80th District," said Pérez. "It's a privilege for me to recognize them for their many contributions to the economic and civic life of Blythe."
Dobbs Electronics, Appliances & Furniture is a family-owned partnership that has been in business in the city of Blythe for over 45 years. Bucky and Darlene Dobbs, and their son, John, have two business locations on North Spring Street in Blythe. The business is known not only for featuring top name brands but for its excellent customer service.
The Dobbs family also prioritizes charitable and civic involvement. They belong to the Blythe Chamber of Commerce and are members of the local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program. In addition, Dobbs Electronics is a major sponsor for the City of Blythe annual 4th of July fireworks show, as well as of the annual California Department of Corrections "Breakfast with Santa" program. Very committed to the children and youth of Blythe, the business offers scholarships for graduating students of Palo Verde High School. In addition, Dobbs supports many local organizations, such as the Blythe Little League, Palo Verde Unified School District Teachers Association, California Women for Agriculture, Colorado River Country Fair, the Palo Verde High School Booster Club, and the Blythe Cancer Society.
The 2011 Small Business Day's Salute to Small Business is sponsored by the California Small Business Association. It is an opportunity for the Legislature to honor the contributions of small business to the economic growth of California. The awards event includes a morning of workshops, a luncheon awards presentation with the Assemblymember, and a networking session.
The celebration occurs on the heels of the passage of the ACR 59 "Buy California Small Business First" resolution, co-authored by Pérez along with Assemblymember Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), which seeks to raise awareness of the positive economic impacts of supporting small business for the state and local economies.
PHOTO DETAILS
Pictured left to right: Bucky and Darlene Dobbs with Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez at yesterday's Salute to Small Business Luncheon in Sacramento.
Contact: Amy L. Wilson @ 916-319-2080
How do I know if I’m eligible for the new federal tax credit?
Employers with fewer than 25 employees (more if part-time) and paying less than $50,000 in average wages may be eligible for the credit if they paid for employee health insurance premiums during 2010. Both small businesses and tax-exempt organizations are eligible.
How much is the credit?
For each year from 2010 through 2013, the maximum credit is 35 percent of premiums paid by eligible small businesses and 25 percent of premiums paid by eligible tax-exempt organizations. An enhanced version of the credit will be effective beginning 2014.
How and when can I claim the credit?
Eligible businesses can claim the credit starting with their 2010 income tax return. Tax-exempt employers can expect additional information in the coming months on how to claim the credit.
For more information, please visit the IRS Small Business Tax Center web site: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html.
Staffing Agency owner Robert Herrera receives small business award
(SACRAMENTO) – OnSite Labor, Inc. owner Mr. Robert Herrera of Calexico has been selected by Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella) as the 80th Assembly District’s “2010 Small Business of the Year.”
“Robert Herrera is proof that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking in the 80th District,” said Assemblymember Pérez. “I am pleased to recognize such a community-minded business leader for his many contributions to the economy and civic life of the Imperial Valley.”
Since 1999, Herrera has been the President/CEO of OnSite Labor, Inc, a staffing agency based in Calexico that serves a variety of businesses in the Imperial Valley, San Diego area, and Yuma, AZ. The business has 3-5 office staff and manages approximately 500 individuals annually.
Herrera is also actively involved in local civic and community life. He serves as a Planning Commissioner for the Imperial Valley Planning Commission, representing District 1. In addition, he serves as a board member on both the Imperial County Work Investment Board and the El Centro Regional Medical Center Foundation. He is the past president and current board member of the Calexico Chamber, also serving on the organization’s new business welcoming committee chair.
Born and raised in Calexico, Herrera is proud to call the city his home. “My wife, Esther, and I are committed to family and community in Calexico, where we are raising our five-year-old year old daughter, Andrea, who attends local schools and is involved with sports and activities, as my family has done for three generations,” said Herrera. “Coming from a pioneering family that came to Calexico in the early 1920s, we are proud of our accomplishments. Education and hard work was instilled in us by example as the foundation for success.”
Herrera will travel to Sacramento for the May 25 awards event, which includes a morning of workshops, a luncheon awards presentation with the Assemblymember, and a networking session. The 2010 Small Business Day’s Salute to Small Business is sponsored by the California Small Business Association, is an opportunity for the Legislature, businesses, associations, and community members to honor the contributions of small business to the economic growth in the state of California.
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Click here to read about the 80th District’s 2009 honoree.
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Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez represents the 80th Assembly District that includes the communities of Blythe, Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Springs, and Westmorland.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 is the California Small Business Association’s Annual Small Business Day, an opportunity for the Legislature, businesses, associations, and community members to honor the contributions of small business to the economic growth in the state of California.
At the event, each member of the Legislature recognizes a local small business for its contributions to the local economy and civic life. Check back later this month for pictures and information about the 80th District’s 2010 honoree.
Why Support Small Business
The small business community is a critical component of the California economy. In fact, businesses with fewer than 100 employees comprise 97% of all businesses in our state, and they are responsible for employing more than 37% of all of our workers.
Small businesses play an essential role in California’s local and regional economies, serving as the primary new job creator. Over the past 20 years, the number of paid employees from small businesses has increased from 4.5 million to 5.1 million.
When the small business sector is healthy, California's economy is strong. Unfortunately, during the current recession, our small business sector has been especially hard hit, and small business bankruptcies are up.
Our economic recovery will in large part depend on what we do to support our small businesses. Currently, the Legislature is working hard to enact sensible and responsible measures that will help our small businesses continue to thrive.
At the same time, this month and every month let’s all make an effort to shop locally and visit our Main Street businesses – let them know we are on their side!
To learn more!
Use the navigation bar to the upper left to learn more about small business issues in California.
The California State Assembly passed the celebratory resolution ACR 59, authored by Assemblymember Toni Atkins, proclaiming May 2011 as "Buy California Small Business First" Month.
The purpose is to raise awareness that when California consumers, businesses, colleges, universities, and governmental agencies choose to shop at California small businesses, a wave of positive economic impacts occurs within the state and local economies.
Information prepared by the Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy, chaired by Assemblyman Pérez:
State, Federal, and Nonprofit Small Business Resources:
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- Small Business Advocate, State of California
- Governor's Office of Economic Development
- CA Small Business Association
- CA Association for Micro Enterprise (CAMEO)
- CA Association for Local Economic Development
- Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
- America's Small Business Development Center Network
- Federal Technology Center
- California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Alliance
- Health Law Guide for Business
Small Business Resources Specific to the 80th District:
- Neighborhood House Micro Business Service Center in Calexico
- Coachella Valley Women's Business Center
- Coachella Valley Enterprise Zone
- Imperial Valley Enterprise Zone
- Calexico County Enterprise Zone
- Imperial Valley Economic Development Corp.
- Coachella Valley Economic Partnership
- Inland Empire Financial Development Corp.
- California Southern Financial Development Corp.
- Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center
- Inland Empire Small Business Development Center
- Coachella Valley SCORE
- San Diego & Imperial SCORE
Tax-Related Resources:
Why Support Small Business
The small business community is a critical component of the California economy. In fact, businesses with fewer than 100 employees comprise 97% of all businesses in our state, and they are responsible for employing more than 37% of all of our workers.
Small businesses play an essential role in California’s local and regional economies, serving as the primary new job creator. Over the past 20 years, the number of paid employees from small businesses has increased from 4.5 million to 5.1 million.
When the small business sector is healthy, California's economy is strong. Unfortunately, during the current recession, our small business sector has been especially hard hit, and small business bankruptcies are up.
Our economic recovery will in large part depend on what we do to support our small businesses. Currently, the Legislature is working hard to enact sensible and responsible measures that will help our small businesses continue to thrive.
At the same time, this month and every month let’s all make an effort to shop locally and visit our Main Street businesses – let them know we are on their side!
To learn more!
Use the navigation bar to the upper left to learn more about small business issues in California.
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0080
Tel: (916) 319-2080
Fax: (916) 319-2180
District Office:
45-677 Oasis Street
Indio, CA 92201
Tel: (760) 342-8047
Fax: (760) 347-8704
(Mon - Fri, 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.)
Imperial Valley Office:
1625 West Main Street,
Suite 220
El Centro, CA 92243
Tel: (760) 336-8912
Fax: (760) 336-8914
(Mon - Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m)
Mobile Office Hours:
Cathedral City
(By appointment, please call Indio office to schedule.)
City Hall
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Desert Hot Springs
(Tuesdays, 10 a.m. –
1:00 p.m.)
Desert Hot Springs
Resource Center
14-201 Palm Drive #108
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
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