Gem The - La Quinta Chamber of Commerce

18 The Gem La Quinta Chamber of Commerce September 2006 lqchamber.comBuilding Permit Valuations Continue to Risein MayArticle by Bob Marra, Wheeler’sFor the fifth straight month in a row, construction activity in the Coachella Valley as reflected bybuilding permit valuation continued in May to exceed 2005 monthly levels with an increase of 19%over the same month of the prior year. Total construction valuation in the valley for May was nearly$184 million, up nearly $30 million or 19% over May 2005Unlike April, when results were mixed, in May 2006 the majority of cities and unincorporateddistricts were up over the prior year. Of all 12 jurisdictions, nine were up and three were down fromthe prior May; only one was down to a significant degree. And unlike April, in May, no single city faroutstripped the results shown in the rest of the valley. In April, Indio saw building valuations rise astaggering 321% over the same month the year before. In May, Indio was up, and up the most, butseveral other valley cities also showed significant increases in the value of permits issued.Through the first five months of 2006 including May, building permit valuation valley wide was$920.7 million, up $164.5 million or 22% over the first five months of 2005 when valuations totaled$756.2 million.In May, Indio was yet again the city with the greatest volume in construction valuation with $36.4million in permits, rising $10.1 million or 38% over May 2005. Year-to-date, the city is up 95% over 2005with $270.3 million, by far the greatest valuation in permits of any city in the valley so far in 2006. Thisyear, however, Indio is a special case. Street talk that the city ws planning to raise fees on residentialunits, and the subsequent vote of Council to do so, spurred a rush of permitting by builders withentitled projects in the city, some of whom are now seeking relief from permit requirements to startconstruction. It remains to be seen at what pace these permits result in actual housing starts.The city with the second-greatest volume in permits during the month was Palm Desert, which sawan increase of $6.7 million to $30.5 million for a 28% increase. So far in 2006, Palm Desert has seen$133.3 million in permitting, the third highest amount among valley cities, and a greater rate of growthin valuation than any other valley city, even out pacing Indio — up 108% over the same period in 2005.La Quinta saw the third-greatest volume in permits in May, and is a stand out in terms ofconstruction activity for the year so far. In May, the city posted $28.8 million in permits, an increase of$7.7 million or 37% over May 2005. For the year, construction value activity in the city is virtually flat incomparison to the same period in 2005, up only 7% year-to-date, but totaling $164.3 million, secondonly to Indio year-to-date.Desert Hot Springs saw the fourth-highest volume in May, $25.5 million, putting it in the sameballpark as La Quinta. This represented the second-highest growth in volume during the month of May,$7.8 million, up 44% over the prior May. For the year, Desert Hot springs has $59.1 million in permitvaluations, an increase of 10% over 2005, making it sixth among valley cities.Only two cities saw decreases in May. Palm Springs sawthe more significant decrease with values dropping duringthe month by $9.1 million or 51% off $17.7 million in the samemonth a year before. So far the city is down 44% at $61.3million for 2006.Ambassador’s Spotlight“Ambassadors” for the La Quinta Chamberof Commerce - yes, that is who we are.Beginning this month, we will select oneof our dedicated Ambassadors to feature in eachmonth’s Gem.By Ann KosichMy name is Ann Kosich and Iam excited to serve as Vice-Chairof the Ambassadors Committee.I was recently honored with theAmbassador of the Year Award,given to me at our AnnualInstallation and Awards Dinner. Iam an Associate Member of theChamber, recently retired earlyfrom Tenet Healthcare in SiliconValley.The Ambassador’s purpose is to create good will for theChamber, provide assistance at Chamber events, assistwith membership retention, identify and recruit newmembers, and refer potential members to the Chamber’sMembership Director. Please join us in working togetherwith one of the most dynamic and fastest growingchambers in the Coachella Valley. We hope to see you atone of our upcoming Chamber events!Kiner CommunicationsAppoints Mike Odom,Account ExecutivePalm Desert, CA (July 25, 2006) – Mike Odom has joinedKiner Communications as Account Executive, announced theagency’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott Kiner.Odom will develop and manage marketingcommunications programs for a range of agency clients.Formerly with the Jones Agency in Palm Springs, hisagency and corporate background also includes serving as PRdirector for Coakley Heagerty Advertising in San Jose, asstatewide press officer for Blue Shield of California, and inpublic relations positions with Lifeguard HMO and Blue Crossof California.“Mike brings more than 30 years experience in publicrelations and advertising to the agency, with specific expertisein working closely with local Coachella Valley businesses,community organizations and media for nearly a decade,”said Scott Kiner. “We are thrilled to have Mike on board.”Kiner Communications is dedicated to providing expertisein all areas of communications including marketing,advertising, graphic design, interactive development, publicrelations and business development. For nearly 12 years,Kiner Communications has produced award-winning work forclients of all sizes – in areas of brand and image building,broadcast, interactive, print, and graphic design. Clientsinclude Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Hi-Desert MedicalCenter, Sun World International, Leeds & Son Jewelers, City ofLa Quinta, Palm Desert National Bank, Stone Eagle Golf Cluband Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis.Information: (760) 773-0290, www.kinercom.comPalm Desert National Bank NamesNew Branch ManagerIndustry veteran promoted to Branch Manager in La QuintaPalm Desert, CA (August 2, 2006) – Palm Desert National Bank is pleased to announce that JerryNantell has been named Branch Manager of PDNB’s La Quinta office. In this new role, Nantell willbe responsible for developing new business, customer relations and servicing accounts. The BranchManager duties will be in addition to his current position as Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer.“Jerry’s interpersonal skills and professionalism were key in this selection,” said Randal D. Miller,President and COO at PDNB. “Jerry’s experience in community banking is invaluable to us as wegrow and prosper in La Quinta.”Before joining PDNB a short time ago, Nantell spent two years in managerial banking roles in theCoachella Valley. Prior to that, he worked for US Bank where business development was his primaryfocus. His extensive career began in the midwest working for Marmet Corporation as Vice Presidentof Worldwide Sales and Marketing.“I am thrilled to take on this important role at PDNB,” Nantell said. “The La Quinta staff iscommitted to providing the highest quality service to our clients. It will be a pleasure to lead PDNB’sdedicated team in La Quinta.”PDNB’s La Quinta branch is located at 47000 Washington St. The branch first opened its doors in2001.Nantell is heavily involved in the desert community. He serves on the marketing committee of theCoachella Valley Economic Partnership, the Inland Empire Small Business Development Corporationand the Indio Chamber of Commerce Image Committee.About Palm Desert National Bank:Palm Desert National Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Palm Desert Investments. An activecorporate citizen in its community, PDNB has been serving the Coachella Valley for almost 25 years,with branch offices in La Quinta, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage. PDNB is a nationally charteredfinancial institution with assets exceeding $300 million, and is home to Electronic Banking Solutions,a division that provides vault cash and cash management services nationwide. For moreinformation, log on to www.PDNB.com.