18 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 19%over the same month <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> permits issued.Through the first five months <strong>of</strong> 2006 including May, building permit valuation valley wide was$920.7 million, up $164.5 million or 22% over the first five months <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> Council to do so, spurred a rush <strong>of</strong> permitting by builders withentitled projects in the city, some <strong>of</strong> 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.<strong>The</strong> city with the second-greatest volume in permits during the month was Palm Desert, which sawan increase <strong>of</strong> $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 <strong>of</strong> growthin valuation than any other valley city, even out pacing Indio — up 108% over the same period in 2005.<strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong> saw the third-greatest volume in permits in May, and is a stand out in terms <strong>of</strong>construction activity for the year so far. In May, the city posted $28.8 million in permits, an increase <strong>of</strong>$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 <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong>. This represented the second-highest growth in volume during the month <strong>of</strong> May,$7.8 million, up 44% over the prior May. For the year, Desert Hot springs has $59.1 million in permitvaluations, an increase <strong>of</strong> 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% <strong>of</strong>f $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 <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> - yes, that is who we are.Beginning this month, we will select one<strong>of</strong> our dedicated Ambassadors to feature in eachmonth’s <strong>Gem</strong>.By Ann KosichMy name is Ann Kosich and Iam excited to serve as Vice-Chair<strong>of</strong> the Ambassadors Committee.I was recently honored with theAmbassador <strong>of</strong> the Year Award,given to me at our AnnualInstallation and Awards Dinner. Iam an Associate Member <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Chamber</strong>, recently retired earlyfrom Tenet Healthcare in SiliconValley.<strong>The</strong> Ambassador’s purpose is to create good will for the<strong>Chamber</strong>, provide assistance at <strong>Chamber</strong> events, assistwith membership retention, identify and recruit newmembers, and refer potential members to the <strong>Chamber</strong>’sMembership Director. Please join us in working togetherwith one <strong>of</strong> the most dynamic and fastest growingchambers in the Coachella Valley. We hope to see you atone <strong>of</strong> our upcoming <strong>Chamber</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong>ficer for Blue Shield <strong>of</strong> California, and inpublic relations positions with Lifeguard HMO and Blue Cross<strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> communications including marketing,advertising, graphic design, interactive development, publicrelations and business development. For nearly 12 years,Kiner Communications has produced award-winning work forclients <strong>of</strong> all sizes – in areas <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong><strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong>, 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 <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong>Palm Desert, CA (August 2, 2006) – Palm Desert National Bank is pleased to announce that JerryNantell has been named Branch Manager <strong>of</strong> PDNB’s <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice. In this new role, Nantell willbe responsible for developing new business, customer relations and servicing accounts. <strong>The</strong> BranchManager duties will be in addition to his current position as Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer.“Jerry’s interpersonal skills and pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism 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 <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong>.”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 President<strong>of</strong> Worldwide Sales and Marketing.“I am thrilled to take on this important role at PDNB,” Nantell said. “<strong>The</strong> <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong> staff iscommitted to providing the highest quality service to our clients. It will be a pleasure to lead PDNB’sdedicated team in <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong>.”PDNB’s <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong> branch is located at 47000 Washington St. <strong>The</strong> branch first opened its doors in2001.Nantell is heavily involved in the desert community. He serves on the marketing committee <strong>of</strong> theCoachella Valley Economic Partnership, the Inland Empire Small Business Development Corporationand the Indio <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> Image Committee.About Palm Desert National Bank:Palm Desert National Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary <strong>of</strong> Palm Desert Investments. An activecorporate citizen in its community, PDNB has been serving the Coachella Valley for almost 25 years,with branch <strong>of</strong>fices in <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong>, 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.
lqchamber.com September 2006 <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong>Bright Ideas for Painting... Get a Whole New Look with Color<strong>The</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> 19Guest Columnist ArticleBy Sonia <strong>La</strong>zovskyAs much as we all would like to totally re-decorate our homes everyyear to keep up with the latest looks and fun colors, most <strong>of</strong> us don’thave the budget to do so. But, just by painting a new color scheme,you can dramatically change the look <strong>of</strong> any room – and rather economically,especially if you do it yourself. But, where do you start?First, remember that color is intensely personal. One color mightevoke fond memories and another could make you wince. Just becausea color is trendy right now, if you don’t really love it, you probably don’twant to cover your walls with it.Color for interior design tends to follow the fashion industry from theprevious year or two. Some <strong>of</strong> the trends we’re seeing right now we sawon the runway not too long ago. So we’re seeing interiors done in greens– even the bright green apple color is hot. And red. Reds are everywhere.People are painting their dining rooms and living rooms in deep, richArabian Red or bright Hot Jazz. <strong>The</strong> reds look great with accents <strong>of</strong> goldfor a more formal look or an <strong>of</strong>f-white for a clean, bright feel. Burntoranges, golds and yellows are popular, too.Inspiration for your color selection might come from a designmagazine. Or from the other textures and colors in your home, like thewoods, stones and marbles that have become so popular. Look closelyat the stone and marble. Typically there are hints <strong>of</strong> colors that can bebrought out or accented.A safe bet is to look to your furnishings, especially the accessories. Youmay have a neutral s<strong>of</strong>a, but if you add some eye-catching colorfulpillows, the room is already brighter. <strong>The</strong>n pull out one or two <strong>of</strong> thecolors to take to the walls and you start to have a designer look.If you are used to all white walls and you want to advance slowly intopaint color, a great look that we’re seeing a lot <strong>of</strong> is to pick a warm, cozy<strong>of</strong>f-white shade and a corresponding slightly darker color. If you wantto do different shades <strong>of</strong> the same color, Dunn-Edwards has an all-newcolor system, Perfect Palette, that provides an abundance <strong>of</strong> paintchips that make this two-tone selection very easy. Each chip showsseven variations <strong>of</strong> a color – three lighter and four darker shades soyou can be sure that you have the right color with different hues.Can’t find the exact color you want? Most independent paint storescan match the color <strong>of</strong> just about anything – from a fabric or wallpaperto a piece <strong>of</strong> art. <strong>The</strong> “instant read” paint matching <strong>of</strong>fered at somehardware stores may not get the custom match that you like, so takethe extra day or so for a true color match by color experts.Next, purchase a small test quart <strong>of</strong> the exact finish and color youthink you want. Paint a good-sized test area (about two square feet),then sit back and watch it for a day. How does it look in bright daylight?At night in artificial light?Once you’ve selected your colors and tested them, the next decisionis do you want to hire a pr<strong>of</strong>essional painting contractor or do ityourself? A great resource can be found at www.dunnedwards.com.You can search for a painting contractor by zip code, and find dozens<strong>of</strong> downloadable brochures with helpful hints for all types <strong>of</strong> paintchallenges.<strong>The</strong>n, when your painting has been completed, you can sit back andtruly enjoy your new surroundings. A fresh paint job, especially withan all-new color or two, can really change the way you feel about yourhome.*****Sonia <strong>La</strong>zovsky is a chamber member and is Dunn Edwards PaintsProperty Services Representative here in the Coachella Valley. She isalso talented in art and knows her colors. She can be reached via emailat sonia.lazovsky@dunnedwards.comFor more confidencethan you ever imagined,call Sylvan today.Sometimes<strong>The</strong> Best Realtors ®are Right UnderYour Nose!• Customized tutoring for yourchild’s unique needs• Individual attention from caring,certified teachers• Regular progress reports for you• Confidence that goesbeyond the classroom• Convenience <strong>of</strong> in-center or live,online tutoring at homeSee why more parents turn toSylvan than to any other tutor.Put Our Experience toWork For You!Serving <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong> since 1990Call 760-777-7627 or800-319-9570 toll free78060 Calle Estado · P.O. Box 1241 · <strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong>, CA 92253©2006 Sylvan Learning, Inc. Online tutoring at participating locations only.Don’t wait - Call today!<strong>La</strong> <strong>Quinta</strong> 777-8383Palm Desert 836-330009-30-06www.educate.com
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