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Mission Statement The Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting a vibrant business environment by cooperative interaction among business, government and community For more information, call (909) 790-1841 • Fax (909) 363-7373 35139 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa, CA 92399 info@yucaipachamber.org 2015 Board of Directors Chairperson, Nancy Kenny Homestreet Bank Chair Elect, Lynnette Alvarado Wildwood Canyon Villa Past Chair, Jim Hammond Comfort Keepers Finance Vice-Chair, Jason Ross Law Office of Linda Roberts-Ross Directors Dr. Cheryl Marshall Crafton Hills College Jo-Ann Forsyth Forsyth & Associates Insurance Cheryl Benton Cheryl & Co. Valerie Menefee State Farm Insurance Jeff Dewan Edward Jones Financial Advisors CHAMBER STAFF Amy Minjares, President/CEO Ellen Benefiel, Membership Development Coordinator AMBASSADOR TEAM Brenda Heusterberg, Alta Vista Credit Union Cheryl Benton, Cheryl & Co. Pamela Brierley-Vengarick, Good Nite Inn Marlyn Crampton, Yucaipa Rotary Club Brandy Gomez, Law Office of Linda Roberts-Ross Nancy Kenny, Homestreet Bank Debbie Harber Dora Ordonez, Asaderos Supermarket Michelle Lopez, Avon Gene & Jo-Ann Forsyth, Forsyth & Associates Insurance William Ziprick, Ziprick & Cramer, LL Susie Jarvis, Alta Vista Credit Union Erica Miller, WIN Home Inspection Maria Esparza, Big Mikes Plumbing If you would like to advertise in Our Yucaipa Magazine, please contact Stacey Parr at Image Up Advertising & Design at (909) 435-5042 or email her at staceyimageup@yahoo.com. Chamber members will receive a FREE 1/8 page ad with a three month advertising commitment! Message from the Chairman ENERGY EFFICIENCY Everyone these days, both homes and businesses, is trying to conserve natural resources and become more energy efficient. Whether it's solar energy, energy efficient water heaters and appliances, replacing ageing doors and windows or just adding insulation, conservation of our environment is on everyone's mind. The first place to start with your quest to become energy efficient in your home or business is by having an expert in energy efficiency conduct an inspection. Once you have the results of that inspection you have the information you need to move forward. You will also need to do some homework regarding the tax credits, deductions and financing programs available to you. One such financing program is called HERO or "Home Energy Renovation Opportunity." The HERO Program is available to both residential and commercial business owners. HERO is a financing program that partners with local governments, businesses and contractors to make renewable energy products available to the consumer by offering attractive incentives such as financing. The HERO financing can cover 100% of the cost of materials and installation for up to 90 percent of the value of your home or business at an interest rate of 10 percent or more for a term of five, 10 or 20 years. The repayment of this loan becomes a tax assessment and is paid with your property taxes. But buyers be aware. The HERO loan will file a lien on your property that look like this; Should you decide to sell your home or business with the inclusion of a HERO loan that loan must be paid in full as it is non-transferable. The lien is problematic with most lenders and must be paid or removed when sold or refinanced, this lien has prevented many loan transactions from closing. Energy Efficiency is a must, the tax credits and deductions are great. The benefits of the HERO program are good if you don't plan on selling your home or business for the duration of the loan. However should you want to sell your property know that the entire amount of your HERO loan becomes due. Just check the details before signing any documents to avoid surprises. Contact the Chamber office at 909-790-1841 or email at info@yucaipachamber.org. ~ Nancy Kenny 20 OUR YUCAIPA | APRIL 2015

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