Sheriff's Dept. Rep Speaks at Chamber Luncheon

Guest speaker with the Sacramento Sheriff's Department talked about business and neighborhood watch programs earlier this week at the 's monthly luncheon at .

Carhart also offered ideas on how to remain safe, suggested working with local businesses like alarm companies, video surveillance companies and electrical lighting companies to improve safety (chamber members link) on Tuesday. Her full presentation may be viewed on video here. 

Chamber member Steve Fishbein asked how the is dealing with the theft of metals, especially copper. Carhart replied that while enforcement is challenging, they are seeing some success and I came home to a news report that a copper thief was caught today.

Gwen with Be Money Smart USA asked how to use the Sheriff's website to evaluate neighborhoods since she is planning to move soon. Carhart explained the range and depth of information available, how to print out and save information to watch trends over time and suggested there is nothing better than visiting a new location you are considering several times day and night to make sure it is going to be safe for you. A great specific suggestion was looking early Saturday or Sunday morning and for trash indicating late night activity.

The chamber has monthly luncheons with speakers on current topics to promote doing business in Carmichael. The non-member price is $20 covering both lunch and the speaker. This is a great chance for anyone not yet belonging to the chamber to meet local business leaders, learn about current issues, make contacts for future business opportunities and learn about your Carmichael Chamber of Commerce.

Carmichael Chamber president Chris Meyer with Lind Brothers Mortuary welcomes the community to "join us each month". Reservations are appreciated by Friday of the week before so our caterer has an accurate head count but last minute changes generally allow us to take same-day reservations also.

I learned from Howard Schmidt with , that of the approximately 100 operating in the county a few months ago, most without proper business licenses, approximately 60 have closed. Driving down the street, many of their signs remain but federal action threatening landlords with seizure of their property has led to rapid closures.

At Tuesday's meeting, two new members, and recently retired Max Hartley were recognized.

Pat with Papa Murphys Pizza (stores on Fair Oaks Boulvard and Madison Avenue in Carmichael) pointed out that their Halloween pizza's and the need for parents to get dinner quickly while preparing for the evenings festivities have made this one of the top sales day.

Carmichael honorary mayor and were both promoting their candidacies and raising funds.

Kate with Cypress Avenue Baptist Church, introduced their Shoebox Christmas Gifts for kids program to help provide Christmas to less fortunate kids worldwide. You fit gifts for one child in a shoebox drop it and $7 shipping off at the church. You can call for more information and to help (916) 972-8200.

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Upcoming Chamber events include:

• Business mixer at STEP Nov. 9
• Luncheon at CABC Nov. 15 with Supervisor Susan Peters speaking.
• Annual Recognition Dinner Friday night Jan. 6 recognizing Kitty O'Neal
• More info at CarmichaelChamber.com