One of the top commercial real estate agents in the region, Butcher specializes in retail leasing as well as land sales and development.  Butcher represents major shopping centers in regard to anchors, sub-majors, pads and in-line space and represents landlords with approximately 2.5 million square feet of retail product including representation of Lewis Retail, TR Realty Partners, and Haagen Company. She brokers deals for retailers large and small with equal passion, guiding them through every business objective, from site selection and lease negotiations, through project and construction management.

Butcher takes a great amount of pride and care in developing her smaller business owners and getting them off to a healthy start to make sure they can thrive.  She is also very successful at bringing larger businesses to the High Desert, making a significant contribution to the growth of the High Desert economy by courting big players into coming to our growing region.

Named a top commercial real estate broker in the High Desert Business Journal in 2010, her latest accomplishments include bringing privately owned M Cupcakes into the Roy Rogers Center, Fitness 19 into the shops at Bear Valley, and bringing Irish Pub Franchise, Beef O’Brady’s to Hesperia’s prime I15 and Main site in their West Coast debut.

There’s more, but it’s a little early to make announcements.  “I’ve got a bunch of deals that are just about ready to be finalized,” says Butcher. “What’s happened is that the switch got flipped back on.  My phone is ringing continuously, and what’s really telling is I have competing offers on a big box for the first time in five years.”

There’s more good news where that came from. “The other thing that is happening is that national tenants that have never had an interest, that maybe did window shopping last spring, are actually coming to the table with offers,” Butcher says. “All the A locations are filling op fast.  They all look empty but they are not.  We are about to start construction on two of my shopping centers:  one in Hesperia and one in Victorville.”

Butcher attributes her success with shopping centers to established relationships and her hands-on approach; with one center, she visited over 700 retail stores in the vicinity to identify tenants willing to relocate, expand or open additional locations. These efforts paid off during the economic downturn with identifying tenants that would not otherwise have been located.

At this time of year, Butcher is preparing for the annual International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) event in Las Vegas, where tens of thousands of retailers, brokers, cities and towns, and developers converge to seek locations for expansion and develop relationships. Promoting the High Desert region to prospective retailers looking for prime opportunities, Butcher will represent the area, and come back with prospective businesses interested in coming here.  My calednre is filling up fast for ICSC too.

Butcher has an interesting and varied background including 21 years of experience working for the US Navy, holding an unlimited contracting officer’s warrant, negotiating contracts up to $500 million dollars, management of two remote Alaskan Islands including all aspects of the airport, port, power plant, fuel farms, all utilities, transportation facilities, logistics, warehousing and subsistence.

She managed the disposition of Naval Air Station, Adak, Marine Corps Facility, Tustin and Marine Corps Air Facility, El Toro in Orange County, California. Her responsibilities have included Lead for Command, Headquarters, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy briefings, as well as Lead for public meetings, interim uses, along with press interface and Lead negotiator for the Federal Government for land transactions of both Tustin and El Toro.

Of course her pride and joy are her two daughters, Katy and Sarah, whom she has recently sent off to college. Katy is in her second year at UC Riverside, and Sarah, a senior in High School just accepted at UC Santa Barbara. What are her plans in the face of a major change?  More time using the RV.  “It looks like we might be spending some time at the beach visiting our daughter.”

About the Butchers

Butch and Colleen have lived in Apple Valley for almost ten years.  Colleen’s former career included closing military bases under the Base Realignment and Closure legislation and she held an unlimited Contracting Officers Warrant for the U. S Navy.  Colleen is a commercial real estate agent for Coldwell Banker Commercial and is one of the top agents in the region. Butch is a retired U. S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps officer and a former Town Engineer for the Town of Apple Valley.  He is a Mechanical and a Civil Engineer and a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional.

HBDJ Staff 

Modern Space Pacific Services Inc., a leading provider of retail store fixtures to major U.S. retailers, is expanding from their Adelanto location to a 47,652 square foot space at Victorville’s Southern California Logistics Centre (SCLC), a 2,500-acre industrial and commercial complex at Victorville’s Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA).

Modern Space Pacific Services’ new headquarters at SCLC are located at 13644 George Boulevard, Building 15B in Suites 6-11, a contiguous space. The new tenant is now the single largest user in the multi-tenant portion of the SCLC, bringing occupancy to 94 percent in the building.

“Modern Space Pacific Services is the ideal tenant for Southern California Logistics Centre,” said Anita Tuckerman, Director of Asset Services for Stirling Capital Investments, the master developer of Southern California Logistics Centre and Global Access. “They are a credit tenant and theU.S.based affiliate of a Chinese manufacturer.  SCLC provides the needed industrial and distribution capabilities for a company of this caliber to succeed.”

Modern Space Pacific Services builds retail store fixtures for companies such as the GAP or JC Penney. According to Tuckerman, the company produces armoire-type display products inShanghai,Chinaas they are ordered from the retailers.  The goods are then brought into theU.S.via theLong BeachandLos Angelesports where they are trucked to theVictorValleyto be assembled and correlated.  Once an entire retail order is completed, it is transported throughout the country from their single U.S. distribution point here in Victorville.

The Victor Valley is strategically located for distribution further east and throughout California. Combined with lower lease rates than other areas and a ready labor pool, the region is experiencing an increase in demand from manufacturers. As retail demand is increasing nationwide, Modern Space Pacific Services is already in discussions with Stirling Capital about further expansion in the near future.

The company’s previous building was a Class B sheet metal facility that was functionally obsolete.  “In order to expand, they had to increase productivity, and to do that, they needed modern facilities,” stated Tuckerman.  The move will put the company into a state-of-the-art facility providing an abundance of dock-high loading doors, solid computer connectivity, 3 phase power and other amenities.

“Modern, functional buildings are in demand,” Tuckerman said. “Older facilities just don’t meet manufacturers’ needs today.  The lack of new buildings in the region means a shortage of state-of-the-art facilities.”  Tuckerman explains that a dock-high vs. grade level facility has a huge impact on a company’s overall productivity.

In a dock-high facility, trucks can back straight up to the building, and a forklift can move product directly from the truck into the building.  Grade level facilities mean the container must be unloaded to ground level before going into the facility. “It takes significantly longer to unload the truck,” said Tuckerman. “A User has to move the product multiple times, thus increasing costs and reducing productivity.”

While dock-high facilities have been standard for 20+ years, there is a shortage in the Victor Valley, especially for smaller facilities. “You usually need a larger space with a bigger square footage, say 10-20,000 feet,” said Tuckerman, “but we have docks with as little as a 5,000 square foot space.”

“This lease is reflective of the increased interest we continue to receive from large credit tenants looking to locate at SCLC,” notes Tuckerman. “With land availability, newly developed facilities, multi-modal distribution capabilities, I-15 access, proximity to the ports and a suite of incentives, we are well poised to handle this demand.”

ABOUT Southern California Logistics Centre

Stirling Capital Investments has developed almost three million square feet of Class A industrial space at SCLC with an overall project occupancy over 98 percent.  Modern Space Pacific Services joins a number of high-profile corporations already located in Victorville including Aspen Logistics, Church & Dwight, ConAgra Foods, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Fastenal, FedEx, General Electric, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Newell Rubbermaid, Nutro Products, Plastipak Packaging, Pratt & Whitney, Red Bull, Sparkletts and United Furniture Industries.

“It is a privilege to be working with this organization on an event that will bring recognition to our region for its unique local and national asset, Route 66,” stated publisher, Paisley Taylor.

The special Route 66 International Festival 2012 Commemorative Edition (July/August Issue) will include local and national stories on California Route 66 historical landmarks and businesses along the Mother Road, stunning photography, complete event schedules & maps, and general information about this exciting event.

For information on print advertising with High Desert Lifestyles & High Desert Business Journal publications, contact Paisley Taylor at 760-403-2136. For all other media advertising including radio and event sponsorship packages, contact Vince Sapina – CBS Radio at 760-244-2000.

Top Rated Lawyer Edition 

High Desert Lifestyles Magazine has partnered exclusively with LexisNexis® Martindale-Hubbell® to publish the Victor Valley / Barstow region’s top rated lawyers in their September/October issue.  Martindale-Hubbell ® partners with prestigious publications including Inland Empire Magazine, Beverly Hills Courier and the LA Times.

Martindale-Hubbell brings its expertise to the legal community with its AV® Preeminent™ and BV® Distinguished™ certification marks. These certification marks are objective indicators of a lawyer’s ethics and legal ability. These marks are widely identifiable in the legal community and bring trust and reliability.

Top Rated Doctors Edition

Go online at www.HighDesertLifestylesMagazine.com today to vote for your favorite doctor in the Victor Valley or Barstow.  We will be publishing the results in our “Top Docs” future issue.

$132 million are spent each year in communities along Route 66 according to a recently completed economic impact study that sheds light on the importance of heritage tourism and historic preservation on Route 66 – a contributor to local, state and national economies.

Route 66, which runs from Chicago to Santa Monica, through Barstow, Helendale, Oro Grande, Victorville, Hesperia, Oak Hills and Cajon Pass, is known as “The Mother Road”, and is America’s most celebrated highway, serving as an internationally recognized symbol of American culture and history. The road is popular with Heritage Tourists, looking for an educational experience, adventure, culture and history.

The study was carried out between 2008 and 2011 by Rutgers University, in collaboration with the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and World Monuments Fund, with the support of American Express.  Researchers used census data, a museum survey and case studies all along the 2,400-mile route to complete this first-ever comprehensive survey of Route 66 travelers.

The 700-plus page report details the demographics of the states, cities and towns through which the road passes, as well as the demographics and travel patterns of the travelers using the road.  The study demonstrates the tremendous influence tourists have on the economies of towns and cities along the route:

• More than 85% of Route 66 travelers visit historic places and museums, spending $38 million a year in the communities.
• Heritage preservation, through Main Street revitalization programs and museums, add another $94 million in annual investments.
• The national impact is an annual gain of 2400 jobs, $90 million in income, $262 million in overall output, $127 million in gross domestic product and $37 million in tax revenues.

Designated a U.S. Highway in 1926, Route 66 was slowly made obsolete by the faster Interstate Highway System and decommissioned in 1985, stripped of its national highway markers and disappeared from road maps. And yet, Route 66 holds on as one of America’s most recognized symbols nationally and internationally, attracting devoted fans from the U.S. as well as Japan, Germany, England and Norway.

At the local level, restored Route 66-themed motels, restaurants and gift shops anchor the downtown in many small communities and bring new life and revenue to towns once bypassed by the decommissioned Interstate Highway System.

“This study shows that preserving historic places is important to travelers on Route 66 and brings enormous pride as well as social and economic benefits to those living along the route,” said Kaisa Barthuli, manager of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program for the National Park Service. Properties chosen for inclusion in the National Register can benefit from tax credits, loans, grants and other incentives for preservation work on a property.

The Victor Valley / Barstow stretch of Route 66 includes well-known assets such as Skyline Drive-in, one of the last functioning drive-ins in the nation; two Route 66 museums, in Victorville and Barstow; a popular motorbike route that includes Barstow’s Peggy Sue’s Diner and Oro Grande’s Iron Hog as common stops;  Emma Jean’s Holland Burger café that has been featured in many movies and TV shows including “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives”; the only Fairgrounds on the entire 8-state route; the Summit Inn Restaurant; the Green Tree Inn and diner; and that iconic sign of the neon, rearing horse on 7^th Street at the entrance of the New Corral Motel.

Jim Conkle, Route 66 businessman, volunteer and self-proclaimed roadie says Route 66 is one of the most recognized icons in the world. “It is a living, breathing, thriving community from Chicago to Santa Monica.” Conkle, who has served as a Route 66 advisor for the Pixar movie “Cars”, says that California has so much going on, that “Our piece of Route 66 is sometimes overlooked, and we don’t do as good a job as other states that make it part of their culture.”

With all the new interest in Route 66 as a national tourism and cultural asset, it makes sense for California and the Victor Valley / Barstow region to maximize its piece of history.

Look for Jim Conkle on the cover of American Profiles Magazine coming out as a magazine supplement May12th in local and national newspapers.

By Mehdi Mostaedi

First and surprising, agricultural land has seen a rebound in growth during the last half of the recession. In 2008 when most real estate sectors experienced drastic declines, agricultural land was the only area of commercial real estate which was resilient.

The increase of exports and manufacturing in addition to the lasting demand for US agricultural product will continue to have a major impact on land. World population growth and emerging markets should lead to the continuation of the positive trend in future to come.

Farmland values from 2010 to 2011 have increased substantially, up to 24.4 percent in many regions of the United States. In fact, agricultural exports alone grew by 12% in 2010 and 24% in 2011. Locally we’ve seen a dramatic increase in farming opportunities, particularly in the Barstow and Newberry Springs communities, where land is abundant and water is still reasonable and copious.

Known for superior agricultural products and established farm infrastructure, the United States possesses strong advantages in terms of farming. Through the strong ability to produce and process food, the U.S. is driving the demand of agricultural products from large, emerging markets.

As populations increase in growing markets, so does the demand for agricultural products, industrial commodities and housing. According to Colvin & Co. LLP, an agriculture-focused investment manager, gross output of commodities must increase 3.4 percent annually in the next ten years to meet the demand. Supply and demand fundamentals illustrate the increasing need to produce commodities and decreasing availability of farmland are driving prices up and increasing the value of agricultural land.

Industrial Land

Joining agricultural land and showing signs of a recovery, is the industrial land sector.  Nationally, the industrial sector has shown strong improvement, with six consecutive quarters of positive net absorption of space and vacancy rates declining from 14.3 percent in the fourth quarter to 13.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011.

In 2011, several national and international companies realized the benefits and logistics of operating in the High Desert by relocating – and in some cases expanding – their businesses into the area, including Arm & Hammer, M & M/Mars, Dr. Pepper/Snapple, Plastipak and United Furniture.  According to the USC 2011 Office and Industrial Report, the Inland Empire reported nearly 17 million square feet of net absorption of industrial space.

Sub 500,000 square foot properties, primarily less than 200,000 square feet, while struggling, have seen a marginal increase in occupancy.

The demand for large industrial space over 500,000 square feet in the High Desert and Inland Empire is booming, and industrial developers have started to look at land for future industrial development. For the first time in many years, we are now seeing developers build buildings on speculation.

With absorption rates increasing, more industrial space will be needed, which will increase the values of industrial zoned vacant land. The Inland Empire is expected to post the largest decrease in vacancy rates in Southern California, both in absolute and relative terms,” according to the USC 2011 Office and Industrial Report.

With an abundance of land and a pro-growth community that provides for less regulatory requirements and expedited development processes with municipalities, the Inland Empire has long attracted developers. With the increasing demand for large industrial space, the industrial zoned land values are on the rise.

Multi-family

Both agricultural and industrial land is increasing in value due to supply and demand along with one other major commercial division, multi-family land.  According to the 2012 National Land Convention, U.S. investors abroad have listed multifamily as their number one choice of investment.

Multifamily has been leading the recovery, exhibiting year-over-year rent growth of 4 percent to 5 percent in 2012, according to investment resource, NuWire. With interest rates expected to remain low throughout 2012 coupled with the weakened U.S. dollar, real estate in the United States has become even far more affordable and attractive than ever, and is thought of by many financial experts as a secure and improving investment class.

Difficult mortgage requirements and a limited supply of apartments also continue to drive multifamily demand in 2012. The average occupancy at the end of 2011 for multifamily properties in the United States was 94.6 percent, up 90 basis points from the 93.7 percent average occupancy at the end of 2009, according to REITs, the U.S. real estate investment trust.

With apartment rents expected to increase up to 5 percent in 2012, the asset class is proving to be a strong and growing investment. As absorption rates increase so does the demand for new multifamily complexes which begins with the purchase of multifamily land, ready for development.

Overall, agricultural, industrial and multifamily commercial real estate has piqued the interest of many local and now ever-increasing foreign investors. According to the 2012 National Land Conference, overall foreign direct investment in the United States totaled $156 billion in the first three quarters of 2011.

While the recovery has been slow and steady, some areas are progressing faster than others, gradually leading the path to the expansion of our economy.

About the author:  Mehdi Mostaedi, of the High Desert Land Team at Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate Solutions, has over 30 years of experience in land acquisition, entitlement and development throughout the nation, Canada and the Caribbean. He can be reached at (760) 559-6807.

6:00pm

Women for Women Networking

A place where professional women can communicate about their business, meet women with similar goals and professional needs, receive uplifting and usable ideas, and share their professional expertise.  Brought to you by Capstone Consulting Group and GI & Associates.

Grumpy Golfer

14144 Green Tree Blvd # B  Victorville, CA 92395

411      Linda Jacobson 760-243-2551, or linda@ccgemail.us

Thursday, June 28^th

6:00pm

Women for Women Networking

A place where professional women can communicate about their business, meet women with similar goals and professional needs, receive uplifting and usable ideas, and share their professional expertise.  Brought to you by Capstone Consulting Group and GI & Associates.

Grumpy Golfer

14144 Green Tree Blvd # B  Victorville, CA 92395

411      Linda Jacobson 760-243-2551, or linda@ccgemail.us

Friday, June 1^st

6:00pm – 8:00pm

First Fridays Wine and Design

Join Decorating Den’s Interior Designer for an interactive presentation on interior design topics.  Wine, munchies, mingling and style.

13455 Malakai Road, Suite 2B, Apple Valley CA 92307

411      Donald Tatera 760-247-5393

Friday, July 6^th

6:00pm – 8:00pm

First Fridays Wine and Design

Join Decorating Den’s Interior Designer at their design studio / office / warehouse for an interactive presentation on interior design topics.  Wine, munchies, mingling and style.

13455 Malakai Road, Suite 2B, Apple Valley CA 92307

411      Donald Tatera 760-247-5393

FREE Human Resources Hotline

San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board

Partnering with the California Employers Association.

HOTLINE: 1-800-339-5331

www.csb-win.org

April 6^th through May 8^th

6:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Public Hearing Notice: 

Town of Apple Valley is soliciting public comments regarding the proposed Draft Five-Year Consolidated Plan and the Draft Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.

Town Council Chambers

14955 Dale Evans Parkway

411 Town of Apple Valley at 760.240.7000

May 9^th

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Webinar: Principles of Finance

Business Excellence Training Program for Small Businesses

San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board

411 Jenny De La Mora at jdelamora@wdd.sbcounty.gov

May 10^th

9:00 am – 1:30 pm

State Payroll Tax

Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (IESBDC) is offering FREE business training, in conjuction with one-on-one Business Consulting.

15490 Civic Drive, Suite 102

Victorville, CA

411  register online at www.iesmallbusiness.com

May 10^th

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

“HolLEEwood” Lee & Associates Annual Chamber Mixer

Food, beverages, opportunity drawing.  First fifty guests receive a gift bag. Proceeds benefit Rotary Clubs of the High Desert.

14369 Park Avenue, Victorville, CA

411 Heather Ford at 760.241.5211 x 238, or hford@lee-associates.com

May 19^th

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Stride Ride Glide at SCLA

5k, 10k, bike ride event.  This is your chance to see Southern California Logistics Airport in a fun and unique way.  Network and get healthy.

Phantom Street, Victorville, CA

411 Victorville Chamber at 760.245.6506

May 30^th

9:00 am – 11:00 am

How to start Your Small Business

Hesperia Branch Library Conference Room

9650 Seventh Ave.

Hesperia, Ca

Free seminar, presented by the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center and sponsored by the City of Hesperia Enterprise Zone.

Online pre-registration recommended.

411  HDSBDC 760.951.1592, http://www.iesmallbusiness.com

May 30th

10:00 am – 1:00 pm

11^th Annual Public Works

Public Works Yard, 141711 McArt Rd. Victorville, CA

411 Ro Ratliff, 760.955.5217

June 4^th

7:00 am registration, 8:00 am tee-off

Apple Valley Police Activities League 8^th Annual Golf Tournament

$340 per foursome. 18 holes of golf, cart, continental breakfast, lunch, raffle, prizes and awards banquet. Sponsorships available. Proceeds benefit AV PAL.

Apple Valley Golf Course

15200 Rancherias Road, Apple Valley, CA

411 www.AVPAL.org, or Trish Hill at 760.240.7428

June 13th

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Webinar: Operations Management

Business Excellence Training Program for Small Businesses

San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board

411 Jenny De La Mora at jdelamora@wdd.sbcounty.gov

June 20^th

8:00 am – 10:00 am

Hesperia Business Made EZ Workshop

Come learn the basics on submitting a Hiring Tax Credit Voucher Application including when to submit, how to avoid costly application mistakes, required supporting documentation, and an overview of eligibility criteria.

Hesperia Branch Library Community Room

9650 Seventh Ave

Hesperia, Ca 92345

411  Economic Development Dept. at 760-947-1157 or ez@cityofhesperia.us

June 30th

RelyLocal Business Expo

RelyLocal showcases local companies at the Mall of Victor Valley during national Independents Week, The event will allow local business to connect with customers and encourage spending with local businesses.

411  Alyssa Penman at alyssapenman@relylocal.com or 760.246.5400 or Tari Blalock (tariblalock@relylocal.com or 760.449.0140

By Mike Der, Owner of Advanced Microtechnologies

If you are one of the millions of employees who use their laptop and smartphone at work – continue doing so at your own risk. Everything on your device including texts, movies, facebook activity, can all fall into the laps of your employer, get wiped clean or worse yet, become scrutinized through the courts.

So there are a few things you should know.

B.Y.O.D. is a phrase known by most employers as ‘Bring Your Own Device.’ It refers to employees who bring their own computing devices such as smartphones and laptops to work and use the employer’s network for connecting.

If you’re doing this – now may be a good time to go back and contact your IT or Human Resource department and ask for clarification on your company’s policy.

According to Cesare Garlati’s consumeriazation blog, many employees who use their personal devices for work don’t realize that they may be subject to inspection in the context of a court case involving their company. Employees can be asked to submit their personal devices in which they have browser history, personal information and documents they created for review by third parties in connection with the lawsuit.

There are additional factors to consider states Garlati, such as personal data loss. He states that when your personal phone and computer equipment is used for work related activities; such as access to corporate email, there is a good chance that your company relies on features built into your smartphone and may use additional software tools to secure and manage the data in your device.

Most BYOD programs rely on IT tools that don’t make a separation between personal and corporate data and applications. As a result, in case of unauthorized access the whole content of the device is more or less automatically deleted and the device itself made unusable.

Another issue to consider, states Garlati, is privacy. The fact that that you own the device is irrelevant in case of a lawsuit. To discover and preserve evidence, the court may require forensic review of all devices in connection with the case.

Employees participating in the B.Y.O.D. program may be asked to produce their personal devices for examination. This includes the history of the websites visited, songs and movies downloaded. Everything, even copies of financial transactions or statements, the list of your personal contacts and your e-mails, text messages and various social media activities including Facebook. And it goes further. This extends to the personal information of any other family member or third party who may share the use of that device.

Personal data stored in the device is not the only privacy concern. Your location and your online activity may be exposed to your employer too. A main feature of Mobile Device Management software is the ability to track in real time the location of the device. Modern devices can get quite accurate at pinpointing location even when inside buildings whereGPStechnology is typically complemented with Wi-Fi access point detection. Although not intended for this use, your IT department may be able to track your whereabouts anywhere and anytime, deliberately or accidentally, and you may not even be aware of this.

One last thing to consider according to Garlati is device seizure and loss of use. Mobile devices are small and you take them with you everywhere. No surprise they are the most likely to get lost or stolen. But when you use your smartphone for work related activities, you have a couple more reasons to worry about. Your smartphone may become unusable as a result of a company initiated remote lock or wipe. Or you may be asked to give up your inseparable device for legal examination in conjunction with a lawsuit. Either case you could lose the use of your table or smartphone for some time and likely find yourself in need of a replacement until you get yours back.

For questions or comments about this column, you can contact the author at info@admt.com.

By Mary Langer Thompson

 What is one school-to-work skill that is often overlooked, that would enhance your children’s possibilities for a good job, and could even help them to use more of their brains? 

Many of us have tried to learn a second language and failed, or learned it partially, or have lost the skill due to underutilization.  It could be that we started to attain the skill when most people do – in high school, which may be too late.

There is one school in the High Desert that begins to teach both Spanish and English when it should be started – in kindergarten.

Victoria Magathan Elementary School, which opened in 2005 in the Adelanto School District, began what is called a dual immersion program, open to both English and Spanish-speaking students, in August of 2006.  This innovative program continues today alongside its regular traditional program, like a school within a school.

One 2000 study (Lindholm-Leary) showed that bilingual students not only score well in reading and writing, but that math, social studies, and science achievement is also highly rated across two languages.  There is evidence of better critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.

That same study also shows that bilingual students have higher levels of self esteem, are highly motivated to learn, and better understand and appreciate other cultures and languages.

A national study (Collier and Thomas) emphasized that to be effective the program needs to be well implemented; not segregated, meaning not just composed of English speakers or Spanish speakers, but a mixture; and must be sustained for a long enough period of time, generally five to six years.

The model selected for Magathan students is what is called a 90:10 program.  That means that at the kindergarten level, ninety percent of the instructional time is taught in Spanish.  Ten percent of the time students are taught in English.  The research shows this is a more powerful model for success than a 50:50 program.

Each year following, the plan is to teach 80:20 (first grade); 70:30 (second grade); 60:40 (third grade); and finally 50:50 for the remaining grades.  The same curriculum for each grade level is taught in all classes.  Only the language of instruction is different.

A full class of thirty kindergartens enrolled for the 2006-7 school year.  Visitors to the program were always impressed.  Many asked, “Is this group a special, gifted class of kindergarteners?”

The students seemed more attentive and on-task for longer periods of time.  And they were quickly becoming bilingual, the kindergarteners supporting the research that knowledge learned through one language facilitates acquisition of second language knowledge.

Students were writing sentences in both English and Spanish – impressive since writing is usually the last bilingual skill to fall into place. Parents of the students met regularly for updates on curriculum and to observe the program in action, and were invited to assist in the classroom.

That 2006-7 original dual immersion class will be heading into the sixth grade at Magathan in the 2012-13 school year.  The program is still going strong with wonderful teachers, and if you or someone you know has a kindergarten or first grade child and are interested in all the benefits of him or her becoming bilingual, I strongly encourage you to make an appointment to observe the program at Victoria Magathan School.

Call (760) 246-8872, then call the Adelanto School District at 760-246-8691 to discuss enrollment.  Help a child reap life-long benefits.  Help your child become a success.

By Dr. Andrew Thorn

“I Am Important”

I was an early adaptor of the cell phone craze. I got my first phone in 1989. In those days, very few people had one. The cost was too high for most people to justify. We were billed by the minute on both incoming and outgoing calls. The phones were expensive and my monthly bill was rarely under $700.00.

This extreme cost made us limit the way we used it. We never wasted time on the phone, because we knew the price would be high. Only the top producers in the office had a phone. Very few of my competitors or customers had one, and none of my friends did. It was not uncommon for somebody to say in an amazed tone, “he has a phone in his car.” I remember feeling very important.

The experience of owning a phone is obviously much more common now, but ownership still carries with it a feeling of importance. How else would you explain the frequency with which we allow ourselves to be interrupted by the most unimportant, insignificant  and mundane requests?

It is common, and accepted, to answer important and unimportant calls while at Disneyland with the family. Emails are originated and responded to, in the middle of the night, because we think that what we are doing is more important than the sleep we need. Too many of us disobey traffic rules to respond to text messages and answer the phone. In our own minds, we are more important than the laws designed to protect us.

It’s For You

We have become like Pavlov’s dog. If it rings or vibrates we must respond. It doesn’t matter if we are in the bathroom or the boardroom. I can’t get over how urgent we have made the phone, the text, the email, the tweet, and the wall post. For some reason, many of us feel that if we don’t respond instantly to this instant message, we will become irrelevant.

Can that be true? Of course not.

These technological advances were invented for our convenience. They were never intended to inconvenience us. I remember being told that the invention of these devices would unburden us, make our jobs easier, and give us more free time. How is that working out for you? Do you feel less stress because you have more technology?

Here are some questions that are designed to help you with these issues:

• What boundaries have you set for the use of technology in your life?
• Are you confident enough to let it ring?
• What would happen if you purposefully chose to take periodic breaks from it? 

Several years ago, I made a decision to limit my use of my phone, even though I had an unlimited calling plan.

At first, I physically shut it off, but then I began establishing the boundaries with clients and friends.

In the beginning, going back online was a terrifying experience. The amount of calls and emails to answer was nearly unbearable, but I learned to manage it. My business actually increased from this decision, and my circle of influence learned my behavior pattern and respected it. Many even adopted it for themselves.

Now I shut down my phone and my activity in the social networking realms on a regular basis. I use it for my advantage.  It does not rule my life.

I want the same for you. I dare you to begin setting boundaries in the way you use it. I dare you to resolve to turn it off when you enter a meeting. If it is important enough for you to physically be there, then be there! You will be surprised at how valuable you become to the people around you.

See you around town!

By Paisley Taylor, MBA

Mike Nutter is well known locally, for conquering some impressive peaks in his mountain climbing days. Intensely dedicated to the sport, Mike climbed extensively, bagging several peaks in the High Sierra of California and Washington’s Cascade Range before he and his wife had their first child, Lauren, in 2006. Having successfully reached the summit of Mt. Rainier the year before, Mike then travelled solo to Africa to meet up with 14 other climbers and along with 80 African porters, reached the summit of Africa’s tallest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, in 2005.

Those days are now far behind him. Nowadays, you will find the seemingly easy-going Nutter occupied with raising his family in Apple Valley, but that focus and drive he had for mountaineering are now keenly trained on his insurance practice.

In addition to his role as a top producer at the ARMAC agency, Nutter is a Certified “One Responsible Source” sales trainer for ISU International, training new and seasoned producers, account managers and agency principals.  “The One Responsible Source” sales concept is a proprietary system developed exclusively for ISU agents.

Nutter was trained on the unique process just 3 weeks into his career, and by fully embracing the philosophy, Mike has had more success with it than anyone else in the national program.  “I’ve taken the process and enhanced it, developing my own unique style,” says Nutter. “And I have a rock star team behind me at ARMAC as well as a core group of affiliate partners that help me execute.”

Nutter explains the relationship between ISU and ARMAC. “ISU International is an organization developed exclusively for independent insurance agents, which offers a cohesive national database of insurance knowledge. The power of independence and the strength of unity allow ISU’s members to effectively solve problems associated with insurance, risk management, human resource compliance and claims administration.  They provide the independent agency with the tools and resources of a national firm, while affording each of its member agencies complete autonomy.  We’ve aggregated our book of business with approximately 135 agencies throughout the country for a collective premium volume of nearly $1.3 billion in 2011.”

And why does that matter?  Nutter explains that it benefits the clients.  “Most brokerages have to amass a certain amount of written premium before an insurance company will entertain an appointment. We have insurance companies pursuing us. The advantage for the client is that if they come to me with a specific price point or a specific coverage need, I can find it, because I have greater market access than any other brokerage firm in the High Desert or surrounding areas. We work with nearly 400 insurance companies. It’s a huge advantage.”

Controlling insurance costs proactively through risk mitigation is a big focus for Nutter, who aggressively addresses not just the premium cost for his clients, but the total cost of risk.  “For many businesses, one of the greatest expense, and usually second only to payroll is workers’ compensation insurance.  Employers become complacent if they think they have found the lowest premium in the marketplace. The problem with that is that procuring an insurance policy is only half the battle.” Nutter explains, “The premium is not a static number.  Premiums are tied to loss history. For every dollar an insurance company pays out on a claim, the insured can pay up to three times that amount in premium in the years following as a result of an increased experience modification.”

Cost containment with workers comp is key, and Nutter explains that it is important for a business owner to understand what tactics a broker will employ on their behalf to decrease the likelihood of workplace injuries.

The other major cost containment issue is claims management. Claims that last longer than necessary cost the insured additional money, and it is a well-hidden cost according to Nutter. He explains, “The biggest challenge insurance companies have is that a typical claims adjuster for even a preferred insurance company has about 150 claims on their desk at any given time. This number can be upwards of 250 claims for companies that lack an adequate claims department. The challenge is, how can one effectively manage 250 claims? One of our jobs as the insurance broker is to find an insurance company that believes in smaller case loads for their adjusters. And we as brokers have to act as the squeaky wheel for our clients. We know that if we bark loud enough, we can get things handled in a more efficient manner. And days equal dollars in this business.”

But what really sets Nutter apart from his competition? He can answer that. “I really have a genuine care and concern for the health and welfare of my clients’ business, and I think I demonstrate that.”

Nutter is a 3 time recipient of the prestigious ISU International Carpe Diem Award, presented annually to brokers that have written a minimum of $1,000,000 in annual premium for the prior calendar year. With nearly $2,800,000 in written premium in 2010, Mike was awarded the top spot for ISU brokers nationally.

Dedicated to continuous self-improvement, he spends time reading trade publications, insurance journals and white papers, in addition to attending continuing education courses.  He is also a published expert in his field and contributing writer for the High Desert Business Journal.

About Signature Signs

Nutter’s entrepreneurial background has a big impact on how he works with his business clients.

Growing up in his father’s sign business, Nutter helped his dad during summer breaks and after school, painting temporary window signs and learning the trade. Urging his dad to expand his business offerings, the senior Mr. Nutter instead gave his son a $5000 loan and encouraged him to start his own business. “My dad was happy where he was at, and wasn’t really interested in changing his business model” says Nutter. “It was basically a get-out-of-my-hair loan.”  Nutter took it.

Inspired by his father’s success, Nutter started out in a corner of his father’s garage at the age of 20, and eventually grew his business over 13 years into a thriving sign shop, occupying a 2400 square foot space and employing 8 people at its peak.  After 13 years of being in charge, Nutter decided to wrap it up and do something new. “I wanted to capitalize on my greatest strength, which is developing good, lasting relationships with clients,” he explains. Selling his business and seeking something that would suit him in the long-term and provide a good retirement, Nutter launched his insurance career.

“It makes a difference having been a business owner,” says Nutter. “I can relate to a business owner like no other agent or broker out there. I’ve been in the trenches, I’ve done those things that are required to run a successful business, and I’ve dealt with everything that keeps a business owner up at night. I can speak to all those topics that they have to deal with, from both a business and risk management perspective.”

About the Nutters:
Mike and Jennifer Nutter with daughters Lauren Hope, Olivia Faith, and due by May 4th, Sophia Grace. With their third daughter Sophia Grace expected to debut at any moment, Mike and Jennifer Nutter are proud parents and dedicated to raising their family. Nutter, a dedicated family man says, “I put God first, and family second, and I think it’s a pretty good recipe for success.”

UPDATE!
Just in time for press, Sophia Grace has arrived!  Congratulations to the Nutter family!

For more information on this article or to discuss your insurance and risk management concerns, contact Mike Nutter at mike.nutter@isu-armac.com or Kelly Saiia at kelly.saiia@isu-armac.com or call ISU Insurance Services – ARMAC Agency at (760) 241-7900.