Southern Cal Gas Company has always been a big supporter of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and recently made a $2,500 contribution to the chamber to help with the costs of their entrepreneurial training. The money was used to sponsor a class currently being held in Shafter. The class will help potential business owners learn how to start a business and will help them complete a business plan to plan for the future growth of their company.

Southern California Gas Co. has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 20.3 million consumers through 5.7 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in diverse terrain throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company. More information is on the website at www.socalgas.com.

Representatives from Rabobank presented members of the chamber's Executive Board with a check for $5,000 at a luncheon held recently at the Bell Tower Club. The money will be used to continue the entrepreneurial training classes the chamber is presently hosting in Arvin, Delano and Shafter. The class is a 10-week course on "How to Start a Business and Write a Business Plan". Over 200 people have gone through the course and nearly half have started their own business. The course teaches entrepreneurs everything they need to know to get started in a small business. Guest speakers are brought in every week to talk about one aspect of a business – legal structure, marketing, payroll taxes that need to be paid, banking, etc.

By Ramona Herrera, State Farm Agent

There are two big myths about renters insurance. One is that it's too expensive and the other is that it’s not needed.

Not having renters insurance is a pretty big gamble, considering that without it you face the cost of replacing your personal belongings after an event such as fire or theft. What's more, you could face the prospect of defending yourself in a lawsuit because of some accident for which you might be held legally responsible, whether it happened where you live or somewhere else.

Kern Central Credit Union celebrated the Grand Opening of the third branch on Thursday, September 18 at 9860 Brimhall Road, on the corner of Brimhall and Calloway in The Park business complex.

The new branch offers personal, lending and business financial services, along with an array of automated services such as walk-up, drive-up and walk-in ATM’s, a self-serve coin machine, remote tellers and in-lobby online banking kiosks and safe deposit boxes.

Kern Central Credit Union chartered in 1974 is open to all Kern County residents.

For information on Kern Central Credit Union contact Patti Robertson-Panduro, Communications Manager at 661-431-1832.