Here are some local, state, and national resources for entrepreneurs.

Getting Started:

BUSINESS LICENSE

If you are going to conduct any type of business within the city limits of Porterville, you must have a business license.

If you live inside the city limits of Porterville and are going to conduct your business out of your home, you are required to have a Home Occupation Permit.

Applications for a Porterville Business License are available through the City of Porterville Finance Department, located at 291 N. Main Street, Porterville, CA 93257, (559) 782-7457.

Following are steps to apply for a City of Porterville Business License:

• Complete the full application.
• Note an opening date (or estimated date).
• List all that apply: social security number, Federal Tax ID number, Resale Permit number.
• Last six months gross receipts – estimate the gross receipts for the business from the opening date to the expiration date. This amount will determine your license fee.
• Sign the application.
• Enclose a check for that appropriate fee.  (If you are unsure about the fee, contact the Finance Department at (559) 784-7457.
• Read and sign the information sheet. Return the white copy to the Finance Department. A copy of the completed form will be returned to you with your license.

ZONING

You will need to verify that your proposed site is zoned for your intended use and the appropriate entitlement application submitted by calling or visiting the City Planning Division.  Please do this before you sign a lease or purchase land or a building! You must do this before you purchase your Business License.  If the proposed site is on or near a State right of way, you may need an encroachment permit.

For more information on Zoning, contact the City of Porterville Planning Division at (559) 782-7460.

BUILDING PERMITS

Building permits are required in most cases when you plan to make physical changes to the interior or exterior of the building you plan to occupy. For more information contact the City of Porterville Building Division at (559) 782-7460.

SIGN PERMITS

If you are erecting or painting a sign or awning, you’ll need a full site review and approval before a permit is issued.  For more information, contact the City of Porterville Planning Division at (559) 782-7460.

                                                                  PERMIT INFORMATION

To assist you in finding the appropriate permitting information for your business, the CalGOLD database provides links and contact information that direct you to agencies that administer and issue business permits, licenses and registration requirements from all levels of government.

The CalGOLD listings include descriptions of the requirements, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the agencies that administer those requirements and issue the permits and licenses, and in most cases a direct link to the agencies’ Internet web pages.

www.calgold.ca.gov

During the March 15, 2005 City Council meeting the City of Porterville was pleased to recognize Endurequest Corporation as a Porterville Outstanding Business Honoree.

Endurequest Corporation began in 1989 as Equestrian Plastics, Inc. for the purpose of developing and marketing a proprietary line of plastic equestrian products. In 1991, as the company was reorganizing, the name was changed to Endurequest Corporation.

The Poly Portables line, which spurred the expansion of Endurequest's business, includes the assembly and warehousing of plastic portable toilets and manufacturing of hand washing stations and sinks.  Other products produced by Endurequest include products of the playground industry, secondary containment for fuel handling, various tanks, containers, and material handling bins. The total number of different plastic items products produced by Endurequest exceeds 400.

To accommodate the continued growth, Endurequest purchased the .55-acre lot adjacent to the south side of their property in 2003 for product storage, parking, and truck loading. In June 2004, the company dedicated a 10,000 square foot building extension of the original plant. Also in 2004, Endurequest purchased the adjacent 1.7-acre parcel on the east side of their property for future growth.

Mindful of the community that has contributed to the success of the company, Endurequest gives back to the community by participating in the Porterville Livestock Fair Auction, 4-H programs, and various local sports programs. Endurequest Corporation feels fortunate to be located in Porterville, where the support of the community and the City has helped at many levels to facilitate their continued growth.




               CITY NAMES 2005 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE - 
                                 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER

During the November 15, 2005 City Council meeting, the Council was pleased to recognize The Porterville Recorder as a City of Porterville Outstanding Business Honoree.

The first issue of the Porterville Recorder was published on May 21, 1908. The Recorder publishes the news six days a week and circulates over 9,300 copies daily. Throughout the year, special editions focusing on community events and issues are published - making The Porterville Recorder truly a community newspaper.

In January 1999, The Recorder introduced Noticiero Semanal. The Spanish-language publication was started to provide constant updates and relief information regarding the freeze that left many farm workers unemployed. The Noticiero Semanal has grown to be a colorful, two section newspaper with over 25,000 copies distributed throughout Tulare, Kings, Kern, and Fresno counties.

The Porterville Recorder moved into its current location at 115 E. Oak Avenue in 1970 and since that time has remodeled and added on to the building to provide space for their growing business. The building houses many divisions, including advertising (both classified and display), graphic design, production, circulation, warehousing, administration, and last, but not least, the newsroom.  To staff the various divisions, The Recorder employs 70 persons, some of whom have been with the paper for 30+ years.

The Porterville Recorder doesn't just print the news, but is active in may community events, including Paint the Town, Relay for Life, Porterville Rescue Mission, and the list goes on and on. One highly successful program implemented by The Recorder is the Spirit of Freedom awards, providing recognition to individuals that make a difference in our community.

Commitment to providing outstanding service and their community involvement earns The Porterville Recorder recognition as a 2005 Outstanding Business Honoree.




               CITY NAMES 2005 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE -                                     ROYALTY CARPET MILLS

During the July 19, 2005, City Council meeting, the City of Porterville was pleased to recognize Royalty Carpet Mills as a Porterville Outstanding Business Honoree. Royalty Carpet Mills began operations in 1963 as a small carpet sales company and has grown to be the fifth largest residential carpet manufacturer in the United States. Royalty Carpet Mills carpet is distributed through many home improvement stores, including Home Depot, Lowes, and Abby Carpets. Brand names include Royalty, Camelot Carpet Mills, and Pacific Crest. Founded by Mike Derderian, the company is family owned and managed, with headquarters in Irvine. Royalty Carpet Mills has integrated its manufacturing process, which includes spinning its own yarn, tufting, dyeing, and finishing the carpet.  The Porterville facility was opened in 1986 and the spinning division of the company which manufactures carpet yarn.  Housed in a 200,000 square foot building, Royalty Carpet Mills is one of Porterville's larger employers with 310 employees. Manager Dennis Johnson takes satisfaction in implementing the company's policy to promote employees from within the organization.  Safety is an area in which Royalty Carpet Mills strives for excellence. Monthly safety meetings are presented by the employers to promote a proactive approach to safe manufacturing. Royalty Carpet Mills is proud to boast of a safety record above the national average for their industry.  In 2003, Royalty Carpet Mills was recognized as the Business Incentive Zone's Employer of the Year during the Tulare County State of Economic Development luncheon. Community support is demonstrated by the company's participation in advertising at high school sporting events, sponsorship during Relay for Life, and many youth recreational activities. Additionally, Royalty Carpet Mills was pleased to donate the carpet installed at the Police Activities League (PAL) Center.  Outstanding quality, service, and dependability continue to make Royalty Carpet Mills one of the fastest-growing carpet mills in the United States. Their commitment to their employees and the community merits Royal Carpet Mills a 2005 Outstanding Business Honoree!




                CITY NAMES 2006 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE - 
                                                   JACK GRIGGS

During the April 18, 2006 City Council meeting, Jack Griggs, Inc. was named as a Porterville Outstanding Business Honoree. The business was selected for their longevity, customer service and commitment to the community.
Established in Exeter in 1933, Jack Griggs, Sr. opened the Porterville facility in 1950 on East Date Street before moving to the current location at 73 West Vine Avenue. Jack Sr. ran the Griggs operations until he retired and turned the business over to his two sons, Jack Jr. and James W. The current owner is David Griggs the grandson of Jack Sr. and son of James W.
The company is a full-range petroleum products distributor of gasoline, diesel fuel, propane and motor oil, all of which may be purchased at the Vine Street location.  In addition to the many related products available in the office, such as new propane tanks and fittings, the shop paints, repairs and re-valves propane tanks for both residential and commercial customers.
The business takes pride in their customer service and, as was Jack Sr.'s philosophy, treats customers with the utmost respect. The same attention is paid to the company's employees. Several of Grigg's valuable employees have been with the company for more than 25 years and one Porterville employee has been with the company 45 years.
The company supports the community in a variety of activities, with an emphasis on youth. Many organizations have benefited from Jack Griggs, Inc.'s generosity, including high school sports and music programs, 4-H, Future Farmers of America and the Porterville Fair and Jr. Livestock Show.
David Griggs states that Jack Griggs, Inc. continues to work hard to provide the service that their customers deserve. The company appreciates Porterville and the people that live here and plans to continue operating in Porterville - giving the best service around.




              CITY NAMES 2006 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE - 
                                                     SPRAGUE'S

For more than a decade, one family has enjoyed running their family business in Porterville and has enjoyed serving the community.
These are just two small reasons of why Sprague's Outdoor Power Center was chosen as a 2006 Outstanding Business Honoree by the City of Porterville.
It all started in 1969 when Leroy Sprague retired from the Los Angeles Police Department and purchased a lawn mower service and repair shop in Rosemead, Calif. His second career grew and his son,  David, later joined in the family business. When he married Renay in 1977 she joined the family business.
In 1990, the Spague's wanted to leave the big city and began looking to relocate to a city that would offer them a better quality of life, so they purchased the Billliou's building at 75 N. D St. in Porterville and opened shop.
But through the years Sprague's has changed in its merchandise. they have sold lawn and garden equipment, redwood lawn furniture, barbeques and irrigation equipment. Presently, the family is re-focusing on lawn and garden supply and service, but they also sell Suzuki motorcycles, ATVs, motorcycle accessories and clothing.
In 2002, the Sprague's hosted a demonstration of the Suzuki line of products, complete with daredevil riders doing jumps in the parking lot.
In 2005 and 2006, The Porterville Recorder's Readers Choice honored the business as the Best Motorcycle and Off-Road Shop in Porterville.
David and Renay also enjoy giving back to the community. In the mid-1980's, David was President of the Rosemead Rotary and when he moved to Porterville, Rotary was the first club he joined. He has also been active in the Mason's Eagles and Shriner's. He enjoys being a Shriner clown and he fondly remembers making the chair Santa Claus uses for his annual appearance in the Children's Christmas Parade.
Also, Renay is active in Zonta, the Downtown Porterville Association, the Porterville Chamber of Commerce, the City of Porterville General Plan Advisory Committee, the Redevelopment Advisory Committee and the Sign Committee.
The Sprague's are also an active supporter of Porterville High School's Business Academy and the Porterville High School Cheerleaders.
Leroy is now retired, but his grandchildren, David and Nicole have joined their father and mother in running the family business. David and Renay sum up their business and person success by stating that the people are the reason they chose Porterville and the reason they enjoy being here.




                CITY NAMES 2006 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE -
                                 PORTERVILLE TIRE AND RECAPPING

Gil Domingo worked part-time at General Tire. The job was hard, but so was working in the fields, another tough job Domingo had experienced first hand. In 1980, Domingo took a weekend to consider making a bold move. He decided to quit his job and start a new business called Porterville Tire and Recapping in a building at 416 S. Main St. Domingo rented one side of the building and worked alongside two employees.
He poured many hours into building his business, recapping tires and providing service calls 24 hours a day.
Although the first years were lean, in 1985 Domingo decided to purchase the building on Main Street, and he negotiated the purchase with the building owner, who agreed to carry the loan while Domingo continued to build his business.
Domingo and his wife Alicia have been married 37 years, and she has supplied encouragement that has kept Domingo moving forward. In 1987, the business was incorporated and the pair haven't looked back. In 1996, Domingo came across the opportunity to build a second location for his business at the corner of Westwood Street and Olive Avenue. He said he saw residential growth on the west side of the City and wanted to provide services to the new area. Once again, Domingo negotiated a deal with the property owner and moved forward to open a second store.
In the early years of the business, the business recapped tires for sale. The recapping business was outsourced as Domingo branched out and began selling used tires along with the recaps. Then Domingo added new tires to his line of products. Presently, Porterville tire and Recapping Center Inc. offers used and new tires of all brands. Custom wheels can be purchased to make a vehicle look its very best. The business also offers services such as wheel alignment, tire balancing, oil changes and new breaks. For commercial customers, Porterville tire offers full service in the field.
"We service little trucks to big trucks," Gil said. this even includes tires for loaders, graders and farm equipment.
Employees are just as important to a successful business as adding product lines. The 12 employees at Porterville Tire and Recapping Center Inc. are offered paid holidays, vacation and health insurance. Domingo notes that he has employees that have been with the company from six to 20 years and he feels that they are family.
Domingo is always willing to help in the community and he supports many organizations and events. He likes the most about being a business owner is dealing with people and building relationships that last through the years.
Domingo's motto is "Be honest and give the best service you can."




                CITY NAMES 2007 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE -
                                                        KTIP

It has been called the "little station that survived"! Operating under private ownership, AM 1450 is a rare commodity in the radio broadcast industry, making the station truly unique. In order to survive, K-TIP Radio has had to broaden its programming, expand the news department and liven up the mornings. "Hopper in the Morning" and PK the Redhead broadcast weekdays from 6 to 9 AM. These seasoned and locally raised broadcasters offer the only live, radio show that covers Tulare and Kings County news and information.
In 1997, Larry and Mimi Stoneburner partnered with Doug Caldwell, to manage the local radio station. The Caldwell's had purchased AM 1450 the year before from Monte Moore, a long time owner and voice of the Oakland A's. The Stoneburner's later became sole owners of the station in 2000. This year marks the station's 60th anniversary and the Stoneburner's anticipate a year full of activities, excitement, and fun. Since 1947, K-TIP has been in its present location at 1660 N. Newcomb St. and although the on-air joke is about a 4th floor suite, the building has not changed much since those early days. The interior studios reflect a different story. State-of-the-art soundboards, microphones, monitors and computers are all at the fingertips of the on-air personalities and station operators.
The stations strength is reporting local news, information and weather. Interviews with local celebrities, including weekly chats with the Porterville Mayor and Tulare County Supervisors Chair, bring the personal touch to daily broadcasts adn calls from the listening audience are encouraged. Morning show host Hopper says "anybody who is anybody has been on the is station". Complimenting the morning show are local news and various national talk shows which include Dennis Prager, Clark Howard, Bill O'Reilly, Mike Reagan, Coast to Coast, Art Bell, Kim Komando and more.
In order to provide broader coverage of the South Valley news, the Stoneburner's joined forces with KSEE 24, The Porterville Recorder, Southern Sierra Messenger, Senior Advocate and Exeter Sun Gazette. Local shows, such as the Trader's Market adn the Buyer's Market are well known to locals - generating more than 1500 telephone calls per month. Mimi enjoys telling how Buyer's Market was created during the 1998 freeze as a way for merchants to trade out advertising for products and services. K-TIP Radio is proud to say they have had a helping hand in saving some of the local businesses.
Understanding the value of local football, the station broadcasts live local high school football games in the fall with Patrick Lazano and Roland Davis making the calls.
K-TIP's "Little Buy", a teardrop trailer, serves as remote broadcasting unit that can be seen at events, parades, and "on the road" in the early morning hours. The roving broadcaster enjoys providing morning treats to commuters that stop by to say hello on the radio.
The Stoneburner's believe in a bottom-up management style which is unique in the radio business. This gives employees a chance to grow their skills while feeling like they are members of a family. K-TIP is called home by 8 fulltime and 5 part-time employees. AM 1450 has been a recipient of multiple awards for community service and news.
The Stoneburner's first professions were in medicine. Larry was an Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Mimi worked in health education. They took their combined experience in medicine to Bakersfield television for 13 years before moving into radio. Mimi wrote and produced a medical news segment that featured her husband Larry. The show called "You Be the Doctor," was broadcast in Fresno, Bakersfield, and syndicated nationwide. Mimi continues utilizing her health education background as she presently hosts Body Talk on Saturday afternoons. Mimi works with major publicists and large book publishers to find experts to interview for the show. This local live broadcast looks at the latest in both traditional and alternative medicine.
The Stoneburners adn K-TIP radio are very active in the community. Some of the events that K-TIP has been involved with include raising awareness with the local freeze relief efforts, Katrina Relief, various Rotary and Lion events, Relay for Life and the recent Rock-A-Thon for the Porterville Adult Day Services. Mimi sits on teh executive committee and the board of the Porterville Chamber Commerce. She served as a board chair last year. Mimi is also on the Porterville College Foundation Board for 7 years and is their Board Chair Elect. Larry is also highly involved in serving the community serving as an ambassador to multiple Chambers' of Commerce. He is in Porterville Noon Rotary, activel recruits for Cornell University's Agricultural School, where he attended and is passionate about a 4 year college in Tulare County. "We're glad to be active in the local community while continuing the tradition of local radio" Stoneburner said. "We're proud to take a 60-year radio station and move forward."
The City of Porterville is pleased to honor KTIP Radio as a 2007 Outstanding Business Honoree.




               CITY NAMES 2007 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE -
                                 GALAXY 9 THEATRE HONORED

During the August 7, 2007 City Council meeting, Galaxy 9 Theatre was named as a Porterville Outstanding Business Honoree. The business was selected for their customer service and commitment to the community.
On November 17, 1997, Galaxy 8 Theatres broke ground for a new movie theater which opened seven months later. A year later an additional theater was added and Galaxy 8 became Galaxy 9.
The Company's headquarters, Galaxy Theatres, LLC, specializes in developing and operating multiplex theatres in the western United States. The company's key management team includes Frank Rimkus, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Rafe Cohen, Chief Operating Officer adn President; Lee Josselyn, Vice President and Film Buyer; Charles Goodman, Vice President of Operations. Veronica Garcia is the General Manager of Porterville Galaxy 9 Theatre.
Galaxy 9 is committed to qualify at the theatre and was one fo the first theatres to show movies in DLP (Digital Light Processing). In addition to high-quality visual technology, moviegoers experience the awesome sound that only Dolby Digital Sound can give to any movie. Vice President Goodman noted that Galaxy 9 invests in the newest upgrades to technology whenever they become available.
Galaxy 9 management prides their self on offering fantastic customer service. The staff is willing to open the ticket booth 5 minutes early or open another line during the busy times at the concession stand to reduce the cutomer's wait to make the movie goers experience nothing less than perfect.
Galaxy 9 also offers a party room for children's birthday party, where guests can enjoy pizza, cake and ice cream and be treated to a tour of the projection room. Another offering of Galaxy 9 is the ability for local business to place their advertisements on the big screen.
The company supports the community in a variety of activities and events such as the Iris Festival, where employees came out in costumes to greet old and young alike. Galaxy 9 will open their doors for workshops and meetings to be held in the morning hours (before show times) and this year Galaxy 9 partnered with the Porterville Chamber of Commerce as the venue for the Chamber's First Friday Coffee events.
The City of Porterville was pleased to honor Galaxy 9 Theatre as an Outstanding Business Honoree.




              CITY NAMES 2008 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE -
                                   BECKMAN COULTER, INC. 

The City of Porterville is pleased to announce that Beckman Coulter, Inc. has been named a 2008 Outstanding Business Honoree. Beckman Coulter, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of biomedical instrument systems, tests and supplies that simplify and automate laboratory process.
Over 40 years ago (43 to be more exact) Beckman was looking to expand between the corporate offices in Fullerton and Palo Alto. Porterville was the location selected because of the excellent work force and cooperation of the City, community, and school system. The same cooperation continues today, with the two of the most recent cooperative endeavors being the development of the Maintenacne Mechanics calss at Porterville College and the cooperation extended to the City during the recent Jaye Street adn Highway 190 construction.
Many of Porterville residents are surprised to hear the "Coulter" name added to the longstanding Beckman facility. In 1998 Beckman Instruments acquired the Coulter Corporation and changed the company name to Beckman Coulter, Inc. to pay tribute to the global recognition and outstanding reputation the Coulter Corporation brought to the merger.
In early 2006, Beckman Coulter began preparation for expansion at the Porterville facility that would incorporate processes from a plant being closed in Miami. Both facilities produced a similar product, but the Porterville facility had the capacity for expansion. The plant underwent a $5 million dollar renovation and added 95 new positions in 2007. Many of the new positions were filled both locally and abroad, including recruiting ex-Navy personnel from Lemoore.
The quality of the workforce is one thing that the Beckman Coulter management continues to brag about. With a low turnover rate, and many employees labeled as "lifers", the seaoned workers help to train the newer employees and instill a sense of pride and work ethics. Additionally, the family atmosphere of the employees at Beckman Coulter makes the workplace a welcome place to work. To enhance working conditions, improvements were made to the landscaping between buildings to provide a restful area for employees during breaks and lunch periods.
Beckman Coulter, as a corporation, contributes to science, research-related health care and science education programs within their local communities. Most recently Beckman Coulter's raised over $10,000 for the Sierra View Foundation to benefit the Roger S. Good Cancer Center. The employees especially appreciate the fact that all funds raised by this event are kept in the local community. 




              CITY NAMES 2008 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE
                                            THE MADRIGAL'S
LA FUENTE MEXICAN RESTAURANT & DON VINO'S ITALIAN KITCHEN  

The City of Porterville is pleased to announce that the Madrigal's La Fuente and Don Vino's have been named a 2008 Outstanding Business Honoree. La Fuente and Don Vino's restaurant were selected for their customer service and commitment to the community.
The Madrigal's purchased La Fuente in 1993 and have provided excellent Mexican food and outstanding customer service for over 15 years. Madrigal's sons Javier and Ulysses co-manage La Fuente. La Fuente uses the finest ingredients in preparing unique dishes, serves homemade sauces, salsas and corn tortillas, which are made fresh daily. All of the recipes have been handed down from generation to generation within the family and reflect the pride of genuine family style home cooking.
Twelve years after the opening of La Fuente, the Madrigal family's love of Italian food led the family to purchase the former Mission Restaurant. After extensive renovations, the restaurant was opened as Don Vino's Italian Kitchen.
The interior of Don Vino's shows no hint of its past business life. With the elegant decor and inviting atmosphere, Don Vino's can compete with restaurants in the larger, metropolitan areas. Don Vino's also caters and rents out the back patio for special occasions such as receptions, birthday parties, and other celebrations.
Although the Madrigal's are busy with the restaurants, Francisco finds time to serve on the City of Porterville's Redevelopment Advisory Board and has been a Director for the El Futuro Credit Union for 13 years. The businesses support a variety of community endeavors, such as the Relay for Life, Police Blood Drive, Tulare-Kings Hispanic Chamber, youth sports, and are active with the local school fundraisers.
The Madrigals are grateful for their good fortune. They love Porterville and feel that they can make a difference in the community. One of their goals is to make the downtown are more attractive to people to come and spend time there. The Madrigals attribute the success they've had in the restaurant business with support from the community but having great tasting food and superior service helps too. Madrigal's motto is, "Remember you represent La Fuente. You make the difference - keep a good attitude, so we can keep our good customers!"




  CITY NAMES OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE OF THE CENTURY
                              PORTERVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
 

The City of Porterville is pleased to honor Porterville Chamber of Commerce as Business Champion for a Century.
During the October 16th City Council meeting, Council issued a proclamation to the Porterville Chamber of Commerce commending them of their 100 years of service to the Porterville Business Community. But the commitment of the Chamber, both its Board and its Staff, deserve special recognition of all the work they do for our community. From providing referrals, hosting workshops, leading events, and promote community business, the Porterville Chamber of Commerce is truly a "Champion" for the community.
While the chamber is widely recognized for events, it is more active in business activities. The Chamber is the voice of business.
During the recent Chamber's Awards Banquet, the City turned the tables and surprised the Chamber by announcing that the Chamber was selected as the Business Champion for a Century. The Mayor gave special  acknowledgement to Donnette, her staff, Chamber Directors - past and present, and all the past Chamber Executive Directors, Managers, and Staff for their dedication of time and resources making the Chamber the quality organization that it is. The Porterville Chamber of Commerce has been a champion - protecting and fighting for our local business and bettering our community for 100 years.
Business development is one of the goals of the Chamber and they take pride in providing training opportunities on topics such as worker's compensation, labor lawss, and employee compliance for the successful operation of business. The Chamber truly strives to meet the goal of their mission statement: "People promoting business for the benefit of the community."
Congratulations to the Porterville Chamber of Commerce for being honored as Business Champion for a Century. 



              CITY NAMES 2008 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE
                                             SMITHCARE, INC. 

          
The City of Porterville is pleased to announce that SmithCare, Inc. have been named a 2008 Outstanding Business Honoree. SmithCare, Inc. was selected for their customer service and commitment to the community.
In 1978, Don and Corlene Smith, along with Corlene's father and brother, purchased the Valley Care Center under the corporate name of Westcordon. Valley Care was established in the 1940's and is rumored to be the longest running nursing home in Tulare County.
In 1988 the Smith family became the sole owners of Valley Cre and continued their commitment to providing for the needs of the elderly. Their sons, Dan and Doug joined the family business in 1993 and 1996, Dan as a CPA and Dan as a Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practioner. It was in the 90's that Westcordon became SmithCare, Inc.
In 1996, the Smiths opened Lindsay Gardens.
January 2007 was another big step for the Smiths - they purchased Villa Manor from teh West family and began operating the facility as Sun Villa. The Smiths also acquired a home for the disabled in 2007. Also in 2007, the Smiths moved their corporate headquarters from the Wall building on Putnam to their new facility - Centennial Plaza Office Complex. Originally purchasing one-half of the building, the Smiths decided to purchase the remainder of the building from teh Ennis Corporation shortly after moving into the new facility.
In 2008, the Smiths purchased the rights to Rose Physical Therapy at SmithCare Rehab. They are proud of what they call their "jewel"  - an in-ground aquatic therapy pool - one of only a handful from Fresno to Bakersfield.
The SmithCare facilities provide valuable training space for Porterville Adult School and Tulare County Office of Education's Certified Nursing Assistants students and for Porterville College and Kern Community College's LVN students. On a typical day there are between 45 and 60 students in training at the various sites.
The Smiths employ approximately 350 people in their combined facilities. The Smiths are admirable in their commitment to the needs of the elderly and state, "As owners and chief operators, we are concerned that the rights and independence of our residents are respected at all times, and that they receive the necessary attention and service in the most professional manner.
The business isn't the only thing that the Smiths care about, they were instrumental in the creation of the Mariachi Academy Foundation. Corlene is active in Zonta International, Don is involved in Elks and a past director of the Porterville Women's Shelter. The Smith Family is truly an asset to the Porterville community.
Congratulations to SmithCare, Inc. for their selection as a Porterville Outstanding Business Honoree.



                  CITY NAMES 2009 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE
                                            BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS

The city of Porterville is pleased to announce the Big 5 Sporting Goods has been named a 2009 Outstanding Business Honoree. Big 5 Sporting Goods was selected for their customer service and commitment to the community.
Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Big 5 Sporting Goods was founded in 1955. The Big 5 Corporation is customer service oriented and selects locations carefully, currently operating 381 stores in 11 states. The Porterville store opened its doors in 1993 in the Porterville Marketplace Shopping Center where is continues to serve Porterville and the surrounding community.
Big 5 Sporting Goods has been in Porterville for 16 years and Manager Jim Bryant has been there for 15 of those years. A former employee described Jim as "a true entrepreneur, a great businessman who is hard working and expects the same hard work from his staff."
Big 5 Sporting Goods hires people from different backgrounds to provide extra support and confidence to the customers, including having bilingual staff on-hand to serve our diverse community. the Porterville store employs 20 people, with the majority of the employees being part-time students working while continuing their education.
Whether you want to sign up your children for football, soccer, basketball, baseball, or cheer, Big 5 has been the place parents go to sign-up their children or get information on the sport.
Big 5 is committed to the community and it shows with commitments given to a variety of events, ranging from youth sport teams, sporting events, and even to team banquets. Mr. Bryant believes that one key to a healthy community is keep youth involved.
Congratulations to Big 5 Sporting Goods for their selection as a Porterville Outstanding Business Honoree. 




                  CITY NAMES 2009 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE
                                            CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK

The City of Porterville recently announced Citizens Business Bank as a 2009 Outstanding Business Honoree.  Citizens Business Bank was selected for their customer service and commitment to the community.
Starting out in 1974 in a single office in Chino, California, Citizens Business Bank has grown, with branches in 45 communities from Laguna Beach in the south to Stockton in the north. The corporate office is now located in Ontario, but the corporate objective of providing the finest banking services through personalized relationships remains.
Mike MacDonald, Porterville Branch Vice President/Manager, states that it is the bank's customer service that sets them apart. Citizens Business Bank is a top-ranked financial institution with over $6 billion in assets that is run like a community bank. Customers can be assured of being greeted by name, short lines and friendly service when visiting the branch. While the focus of Citizens Business Bank is business and professional banking, all banking services are available to consumers. For customers who prefer banking from their office or home, on-line banking is also available.
In 2007, U.S. Banker Magazine named Citizens Business Bank the Top Business Bank in the Nation - a fact proudly advertised on the city's transit buses.
Citizens Business Bank believes in being a good corporate citizen and it shows in their community involvement. Most recently, they co-sponsored the Business Sustainability workshop series program. The 13-week class was designed to assist local businesses with maintaining and growing their business.
The list of organizations and events that Citizens Business Bank sponsors or co-sponsors are the Chamber's Business Showcase: A Taste of Porterville, Porterville Fair Beef Show, Zonta's Evening of Art and Wine, Porterville Agri Business Luncheon, Porterville Chamber's Auction, Central California Family Crisis Center, Sierra View District Hospital and Porterville Recorder's NIE (Newspaper in Education).






                    CITY NAMES 2010 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS HONOREE
                         SIDLEY'S PORTERVILLE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE