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Even though the economy has been dismal and unemployment has been on the rise, a fascinating phenomenon suggests that small businesses and boutique firms stand to gain customers in these trying times.  Let’s face it, whether times are good or bad small businesses have never been able to afford the luxury of being wasteful, inefficient, or careless with money.  Large corporations, on the other hand, which are bureaucratic by their very nature, have a tendency to become highly inefficient and wasteful when times are good.  When faced with an economic downturn, the inevitable occurs in a large corporation—mass downsizing resulting in a loss of valuable talent and customer service.  Consequently, the large name brand company that customers were paying for tends to lose its luster in the face of lost relationships and customer support.

Peter Bregman, CEO of Bregman Partners, Inc., a global management consulting firm, also believes that small companies will win in this economy.  He states that “Small is the new big.  Sustainable is the new growth.  Trust is the new competitive advantage.”  He says that “small companies with low overhead, reliable owners, a small number of committed employees, personal client relationships, and sustainable business models that drive a reasonable profit are the great opportunity of our time.”  To read more about Bregman’s point of view on this topic visit his article Why Small Companies Will Win in This Economy.

The tenants of the Brentwood Business Center, the Sand Creek Business Center, and the Sand Creek Plaza are all too familiar with this mantra.  The majority of the tenants renting space in these Brentwood business centers are small local vendors with a particular focus on sustaining clients through relationships and keen customer service.  In fact, KMB Management, the managing firm over these properties, has developed a philosophy that embodies the spirit of Bregman’s slogan:  “Small is the new big. Sustainable is the new growth.  Trust is the new competitive advantage.”  Each new customer and/or potential customer at KMB Management is treated with respect, professionalism, kindness, and commitment. 

In closing, if you are a small business in this trying time don’t lose heart.  This is your golden opportunity to take advantage of the niche opportunities that are out there.  Just remember that small is the new big and the power of the personal relationship can never be underestimated.  Creativity may also be your number one asset in attracting new business and retaining loyal customers.  The business expert Peter Drucker once said that, “Business has only two basic functions—marketing and innovation.”  Therefore, turn your creativity into innovative marketing endeavors! 

It's time for Cornfest!  So strap on your cowboy boots and join the fun.  The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual festival on July 7th from 5:00pm to 10:00pm, July 8th from 10:30am to 9:00pm, and July 9th from 10:30am to 6:00pm.  The event will be held at Brentwood City Park, surrounded by Second Street from Liberty High School to Oak Street.  General Admission is ten dollars for adults and five dollars for students and seniors who are 65 or older.  Children under the age of five will get in free!

Each year, Cornfest draws thousands of people from the local and surrounding communities.   If you are new to Brentwood or the local community, this is a great opportunity to meet wonderful families, new friends, and business owners.  The festival will also be packed with attractions and activities for the whole family.  There will be live music, a carnival, a car show, pony rides, arts and crafts, great food, local wines and microbrews, a kid's zone, Friday night fireworks, info alley, and plenty of corn!

This event showcases the City of Brentwood as one of the fastest growing communities in Contra Costa County.  In fact, Brentwood has experienced population growth of 104.05 percent since 2000.  As of 2009, Brentwood boasts a population of 48,448 people making it an excellent location for new businesses and families.  Without the help of new local businesses like Fremont Bank, Cornfest would not be the successful event that it is. The Brentwood branch of Fremont Bank which is located in the Sand Creek Plaza across from the Sand Creek Business Center, Brentwood's office and retail hub!

Other event sponsors include the City of Brentwood, Coca Cola, Bud Light, The Monthly Grapevine, Brentwood Press and Publishing, Mike's Auto Body, Black Bear Diner, Kohl's, and many more.  If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for your business contact the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.   
    
You will not want to miss out on this wonderful event, the opportunity to meet your neighbors, and learn more about your local community! 

Fremont Bank decided upon the Sand Creek Plaza as its permanent home in Brentwood for several reasons.  Sand Creek Plaza is a part of the Sand Creek Business Center, the premier Class "A" office park in East Contra Costa County. Collectively, the Sand Creek Plaza and the Sand Creek Business Center contain approximately 150,000 square feet of professional office, medical, dental, and retail space which comprises the office hub within the City of Brentwood. This location puts Fremont Bank in the heart of the local business community. Additionally, Sand Creek Plaza provides a highly visible location along Sand Creek Road, the primary artery connecting Brentwood Boulevard to the Highway 4 Bypass, providing plenty of exposure to drive-by traffic.

The grand opening party lived up to Fremont Bank's reputation of being a community-centered organization. The Bank hired several local companies to help put on the event. The tables and chairs were supplied by Brentwood Party Rentals. The wine for the evening was provided by The CoCo County Wine Company, also known as The Wine Shop Of Downtown Brentwood. Entertainment for the evening was a live performance by Ashley Mendez of American Idol Season 8 fame. Ashley is a Brentwood resident with local ties to the community. Her stepmother, Trisha Piquero, is the publisher of 110 Degrees Magazine, a local publication whose content focuses upon the people, places, and businesses of Contra Costa County.