Category: Finance

End-of-year message from Ventura County Animal Services

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What a year this has been for all of us! Despite the many challenges that 2021 brought, we are happy to report that our agency remained committed to our life-saving mission, having reunited thousands of lost animals with their families, and found new, loving homes for thousands more. Innovative programs we have created over the years continue to grow and evolve as the needs of our community change. But none of our many accomplishments would have been possible without the passionate dedication of our staff and volunteers who give their heart and soul to each and every animal, every day.

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Ventura County Community Development Corporation Receives $50,000 Bank of America Grant Award

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The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) received a $50,000 grant from Bank of America to help continue the organization’s mission to increase homeownership and economic stability to low- and moderate-income families and individuals in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern, and Los Angeles Counties. This is the largest support received to-date by Bank of America Charitable Foundation, which underscores VCCDC service and outreach to an underserved market.

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Jan. 29 — Association of Mexican American Educators – Oxnard Chapter to hold Oxnard Panda Express Fundraiser

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The Association of Mexican American Educators – Oxnard Chapter will hold an AMAE Oxnard Panda Express Fundraiser for scholarships from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 at 2121 N. Rose Ave., Suite 480, Oxnard.

“Help us in funding our local scholarships to high school students,” the organization reported.

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Through Feb. 5 — Friendship Center 2022 Virtual Fundraiser

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We invite YOU to join our 23rd Annual
Festival of Hearts Virtual Fundraiser!

Please join us at:
www.friendshipcentersb.org/FOH22
Monday, January 24 to Saturday, February 5

Your purchases and donations will raise money for our HEART program (Helping Elders At Risk Today), making it possible for low income seniors with dementia and other age related challenges to participate in our day program.

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Feb. 11 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar- How to Create a 2022 Social Media Content Calendar

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Join the EDC for a free webinar on creating a 2022 social media content calendar presented by Small Business Development Center Advisor, Deborah Deras!

Who’s ready to get organized this 2022!? Let’s be honest, we all get overwhelmed by Social Media because we often wear too many hats and think we need to be on every platform. The fact is we only need to be posting on the platforms where our target market is spending their time. The best way to get organized and efficient is to create a social media calendar. Deborah has a saying: schedule it in your calendar, see it in your life and she will show you how to do it to save time, energy and make you money.

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Feb. 15 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Economic Incentives/Tax Credits for California Manufacturers

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CONOMIC INCENTIVES/TAX CREDITS FOR CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURERS

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 @ 10:30 – 11:30 AM PST

This FREE webinar, co-hosted by CMTC and the CA Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), will provide practical guidance to California manufacturers on multiple economic incentives, resources, and workforce training funding to save money and foster growth:

Partial Sales & Use Tax Exemption

Workforce Training Funding (ETP)

California Competes Tax Credit

New Employment Tax Credit

Sales & Use Tax Exclusion

R&D Tax Credits

New Grants

Resources & No-Cost Assistance

There will be an opportunity for Q&A, and you are also welcome to submit questions in advance during registration.

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Feb. 17 — Ventura County Civic Alliance to present The State of the Region Report

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Every two years, the State of the Region Report provides a trusted and unique perspective on Ventura County life. Register for this free event to hear these community leaders discuss the data in the State of the Region Report and their perspectives on life in Ventura County. 

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March 8 — CLU School of Management announces upcoming events

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Looking Ahead During Extraordinary Times
2022 Ventura County Economic Forecast
NEW DATE: Tues. March 8  |  8:30 AM

This premier networking and forecast event will include an in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance and an assessment of its economic and demographic future, plus detailed analysis and forecasts for the U.S. and California economies.

In-person – LEARN MORE

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May 4 — Check out the student startups at New Venture Fair 2022!

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Check out the student startups, and vote for your favorite ideas
In person on Cal Lutheran’s campus – May 4

Cal Lutheran’s New Venture Fair (NVF) is back in person! The NVF 2022 showcases 60 student-led startup projects, including those from Cal Lutheran’s undergraduate, graduate, and Executive MBA in Europe programs, in addition to high school teams from Oaks Christian School, Thousand Oaks High School, Bakersfield Christian High School, and primary school teams from Start-Up Kids and One Spark Academy.

The NVF is an expo-style event where each team furnishes its booth and demos its product. The community is invited to circulate the room, meet the teams, learn about their startup ideas, and vote for their favorites. Awards will be presented at the end of the evening.

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Aug. 2 —Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces free webinar “Free Webinar- Business Resources for Veterans from the SBA’

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Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources and programs for Veterans and the military community? If you are a transitioning or active-duty service member, National Guard or Reserve member, veteran of any era or military spouse, the SBA is here to help. Through training programs, contracting opportunities and access to capital, the SBA is here to help your business start, grow, expand or recover.

You can access the SBA’s Veteran resources through the Southern California Veteran’s Business Outreach Center! Join us on Tuesday, August 2 at 12:00pm to learn how to get started AND topics such as:

– Government Certifications
– Introduction to Government Contracting
– eCommerce 101 for Military Spouses

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Aug. 20 — Bilingual update — Ventura County invites job seekers with military experience and employers to the Military and Veteran Job Fair and Expo

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Ventura County Human Services Agency Veteran Services Office will host a Military and Veteran Job Fair and Expo on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ventura County Office of Education, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo. This event is free for active-duty military, U.S. Veterans, military spouses, transitioning military, and members of the Guard and Reserve.

“This is the area’s largest Veteran job fair,” said Jim McHugh, Ventura County Veteran Services Officer, “and an ideal place to help Veterans find good paying jobs and to help businesses in need of leadership.”

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Aug. 24 — County of Ventura to Host Job and Career Fair

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The County of Ventura Human Resources Department will host a Job and Career Fair on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

The event and parking are free and open to the public. The Job and Career Fair will take place in the main courtyard of the Ventura County Government Center, between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about careers in administration and support, engineering, environmental protection, planning, agriculture, health care, law enforcement, public safety, public works, recreational services, technology, and much more.

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Aug. 25 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present Inspiring Women – A Live Event Understanding Social Media Marketing

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SCORE’s Inspiring Women is a free live event to help you plan a social media strategy for your business. Whether just starting out, or struggling to generate business changing results, Social Media is a critical component of your overall marketing strategy.

Speakers and Topics:

Bridget Brady “Building Your Business with the Power of Social Media”

Social Media is ESSENTIAL to every business owner and entrepreneur.
Roughly 82% of all people are active on social media and that number continues to grow each day. These are potential clients and customers.
Whether just starting out or struggling to generate biz-changing results—Social Media is a critical component of your overall marketing strategy.
Join Bridget Brady to get fully informed on what it takes to create, launch, and implement a rock-solid strategy that cuts through the confusion and leads to social media and business success!

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Sept. 22 — CLU School of Management — Keynote announced: Kristin Fischer, Amgen Executive Director and Global Lead of Talent Acquisition

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You’re invited to join the conversation with our keynote and panelists! 

Limited spots remain. Register today!

WHOSE ATTENDING?
C-suite executives from some of the foremost experts on talent management from organizations such as Amgen, Dole, Metrolink, Jafra, Allogene, The Cheesecake Factory, Mercer, MannKind, Medtronic, Penny Mac, and other leading companies based in Southern California.
 
WHY ATTEND?
Hear the latest research from one of the world’s foremost scholars in the area of talent management
Discuss your talent management challenges and learn from others 
Take-away solutions to your issues surrounding talent management
Gain a new perspective from academics and industry. What is the future?
Network with peers 

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Sept. 28 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Showcasing the International Success of Latino-Owned and Led Businesses

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September 2022 Edition: Showcasing the International Success of Hispanic-Owned and Led Businesses

Join U.S. Commercial Service for the eighth session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as they feature a dynamic panel of Latino founders and leaders from Southern California-based companies, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

Learn about the opportunities to seek out, as well as the challenges to avoid as you launch or expand your international business.

Receive information and resources that will help you chart your path to global sales and expansion success.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022 @ 11:00 am

Location: Virtual (WEBEX)

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Oct. 8 — Housing Santa Barbara Day 2022

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Join 2nd Story Associates on Saturday, October 8th from 10 AM – 2 PM at De La Guerra Plaza for Housing Santa Barbara Day 2022. 

This annual free public event is dedicated to connecting community members with local affordable housing non-profit agencies and service providers.

At the event, there will be 30+ community agencies and service providers, informative housing working shops, tenant and landlord resources, ADU resources, workforce housing information, music and entertainment, local food vendors and activities for kids and families.

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Oct. 8 — Ventura County Community Colleges Host Cash 4 College Workshops

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Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College and Ventura College East Campus are holding free Cash 4 College workshops to help students apply for funds to help with college costs. Funds can be used for tuition, books, housing, transportation, childcare, computers and more.  

In-person workshops are scheduled for Oct. 8 and 22. The workshops are free and open to the community; anyone may attend a workshop on either date and can drop in at any time during the events.

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Oct. 16 — Social Justice Fund for Ventura County’s Annual Fundraiser presents ‘Building Food Access in Saticoy’

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Mark your calendar and join us for our annual fundraiser!Our annual fundraiser this year will focus on the efforts to build access to food in the unincorporated community of Saticoy.

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Oct. 17 — Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Honors 17 Graduates for Achievements by Housing Authority in Presidio Springs

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This year, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is honoring 17 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program graduates on October 17, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Presidio Springs community room located at 721 Laguna Street.

The Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS) is a voluntary five (5) year program in which an Individual Training and Services Plan is developed with each participant to design a clear path of specific goals and objectives in order to achieve living wage employment and gain economic self-sufficiency.  It is available to families who are part of the Section 8 Housing program.

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Oct. 26 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Showcasing the International Success of Businesses Supporting Disability Inclusion and Equity

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Join U.S. Commercial Service for the ninth session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as they feature a dynamic panel of founders and leaders from Southern California-based companies, fostering disability inclusion and equity, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

Learn about the opportunities to seek out, as well as the challenges to avoid as you launch or expand your international business.
Receive information and resources that will help you chart your path to global sales and expansion success.

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Oct. 28 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) reports ‘2022 California Economic Summit’

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Registration for the 2022 California Economic Summit taking place in Bakersfield on October 27-28 is now open!

Available in-person or virtual attendance

Produced by California Forward in partnership with the California Stewardship Network, the Summit influences CA FWD’s ongoing movement to make the government and economy work for everyone. The two-day Summit is designed to create a shared economic agenda known as the Roadmap to Shared Prosperity and strengthen the Summit network, setting the stage for collective action in 2023.

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Nov. 5 — Trekking Ambassadors 5k Fun-draising Trail Run-Hike

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oin Trekking Ambassadors for their 5k Fun-draising Trail run-hike on November 5th, 2022 to support local Santa Barbara Organizations on their mission to deliver critically needed solar lights and reading eyeglasses to remote villagers in the Mount Everest region! 

This 5k trail run-hike is set in the beautiful foothills of Santa Barbara following the San Antonio Creek Trail which meanders up a fast, well shaded trail for a big portion of the course. Great for first timers and fun for those with experience that want to challenge their PR on a 5k.

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Nov. 17 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Customer Discovery and Research Tools for Tech Businesses

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The EDC SBDC call team and experienced advisors are available to answer questions and help you navigate today’s complex business environment. The Economic Development Collaborative hosts the Small Business Development Center and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Signing up as a client takes just a few minutes and provides you with lifetime access to all of our no-cost services.

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Dec. 9 — CLU School of Management presenting Forward Together

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Sports Management presents its inaugural “Sustainable Goals Development Competition.”
Friday, December 9   |   5:00 pm   |   In Person
Join us in person as three teams battle to become number one in the first-ever Sports Management Sustainable Goals Development Competition. The teams will be judged by three sports professionals with exceptional experiences from notable companies like the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Kings, and the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission.

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Museum of Ventura County — Last chance as we move into 2022…

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Dear Friend of the Museum,

If you have already made a contribution to the Museum of Ventura County –

THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your support!

If you haven’t, please consider that a gift can help us serve this community with:

Virtual and in-person school tours
Free events
Virtual and in-person discussions and interviews
Historical articles, lectures and videos
Exhibits
Support programs
Free admission to both sites
and much much more!

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — ’tis the season of giving!

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You’re the reason we are looking so merry and bright!

Thank you all for supporting contemporary art and the artists whose passion compels them to create. It is you who challenges our team to bring our best selves in service to our visitors and our community.  

We were inspired by so many enthusiastic visitors and supportive collaborators this year. Looking back brings as much wonder as it does gratification. Just take a look at our very first Earth Day Mural – it still takes our breath away!

The team at Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) is working on some truly fantastic exhibitions, events, travel, and educational programs for 2022. MCASB prioritizes accessibility for all, and maintains a steadfast commitment to free admission. 

Please consider a year-end donation, which allows us to continue to bring you awe-inspiring, thought-provoking, and beautiful encounters with the art of our time. Our work is only possible because of your support.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Sales and Use Tax Exclusion Program for Manufacturers

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Sales and Use Tax Exclusion (STE) Program, from the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, excludes from sales and use taxes purchases of Qualified Property:
if its use is either to process Recycled feedstock or using Recycled feedstock in the production of another product or soil amendment, or
that is used in an Advanced Manufacturing process, or
that is used to manufacture Alternative Source products or Advanced Transportation Technologies.

Eligible manufacturers planning to construct a new manufacturing facility or expand or upgrade a currently existing manufacturing facility may apply to CAEATFA for an STE award, and if approved, the purchases of Qualified Property for the project are not subject to state and local sales and use tax.

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SBCC uses federal stimulus funds to erase student debt and offer direct support

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Since last August, approximately 1,800 Santa Barbara City College students have received a form of debt relief, and an opportunity to pursue and complete their educational goals, thanks to SBCC’s Fresh Start Initiative and the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). 

HEERF funds were allocated to institutions to support students with immediate needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. One way that SBCC met those needs was by creating the Fresh Start Initiative, allocating $1 million to go directly to students with outstanding balances. Through the initiative, students enrolled in Spring 2020 through Spring 2021 terms impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic were provided with funds to pay off their entire outstanding balance. In addition, students who left SBCC prior to the pandemic who are attempting to re-enroll – and find themselves challenged by COVID-19 related circumstances and restricted from registration due to a pre-pandemic balance – were also provided with Fresh Start monies.

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VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – Dec. 2021 — Empowering Sylvia to Keep Her Very Special Home

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80-year-old Sylvia Johnson has lived in her Paso Robles home for 27 years after building it from the ground up alongside her husband after her two children had flown the nest. Tragically, Sylvia’s husband passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55 before the house was finished, leaving Sylvia to continue the build alone. “I was in there every day it was being built,” remembers Sylvia, “and because of losing my husband during that time my home is more special to me than anything.”

When it came to refinancing her home in September of this year, Sylvia felt a little nervous about the process and dreaded reading all the paperwork. When she spoke on the phone with Gaby, VCCDC’s Homeownership Specialist, her fears melted away.

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EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for November 2021

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The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its November 2021 report on Friday the 17th, revealing a strong three-month trend of improvements in Ventura County’s unemployment rate, now at 4.4%, down from 5.0% in October. Also showing some positive movement, employment gains were a bit more widely distributed than in prior months, though up in only six of the twelve major subsectors.

What’s a bit more disappointing, however, is the lackluster showing in holiday Retail hiring. While Retail gained 900 jobs in November, we’re actually showing 300 fewer Retail jobs this November than last and we’re off by 3,600 jobs since November 2019. None of this is surprising given the movement to on-line purchasing, but it’s worth reminding that the loss of these temporary holiday jobs has taken a ton of work experience opportunities away from young workers and has reduced opportunity for a boost in family incomes during the holidays. For more commentary on the data, see below; for the monthly detail, the LMID release is here.

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People’s Self-Help Housing — Got 5 mins? Build a Home for the Holidays!

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Each year, our tradition has been to brighten the season with a heartfelt craft for you and your loved ones to make together.

This year’s card represents some of the 5,000+ people who call People’s Self-Help Housing home.

Please enjoy, and thank you for all your support!

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Bilingual report — $70 Property Tax Break Available for Qualified Homeowners

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More than 52,000 Ventura County homeowners may have an extra $70 in their pocket this year, just by filling out a simple form. This week, the Ventura County Assessor mailed Homeowners’ Exemption Claim Forms to over 52,000 homeowners that likely qualify for this property tax break.

The Assessor typically mails a Homeowners’ Exemption Claim to new owners. However, in the busy paperwork shuffle of buying a new home, many property owners miss out on this valuable opportunity. In an effort to maximize property tax savings, the Assessor periodically reaches out to potentially eligible homeowners.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Business Alert — Ways to Market Your Business During the Holidays

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The Holiday Season is here! The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) would like to share some ways small businesses can boost their sales during the holidays and ways you can support local businesses this year.

3 Top Ways to Help Boost Your Small Business Holiday Sales

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