Cvbj oct2016 lowres by Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

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OCTOBER

2016 VOL 12 • NUMBER 2

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SERVING SAN JOAQUIN, STANISLAUS

& MERCED COUNTIES

VOTERS IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

Proponents hope the third time’s the charm for Stanislaus County’s transportation tax. cover story on pg. 28 WHAT’S WHAT’S INSIDE INSIDE Publisher’s Notes...........................Page 2 On the Web.....................................Page 4 Health Care..................................Page 33 Real Estate...................................Page 36 Jobs & Economy...........................Page 38 Briefs......................................Page 48, 49 Legals.....................................Page 52, 53

Legalized Pot?

pg. 3

East Coast Treat Comes to Valley

pg. 32

Blue Diamond Goes Big pg. 37

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October 2016

Boy Scouts honor Douglass Eberhardt I’m so delighted I attended the Sept. 28 event honoring Bank of Stockton CEO and Chairman of the Board Douglass Eberhardt. Doug was honored by the Boy Scouts of America’s Greater Yosemite Council with the Distinguished Citizen award for a lifetime of leadership and philanthropy to our community. This award Sharon recognizes inAlley Calone dividuals who embody the leadership and character attributes that scouting instills. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient. Doug graduated from the College of the Pacific in 1959 where he majored in business administration with a minor in economics. He is a 1966 graduate of the University of Washington’s Pacific Coast Banking School and a

Publisher’s Notes

1974 graduate cum laude of the School for Bank Administration, where he majored in controllership. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves, Armor Corps. He has served on the University of the Pacific’s Board of Regents since 2000 and is very involved in Eberhardt the progress and growth of the Eberhardt School of Business, which was named after the Eberhardt family in June 1997. Like his father and brother before him, Doug is very involved in the community and serves on numerous boards and affiliations. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of hunting with Doug. He is a great shot, good sport, strong leader, superb role model and very much a gentleman. The awards event was at the Stockton Golf and Country Club in Stockton, and the proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Greater Yosemite Council, Boy Scouts of America.

PHOTO COURTESY: BANK OF STOCKTON

Doug is an outdoorsman from way back, so it’s fitting that the Boy Scouts are honoring him.

The Boy Scouts of America currently serves approximately 14 percent of all boys nationwide. As of Dec. 31, the Greater Yosemite Council directly served 6,388 youth, with support from 2,800 adult volunteers, in greater San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Calaveras, Mariposa, Merced, Tuolumne, and parts of Sacramento counties. Last year, the greater Modesto scouting community contributed nearly 63,000 hours of community service in their Good Turn projects, valued at nearly $1.7 million in service to our local communities.

Wow, now that’s exactly what our young men should be doing — paying it forword. That is time well spent! Scout Oath: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Scout Law: A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. God bless America, Sharon Alley Calone

October 2016

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Legal pot sees best chance in upcoming vote By KENT HOHLFELD Business Journal writer khohlfeld@cvbizjournal.com

STOCKTON — Marijuana legalization is once again on the list of ballot initiatives that will be facing voters in November. Proposition 64 will mark the third time voters will have a say on making recreational pot sales and use legal in California. “It’s a significantly different measure than (2010’s) Prop 19,” said Jason Kinney, spokesman for the Yes on Prop 64 campaign. “I have a lot of respect for what the Prop 19 people tried to do, but it was a flawed proposition.” Proposition 64 is similar to laws on the books in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington which have all legalized recreational marijuana. Among some of the initiative’s provisions, the new law would allow those over 21 to purchase and use marijuana recreationally. It imposes a state excise tax of 15 percent on retail sales of marijuana, and state cultivation taxes on marijuana of $9.25 per ounce of flowers and $2.75 per ounce of leaves. The proposition also allows local authorities to set their own laws regarding the use and sale of pot within their jurisdictions. “We put in unprecedented child and workplace protections,” said Kinney.

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

Proposition 64 would legalize recreational marijuana use in California with restrictions and would impose a 15 percent excise tax on retail sales.

“This measure is the first that has not been opposed the state Chamber of Commerce or any of the major business groups.” He said business groups have remained neutral because Prop 64 would allow businesses to continue to set their own policies about drug testing and use. “We worked to protect the right of employers,” said Kinney. Kinney also believes the proposition

would add badly need tax revenue to state coffers and allow law enforcement to allocate resources to serious crimes and away from minor drug offenses. “It will allow better regulation and management of marijuana,” said Christian Burkin, spokesman for Stockton Democratic Assemblywoman Susan Eggman, who supports the proposition. “By bringing (marijuana) under the state umbrella, this will al-

low us to better handle it.” Those reasons aren’t convincing people opposed to legalization. Much of the opposition stems from fears such as marijuana use among minors, advertising being seen by minors and increased traffic fatalities. “While I am not the morality police,” said Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson. “I am worried about the effects it will have on young people.” While most local law enforcement hasn’t taken an official position on the initiative, Christianson is strongly against it. “Many of the people in our jails will say their addiction started with marijuana and alcohol,” he said. “Now all of the sudden we are going to give people the chance to get ahold of another addictive substance.” Christianson also points to studies that have shown an increase traffic fatalities involving drivers with THC in their system in states that have legalized the drug. A report by the federally supported task force, Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, cited a 48 percent increase in marijuana-related traffic deaths between 2013 and 2015 in Colorado.

Please see PROP 64 Page 10

October 2016

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Publisher’s Notes...........................Page 2 On the Web.....................................Page 4 Close Up.......................................Page 14 Startup Spotlight..........................Page 18 Health Care..................................Page 22 Education....................................Page 23 Jobs & Economy..........................Page 32 Briefs....................................Pages 42, 43 Legals...................................Pages 44, 45

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State water proposal sparks Valley outrage SACRAMENTO — Water districts in Stanislaus and Merced counties are objecting to proposed changes to increase the amount of water from the Tuolumne, Merced, and Stanislaus rivers that will flow into the Delta. The State Water Board released its new objectives Sept. 15. The goal is to reduce the salinity of the Gray Delta by increasing the flow from the three rivers the Delta to 40 percent. That comes to 350,000 acre-feet of water a year, enough to serve 1 million households. The South San Joaquin, Modesto, Turlock and Oakdale irrigation districts oppose the changes because they would reduce the amount of river water available to farmers and Central Valley communities. On Sept. 20, Assemblyman Adam Gray, D-Merced and Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen, R-Riverbank, delivered more than 3,100 petitions to the State Water Board. Gray said the proposal to take more

water than previously planned amounts to an “economic death sentence.” “The last report from the State Water Board proposed taking 35 percent of our water,” said Gray. “After a four-year review process, during which the Board refused to engage with local stakeholders who live near and depend on these rivers, the number has now grown to 40 percent. It is unfathomable how the Water Board could witness the harm caused by one of the worst droughts in California’s history and draw the conclusion that they need even more from us.” Comments on the draft report are due on Nov. 15. A public hearing will be held over three days beginning on Nov. 2 in Sacramento. It will continue Nov. 4 in the Modesto area, and conclude Nov. 10 Olsen in Sacramento. The lawmakers want the comment period extended to 120 days and the board to hold meetings with local agencies and

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

The state proposes increasing the flow of the Tuolumne River and two others to the Delta.

communities that depend on the rivers. “The State Water Board must acknowledge the difficult position this proposal will have on our local communities as we attempt to balance demands on water,” said Olsen. “How can we achieve sustainable groundwater supplies if the No. 1 source of recharge from our rivers is eliminated under this proposal?” The water board’s report calls for increasing the water flow from the rivers to 40 percent to benefit fish and wildlife habitat. “Flow objectives on the San Joaquin River have not been updated since

1995,” the report’s summary reads. “Since that time salmon and steelhead, including those that spawn and rear in the San Joaquin’s tributaries and migrate through the Delta to the Pacific Ocean, have steeply declined. Scientific studies show that flow is a major factor in the survival of fish like salmon.” Local agencies accuse the state of not listening to Central Valley interests. “In addtion, these plans fail to consider new science that is pointing to holistic approaches to addressing multiple stressors that affect fish populations, not just flow,” said Oakdale Irrigation District General Manager Steve Knell.

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Be.tech prepares students for jobs By SIM RISSO Business Journal writer srisso@cvbizjournal.com

MANTECA — One role of schools is to prepare students to enter the workforce. But a lot of times, students aren’t prepared for the jobs being offered. Manteca Unified School District’s charter school, be.tech, is trying to change that. The school offers career academies for culinary arts and hospitality, industrial fabrication and design, and first responders. In addition to their work in the career academies, students get training in professional development and earn their high school diplomas upon graduation. “All of the students are in a professional development class, in addition to their career technical development, because the whole purpose is to create soft skills in addition to technical skills,” said be.tech principal Diane Medeiros. “We know that the business community wants students who know how to be on time, who are motivated, who can take directions. We know that, and we build that into our program.” Each of the academies prepares students to enter the workforce in that respective field. The first responders academy is aimed toward students who are looking to enter the military, law enforcement, fire science or become emergency responders. Be.tech has a streetscape set up on its campus to make the scenarios the students face more authentic. The streetscape has a storefront, power lines that can be knocked down to mimic real-life obstacles and different vehicles to work with. “We have a Jeep set up that our teacher brings in here so we can practice skills with that too,” said be.tech senior Mitch Nida. “So we get firsthand experience with how to safely move someone from a car. We have a bus that we use for certain scenarios. For example, last year, our seniors, their mid-

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term exam was to help out the patients and make sure they all got care.” The culinary academy offers an industrial-sized kitchen for the students to cook in. There’s also cafe on campus, which is open to the public and operated by the students. It offers sandwiches, specialty coffees and espressos. Stephania Mercado is a junior in the culinary academy. After she graduates from be.tech, she’d like to become a pastry chef. “I always felt like no other high school had baking classes or real chefs or teach anything like professionalism,” said Mercado. “I made my decision to come here. A lot of people told me about it word of mouth, ‘You should go to be.tech, be.café and be.culinary.’ So I took advantage of the opportunity.” Students of the culinary academy also get to put on off-site catering events after hours. According to Jarvis Holloway, a teacher in the culinary academy, described how students were spending a typical Wednesday. “Today we’ve got three things going on,” said Holloway as he worked with the students in the kitchen. “We’ve got a baking project going on. We have a catering going on. Then we’ve also got prep for cafe. Tonight we’re doing a cheese and wine fair.” The industrial fabrication and design academy prepares students for work in metal and manufacturing industries. They learn welding, plasma cutting, 3D printing and laser printing. There’s an on-campus industrial shop students to work in to prepare them what they’ll encounter at an industrial facility. The school is building a track record for employment. For example, one student in the industrial fabrication and design academy who graduated last year had been working with a local steel company since he was 16. He was hired on a full-time basis upon graduation, has already moved up and is now running the whole laser department.

WAYNE DENNING/CVBJ

The fabrication and design academy prepares students for work in manufacturing.

Students work in an industrial-sized kitchen in the culinary academy.

In addition to the work they do at be.tech, the students are expected to find paid or non-paid work in their respective fields. “That’s part of the program,” said Medeiros. “They learn their technical skills. They build and practice those skills. They do job shadowing. Then they do their volunteer work, all so they’re ready when they graduate.” Once students graduate, be.tech helps them find jobs. It’s partnered with some local businesses as well as the Manteca Chamber of Commerce to facilitate the process. For two years after graduation, the school continues to follow up with students. According to Medeiros, all of the students who have graduated within the past two years are employed. Because be.tech is a public charter high school, it’s open to any student in San Joaquin County or adjacent counties. There is no tuition required to enroll. The school is funded according to average daily attendance, just like

WAYNE DENNING/CVBJ

other public schools. Students who are interested must request enrollment and go through an interview process. The school currently has 166 students, but Medeiros says it has the capacity to handle twice that number, although growing the number of students has been a slow process. Be.tech is looking for business partners and community members who would like to serve as panel members to hear and respond to students as they report on their professional development. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Kelley Wilson, be.tech office manager at (209) 858-7460.

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Drought spurs early wine grape harvest By KENT HOHLFELD Business Journal writer khohlfeld@cvbizjournal.com

LODI — The wine grape harvest was well under way in the Central Valley by early September. Ten years ago, harvest never began until nearly October. “Ten to 15 years ago we were picking sauvignon blanc the third week of September,” said Bruce Fry, who owns Mohr-Fry Ranches in Lodi. “Now, we are starting on the first week.” Earlier start times have been the norm the last two years across Central Valley and beyond. “We are beginning to ask the question what is normal (when it comes to harvest times),” he said. Currently most vineyards are focusing on harvesting grapes for white wines. They have to be harvested first because of their thinner skins. Those grapes can be more easily impacted by early rains than red wine grapes. The main cause for the earlier harvest is the state’s seemingly endless drought. Even with steady rainfall last winter, water supplies were reduced and temperatures were still warmer than normal. “A lot of people pay attention to air temperature, but it’s the soil temperature that is also important,” said Joe Valente, vineyard and orchard

PHOTO COURTESY JOE VALENTE

Crews at Kautz Farms harvested grapes several weeks earlier than in past years.

manager at Kautz Farms. “The soil warms, and roots get activated and grow earlier.” The earlier harvests aren’t limited to the Central Valley either. John Aguirre, president of the California Association of Wine grape Growers, said that growers up and down the West Coast have seen harvest start two to three weeks earlier than usual. “The vines have been leafing out

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earlier and harvest starts early,” he said. “Reports in Oregon and Washington have also said growers have experienced earlier set times for when grapes are adding color. The calendar has kind of been reset.” There are factors besides temperatures and drought speeding the harvest times. The use of different rootstocks and a growing willingness to get crops in earlier has also led to

changing harvesting patterns. “It’s just a culmination of lot of different things,” said Stanislaus Farm Bureau Federation Executive Manager Wayne Zipser. “We now know we can harvest crops earlier without damaging the plants.” So far the earlier harvest times don’t appear to have a negative impact on the quality or quantity of the crops. Most area growers are seeing similar to higher quality crops than in the past. “Overall, the quantity is about normal for us,” said Fry. “Our chardonnay is off about 10 to 15 percent. The quality looks really good though.” Early reports from growers throughout the area indicate that red wine grapes have especially good quality this year. “Red grapes will be done around the first week of October,” said BB Vineyards owner Bill Berryhill. “I have some red varieties that are gaining flavor and color. Now we can let them set on the vine for a little while.” Berryhill has been growing winegrapes since 1976 and currently has crops in Ceres, Clements and Riverbank. He has seen earlier harvests in all of his crops.

Please see HARVEST Page 13

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Central Valley Business Journal

Stockmarket moves to Miracle Mile By ELIZABETH STEVENS Business Journal editor estevens@cvbizjournal.com

STOCKTON — Stockmarket, the monthly pop-up market that has been one of the most visible examples of the effort to revitalize downtown Stockton, pulled up stakes and moved to the city’s Miracle Mile in September. “We’re picking up what we’ve done well and moving it there,” said Stockmarket founder Amy Sieffert. The market’s first event was Saturday, Sept. 17 on Pacific Avenue between Castle and Pine streets. Unlike the downtown location, the entire market was outside and in the street. The move proved popular with customers. Sieffert estimated 2,500 shoppers attended, far exceeding April’s attendance record of 2,000. Most Stockmarkets downtown saw attendance in the range of 1,200-1,500. Vendors were also successful. All 60 vendors reported their sales were the same or better than they were downtown. Forty-five percent said they had record sales. “That alone makes us really happy because without our vendors we are

nothing,” Sieffert said. Part of the reason for the move was that the popular market, which showcases local artisans, had outgrown its site at Weber Avenue and Stanislaus Street. Customers in surveys told Stockmarket organizers the vendors needed room to spread out. “They said, ‘You guys need a bigger location and to move into the street,” Sieffert said. The surveys also indicated some customers still weren’t comfortable going downtown, which is fighting its stigma as an unsafe place. Sieffert came up with the idea for Stockmarket two years ago, and it was Ten Space branding officer Tim Egkan who suggested doing it downtown. Egkan was killed a year ago, and Sieffert said he is missed. “A lot of things are different in his absence,” she said. Downtown Alliance CEO Cynthia Fargo said her organization had always considered Stockmarket part of the city’s revitalization effort and had supported it with small grants, tables, chairs, tents and maintenance. She said the move wasn’t discussed in advance and that she was “some-

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September’s Stockmarket featured 60 vendors, but founder Amy Sieffert says there is room at the new Miracle Mile location to expand.

what surprised.” “I have to credit them with building a good business,” Fargo said. Sieffert emphasized there was no falling out with the Downtown Stockton Alliance, which encourages business in the area. “We loved working with them,” Sieffert said. “We were there a long time and did very well.” In many ways, the Miracle Mile with its locally owned boutiques and restaurants, is a good fit for the Stockmarket, which emphasizes hand-

made craftsmanship. With residential neighborhoods nearby, the area is also easier to access on foot or bicycle. Sieffert said Miracle Mile store owners are being encouraged to be part of the pop-up market with sidewalk sales or special menu items. Sieffert also said the market is working on partnering with Uber and Lyft so shoppers can get rides to the Miracle Mile and alleviate parking on residential streets. Stockmarket’s next event is Saturday, Oct. 15.

TURLOCK — Stanislaus State University has received $1 million in state funding to boost graduation rates. President Ellen Junn announced the funding at the school’s fall convocation Aug. 30. “We’re going to move ahead with some interesting ideas about how to further support our students,” Junn said. The money is a one-time injection to help the university work toward six goals, all of which are aimed at getting more students to graduate earlier. Four goals have been identified as most important, however. The first is increasing the percentage of incoming Stan State freshman to graduate in four years. Currently only 12 percent of freshmen graduate meet that goal. The state wants to increase that to 27 percent by 2025. The second goal is to get more junior college transfer students to graduate in two years. Right now, 33 percent do. The goal is to have 45 percent. Third, the state wants to close the gap of under-represented minorities from 5 percent to 0. The fourth goal is to reduce the Pell grant gap from 3 percent to 0. In recent years, many students have found it difficult to take the 15

credits a semester they need to graduate in four years because the courses weren’t available. Junn said the CSU system is working to implement technology called “smart planner” that allows students to create a road map of courses when they declare their majors. That information is then sent to department deans who can add or subtract sections as needed. “Key to all of this is that students have to get correct advising,” Junn said. “If (students) sometimes advise themselves, they may take the wrong course so it slows them down.” After the convocation, Junn spoke briefly about the possibility of a new public university in Stockton. Junn visited Stan State’s Stockton campus at University Park in early August and said it was a “great thing” to help provide quality education in the city. She said she is aware of Assemblywoman Susan Eggman’s push to get a CSU campus in Stockton, but she hasn’t spoken to her about it. “Obviously, creating another campus in the CSU is not anything that is very easy to do,” Junn said. “That is subject to the governor and the board of trustees and the Legislature.”

Stan State gets graduation grant

October 2016

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Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

PROP 64 Continued from Page 3

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found a similar spike in marijuana-related traffic deaths in Washington state after legalization. Roughly 10 percent of Washington drivers involved in fatal crashes between 2010 and 2014 had THC in their system. Proponents of legalization point out that having THC in their systems doesn’t mean drivers are impaired. Marijuana can remain in the body for up to a week after use, long after the effect of the drug has dissipated. They also point out that many states never tested for THC in fatal crashes before marijuana use became legal. Prop 64 advocates say that, unlike Washington and Colorado, much of California’s expected tax windfall is specifically earmarked for training officers on how to spot drugged drivers. The possible financial windfall has done nothing to sway many law enforcement organizations which believe the negative impacts would far outweigh the benefits. “We already struggle with quality of life issues,” said Christianson. “My focus is young people and the effect this will have on them.” One effect on youth in Colorado was a surge in emergency room admissions for minors who ingested the drug in edibles. A study by the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics found that twice as many children visited Denver’s Chil-

dren’s Hospital Colorado emergency would be allowed. That appears highly room per year in 2014 and 2015 as did unlikely as the U.S. Drug Enforcement in years prior to legalization. Administration, in August, reaffirmed “They (Colorado) its stance that mardidn’t regulate ijuana would reedibles,” said Kinmain on its list of ney. ”They had no Schedule I drugs. warning labels or “In summary packaging regulathere isn’t going to We put in unprecedented child tions at all. Prop. 64 be marijuana ads on and workplace protections. strictly prohibits TV in my lifetime,” packaging in ways Kinney said. that could be at Public opintractive to children. ion appears to be Jason Kinney We took lessons shifting on the Yes on Prop 64 campaign from Colorado.” subject. In 1972, Those rules when legalization aren’t enough for was first brought Tim Rosales, campaign manager for before California voters, it was struck No on 64. He says regulations would down by 66 percent of the vote. In 2010, allow advertising that could easily 53 percent of voters opposed it. Since reach children. then, medical marijuana has been le “It’s a 62-page mess,” said Rosales. galized in California and recreational “The pure fact is that it would have use is legal in four states. ads where 28 percent of viewers would As of mid-September, polling on the be kids.” issue was showing support for legaliza Rosales referred to a provision that tion ranging from 52 percent in a Surcould allow advertising in “broadcast, vey USA poll to as high as 58 percent in cable, radio, print and digital commuan USC Dornsife/L.A. Times poll. All nications” where at least 71.6 percent polls showed the measure passing. of the audience is reasonably expect “One thing is people want uned to be 21 years of age or older. derstanding of how this is going to However, federal law bans advertising work,” said Kinney. “We are going to for any Schedule I drug, including marihave a candid and straight-forward juana. Federal law would have to reclas- discussion with voters.” sify marijuana before any advertising Supporters include Eggman, Lt. Gov.

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Gavin Newsom, the NAACP and Republican Rep. Dana Rohrbacher. Despite the funding disparity and current polls, the No on 64 campaign remains confident it can convince voters legalization is a bad idea. “I think that history shows money doesn’t mean everything,” said Rosales. “The more that people read about it, the less they like it.” Opposition includes Stockton Democratic state Sen. Cathleen Galgiani, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the California Association of Highway Patrolmen and the California Hospital Association. Rosales said the fact that propositions usually need to start with large majorities in order to have the numbers to pass by election day gives him hope. “We have already seen polls drop,” he said “Support showed it now at 52 percent in the Survey USA poll down from 58 percent. We are going to use digital and social media and work to get the vote out. The more people see about the proposition, the less they are likely to support it.”

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Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Innovation quest Quest Industries delivers artisan quality bottles on large scale By SIM RISSO Business Journal writer srisso@cvbizjournal.com

STOCKTON — Quest Industries, located near Stockton Metropolitan Airport, is making a name for itself in the beverage world. The company received the award for most innovative wine packaging at the Wines and Vines packaging conference in Yountville in August. The company created labelReed ing for Lodi’s Reed Vineyard using a technology it perfected called mask spray. Ryan Reed owns Reed Vineyards is also Quest’s chief technology officer. He designs and decorates the bottles himself. “Quest has been very supportive of this and allowing me the use of their equipment,” said Reed. “I feel very

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fortunate to be a part of this team and have an owner that’s very supportive of me having an avenue like this.” According to Reed, mask spraying has been done before, but Quest found a way to do it on a mass scale. In the past, it was a tedious process that required putting a label on a bottle and scratching it off by hand. But Quest found a way to streamline the process without compromising the quality of the design. “The award was quite an honor because it was (from) our peers,” said Reed. “So when they saw this, they immediately said this is something new that hasn’t been done before.” Quest has been in business since 2000 and operates two main facilities. Besides the one on Boeing Way in Stockton, the company has another plant in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. With its proximity to Napa, Sonoma and the burgeoning wine industry in Lodi, Quest believed Stockton was a perfect place to open a plant. The Stockton facility focuses on wines and some liquors, while the Kentucky facility produces packaging for many

PHOTO COURTESY QUEST INDUSTRIES

Quest Industries creates innovative packaging for beverage companies.

bourbon companies. Quest’s portfolio contains some of the biggest names in the beverage industry: Jim Beam, Samuel Adams, Starbucks and Smart Water. “Having multiple facilities has really helped us as far as just the logistics of it,” said Reed. “A lot of times they ship (glass) in from Europe, sometimes China. Sometimes it makes sense with the port here in San Francisco to ship it in, decorate it then get it filled in the Midwest somewhere.” Having a big plant located in Stockton also creates jobs for the region. The workforce varies depending on

the workload, but Quest usually employs between 30 and 70 people, many of whom have been with the company since it opened. The Stockton facility runs 24 hours a day, six days a week. To decorate bottles, Quest creates a film positive of the design, which it turns into a template for mass production. Then the bottles are put on a conveyor belt and go through a spray booth that can spray up to eight colors and on 40-80 bottles per

Please see QUEST Page 13

October 2016

www.cvbizjournal.com

QUEST Continued from Page 12

minute, depending on the complexity of the design. There are also four lehr ovens, or glass kilns, on site. After the bottles are sprayed, they go through the ovens, which can heat up to 1,100 degrees, for two hours. The heat bonds the paint and the glass. Quest is also able to do multiple processes at the Stockton plant, including screen printing, masking, spray coating, full decal application and label application. One of Quest’s customers is All American Containers of the Pacific Coast, located in Windsor in Sonoma County. It’s been working with Quest for about six years. All American Containers started working with Quest because of its ability to spray coat bottles, which few West Coast packaging companies can do. “When a project presented itself

that fit their capabilities, we contacted them, did some followup, and that’s generally how these projects come together,” said All American Container’s President Marty Sychowski. “Their opportunity to do things that others can’t do makes them a little unique to all of the bottle decorators.” According to Reed, one of the things that sets Quest apart from its competitors is its ability to conform

to what its clients want, not the other way around. “A lot of our competitors have to adjust the customer’s idea to their process, so we try to adjust our process to what they’re trying to create as best we can,” said Reed. “There’s always limitations. But we build the process behind the project, and we’re able to do that efficiently.” The ability to create the bottles ef-

introducing kaiser permanente’s new plan hospital in stockton.

HARVEST Continued from Page 7

“The buds come on earlier and everything is sped up,” he said. For the most part, the earlier harvest times have been positive for many growers. Starting up to three weeks early lessens the chance of an early rain storm hurting the grapes. It can also lower their water usage as vines need less water once the grapes are picked. “The early harvest helps save water,” said Valente. “The early harvest is a good thing because our crops have been using less water because the vines are not carrying that crop.” So far, the earlier crops haven’t caused a labor pinch either. Other crops that compete with wine grape growers for labor are also seeing their harvest schedules change. That frees workers who might otherwise be in short supply. “From a worker’s standpoint it is nice to get done early,” said Berryhill, who added that most of his employees are full-time, year-round staff. “They can get a couple weeks off if they want to. When you finish in late October to early November, you have to hustle to get your winter work done.” One area of concern about the earlier harvest comes in the form of possible bottlenecks at wineries that may not be ready for the grapes when the grapes are ready to be harvested. “For growers, the question is, is wineries’ capacity going to be there when I need to harvest my wine grapes,” said Aguirre. “As a grower, I want to harvest my crop when sugar is at its peak. The grape hanging on the vine too long causes lost tonnage.” Despite the early harvest, drought and warmer temperatures, growers are expecting a good crop in both quality and quantity. “It’s been good quality,” said Berryhill. “The grapes get the sugar and hold their quality. It’s actually better than normal.”

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ficiently without losing the quality of the design is key, especially when dealing with a large volume. “Anybody can do a few hundred bottles and do it by hand,” said Reed. “We want to be able to do hundreds of thousands, even millions of bottles, if need be. That’s really our focus. Whatever process we develop, we want to be able to scale it and be efficient with it and offer a good price to our customers.”

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

ACCOUNTING/CPA FIRMS

In San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties. Ranked by Number of CPAs. Ties are Listed in Alphabetical Order. Rank

Company Name Address

Number of Total Number Primary Services Offered CPAs Phone/Fax Number of of Staff Local Industry Specializations Non-CPA Web Address Accountants Offices

Top Local Executive

Moss Adams, LLP 3121 W. March Lane, Ste. 200 Stockton, CA 95219

Kerry Gordon 209 955-6100/209-955-6199 mossadams.com

Bowman & Company, LLP 10100 Trinity Parkway, Ste. 310 Stockton, CA 95219

Daniel E. Phelps 209-473-1040/209-473-9771 cpabowman.com

Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc. 200 W. Roseburg Avenue Modesto, CA 95350

Clive Grimbleby 209-527-4220/209-527-4247 gccpas.net

Kemper CPA Group, LLP 3031 W. March Lane, Ste. 133-S Stockton, CA 95219

Lammert Van Laar III 209-473-2001/209-473-1761 kempercpa.com

Iacopi, Lenz & Company 3031 W. March Lane, Ste. 300-E Stockton, CA 95219

Susan Lenz & John Iacopi 209-957-3691/209-957-0841 iacopi.com

Schmidt, Bettencourt & Medeiros, LLP 865 Geer Road Turlock, CA 95380

Michael F. Schmidt & Carol L. Medeiros 209-668-4857/209-669-0995 sbm-cpa.com

DeGregori, Gormsen & Ringer, LLP 1401 N. Hunter Street Stockton, CA 95202

John H. DeGregori 209-944-0740/209-944-9503 dgr-cpas.com

Schwartz, Giannini, Lantsberger & Adamson CPAs 4578 Feather River Drive, Ste. D Stockton, CA 95219

Tim Schwartz 209-474-1084/209-474-0301 sfgac.com

Pastenieks, Bucheli & Falasco, LLP 1301 L Street, Ste. 1 Modesto CA 95354

Eileen Pastenieks 209-529-5515/209-529-5533 pbfcpa.com

10 -14

Vermeulen & Company an Accountancy Corporation 1180 W. Main Street, Ste. 2 Ripon, CA 95366

Thomas L. Vermeulen 209-599-5051/209-599-5052 vermeulencpa.com

Croce & Company, A.C. 501 W. Weber Avenue, Ste. 500 Stockton, CA 95203

Duane Bulthis & Larry Solari 209-943-2222/209-943-2220 croceco.com

Dougherty CPAs, Inc. 3031 W. March Lane, Ste. 210 Stockton, CA 95219

Steven M. Dougherty 209-476-1111/209-476-1111 doughertycpas.com

Richesin Accountancy Corporation 7510 Shoreline Drive Stockton, CA 95219

Chuck Richesin 209-477-4834/209-477-2935 richac.com

Kalfsbeek & Company Accountancy Corporation 4529 Quail lakes Drive, Ste. C Stockton, CA 95207

Michael L. Dalton CPA Inc. 5345 N. El Dorado Avenue Stockton, CA 95207

Michael L. Dalton 209-235-5200/209-235-5206 mikedaltoncpa.com

Balanced Books, LLP 121 West Main Street, Ste. F Turlock, CA 95380

Crystal Stapleton 209-634-4099/209-585-1599 getbalancedbooks.com

Crane & Ostrowski, an Accountancy Corp. 4525 Quail Lakes Drive, Ste. B Stockton CA 95209

Howard J. Crane 209-478-9616/209-478-9616 crancecpa.com

Michael A. Pimentel, CPA 3509 Coffee Road, Ste. D-6 Modesto, CA 95355

Michael Pimentel 209-527-1070/209-527-1080 pimentelcpa.com

The James Company 3031 W. March Lane, Ste. 123 South Stockton, CA 95219

John H. James 209-952-1901/209-952-2201 None

Warmerdam CPA Group 1500 Standiford Avenue, Bldg. C Modesto, CA 95350

Ever S. Ventura 209-579-0306/209-579-1219 warmerdamcpas.com

Donna Hammel Jane Kalfsbeek 209-235-1040/209-2351044 kalfsbeek.com

Year Est.

Accounting and business consulting Health care, construction, food and agriculture, wealth services, manufacturing/distribution, financial institutions

1913

Accounting, audit, business valuation, tax Affordable housing, real estate, tax exempt organizations, agriculture, wine and employee benefit plans

1949

Tax, audit, business consulting, bookkeeping, trust and estate Agriculture, health care, estate planning, benefit plan audits

1973

Tax, audit, payroll, bookkeeping, valuation, litigation support Agriculture, manufacturing, contracting, professional practice, wholesale and retail

1977

Tax preparation, auditing and accounting services Business consulting, litigation support, forensic accounting, QB support, retail businesses, medical, professional, manufacturing, and AG

1978

Tax preparation, review and audits Financial statement preparation, estate planning, and accounting

1949

Tax, audit, payroll, bookkeeping, valuation, litigation support Agriculture, manufacturing, contracting, professional practice, wholesale and retail

1974

Tax, auditing, accounting and consulting Real estate and health care

1989

Tax, accounting, auditing and forensic Audit and forensic accounting

2010

Business coaching and planning, tax and financial statement preparation Agriculture, heating and air, heavy equipment contracting, transportation, retail, service businesses, construction, custom fabrication, automotive, real estate

1980

Tax management, assurance, estate planning, bookkeeping Agriculture, real estate, professional services, estates, trusts, and manufacturing

1987

Tax preparation and planning, Quickbooks training and services Professional services, real estate, construction

1978

Taxes, financial reporting, wealth General business

1983

Accounting, tax preparation and planning, business and Quickbooks consulting Agriculture, small businesses and medical

1983

Full service accounting firm for preparation of accurate and complete financial information Tax preparation and business specialization

1986

Bookkeeping, accounting, AP/AR, payroll, cash management, control procedures, financial reporting and outsourced CFO Custom services

2014

Tax and accounting services Agriculture, hotels, restaurants, medical practices

1971

Tax consulting and preparation, accounting Farming and real estate

1997

Tax preparation and planning, estate and family succession planning, small business consulting, 1031 exchange planning Agriculture

1996

Accounting, tax and bookkeeping services Accounting

1992

These lists are provided as a free service by the Central Valley Business Journal for our readers. As such, inclusion is based on editorial consideration and is not guaranteed. If you would like your business to be included in a list, please write to: Research Department, Central Valley Business Journal, 4512 Feather River Drive, Ste. E, Stockton, CA 95219, fax your information to Research Dept. at (209) 477-0211 or email us at research@cvbizjournal.com. Copyright Central Valley Business Joournal. Researched by Danette Conley 09/2016

October 2016

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Voted Best of San Joaquin 2015 “Look to Iacopi, Lenz & Company for your business and personal finance matters - we are here to help”

John T. Iacopi, CPA • Susan H. Lenz, CPA • Michael S. Butler, CPA • Michael D. Luis, CPA • James J. Acosta, CPA • Paula M. Frago, CPA • James H. LaForest, CPA • Constance D. Logan, CPA, Esq. • Tami K. Horita Louie, CPA • Michael P. Anselmo, CPA • Dina P. Marasigan, CPA • Kathy L. Morris-Marr, CPA • Kathleen M. Solari, CPA • Revo Somersille, CPA • Sunny Y. Williams, CPA • Amber E. Hibbs Bell, CPA • Shelley Crivello, E.A. • Patricia Melton, E.A.

This resourceful and innovative accounting firm provides comprehensive services in a timely manner to clients in a wide range of industries. Since 1978 it has remained dedicated to delivering the highest quality, personal service to its clients, as well as giving back to its community.

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Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Riverbank works on downtown growth By PATRICIA REYNOLDS Business Journal writer preynolds@cvbizjournal.com

RIVERBANK — Hoping to invigorate Riverbank’s historic downtown, business owners and city officials held two public meetings in August and September to invite input on how to boost economic activity in the area. The revitalization focuses on a fourblock radius branching from the heart of downtown at Santa Fe and Third streets, but exact boundaries of the effort have yet to be determined. While Riverbank’s downtown corridor enjoyed a city-funded $17 million facelift from 2008 to 2010, the hopedfor commerce and traffic to the area didn’t materialize. The recent sale of the Del Rio Theater and upcoming plans for its redevelopment, however, have generated a renewed energy toward stimulating the area. Situated on Highway 108, the Del Rio could provide a gateway into downtown. “That is now spurring efforts to talk with the businesses and the (property) owners to get them to think about how to attract customers and new businesses downtown,” said Riverbank Mayor Richard O’Brien. “With the Del Rio Theater, there’s the possibility of directing traffic at least one or two

PHILIP JOHNSON/CVBJ

Riverbank’s revitalization effort focuses on a four-block radius from Santa Fe and Third streets.

blocks in.” Riverbank’s Galaxy Theater complex also offers opportunities to attract visitors downtown. With Galaxy ticket sales in the hundreds of thousands per year, O’Brien believes the timing is right to leverage the theater’s success. “If every Riverbankian went to the theater three times a year, that’s only 70,000 tickets,” he said. “So if he’s sell-

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ing 750,000, we might as well start trying to attract different activities, not just the movie. So that’s what we’re trying to capture right now.” Downtown business owners are interested in drawing Galaxy’s customers downtown for more than just a visit. “We have these people coming thorough Riverbank, but we need people to want to invest in River-

bank,” said Vena Hudgins, owner of Vena’s Wellness and Skincare Studio on Santa Fe Street. Previously located in Oakdale for 18 years, Hudgins has leased space downtown for the past two years. “Right now downtown Riverbank is such a deal. To me, it’s the deal of the county,” she said. “The prices are amazing. the area is nice. It is right in the middle of my clients from Oakdale and my clients from Modesto. But now I’m drawing from clients from Manteca and Turlock.” After leasing space elsewhere in Riverbank for 15 years, Lana Clayton, owner of Farmers Insurance and Financial Services, also moved her business to Santa Fe Street two years ago. “I bought the building. I felt like it was a beautiful deal and beautiful scenery. That’s the reason I came down here. I love it,” she said. Both Hudgins and Clayton believe the area is ripe for new commerce. “Eight hundred people come into our studio on a monthly basis and then I have to send them away to do anything,” said Hudgins. “We have a wonderful Pizza Plus, but there’s no other little places for them to stop. We need to get some excitement

Please see RIVERBANK Page 17

October 2016

RIVERBANK Continued from Page 16

PHILIP JOHNSON/CVBJ

Business owners say downtown Riverbank is attractive but needs more retail and restaurants.

down here.” Hosting festivals and live entertainment downtown may encourage visitors and investors to the area. “I’d like to see us being able to put on events downtown, to showcase the downtown where it will entice people not only to come downtown and remember there’s a downtown, but maybe entice people that are looking at moving their business or opening up a new business to really take a look,” said Hudgins. A Facebook group, Riverbank Crossroads and Adjacent, is one way of advertising and giving people a glimpse of what downtown Riverbank has to offer business owners. Facilitated by a community member who is not a business owner but is interested in a downtown resurgence, the group has more than 2,200 members. “Social media is the greatest way to entice and advertise. A couple of times I’ve gone with my video camera down the streets just to show Crossroads that this is downtown and then people will say, ‘This would be so nice to open up this or open up that,’” Clayton said. The women hope the renewed energy toward downtown will also encourage reciprocal business practices among local Riverbank businesses. “We’re very passionate on Facebook to our local people here to keep your business local. We need to support the local economy,” said Clayton. “We both continue to remind everybody if you want your property value to maintain, you’ve got to start supporting your local Riverbank business.” At the conclusion of the second and final meeting in September, downtown business owners agreed to create a committee to investigate forming a Riverbank Business Improvement District.

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A business improvement district is a non-profit organization that collects a self-tax from property owners and businesses to provide services and programs to the entire district above and beyond what the city provides. The city of Riverbank is giving the committee contact information for pro bono legal help to potentially establish O’Brien the non-profit entity. “We want the businesses to grow. Whatever they want, we’ll see where we can fit in and be able to help them further that,” O’Brien said. Downtown isn’t the only Riverbank area targeted for improvement. Land adjacent the Crossroads Shopping Center, known as Dutch Hollow Farms, is scheduled for development. “We went before LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission), the land use board for Stanislaus County, and we have the sphere of influence pushed out all the way to Coffee Road,” O’Brien said. “The owners are the Bosios and they would like to see that developed into commercial and we’re reviewing the specific plan for that.” The next step is to get an Environmental Impact Report, expected to be conducted over the coming year. Once that report is completed, the city will return to LAFCO and request annexation for development. O’Brien expects annexation to occur within three years. “We’re also doing housing. It’s going to be the Crossroads Shopping Center that we will be calling Crossroads West. The development will be housing and commercial, schools, parks and a new fire station,” O’Brien said.

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Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Business Journal Startup Spotlight CENTRAL VALLEY

Modesto duo makes fast, fresh meals By NORA HESTON TARTE Business Journal writer nhestontarte@cvbizjournal.com

MODESTO — How about this for dinner? Bell pepper pizza: a green pepper shell brimming with fresh ingredients including homemade marinara sauce, mushrooms, shredded broccoli, grass-fed chicken breast, cheese and nitrate free-pepperoni. And the best part? The pizza-flavored collection of fresh vegetables is a balanced, healthy meal. OK, maybe the best part is it takes three minutes to cook. “You’re actually getting something healthy but you’d never know because it tastes like pizza,” said Marisol Fernandez, co-owner of Modesto’s Fresh Express Meal Service. Fernandez, along with best friend from high school Ana Garza, launched Fresh Express just over a year ago. So far, business is booming. Bell pepper pizza is a customer favorite, but it’s just one in a long line of ever-changing meals on the menu. Fernandez owns Full Force Gym in Modesto, and started an informal

We like to call it healthy fast food or healthy freezer meals.

Ana Garza Fresh Express Meal Service

meal service for one of her clients who was looking to eat healthy without the hassle of meal prep. Over the course of two years, word spread, and Fernandez became overloaded with clients. That’s when she asked Garza to join her and turned the meal prep side job into a full-time business. “We wanted to help the community of people who wanted to eat a lot healthier … without losing the enjoyment of the foods (they) love,” Garza said. “We believe the motto of ‘food is medicine.’ It’s better to eat preventively.” The process is simple. The nocommitment service offers weekly ordering to its clients. It’s free to sign up. For women, meals cost $8 for

PHILIP JOHNSON/CVBJ

Marisol Fernandez and Ana Garza prepare meals on Mondays at a kitchen they rent at Ralston’s Goat restaurant.

breakfast and $10 for lunch or dinner entrees. For men, the cost is $10 for breakfast and $12 for entrees. Men’s meals come with more food. The website, www.freshexpressmealservice.com, shows photos of menu items

that change weekly. There are always two breakfast options and eight entree options available in each size. Please see FRESH Page 19

October 2016

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FRESH Continued from Page 18

“We like to call it healthy fast food or healthy freezer meals,” Garza said. “I think (the food) is awesome. It’s definitely nothing I could cook myself. I’m always pretty impressed with what they come up with,” said Tai Mullen, who has been ordering weekly from the meal service for over a year. “They make these little sliders, like turkey burger sliders. That’s definitely one of my favorites.” Mullen and her boyfriend purchase about 15 meals each week. “I’m very pleasantly surprised with the price. I think it seems very reasonable,” Mullen said. She tried another meal service prior to Fresh Express but said the food was plain. “For what Fresh Express provides, I think it’s a very good value.” Garza and Fernandez both prep and cook the meals, but neither is an executive chef. They each bring something different to the business. Garza has experience working with a functional medicine practitioner, and Fernandez became passionate about healthy eating when she competed in body competitions. Before each competition, Fernandez adopted a strict diet that limited taste, ingredients and her social life. When it ended, she’d immediately return to her regular diet. “I started realizing people didn’t need to eat that strict,” she said. Fernandez began to see healthy eating as a necessity when her son was diagnosed with autism. “When he eats a lot of gluten and artificial foods and dyes, his mood changes,” Fernandez said. She started wondering how many people had sensitivities and allergies and didn’t know how to eat around them without sacrificing flavor. “I really have to help (clients) open their eyes that they don’t have to give that up.” “There isn’t a recipe that we don’t modify, but again, we’re not chefs,” Fernandez said. “Because of my son I can literally see the effects of him within an hour. When I see that, it makes me think about how many people walk around feeling horrible and not realizing that they can feel better just by changing their food.” To get started, the duo split their total startup costs of $2,900. “We’ve made that back several times over,” Garza said. Fernandez and Garza set themselves apart from other Modesto meal services by making Fresh Express a lifestyle product. Eighty percent of clients have ordered more than once. The client list is 150 people long, though because it’s not commitmentbased, not all of those people order weekly. Instead, Garza and Fernandez feed about 30-50 people each week. Sometimes fluctuation is caused by holidays, when orders noticeably dip. The average order is about $120. Inspiration is gathered from several places. The duo finds meals they can alter from Pinterest, or make changes to traditional Mexican meals they

grew up with. Sometimes clients voice their cravings and Fernandez and Garza find a way to make it work. All meals offered through Fresh Express are organic and naturally low in calories. Orders are collected every Saturday, shopping is completed Sunday and cooking is done Mondays at Ralston’s Goat, a restaurant in downtown Modesto. Fresh Express rents the restaurant’s commercial kitchen

when it is closed. Fresh Express employs two parttime employees: a dishwasher and a food prepper. Pick-up is every Tuesday at Full Force Gym, 4622 Glass Ct. Delivery is available in Modesto, as well. PHILIP JOHNSON/CVBJ

Garza and Fernandez prepare meals with fresh, local ingredients.

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Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

PAYROLL SERVICES

In San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties. Firms are Ranked by Number of Local Accounts. Ties are Listed in Alphabetical Order. Rank

Company Name Address

Phone Fax Web Address

Number of Local Accounts

Number of Local Staff

Services Offered

Top Local Executive

Year Est.

1,600

50 +

Integrated payroll, HR, workforce time management services, tax services, accounts payable and 1099 services from a SAS70/SSAE16 secure facility

Bettye L. Smith President/CEO

1981

Payroll processing, multi-location printing, online employee portals, tax payments and returns,401K and benefit options,WC and 1098/1095 reporting, UI claim management

Kimberley E. Pollard, EA, CAA

2007

Lammert Van Laar

1958

Payroll People, Inc. 2152 E. Copper Avenue, Ste. 105 Fresno, CA 95730 (Serves businesses in San Joaquin & Stanislaus and Merced Counties)

Ascend Financial 2575 Grand Canal Boulevard, Ste. 300 Stockton, CA 95207

Kemper CPA Group, LLP 3031 W. March Lane, 133-S Stockton, CA 95219

209-473-2001 Fax 209-473-1761 kempercpa.com

158

Auditing and accounting services, tax preparation, business consulting and valuations, payroll services, family law support, litigation support and non-profit consulting

RJL Financial Services, Inc 1788 Mitchell Road Ste. 102 Ceres, CA 95307

209-538-7758 Fax 209538-7788 rljfinancial.com

Payroll and tax services, estate planning, small business planning and accounting, QuickBooks Services

Randall Jenkins

1986

DeVaney Business Services 1050 N. Carpenter Road, Ste. I Modesto, CA 95351

(209-524-4345 Fax 209-524-0775 devaneybusiness.net

Payroll, bookkeeping and tax preparation for individuals and small businesses

Karen DeVaney

1976

Account Masters Bookkeeping Service 4598 S. Tracy Boulevard, Ste. 120 Tracy, CA 95377

209-836-4961 Fax 209-229-1009 accountmastersbkg.com

Payroll, bookkeeping, sales tax reports, weekly or monthly services

Lydia Ferreira

1994

Precision Payroll Solutions, Inc. 144 E. Acacia Street Stockton, CA 95202

209-946-4291 Fax 209-946-4702 None

Payroll and workers comp

Grace Aprile

2008

Paycheck Solutions P.O. Box 690016 Stockton, CA 95269

209-956-3800 Fax 209-956-3841 paychecksolutions.biz

Payroll, bookkeeping, business consulting and notary

Doug Clark

1998

Quality Business Service 1920 Tienda Drive, Ste. 101 Lodi, CA 95242

209-333-8488 Fax 209-339-8631 qbstax.com

Payroll, taxes and bookkeeping

Connie Lorz

1985

Rea & Associates, LLP 1937 Coffee Road Modesto, CA 95355

209-521-2727 Fax 209-525-8919 reaassociates.com

Simple to full service payroll-direct deposit impounding, EFTPS, all fed and state quarterly and annual reporting. web delivery available

Walter T. Rea Jr., CPA

1987

Valley Payroll Services P.O. Box 578253 Modesto, CA 95357

209-551-5086 Fax 209-551-5087 valleypay.com

Complete payroll processing, direct deposit, electronic time & attendance, full government reporting and certified payroll

Angela Asher

1999

Workplace Solutions, Inc. 801 Tenth Street, 5th Floor, Ste. 101 Modesto, CA 95356

209-338-5847 Fax 209-338-1119 trustwsi.com

Human resource outsourcing and payroll for businesses of all sizes

Jennifer Doll

2007

All About Numbers 4512 Feather River Drive, Ste. G Stockton, CA 95219

209-955-2244 Fax 209-955-2245 allaboutnumbers.com

Payroll and bookkeeping services, tax preparation

Laura Strombom

1995

Balanced Books, LLP 121 West Main Street, Ste. F Turlock, CA 95380

Crystal Stapleton

2014

Dougherty CPAs Inc. 3031 W. March Lane, Ste. 210 Stockton, CA 95219

Steve Dougherty

1978

Olive Payroll Services 903 W. Center Street, Ste. 1 Manteca, CA 95337

Anand Mahesh

2009

R First Bookkeeping & Consulting 6702 Inglewood Avenue, Ste. K Stockton, CA 95207

Rose Marie DuQuette

1990

209-524-2311 Fax 559-251-1431 payrollpeople.com

209-472-7378 Fax 209-472-1778 ascendfinancialmgmt.com

183

209-634-4099 Fax 209-585-1599 getbalancedbooks.com

Bookkeeping and accounting, AP/AR, payroll, cash management, control procedures, financial reporting, process improvements and outsourced CFO

209-476-1111 Fax 209-476-1112 doughertycpas.com

Payroll, tax planning and preparation, accounting and financial statements, Quickbooks training

209-823-9719 Fax 209-825-5525 olivepayroll.com

Full service tax, accounting, insurance, payroll, investments, business consulting and bookkeeping

Income tax preparation, full charge accounting, payroll, A/P, A/R, sage 100 certified, QB certified, consulting, sales & use tax preparation, enterprise zone recovery and records management

209-473-2900 Fax 209-933-0825 rfirst.biz

These lists are provided as a free service by the Central Valley Business Journal for its readers. As such, inclusion is based on editorial consideration and is not guaranteed. If you would like your business to be included in a list, please write to: Research Department, Central Valley Business Journal, 4512 Feather River Drive, Ste. E, Stockton, CA 95219, fax your information to Research Dept. (209) 477-0211 or email research@cvbizjournal.com. Copyright Central Valley Business Journal.

Researched by Danette Conley 09/2016

October 2016

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A PPI Business Services Company HR | Benefits | Time | Payroll | ACA

A PPI Business Services Company

All in one place; one amazing solution All in All inplace; one one one one All inplace; amazing solution amazing solution one place; one All inanother solution amazing Payroll People, Inc is proud to provide one place; one woman-owned, business of excellence to support Valley business growth amazing solution HR | Benefits | Time | Payroll | ACA

A PPI Business Services Company HR | Benefits | Time | Payroll | ACA

Payroll People, Inc is proud to provide another woman-owned, business of excellence to to support Valley business growth Payroll People, Inc provide another Payroll People, Inc is is proud proud to provide another Alliance Workforce Solutions, LLC growth woman-owned, business of excellence to support Valley business Payroll People, Inc is proud provide another woman-owned, business of excellence to to support Valley business growth provides an accurate and highly configurable woman-owned, business of excellence to support Valley business growth

Alliance Workforce LLC Payroll People, Inc is proudSolutions, to provide another Workforce Management System Alliance Workforce Solutions, LLC provides an andtohighly configurable woman-owned, business ofaccurate excellence support Valley business Alliance Workforce Solutions, LLC growth that embeds key operational HR business functions in one place. Alliance Workforce Solutions, LLC provides accurate configurable provides an an accurate and and highly highly configurable Workforce Management System provides an accurate and highly configurable Workforce Management System that embeds key operational HR business functions inLLC one place. Workforce Management System Alliance Workforce Solutions, Pre-Employment tobusiness Post-Separation: Workforce Management System that embeds key operational HR in that embeds key operational HRand business functions in one one place. place. provides an accurate highly functions configurable Talent Acquisition | HR | Benefits | Time | Payroll | ACA | COBRA that embeds key operational HR business functions in one place.

Workforce Management System Pre-Employment to Post-Separation:

Pre-Employment Talent HR | Benefits |Post-Separation: Time |functions Payroll |inACA COBRA thatAcquisition embeds key|operational HRto one |place. Pre-Employment tobusiness Post-Separation: Talent | Time Pre-Employment to ||Post-Separation: Talent Acquisition Acquisition | HR HR | | Benefits Benefits Time | | Payroll Payroll || ACA ACA | | COBRA COBRA

Alliance Workforce Solutions, LLC California | Hawaii | Nevada www.allianceworkforce.com 888.380.1869

Pre-Employment to Post-Separation:

Payroll People, Inc Business Services 2152 E CopperSolutions, Ave, Ste 105 Alliance Workforce LLC Fresno, CA 93730-5404 California | Hawaii | Nevada www.allianceworkforce.com Alliance Workforce Solutions, LLC Alliance Workforce 888.380.1869 Solutions, LLC California | Hawaii | Nevada California | Hawaii | Nevada www.allianceworkforce.com

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Learning job skills, environmental care By MELISSA HUTSELL Business Journal writer mhutsell@cvbizjournal.com

MANTECA — The Greater Valley Conservation Corps is partnering with regional agencies to give young adults, ages 18-25, the opportunity to develop work skills while improving the environment as well as the local economy. The program promotes resource management and youth employment. Its 70 corps members and 14 staff participate in a variety of environmental projects, including preserving natural resource, education and waste mitigation. Its work focuses on San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Calaveras, Tuolumne and Amador counties. “Our corps members come from diverse backgrounds,” said Conservation Corps coordinator Nicholas Mueller. “Some have never had a job, some want their high school diploma. Some want to be apart of an environmental movement.” The Conservation Corps is administered through the San Joaquin County Office of Education. It launched in July 2010 as the San Joaquin Regional Conservation Corps and became California’s 13th certified corps. The program offers education and employment opportunities in recycling and natural resource conservation.

WAYNE DENNING/CVBJ

Students in the Greater Valley Conservation Corps learn job skills while preserving the environment.

Examples of projects include habitat restoration, replanting trees and the removal of trash and dry vegetation. In 2015 alone, the Conservation Corps’s recycling and waste management team collected 167,201 pounds of glass, 4,981 pounds of aluminum, 25,728 pounds of plastic, 283,942 pounds of electronics waste and 8,690 tires. While instilling environmental stewardship, Conservation Corps

members learn valuable job skills. “We are hiring local youth to work on local projects with multiple agencies,” Mueller said. “When (members) come on with our organizations, they have a job, they are part of the economy. We have something for everybody.” Whether students want to follow a green career path or not, the team works together to help them find their way. The program provides job place-

ment by partnering with businesses and nonprofit organizations such as the city of Stockton, CALRecycle, PG&E, and the River Partners. River Partners is a statewide nonprofit whose projects focus on habitat restoration for the benefit of both wildlife and people, said Director of Operations Stephen Sheppard. The nonprofit works with conservation corps members throughout the state on projects from Redding to the Tijuana River in Mexico. Regionally, Conservation Corps members work full time with River Partners on projects along the San Joaquin and Tuolumne Rivers, the Delta and San Joaquin National Wildlife Rescues. From collecting seeds to planting them, corps members learn the process of restoration. “The amount of wildlife that comes in — big and small — moves in pretty quickly,” Sheppard said. “(The corps members) definitely see it. They do appreciate it, and see the difference they are making.” River Partners relies on regional and statewide conservation corps for its workforce because of the benefits offered for both employees and employers, Sheppard said.

Please see ENVIRONMENTAL Page 24

HELPING VALLEY BUSINESS GROW

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches Oak Valley’s Mike Petrucelli, Commercial Loans, 209.249.7370 and Kristine Griﬃn, Ripon Branch Manager, 209.758.8034, pictured with Robin and Tom Bair, Owners of Golden State Freight

866.844.7500 • www.ovcb.com Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock • Patterson Escalon • Ripon • Stockton • Manteca • Tracy

“We started banking with one of Oak Valley’s Modesto branches almost 15 years ago. As our business has moved and grown, we’ve had the opportunity to use several of their branches and it’s always consistent. Convenient locations, managed by friendly, service-oriented, people who are supportive of our business – that’s our Oak Valley experience. – Tom and Robin Bair, Golden State Freight

October 2016

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Bill Crawford AAI; LUTCF, AFIS PRESIDENT

Full Line Insurance Agency • Auto • Home

• Life • Health

• Commercial • Annuities

lodi | 310 South Crescent, Ste. A (209) 365-9600

• Farm & Ranch • Long Term Care

TraCy | 1550 Tracy Blvd. (209) 835-5253

CA Lic# 0E22532

Serving San Joaquin County’s Insurance Needs For Over 40 Years!

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Pacific starts new student housing

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This will be the first residential construction on campus in 14 years. The Monagan and Chan Family halls were completed in 2000 and 2002. The housing project is part of a building boom on campus over the last five years that has included improvements to the DeRosa University Center, Chambers Engineering and Technology Center, the Biological Sciences Center and the Vereschagin Alumni House. The school has also renovated the baseball and softball fields, built new sand volleyball courts, field hockey, soccer fields and the new tennis center. The university will also build a stateof-the-art weight training facility thanks to a $1 million gift from Kathleen Lagorio Janssen and Dean Janssen.

Continued from Page 22

• No SBA fees on loans of $150,000 or less*

Debra Walker

PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC

The project is Pacific’s first new student housing in a decade.

ENVIRONMENTAL

SPECIAL OFFER Stefani Woods

STOCKTON — The University of the Pacific broke ground Sept. 22 on a housing project that will add nearly 200 beds to school’s student housing supply. The 158,000-square-foot Upper Division Housing project will include two four-story residence halls. It will be located on campus north of the Calaveras River and south of Brookside Road. The project is expected to pump an estimated $57 million and 330 jobs into the local economy. The halls themselves will cost $36 million and take up what had been the university’s tennis courts and a small portion of an adjacent recreation field. The tennis team moved closer to other athletics facilities in March when the Eve Zimmerman Tennis Center was completed. “This housing project is a great opportunity for our current and future students because it has the kind of modern amenities students are looking for, such as Wi-Fi access and being hard-wired for the expanding way they use their electronic devices,” Torry Brouillard-Bruce, executive director of residential life and housing said in a release. The project is expected to create 135 construction jobs for about a year with an additional 192 indirect jobs in the community. The sustainably built project will be completed in 2018 and house juniors, seniors, graduate and professional students.

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Corps members each have their own tools, their own supervision and safety training. Working alongside the River Partners also helps build corps members’ work ethic. “For some of them, it’s literally their first job,” Sheppard added. “They’re very green. But at the end of it, they know exactly what they are doing.” Conservation Corps also partners with the San Joaquin Office of Education’s Building Futures Academy to help students earn their GEDs or high school diplomas. Corps members go on to attend college or pursue careers in manufacturing, said Conservation Corps project leader Steve Kieffer. Members also gain valuable soft skills that serve them in the future such as time management, accountability and presentability. Combining practical knowledge with career building services allows members to find their interests. “(They’re) not in a confined space or warehouse. It’s a whole new world for them. (They can) find where they thrive, find their niche. That really slides in with their career develop-

ment,” said Kieffer. Also, he added, “It gives them pride in their community.” Corps member Rene Paez, 19, said the program, so far, has taught him confidence, punctuality and the importance of environmental stewardship. When he arrives to work in the recycling unit before 7 a.m. each day, he and his teammates participate in team building exercises. Members also take first aid classes and get additional training on writing a resume and earning certifications for local jobs. “Because we are run by the county, it’s more resourceful,” Paez said. Natural resource corpsmember Chris Miller, 23, said the services provided by the Conservation Corps are unmatched. The impacts of the program go beyond the paychecks. “It’s rewarding financially,” Miller said. “If you want to try to make a positive impact, or just need help with learning how to work a job, how to be there, how to be hands-on — if you need the experience, then this is the place to be.” For more information about the Greater Valley Conservation Corps, visit: www.greatervalleycc.org

October 2016

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Business Journal Health Care CENTRAL VALLEY

> AWARDS

Organ donor promotion nod MODESTO — Memorial Medical Center was awarded Platinum recognition for promoting enrollment in state organ donor registries. The award comes as part of a national campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services. The hospital, part of the Sutter Health network of hospitals, was one of 281 hospitals recognized. There were 995 hospitals and transplant centers participating in the campaign. Since 2011, the campaign has added 400,000 donor enrollments to state registries across the nation. “We see the impact that donor registration can have for those in need, and how it positively affects the families of the recipient as well as the donor,” said Memorial’s CEO Daryn Kumar.

Business plan rate hikes to be less SACRAMENTO — Covered California announced Sept. 15 that prices for its small business marketplace plans would increase by an average of 5.9 percent for 2017. That increase is below last year’s 7.2 percent increase and well below the 13 percent increase seen in the individual markets. “We think the rates demonstrate marketplaces can and do work,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V Lee in a conference call announcing the new rates. Approximately 28,000 Californians are covered through employers that use the small business marketplace plans. Lee highlighted the fact that the increases seen in the marketplace are far lower than the double digit increases small businesses experienced before the passage of the Affordable Care Act. He also stressed that increases seen in California are lower than the massive increases in some states

that have grabbed headlines across the nation. “What is happening across the country is not the reality where markets are working,” he said. Lee also credited fixing early “hiccups” in the small business market with boosting enrollment. Early on, the exchange struggled with getting businesses’ applications processed. Confusion reigned among insurance agents who are the primary vehicle for signing up new businesses. “We are seeing the message is getting out there that small business can rely on us to handle their needs effectively,” he said. Expanded provider choice and provider networks have also been a key focus of Covered California. “Up to six carriers will be available,” said Covered California Sales Director Kirk Whelan. “There is access dental plans if they want it. We are also excited about an expand-

Lodi Health’s records go electronic LODI — Lodi Health has launched its conversion to an integrated electronic health record system. The system, dubbed “Project Genesis,” integrates records, medical practices and outpatient service locations across the health care system. The new system allows doctors and medical staff to view a patient’s health history in one place. The records are now streamlined and accessible through the Adventist Health enterprise, ensuring consistency and improving coordination of care, Lodi Health said. That access allows physicians and nurses to share medical results, tests and notes through the

hospital units, ambulatory services and between care settings. “This new system, with its improved technology, allows us to transform the care we offer by providing a seamless experience between doctors’ offices and the hospital,” Lodi Health CEO Daniel Wolcott said. The new system was part of a $7.7 million investment by Lodi Health’s parent company, Adventist Health. Nearly 1,400 Lodi Health employees worked with technology and care specialists to build the customized platform. More than 2,800 pieces of equipment including computers, printers and scanners were replaced or upgraded.

Kaiser’s health plans earn five stars OAKLAND — The National Committee for Quality Assurance gave Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare and commercial health plans in Northern California its highest rating, Sept. 21. The national group rates health plans for consumer experience, prevention and treatment. The group’s report gave Kaiser Permanente’s health plans five-out-offive stars for its 2016-17 plans. Kaiser Permanente had the only plans in the country to receive that rating for both its Medicare and private plans. “This recognition as a top-rated health plan reflects our drive to provide the affordable, high quality health care coverage our members

expect and deserve,” said Janet Liang, president, Kaiser Permanente Northern California region. “Our care teams are passionate about quality care and service and their dedication is reflected in these results.” The Northern California region’s health plan was one of eight Kaiser Permanente Medicare plans to receive five-star rating, out of 338 Medicare plans analyzed. The company’s commercial health plan in Northern California also earned five stars, as did its Mid-Atlantic states plan. Only 13 commercial health plans in the country, out of 503 rated by the committee, received the highest rating.

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

ed network portfolio.” Increased interest by insurance agents has also helped bring in new enrollees. “Since 2014, the number of agents has doubled to over 1,700,” Whelan said. “Interest from agents is strong. A thriving market will see opportunity to offer stronger benefits for small business.” While not as robust as sub-

sidies available in the individual markets, businesses with 25 or fewer employees are eligible for tax credits to offset costs for the first two years. Lee said that the markets have made strides in their first three years, but acknowledged there is room for improvement. “We are proud of what we have achieved but know we have more to do,” he said.

WE PUT THE

CHERRY ON TAP. E * YOU’RE WELCOM

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

FINANCIAL PLANNING FIRMS

In San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties. Ranked by Number of Local Credentialed Advisers. Ties are Ranked in Alphabetical Order. Rank

Company Address

Total Top Local Executive Number of Local Number Phone Fax Credentialed of Local Business Services Offered Staff Web Address Advisors

Year Established

Wells Fargo Advisors 3203 W. March Lane, Ste. 100 Stockton, CA 95219

209-957-8100 Fax 209-957-7955 wellsfargoadvisors.com

Retirement plans, investment advisory services, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities and lending

1978

United Capital Financial Life Management 909 Fifteenth Street, Ste. 1 Modesto, CA 95354

Terry Swehla, Jason Gordo Chris Battreall, Jeff Burrow 209-530-1515 Fax 209-530-1522 unitedcpcentralcal.com

Financial life management, company retirement plans, Insurance and financial planning Second location: 300 Banner Court, Ste. 1, Modesto, CA 95356

1996

Paulsen Richard R. Paulsen Insurance Services New York Life Insurance Company 2800 W. March Lane, Ste. 324 Stockton, CA 95219

Richard Paulsen, Mychael Nguyen, Managing Partner at NYL 209-956-2800 Fax 209-956-1001 victoryeveryday.com stockton.nyloffices.com

Investments, Financial advisory services, insurance services, estate and legacy planning, asset protection, business succession retirement and exit planning

1950

Levy, Daniel and McGee Wealth Management Group 2111 W. Kettleman Lane, Ste. C Lodi, CA 95242

Ken Levy, Corey Daniel, Dudley McGee 209-263-0330 Fax 209-263-0426 levydanielmcgee.com

All product and services of Wells Fargo advisors financial network and its affiliated companies

2015

Randolph and Klein 1625 W. March Lane, Ste. 101 Stockton, CA 95207

Norm Randolph and Phyllis Klein 209-956-1212 Fax 209-955-1327 randolphandklein.com

Financial, retirement, estate and Insurance planning. (Life, disability, long term care, medicare) Employee benefits and charitable giving

1987

Attentive Investment Managers, Inc. 5345 N. El Dorado Street, Ste. 4-5 Stockton, CA 95207

Michael L. Dalton 209-636-4931 Fax 209-235-5206 mikedaltoncpa.com

Fee-only: financial, retirement, education planning, tax planning and preparation, investment advisory and wealth management

1991

Bridge Pointe Financial Group 801 S. Ham Lane, Ste. H Lodi, CA 95242

Christopher Olsen 209-367-8700 Fax 209-367-3700 bridgepointefinancialgroup.com

Financial planning Ameriprise Financial Services affiliate

1986

Legacy Financial Advisors 1508 Coffee Road, Ste. D Modesto, CA 95355

C. Couglas Hearon 209-238-3200 Fax 209-238-9127 legacyorg.com

Retirement, estate, trusts and financial planning, investment consulting, Insurance, annuities, asset protection, long term care planning

2000

Northern California Planners 5637 N. Pershing Avenue, Ste. B-8 Stockton, CA 95207

Gary Santos 209-476-8095 Fax 209-476-8088 planmembersec.com/gsantos.com

Retirement planning, insurance and securities

1975

Stull Financial 4529 Quail Lakes Drive, Ste. A Stockton, CA 95207

David J. Stull 209-957-1673 Fax 209-957-1676 stullfinancial.com

Insurance (life, health, disability, etc.), Securities, separate accounts financial, retirement, estate planning and installation

1977

Thorson Financial Estate Mgmt, Inc. 1101 Staniford Avenue, C-2 Modesto, CA 95350

Thomas Thorson 209-522-0250 Fax 209-576-0065 thorsonfinacial.com

Strategies for income retirement, minimizing estate and income taxes, estate distribution preparation

2003

Valley Financial Services 5757 Pacific Avenue, Ste. 248 Stockton, CA 95207

Lindsey Randolph 209-474-3465 lindseyrandolph.com

Insurance and investments advisory

1984

Willson & Company 612 West 11th Street, Ste. 101 Tracy, CA 95376

Penny Van der Meer 209-832-2997 willsonco.com

Financial planning and retirement Planning investment advisory, insurance, tax consulting and preparation

1992

Aspire Advisory Services 104 N. School Street, Ste. 216 Lodi, CA 95240

David Worcester, Jr. 209-339-8971 Fax 209-339-8981 myfinancialplans.com

Fee-based financial advisory, money management, investment advise and financial planning

1987

Drummond & Associates 404 W. Pine Street, Ste. 6 Lodi, CA 95240

Darrell Drummond 209-366-1264 Fax (209) 334-4217 ddrummond.net

Financial advising, risk management and investment planning

1989

Edward Jones 3031 W. March Lane, Ste. 116 Stockton, CA 95219

Joel Carignan 209-474-7100 Fax 888-292-4207 edwardjones.com

Wealth management, retirement, college, stocks & bonds, mutual funds, 401K, insurance, annuities, planning, cash and credit

2009

Goldstrand Planning Group 2800 W. March Lane, Ste. 326 Stockton, CA 95219

Dennis J. Goldstrand 209-472-7000 Fax 209-472-1551 goldstrand.com

Business, financial and estate planning, fee-based investment advisory

1976

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network 207 W. Oak Street Lodi, CA 95240

Scott R. Marcus 209-369-5555 scott-marcus.com

Retirement, business and investment advisory services, life insurance, long-term care insurance, special needs planning and disability income replacement insurance

1857

Raymond James Financial Services 215 W. Oak Street, Ste. 1 Lodi, CA 95240

Grant Fletcher 209-333-4500 Fax 209333-4505 raymondjames.com/fmis

Financial and retirement planning, asset and cash management

2007

October 2016

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Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Business Journal Cover Stor CENTRAL VALLEY

Traffic and taxes

Stanislaus County voters will decide whether to raise the sales tax to pay for transportation improvements. By ELIZABETH STEVENS Business Journal editor estevens@cvbizjournal.com

MODESTO — On Nov. 8, for the third time in a decade, voters in Stanislaus County will be asked to raise the sales tax to pay for transportation improvements. It will need a twothirds majority to pass. Voters turned down ballot measures in 2006 and 2008, the last time by just a few hundred votes. This time proponents believe they have a real shot at passing it. “The second most common complaint I get is roads,” Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa said. “There’s a greater understanding, I believe.” Currently, the sales tax in Stanislaus County ranges from 7.625 percent in most communitieis to 8.125 percent in Ceres and Oakdale. Measure L would raise an estimated $950 million over 25 years by increasing the sales tax in the county by a half percent. Proponents say there has been too much deferred maintenance on local roads and construction is necessary to alleviate growing congestion. The Stanislaus Council of Governments has worked with residents and community leaders to come up with a list of projects and places to spend the money. Half the money raised, or $481 million, would go to local streets and road repair and maintenance, and StanCOG says that money would be committed first. Another 28 percent, or $269 million, would pay for regional projects such as the Briggsmore interchange on SR 99 in Modesto and ramp metering on SR 99 interchanges. Transit and traffic management expenditures are also included. There is also money for bike and pedestrian projects and to make roadways around schools and hospitals safer. “There’s a real need,” Chiesa said. “Roads are not as safe as they could be.” Historically, transportation projects are paid for through the gasoline tax, but StanCOG says counties are seeing less of that money, partly because the gas tax hasn’t gone up in 20 years and vehicles are more fuel efficient. Proponents believe the biggest selling point for Measure L is that it will make Stanislaus a self-help county. That would allow the county to leverage its local money to compete for state and federal funding for transpor-

SOURCE: STANISLAUS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

tation projects the way San Joaquin County has. “If you tax yourself a dollar and someone’s willing to give you 25 extra, isn’t that a good thing?” Chiesa said. So far, 19 counties in California have voted to become self-help counties. San Joaquin County approved Measure K to become a self-help county in 1990 and renewed its commitment in 2006. Measure K money has made possible projects such as the I-5 widening through Stockton, the Arch RoadSperry Road project, Highway 99 widening through Manteca, ACE Train and the transition of San Joaquin Regional Transit to clean buses. San Joaquin Council of Governments Executive Director Andrew Chesley said self-help is a smart way to leverage

local money to attract investment. “State and federal government want to invest in your area because you’re able to put up your share of the money,” Chesley said. San Joaquin County allocates about one-third of its Measure K money to local streets, 25 percent for public transportation, about 30 percent for local road widening and local arterial improvements and 2.5 percent for interchanges. Chesley said support from the business community was important for getting Measure K passed. Measure L has broad, bipartisan support throughout Stanislaus County. One voice in opposition, however, is former Modesto city councilman Bruce Frohman. He submitted an opposition statement for the ballot after

The Briggsmore interchange in Modesto is one of the co

he learned no one else had. “The only reason I’m doing this is because I think we need to hear from all sides,” Frohman said. “If this passes, it’s not like I’m going to be real disappointed. It’s just this is not the best way to go about doing it.” He believes an increase in the sales tax would put more pressure on local businesses. “I think Measure L would hurt local business,” he said. “Every time you raise the sales tax, you have the threat to business.” Frohman also believes, philosophi-

October 2016

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> MAJOR PROJECTS Modesto • $172 million for local street repairs • $34 million for traffic management • $17 million for bike/pedestrian improvements • $25 million for BriggsmoreCarpenter interchange • $74 million for 4-lane expressway from SR-99 to Gates Road • $8 million toward construction of 8-lane Standiford interchange

Patterson • $22 million for local street repairs • Partial funding for Zacharias interchange • $4 million for Sperry Ave. signal improvements • $2 million for Safe Routes to School, local bike/pedestrian upgrades

Ceres • $31 million for local street repairs • Funds over 3.1 million square feet of road repairs in first five years • $31 million for construction of Service-Mitchell Road Interchange

Oakdale • $19 million for local street repairs MARK RICHEY/CVBJ

ounty’s top priorities for road improvements.

cally, that gas taxes and DMV fees should pay for transportation projects. He has also said that sales tax increases unfairly burden senior citizens, who are the least able to afford it. That’s an argument Chiesa doesn’t buy. He says there is no sales tax on groceries, medicine and medical devices. “(The burden on seniors) is nothing more than a campaign speech,” Chiesa said. “Most sales taxes come from RVs and cars. People buy what they can afford.” What really bothers Frohman,

though, is that he believes developers aren’t shouldering enough of the cost for housing projects. In his ballot statement opposing Measure L, Frohman calls the measure a “welfare program for urban and residential developers.” “One of the reasons we need this half cent sales tax is because new development has not paid adequate infrastructure fees to cover the cost the projects generate,” he said. “We have regional transportation fees (from developers),” Chiesa said. “We fairly burden the homeowner

and developer for road impacts, but it comes back to that gas tax.” Among the people signing the ballot statement in favor of Measure L were California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger, Gallo Center of the Arts CEO Lynn Dickerson, Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson, Stanislaus County Office of Education Superintendent Tom Changnon and Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen. “Republicans and Democrats support Measure L — that’s something. They can’t agree on anything,” Chiesa said.

• Immediate repairs for roads around schools, hospital, downtown • $2 million for Safe Routes to School, local bike/pedestrian upgrades • $1 million for 108/120 and Rodeo intersection improvements • $60 million toward completion of the North County Corridor SOURCE: STANISLAUS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Business Journal CEO Spotlight CENTRAL VALLEY

Family law with a business background By PATRICIA REYNOLDS Business Journal writer

> IN A NUTSHELL

preynolds@cvbizjournal.com

MODESTO — Growing up in an Assyrian household, Betty Julian learned the value of education. Her parents stressed the importance of pursuing a professional career in medicine, law or engineering, fields of study that are highly regarded in Assyrian culture. When deciding her own direction, Julian followed a path that had been paved for her since childhood. “I didn’t really choose,” said Julian, who is an equity partner with the law firm McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth in downtown Modesto. “From a very young age, family, friends, acquaintances — everyone — would joke about how talkative I was, and argumentative, and that I’d be a great lawyer someday,” she said. The fact that she fainted at the sight of blood ruled out a career in medicine, while her love of politics, an interest she shared with her father, nudged her further toward a

Hometown: Turlock Education: Graduated from

Turlock High School. Graduated from UC Santa Clara with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Law degree from University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law and passed the bar exam in 2002.

Personal: Married to Sarkis

PHILIP JOHNSON/CVBJ

Betty Julian specializes in family law in the law firm McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth.

future in law. Julian didn’t have a specific field of law in mind, but she was first exposed to business litigation during a summer internship with the law firm Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios, Pacher &

Silva, also in Modesto. The firm hired her upon her graduation from University of the Pacific McGeorge School of

Abadi. Two sons, Joshua, 9 and Patrick, 6.

What about you would surprise your colleagues?

Julian was a high school cheerleader. She loves pop and hip hop music.

Please see LAWYER Page 31

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PAST PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE: American Heart Association, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Delta Blood Bank, El Concilio, Goodwill Industries, Gospel Center Rescue Mission, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice of San Joaquin, Mary Graham Children’s Foundation, St. Mary’s Interfaith Community Services, Stockton Symphony, The Haggin Museum, United Cerebral Palsy, Women’s Center Youth & Family Services, YMCA, Salvation Army

October 2016

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LAWYER Continued from Page 30

Law in 2002 and she practiced there for seven years. In 2009, McCormick Barstow recruited Julian to work with Ken Cochran, a family law specialist, and she inherited his practice when he retired. “I never ever imagined that I would be doing family law,” Julian said. “I thought that I would one day do something in politics. But when you’re young and you don’t really have mentors that are in that field, you’re kind of just going for something,.” Julian’s business litigation background did provide crossover experience beneficial in family law and was a key reason McCormick Barstow hired her. Many of Cochran’s clients are established business people involved in family law cases where the valuation of a business and division of property come into play. “There are more complex issues that (Cochran) thought lent themselves to a more experienced individual dealing with business litigation,” said Julian. Still, Julian faced a two-year learning curve on the basics of the complex practice of family law. “In custody you can’t just take shortcuts,” she said. “You’re dealing with people’s children and these children’s lives, their schedules, the

time that they share with their parents, and which parent they live with. There’s a lot that goes into family law that people don’t necessarily expect.” Julian also must be vigilant about keeping up with constantly changing family law legislation. “As time goes on, public opinion changes as to what’s important for our families and the courts will adjust to that and as the courts adjust to it, the Legislature decides whether they agree or not, and so case law sometimes is ahead of statutes,” she said. Practicing law as a woman has presented Julian with both challenges and opportunities. There were instances early in her career when she couldn’t be the contact person with clients on certain cases even though she had been the associate doing the legwork. “As a female attorney you understand your job is to provide service to the client in whatever shape or form the client needs to hear it,” Julian said. “If I need to do all the work but the client needs to hear it from a male, I’m not going to stand in the way of the service to the client.” The stereotypical perceptions of aggressive men being seen as strong while assertive women are looked upon as catty often still persist in a courtroom setting, according to Ju-

lian. But being a female attorney is also an asset in family law cases, especially if custody is involved. “I don’t necessarily mean advantage in the courts. I mean advantage in that I think as a woman I can sympathize and relate to my female clients dealing with custody issues differently than my male counterparts,” she said. Similar to those situations in which clients preferred hearing case details from male attorneys, female family law clients often prefer interacting with a female attorney. “They are comforted by my sense of compassion and are more secure having me listen to their complaints,” she said. “So I think it cuts both way. I think I have retained clients and kept them because of the connection they feel.” The most challenging aspect of Julian’s job is the negativity family law cases have from the onset. At first, Julian found the cases to be emotionally draining, but now she views the fact that she’s helping people as a gift she has to offer. “I have found that I have been able to help so many (people) that feel like they’re living a nightmare. I bring some peace and ease to their lives and comfort by being able to step in and help them resolve their issues,” she said.

New Lathrop facility under construction LATHROP — Lathrop will soon be home to a new logistics center. Dermody Properties is developing a 622,726-square-foot industrial facility at 2131-2301 E. Louise Ave. “Lathrop is a perfect fit for one of our LogistiCenter developments,” said Dermody Properties West Region Office Partner George Condon. “Future customers will benefit from an outstanding transportation system, and the facility’s prime location in the Central Valley. We look forward to beginning construction on LogistiCenter at Lathrop and are continuing to pursue additional acquisition and development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.” Construction is underway with an expected completion date of May 2017. The facility will feature 36-foot clear height, 96 dock doors, 126 trailer parking stalls and 329 car parking stalls with the possibility of additional parking for e-commerce operations. It is located 1.5 miles from Interstate 5 and 12 miles from the Port of Stockton. John McManus, John Coons and Mark Dowling of Cushman & Wakefield are representing the development on behalf of Dermody Properties.

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Rita’s gives franchisees recipe for success By NORA HESTON TARTE Business Journal writer nhestontarte@cvbizjournal.com

STOCKTON — Nick Schutte was never nervous about bringing an East Coast cult treat to the Central Valley. For him, the proof was in the product. “I had a really good feeling that it would be a hit,” Schutte said. He’s talking about Rita’s Italian Ice, a Philadelphia-based water ice company with more than 700 locations across the United States. Thanks to two local franchisees — Schutte and Bob Tanon — there are now multiple locations in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. “The concept hasn’t made it to the West Coast yet aside from our branch, so that’s good for us,” Schutte said. Schutte opened his first location on McHenry Avenue in January. In August, he opened a second location on Shaffer Road in Atwater. A third location in Ceres is planned for early 2017. “We actually signed on to do a sevenstore development,” Schutte explained. He has rights to areas between Merced and Ripon, as well as Lodi and Lathrop. “We basically have the right to the city,” he said. The franchise model assures business owners do not overlap. Products include Italian ice, cream ice, gelati, frozen custard, milkshakes and frozen drinks in a variety of flavors. Schutte isn’t the only franchisee in the Central Valley. Bob Tanon is committed to a four-store run in Stockton, Manteca and Tracy. “We talk. We have monthly calls and we stay in touch,” Schutte said. “The Northern California Rita’s franchisees are all friends. It really is like a tight knit family.” Tanon’s first location on March Lane opened May 16. “Our first week we did $35,000 which is tremendous for a cult treat restaurant,” Tanon said. “Our first day opening, we over doubled the company record. We’re on pace to do $800,000 our first year.” Tanon credits his success largely

WAYNE DENNING/CVBJ

Rita’s Italian Ice opened in Stockton in May.

to his preemptive marketing strategy. It’s similar to the one he used when he opened Gym Stars Gymnastics in 1999 but with more social media. “I pay very close attention to the trends in the area. Social media is just a huge, huge part of the opening of any business,” he said. Tanon said he also ran a face-to-face marketing campaign where he visited neighboring businesses. “Our first day before we opened the doors, we had a line… that line never stopped until we locked the doors at night,” Tanon said. “I think a lot of it has to do with [preemptive marketing].” To maintain service, Tanon has 22 employees. Three work full time. Schutte said he employees about 10 employees per location. Part of the success, however, has to do with the treat. Tanon echoed Schutte’s sentiments. He said he was never nervous how Rita’s would fare in California. He knew the product would be a hit. Originally from Pennsylvania, Tanon discovered Rita’s while visiting family and it quickly became a favorite. This was the first time Tanon had

opened a franchise. His Gym Stars business morphed into four stores, but there wasn’t any brand to lean on. “I knew that the (Rita’s) product was tremendous, so I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. I didn’t have to create the product,” Tanon said of the benefits of franchising. For Schutte, franchising is what he knows. Prior to opening Rita’s he owned a Mr. Pickles sandwich shop. He sold it to focus solely on Rita’s. “I think with franchising, you obviously pay a lot more money but you get the backing of the name. It’s turnkey,” Schutte explained. “It comes a little more quickly.” Schutte and Tanon agree that an upside to franchising with Rita’s has been the support. “Just about anything that I need, I can just call them. It’s very, very unique in that way,” Tanon said. “I don’t have any regrets about joining the franchise, and I think it’s only going to get better,” Schutte echoed. Tanon said his total investment including the fee and to open the doors was about $350,000. He believes he will recoup 100 percent of his investment in 13 months or less.

SHORE, McKINLEY & CONGER, LLP

Megan Hall | Aaron McKinney | Appellate AdvocacyAREAS - Business & Commercial Law PRACTICE Family law - Land Use & Environmental Law Personal Injury - Real Estate - Wealth & Estate Planning

For Schutte, he said costs were in the ballpark of $250,000 to get started. He had some of the money saved and used an SBA loan for the rest. “The interest rates are a little bit lower,” Schutte explained. “If you have the experience and a business you’ve done it with before, you can almost use that as collateral.” “Business is going great,” Schutte said. “We’re winding down to our peak time of year, and we’ll kind of see how our first winter goes.” Tanon also added a Rita’s truck to his business plan at the beginning of September and averages five events per week. “The Rita’s truck comes out to our sporting events,” said University of the Pacific marketing and sales manager for athletics Jeremy Neisser. “We’ve heard nothing but rave reviews from our fans. I’m a soft-serve guy, so (Tanon) gave me an ice cream the size of my head!” The Rita’s truck serves treats at all of the outdoor sporting events Pacific hosts including soccer, field hockey, water polo and tennis. “The relationship is beyond just setting up and selling at our sporting events. There’s a partnership,” Neisser said.

> IF YOU GO: Rita’s (Stockton) 2829 W March Lane Open seven days a week 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Rita’s (Modesto) 2001 McHenry Ave. Open seven days a week 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Rita’s (Atwater) 2810 Shaffer Rd. Open seven days a week 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Trusted Across Generations

Brett Jolley | John Conger | John McKinley | Megan Galarneau | Dennis Shore OFFICE LOCATIONS:

Stockton, Sacramento and Walnut Creek

209.477.8171 www.smcslaw.com

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50 years

Success is where preparation and opportunity meet •

Tax Litigation (and Controversies)

•

Tax Planning to avoid Controversies

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Estate and Wealth Management Planning

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Calone & Harrel Law Group, LLP E s t a t e P l a n n i n g , Ta x a n d Bu s i n e s s A t t o r n e y s

209.952.4545 Modesto 209.300.7493

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WWW.CALONEANDHARREL.COM

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

LAW FIRMS

In San Joaquin, Stanisluas and Merced Counties. Ranked by Number of Local Attorneys. Ties are Listed in Alphabetical Order. Rank

Company Name Address

Number Number of Phone of Attorneys Fax Types of Law Practiced Number Support Web Address of Staff Paralegals

Year Established Managing Partner

Agriculture, banking-finance, bankruptcies, business, commercial, eminent domain, employment, labor, environmental, litigation, public agency, real estate, tax, trust, probate, real estate planning, water law

1903 Clifford Stevens

15 2

Agriculture, business formations, complex litigation, wills, trusts, estate planning, personal injury practice, alternative dispute resolution: family, government agency, employment, copyright, trademark and health care law

1968 Fred Silva

209-478-2000 Fax 209-478-0354 kroloff.com

14 3

Civil litigation, business and commercial transactions, estate planning, health care, labor and employment

1946 Christopher Engh Allison C. Lafferty

Mayall Hurley 2453 Grand Canal Blvd. Stockton, CA 95207

209-477-3833 Fax 209-473-4818 mayallaw.com

11 2

Employment law, serious injuries, business and probate

1935 William Gorham

Freeman Firm 1818 Grand Canal Boulevard, Ste. 4 Stockton, CA 95207

209-474-1818 Fax 209-474-1245 freemanfirm.com

10 2

Civil litigation, eminent domain, business law and appellate advocacy

Herum, Crabtree, Suntag 5757 Pacific Avenue #222 Stockton, CA 95207

209-472-7700 Fax 209-472-7986 herumcrabtree.com

10 2

Natural resources, land use, business, taxation and civil litigation

1997 Steve Herum

McCormick, Barstow, LLP 1125 I Street, Ste. 1 Modesto, CA 95354

209-524-1100 Fax 209-524-1188 mccormickbarstow.com

10 5

Civil litigation, family law, school district defense, employment, mediation

1992 Kelley Moran

Curtis Legal Group, A Professional Law Corp. 1300 K Street, 2nd Floor Modesto, CA 95354

209-521-1800 Fax 209-572-3501 curtislegalgroup.com

9 15

Personal injury, employment, estate planning, and probate law

1953 Ralph Curtis

Gianelli & Associates 1014 16th Street Modesto, CA 95354

209-521-6260 Fax 209-521-5971 gianelli-law.com

9 14

Estate planning, litigation, real estate, business and family law

1974 David Gianelli

Shore, McKinley & Conger, LLP 3031 W. March Lane, Ste. 230 Stockton, CA 95219

209-477-8171 Fax 209-477-2549 smcslaw.com

9 0

1984 John McKinley

Arata, Swingl, Sodhi, Van Egmond 912 11th Street, Fistt Floor Modesto, CA 95354

209-522-2211 209-522-2980 arata-law.com

7 4

7 5

Business and commercial law, wealth and estate planning, personal injury, family law, civil appeals and writ proceedings. Civil, trust and business litigation, insurance defense, public entities, contract disputes, banking and finance, agriculture law, personal injury, employment and labor law Civil litigation, arbitration and mediation, business and corporate, property and family law, estate planning, probate, trusts, wills, personal injury and wrongful death

5 3

1974 Jason W. Harrel

5 1

Tax, estate planning, trust and estate litigation, real estate law/exchanges, business and commercial transactions Corporate and estate planning, business litigation, employment law, tax, real estate, incorporation, construction, banking, environmental, insurance and eminent domain, inverse condemnation and bankruptcies

5 5

Family and criminal law, land use, probate, personal injury and civil litigation

1985 Michael Hakeem

2 2

Employment and business/real estate law, personal injury, collection and civil litigation

1974 Adam Corren

3 3

Mediation, arbitration, civil litigation, land use, water law, criminal and business matters, estate planning and probate

1980 John Harris

3 1

General law practice, criminal defense, civil litigation and personal injury

2 0

Estate planning, public agency, civil litigation

2 0

Family law and dissolution of marriage

2 0

Real estate and land use, environmental and business regulation, advocacy and special projects

Neumiller & Beardslee 509 W. Weber Avenue 5th Floor Stockton, CA 95203

209-948-8200 Fax 209-948-4910 neumiller.com

Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios, Pacher & Silva 1601 I Street, 5th Floor Modesto, CA 95354

209-526-3500 Fax 209-526-3534 damrell.com

Kroloff, Belcher, Smart, Perry & Christopherson 7540 Shoreline Drive Stockton, CA 95219

15 16 17 18 19

20 21

Brunn & Flynn 928 12th Street, Ste. 200 Modesto, CA 95354 Calone and Harrel Law Group, LLP 1810 Grand Canal Boulevard, Ste. 6 Stockton, CA 95209 Downey Brand, LLP 3425 Brookside Road, Ste. A Stockton, CA 95219 Hakeem, Ellis & Marengo 3414 Brookside Road, Ste. 100 Stockton, CA 95219 Law Office of Corren & Corren 5345 N. El Dorado, Ste. 7 Stockton, CA 95207 Harris, Perisho & Ruiz 3439 Brookside Road, Ste. 210 Stockton, CA 95219 Randy E. Thomas Law Office 18826 N. Lower Sacramento Road Woodbridge, CA 95258 Keen & Keen, LLP 5405 N. Pershing Avenue, Bldg C, Ste. 2-A Stockton, CA 95207 Lane, Duncan & Lambertson 7540 Shoreline Drive, Ste. C Stockton,CA 95219 Petrulakis Law & Advocacy, APC 1130 12th Street, Ste. B Modesto, CA 95354

209-521-2133 Fax 209-521-7584 brunnandflynnlaw.com 209-952-4545 Fax 209-952-8751 caloneandharrel.com 209-473-6450 Fax 209-473-6455 downeybrand.com 209-474-2800 Fax 209-474-3654 hakeemellismarengo.com 209-478-2621 Fax 209-478-3038 correnlaw@sbcglobal.net 209-957-4254 Fax 209-957-5338 harrisperishoruiz.com 209-369-9255 Fax 209-369-9288 none 209-948-0434 Fax 209-948-9451 bgrn.com 209-956-5700 Fax 209-956-5774 laneduncanlambertsoncom 209-522-0500 Fax 209-522-0700 modestorealestatelawcom

23 3

1965 Michael Gurev

2009 Colleen Van Egmond 1974 Charles Brunn

2000 Kevin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brian

1976 Randy Thomas 2013 Charles Keen 1981 Dennis Duncan 2012 George Petrulakis

October 2016

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George S. Arata Bradley J. Swingle Colleen F. Van Egmond Gary S. Davis Amanda J. Heitlinger Raquel A. Hatfield Ashley N. Dowd

Areas of Practice: Civil Litigation Insurance Defense Public Entities Business Litigation Business Contracts Family Law Wills/Trust/Estate Contract Disputes Immigration Law Agricultural Law Personal Injury

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Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Business Journal Real Estate CENTRAL VALLEY

> HOME SALES

Merced County home sales spike MERCED — Merced County home sales were up nearly 22 percent in August compared to July, according to Metrolist The county saw 152 closed sales. That was also an increase of 30 percent from the year before. Home prices were flat from July to August, however. The average price of a Merced County home in August was $249,000, up almost 15 percent from 2015. Stanislaus County home sales were up slightly in August. In the county, 510 homes were sold, an increase of 1.4 percent from the month before and flat from 2015. Sales were down in San Joaquin County where 627 homes were sold. That was a dip of 4.3 percent from July and 4.7 percent from 2015. Home prices in both counties were up about 10 percent from 2015.

County explores new hotel near airport STOCKTON — The Stockton Metropolitan Airport is looking for developers interested in building a 150 to 200-room hotel on airport property. The airport has issued a Request for Qualification to developers to build the proposed facility at the corner of Arch Road and B Street. “The difference between a Request for Qualification and a Request for Proposal is we aren’t asking people to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to put in a full proposal,” said Airport Director Harry Mavrogenes. “It’s the first step to determine what kind of interest there is. If we get a lot of response, we hit a good time in the market.” The proposed hotel would provide conference space to augment the nearby Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center. Airport officials believe that improving demand and increased hotel rates and occupancy make this a good time to expand the county’s supply

of hotel rooms. “When you see the occupancy go up above the low 70 (percent) the market is tightening up,” said Mavrogenes. “The Hotel and Conference Center Study prepared for the county last year, cited this location as one of the prime Mavrogenes hotel opportunities in the county. There hasn’t been a lot of hotel development since the recession.” The airport currently accommodates approximately 180,000 passengers per year and recently began air cargo services with Amazon. The plan for the hotel could be based on the plans for a similar hotel in Sacramento. A new Hyatt Hotel is under construction at Sacramento

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

International Airport. “It’s a different market, but that would be kind of a blueprint,” said Mavrogenes. The developer of the Sacramento hotel found there was more interest than originally thought, which prompted it to expand its 150-room project to include 15 additional suites. The deadline for the proposals is Nov. 23 at which time several developers will

be asked back to prepare specific proposals. A selected developer will then be given an exclusive negotiation agreement with the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. A final selection will be made in early spring 2017. “I would say we could see construction by next fall (2017) or spring year after (2018),” said Mavrogenes.

October 2016

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Blue Diamond goes big with new plant SALIDA — The new Blue Diamond almond storage facility in Salida is best appreciated when you consider one number: 60 million. That’s the total pounds of almond meats the warehouse can store. The plant can receive 5-and-a-half tons of almonds per day, an increase in receiving capacity of 33 percent. And it only takes four employees to run it per shift. That’s because the 48,000-square-foot facility was designed with a series of conveyor belts so that from the time the nuts arrive to when they move to storage bins and out for further processing, nobody actually touches them. “When you handle them, you can certainly damage them,” said Blue Diamond Director of Major Projects Darrel Nelson. “And then we feel the way that the world is going with the Food Safety Modernization Act, we need to do our part to minimize the touches.” The new bulk receiving facility, Bulk Warehouse 7, officially opened Sept. 20 and was touted for its innovative features. The plant was designed to handle almond meats gently. For example, the giant bins where the nuts are stored are sloped at a gradual 26 degrees so

the almonds can free flow to the bottom to conveyors when they’re fed to the main plant for processing. That keeps the nut meats from being damaged. “Growers are paid a premium for quality,” Nelson said. With the booming popularity of almonds, efficiently getting the nuts in from the orchards for processing has become increasingly important. The USDA has projected almond production at a record 2.05 billion pounds. Virtually all almonds are grown in California and half the state’s almond growers belong to the Blue Diamond cooperative. With innovations at the new facility, trucks can be unloaded in just seven minutes. It’s expected to alleviate the long lines trucks faced when they brought almonds in during harvest. “The growers are paying their truck drivers an hourly wage, so it’s costing them money,” Nelson said. The warehouse was built with materials sources from a 100-mile radius of Salida, using workers and contractors from that same 100-mile region. The project provided jobs for between 300 and 400 workers throughout the course of construction.

2016 Metris Van

ELIZABETH STEVENS/CVBJ

Conveyor belts transport almonds from trucks to storage bins without workers having to touch them.

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Business Journal Jobs & Economy CENTRAL VALLEY

> WHO’S HIRING

Uber drivers, retail growing In addition to the nursing and truck driving jobs that have dominated online job postings, Uber has started advertising heavily for drivers in Stanislaus County. According to the state’s Employment Development Department, the on-demand ride company posted 91 job listings online in August. That made it the company with the fifth most job postings in the county that month. Other in-demand jobs in both Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties were for retail workers, maintenance and repair workers, teaching assistants, security guards and janitors. Health care companies and school districts were among the organizations with the most job postings. Amazon also broke the top 10 for most jobs postings in San Joaquin County in August.

Jobs grow in education, manufacturing MODESTO — Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties added 6,500 jobs in August, according to the state’s Employment Development Department. Most new Stanislaus County jobs were added in the manufacturing sector as food processors ramped up with the harvest. That sector added 1,900 jobs. San Joaquin County added 1,300 jobs in the government sector, mostly in education as the school year began. The county also saw a boost in trade and transportation as trucking and distribution companies added 900 jobs. Stanislaus County added

> ACQUISITION MODESTO — Modestobased tactical clothing company 5.11 Tactical has been acquired by Compass Diversified Holdings for $400 million. Compass Diversified Holdings’ initial equity ownership

another 300 jobs in leisure and hospitality and 100 jobs each in education and the trade and transportation sector. Stanislaus County lost 100 jobs in the construction sector from July to August. San Joaquin County didn’t lose jobs in any sector, according to EDD. August farm employment increased by 800 jobs in Stanislaus County and 700 in San Joaquin County. Stanislaus County’s unemployment rate was 8 percent in August, down from 8.9 percent in July. San Joaquin County’s jobless rate also dropped from 8.4 percent in July to 7.8 percent in August.

Both counties have added thousands of jobs over the past year. Stanislaus County has added 3,900 jobs compared to August 2015. San Joaquin

County added 6,100. The state’s unemployment rate was 5.6 percent in August. The nation’s jobless rate was 5 percent.

5.11 Tactical acquired by Compass Diversified in 5.11 as a result of the transaction is approximately 97.5 percent. 5.11’s management team invested alongside Compass Diversified and own the remaining 2.5 percent. Modesto businessman Dan

Costa developed the 5.11 Tactical brand in the late ‘90s as part of Royal Robbins. It began with the 5.11 Tactical pant for mountaineers but expanded into clothing and gear aimed at first responders, mili-

tary and others with a need for purpose-built tactical apparel. Compass Diversified Holdings owns middle market businesses, including a company that makes safes, and one that designs baby carriers and strollers.

October 2016

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Modesto, Stockton set export records STOCKTON — Exports for Modesto and Stockton-area companies in 2015 were up 10 percent, according to a report released in early September by the U.S. Department of Commerce. In fact, each city set personal records. Stockton reached a record $1.5 billion. Modesto’s exports were $1.9 billion. Food was a leading category that accounted for a large amount of exports in each city. In Stockton, crop production led the way with $642 million in 2015. Food manufacturing, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing, computer and electronic manufacturing, and transportation equipment manufacturing rounded out the top five product categories. In Modesto food manufacturing led all product categories with $314 million worth of products heading abroad. Machinery manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing, and crop production rounded out the top 5 products. The increase in exports comes despite a strong dollar. “Because the dollar is a bit strong, that is usually a point where exports decrease,” said Bernadette Rojas International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Commercial Service office in Fresno. The U.S. Commercial Service helps

F&M’s Delta purchase nears final approval LODI — Farmers & Merchants Bancorp’s acquisition of Delta National Bancorp has been approved by government regulators, Farmers & Merchants announced Sept 14. Farmers & Merchants has received all required regulatory approvals it needs from the FDIC and California State Department of Business Oversight. One major hurdle was the acceptance of Farmers & Merchants’ Registration Statement which the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission accepted Sept. 9. Based upon that approval, Mantecabased Delta National Bancorp has scheduled its annual shareholders’ meeting for Oct. 17 so the transaction can be approved. “We are pleased that this transaction is moving forward as scheduled,” said Farmers & Merchants Bancorp’s Chairman, President and CEO Kent Steinwert. “The Definitive Agreement was just signed on June 8, 2016 and we are anticipating a closing date in midto-late November.” The merger will take Farmers & Merchants into communities such as Manteca and Riverbank where it doesn’t already have a presence. It is also expected to enhance F&M Bank’s presence in Modesto and Turlock.

companies find markets abroad for their products and keeps track of export statistics for the area. The Fresno office oversees Stanislaus County and parts of San Joaquin County. Rojas said the quality of U.S. products helps to offset challenges such as a strong dollar or cheaper labor in other countries. “The No. 1 thing that goods made in

the USA have going for them is that they are made in the USA,” she said. “That means something abroad. It’s the No. 1 tool (manufacturers) often don’t realize they have.” She said that U.S. products often have a status products from other countries don’t carry. A focus of the commerce service has been on increasing so-called non-tradi-

tional categories such as tourism and education to help boost export numbers. The fact that Modesto and Stockton are setting export records comes as little surpass to trade officials. “In some countries, it’s so prestigious to have a Starbucks in your hand that some people carry around empty cups,” Rojas said. “Goods from the USA are always going to succeed.”

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

STOCK AND INVESTMENT BROKERS

In San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties. Ranked by Number of Licensed Brokers on Staff. Ties are Listed in Alphabetical Order. Rank

Company Name Address

Merrill Lynch 801 10th Street, 7th Floor, Ste. 1 Modesto, CA 95354

Morgan Stanley 3421 Brookside Road, Ste. A Stockton, CA 95219

Top Local Executive Number of Number Stock Exchange Memberships Licensed Phone of Support Brokers on Services Offered Staff Staff Web Address Betu Gill 209-578-2600 ml.com

James Douglas Washington 209-478-2230 morganstanley.com

Wells Fargo Advisors 3203 W. March Lane, Ste. 100 Stockton, CA 95219

Daniel Christ 209-957-8100 wfadvisors.com

Merrill Lynch 3255 W. March Lane, Ste. 110 Stockton, CA 95219

Philip Benson 209-472-3500 ml.com

Raymond James Financial Services 215 W. Oak Street, Ste. 1 Lodi, CA 95240

The Investment Consulting Group 121 Rue De Yoe Modesto, CA 95354

Scottrade 2819 W. March Lane, Ste. A-4 Stockton, CA 95219

Smith, Gatschet & Kobrin Financial Group 4750 Quail Lakes Drive, Ste. B Stockton, CA 95207

Attentive Investment Managers Inc. 5345 N. El Dorado Street, Ste. 4 Stockton, CA 95207

Blakely Financial Services 2800 W. March Lane, Ste. 324 Stockton, CA 95219

Conrad Fournier Wells Fargo Advisor 3361 G Street, Ste. B Merced, CA 95340

Edward Jones Investments 5 S. School Street Lodi, CA 95240

Jerry Hearon 209-339-9010 edwardjones.com

Edward Jones Investments 1026 B Street Tracy, CA 95376

Mark Vien 209-833-1325 edwardjones.com

Goldstrand Planning Group 2800 W. March Lane, Ste. 326 Stockton, CA 95219

Dennis Goldstrand 209-472-7000 goldstrand.com

Northwestern Mutual 207 W. Oak Street Lodi, CA 95240

Scott R. Marcus 209-369-5555 scott-marcus.com

Stull Financial 4529 Quail Lakes Drive, Ste. A Stockton, CA 95207

David J. Stull 209-957-1673 stullfinancial.com

NYSE/FINRA/ASE Investment services NASDAQ, NYSE Area, Chicago Board Options Exchange, International Stock Exchange, Boston Stock Exchange, Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Chicago Stock Exchange and Chicago Mercantile Exchange

1914

1935

1978

NYSE/NASDAQ and all major stock exchanges Wealth management and investments

1977

FINRA/SIPC/NYSE/NASDAQ 6

Thomas Bryant 209-577-5704 ticginc.net

Chuck Smith 209-474-1602 sgkfinancial.com

Financial management and advisory

Fee based portfolio management services, wealth management, investment, retirement planning, estate planning, stocks, bonds and mutual funds (Changing physical location 10-2016)

Grant Fletcher 209-333-4500 fletcherfinancialgroup.com

Ted Goodsell 209-473-1601 scottrade.com

NYSE/NASDAQ

Year Est.

Investment services, corporate cash management, insurance and annuity products, long-term care, comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning and IRA rollover NYSE/SIPC Investment consulting, financial planning and brokerage services

1962

1998

NASDAQ, Direct Edge and Bats 3

Online investing, local branch office support, free educational seminars, online trading tools, mobile trading, live webinars, online community, market news, research and real time quotes

2003

All major stock exchanges 3

Retirement, estate and tax planning, investment management, portfolio analysis

1986

FINRA/SIPC

Michael L. Dalton Athena Stone 209-367-8700 attentiveinv.com

Kurt Blakely 209-956-0267 teamblakely.com

Conrad Fournier 209-385-5154 wellsfargoadvisors.com/ Conrad.B.Fournier

Comprehensive financial planning, retirement, tax, and estate planning, asset management

1991

FINRA/SIPC Resources for seniors, investment management, retirement income planning, estate planning, IRA roll overs and trust services SIPC Business investment, estate, insurance, IRAs & IRA roll overs, retirement planning

1980

2009

NYSE Retirement planning, education savings, long term care insurance and estate consideration NYSE/FINRA/SIPC Financial planning, investments and insurance FINRA Fee-based investment advisory, all investment products

1922

1991

1976

NYSE/FINRA/SIPC Retirement and investment advisory services, life insurance, long term care insurance and disability income replacement insurance FINRA/SIPC Insurance, securities, financial and estate planning

1995

1977

October 2016

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Is it time for that wellness exam or lab test? Maybe a new healthy recipe or workout routine? Whatever steps you take to be happier, be healthier, be a better you,

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Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Taxpayers get limited rights in courts The Internal Revenue Code provides many rights to taxpayers to challenge IRS actions, however as I will point out in this article, the rights given are less than desirable. Our tax system works against taxpayers in two ways. First, certified public accountants, enrolled agents, or return preparers rather than attorneys usually act as the default practitioners in most legal tax controJason Harrel versies. Second, Calone & Harrel the “Flora” rule. Law Group The IRS has been given substantial legal administrative authority to assess and collect tax, generally without a judge or jury ever being involved. Most taxpayers go to the person who prepared their tax returns to help them with an audit or tax controversy, and this works fine in the majority of tax controversies. However, because certified public accountants, enrolled agents or return preparers are not attorneys, they do not know all of the tax controversy

Taxing Matters

procedural rules and often do not fully or correctly advise taxpayers of their limited rights to court hearings. If these rights are not correctly exercised, the IRS is free to assess and collect the tax without a true fight. After an audit, if the IRS has determined that a taxpayer owes a tax, the IRS will issue a determination known as a Notice of Deficiency, which acts like a proposed judgment against the taxpayer. I often see clients and accountants who think that if they get a Notice of Deficiency, they can still work with the auditor on the various issues. This is not the case, because the Notice of Deficiency acts as the final IRS decision and they generally will not rescind it. In cases where it is to be rescinded, it needs to be done according to the procedures set forth in Revenue Procedure 98-54. If the taxpayer does not properly contest the Notice of Deficiency, the proposed assessment contained in the Notice of Deficiency is considered legally assessed after 90 days and the IRS can start collecting on it. I call this whole process an “administrative lawsuit” because the results are the same as if the IRS had sued a taxpayer and won. If taxpayers wish to contest the proposed tax assessment in the Notice of Deficiency, they

can either dispute the matter in Tax Court or pay the tax and file a claim for refund in federal court. Those are generally the only two options. Generally, Tax Court is the appropriate venue for most taxpayer’s disputes and the taxpayer does not have to pay the tax before the Tax Court hears the case. The Tax Court even offers a simplified procedure for small dollar cases. However, small cases cannot be appealed. Most tax controversies never go to trial at Tax Court and are settled administratively through the Appeals Division. Tax issues that cannot be heard by the Tax Court must be brought in federal district court or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This is generally a bad thing because litigation in federal court is very expensive. Also, under the “Flora” rule, a taxpayer must full pay the tax owed before a federal court will even entertain a lawsuit. Only a few hundred lawsuits are filed against the IRS in federal court every year. The Tax Court in comparison hears tens of thousands of cases. This basically means that unless your type of dispute can be heard in Tax Court, you are without a realistic court venue to hear your case. That results in the IRS becoming the defacto judge and jury in a large number

of tax cases. Is that fair? No, but it is the current way the system is set up. You may ask, what happens if the IRS is flat out wrong about something or made a procedural error. Can’t a taxpayer ask a federal court to help? The answer is unfortunately, no, because of the Anti-Injunction Act. That rule says “no suit for the purpose of restraining the assessment or collection of any tax may be maintained in any court by any person.” Because there are many barriers that keep taxpayers from getting a fair trial, they must take any IRS notice they get very seriously and address it as soon as possible. If you receive a notice from the IRS that looks like you are being audited, you should see a tax professional right away who is experienced in tax controversies. Even if contesting in court is not an appropriate option, there are other various administrative remedies that can be sought to correct the wrong. A tax attorney will be able to correctly advise you on all your options and help you choose the correct procedure to resolve your tax controversy. – Jason W. Harrel is a Partner at Calone & Harrel Law Group, LLP. He is a certified specialist in taxation. Mr. Harrel may be reached at jwh@caloneandharrel.com.

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Wineries & Vineyards Financial Institutions Manufacturing & Consumer Products Construction Agribusiness Health Care

October 2016

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Protecting your business’s online rep Imagine that one day, just out of curiosity, you Google your company name. The first thing that comes up is a link to a YouTube video, which was made by one of your employees. The video includes an image of your company logo, with several complaints about the company’s products and services. You notice that the employee who made this has several Facebook and Twitter posts with similar comBruce Sarchet plaints. Can you Attorney do anything? Littler Mendelson Many employLaw Firm ers have adopted social media policies in an effort to curb negative social media posts by employees. Recent decisions of the National Labor Relations Board provide guidance regarding such policies. Remember, even if your employees don’t have a labor union, they still have rights under federal law: the National Labor Relations Act. This column will provide suggestions regarding the provisions of social media policies that recently have been found to be lawful or unlawful. However, as always, this arti-

Human Element

cle does not substitute for the advice of legal counsel. One employer’s confidential information policy prohibited employees from using the company logo “in any manner.” That policy was found to be overbroad and unlawful, as it restricted employees’ ability to engage in “protected concerted activities” under the NLRA. (Boch Imports d/b/a Boch Honda, 362 NLRB No. 83 (2015). Another employer’s policy provided as follows: “If you aren’t careful and don’t use your head, your online activity can … spread incomplete, confidential, or inaccurate information. You may not make disparaging, false, misleading, harassing or discriminatory statements about or relating to (the company), our employees, suppliers, customers, competition, or investors.” The board found that the policies prohibiting employees from posting “incomplete, confidential, or inaccurate information” and preventing employees from making “disparaging, false, (or) misleading” statements were unlawful. Also, the board deemed the terms “confidential” and “false” as overly broad and not defined, and therefore infringed on employees’ rights. Under board precedent, false statements are protected unless they are maliciously false, i.e., knowing or recklessly false. Finally, “disparaging” statements were equated with those that are derogatory – employees have a protected right to make derogatory statements

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

about the terms and conditions of their employment. In contrast, the prohibition on “harassing or discriminatory statements” was upheld, with the notion that employers have a right to expect that employees will “comport themselves with general notions of civility and decorum.” As is common in social media policies, the policy recently reviewed by the board included the following disclaimer: “(t)his (social media) code does not restrict any activity that is protected by the National Labor Relations Act.” The board ruled that the

disclaimer, which appeared at the conclusion of the social media policy, did not cure the unlawful provisions in the policy. (Chipotle Services LLC 364 NLRB No. 72 (Aug. 16, 2016). The board also considered actual social media posts by employees. In one case, the board found that several statements on Twitter were merely “individual gripes” and therefore did not constituted “concerted activity.” (Chipotle Services LLC (2016).

Please see ONLINE Page 45

Real leaders take personal responsibility I was talking with my son one morning about a grade he was getting in one of his classes. He always earned A’s in math but was now getting a C. I asked him what was going on? What I heard were explanations like: the teacher is hard to understand; he is not a good teacher; the stuff on the test is not what we do in class; and the teacher doesn’t like me. What I heard were a bunch of excuses of why the teacher was responsible for his grade, but he took no responsibility for himself. Later that day I was working with a supervisor who was having some problems with one of her employees. The supervisor told me this employee was really frustrating her because lately he had been coming into work late almost every day. Furthermore, the quality of his work was subpar. “What did he say when you asked him about the tardiness and the poor work quality?” I asked. Her response didn’t surprise me. She hadn’t talked to her employee. She was getting more upset each day, and eventually it almost became a game for her to wait and see what time he would show up to work. She would get more and more angry but never address the issue.

I often ask a group of employees or managers about the most frustrating traits of bad leaders. Leaders not taking responsibility for their actions is always near the top. Of course, many of these leaders have a difficult time connecting their actions (or lack of) to the problem and can easily justify some other reason. Think of elected officials who get caught Peter Johnson doing something Pacific - Eberhardt wrong but say School of Business “people are out to get me.” Few are crazy enough to say it, but many have convinced themselves that is the case. Have you ever witnessed leaders make a mistake and then say they were given bad information, the previous boss told them to do it this way, someone on their team dropped the ball, or there was no way of seeing this issue coming down the road? Re-

Clear Leadership

ally? Everyone else in the organization saw it. My favorite is: “You misunderstood what I was saying.” If I communicate a message to you and you don’t understand it, ultimately who needs to step up and take responsibility? I do! In my head, it seemed like a clear message that was not open to much interpretation but in reality, it wasn’t crystal clear but more like mud. Own up to the miscommunication and create clarity around the message. We all have to take responsibility for ourselves and the part we play in every interaction with another human being. Yes, that teacher, that employee or some other factor may play a role in the outcome of the situation. However, we have to take responsibility for our own actions. What would happen if we sat down the employee and asked why they were consistently late? Maybe they have a sick parent or some other serious reason for the problem. My experience has taught me that “incompetent employees” are not always incompetent. It is easy to put the blame on someone else for our failures but what if that employee isn’t getting a clear

understanding of our expectations? We have set both of us up for failure. When the work is not done to our satisfaction, do we meet with the person and clarify expectations? Whether it’s a project or timeliness to work, it is our responsibility to clearly share our expectations. Why is it so hard for people to take responsibility? First, I believe some have convinced themselves they play no part in the failure and second, some think admitting they made a mistake will erode their credibility as a leader. In fact, leaders who admit when they are wrong receive greater respect and trust from their employees. Just don’t keep making the same mistakes. After a long discussion with my son, he acknowledged that maybe the teacher wasn’t out to get him. Maybe he could have studied more. Maybe he could go in for tutoring. In other words, maybe he was directly responsible for the grade and he needed to take more responsibility. – Peter Johnson is the director of the Westgate Center for Leadership and the Institute for Family Business in the Eberhardt School of Business at the University of the Pacific. He can be reached at peterjohnson@pacific.edu

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Time to refresh your computer fleet? Some companies tend to replace their whole PC fleets at regular intervals while other companies lean toward the “replacement as needed” scenario. This decision should be based on the needs of the business, but generally speaking the latter one can cause unpredictable side effects and higher costs in the long run. In case of sudden system David failure, you may Darmstandler need to act quickCEO of ly to keep your Datapath business running smoothly. That will leave you little time to find an optimal and cost-effective solution. The recommended refreshment period is three to five years. In other words you should to replace 20-33 percent of your workstations every year. Stanford University’s IT department has a minimum standard for what computers can do. For teaching staff, the standard is that the computer can handle having at least four applications open at the same time. And the

Tech Top 5

university expects to replace computers every three to four years. It’s a good example because Stanford’s policies are a reminder that the hardware refresh cycle is all about making sure you’ve asked the right questions. What is the cost of not refreshing? Longer refresh cycles save money, but what is the cost of employees working on sluggish machines? They would be more productive working on fast and responsive PCs, so refresh cost and productivity should be examined together. What about the support cost? Computers usually cost more to support in their declining years. Hardware components tend to fail after a few years and multiple versions of operating systems and software require more testing and more work from your IT team. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Start with asking yourself a few questions. What’s a computer supposed to do? Have you gone beyond the question of the raw cost of upgrading and asked, as Stanford has, exactly what your computers should be able to do? Many knowledge workers would expect to be running far more than four applications simultaneously. Are your workers among them? Having an answer to the question gives you further support for the re-

fresh cycle you’ve chosen. Do my computers run the latest software? If your computer balks at running the newer office applications, it may not have the resources or hardware to handle them. You can upgrade the hardware if your machine is only a few years old and in otherwise good condition, but if you have a business that relies on many of the newer office applications, it really makes more sense to replace the computer. Can I store important data? If you have a lot of programs, documents, images, music or movies and you find yourself having to continually move things to disk or delete something to make room for something else, you definitely need a bigger hard drive. You could just move everything, including your operating system to a new hard drive, but the need for more space is also an indication that you need a more efficient computer. What is the productivity cost of not refreshing? A slower refresh cycle saves money, but have you compared that to the cost of employees waiting for applications to load or function? Intel found that a faster refresh cycle

brought an average productivity improvement of 9.7 percent over a range of tasks. You don’t have to rely on Intel’s numbers; you can do your own analysis. Looking at productivity and refresh costs together will give you additional confidence in your decision. When do support costs peak? Just like the rest of us, computers cost more to support in their declining years. It’s not just the hardware starting to fail, but also the burden of maintaining multiple versions of operating systems and software. It’s inevitable that you have to refresh your computers at some point. It isn’t inevitable that you have to spend a fortune keeping updated computers limping toward the end of a too-long life. Again, the trick is to look at the numbers and find the sweet spot between the two expenses. Many staff get frustrated and disgruntled when technology fails or starts to run slow. One significant advantage to refreshing your computer fleet is happier staff and increased productivity. Employees usually feel valued if they can work with current systems and new technologies. – David Darmstandler is CEO of Datapath, an IT services company with headquarters in Modesto. You can reach him at david@mydatapath.com.

October 2016

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Governor signs farmworker overtime bill SACRAMENTO — Gov. Jerry Brown on Sept. 12 signed AB 1066, which changes the way farmworkers are paid overtime. The new law will begin phasing in at the beginning of 2017. It will end the 10-hour work day, 60- hour workweek threshold workers had to meet to be eligible for overtime pay at agricultural operations. Under the new law, farmworkers will get overtime after working eight hours a day or 40 hours in a single week. “The whole world eats the food provided by California farmworkers, yet we don’t guarantee fair overtime pay for the backbreaking manual labor they put in to keep us fed,” said Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, when the Assembly passed the bill. “We know this is the right thing to do, and thanks to the hard work of an incredible coalition throughout the state and across the country, we’re now one step closer to finally providing our hard-working farmworkers the dignity they deserve.” The United farmworkers called the law a victory. “For 78 years, a Jim Crow-era law discriminated against farmworkers by denying us the same overtime rights that other workers benefit from,” said United Farmworker President Arturo S. Rodriguez. “Here in

the U.S. today, Gov. Brown corrected a historic wrong and set an example for other states to follow.” However, many in the agricultural community are disappointed with the new law. “We are extremely disappointed that this legislation was signed into law, as it will be harmful to farm employees, farmers, consumers and the environment,” said California Farm Bureau

Federation President Paul Wenger. “Those who work on California farms will see reduced paychecks and have their lives disrupted as these new worker overtime rules come into play. California consumers will have fewer opportunities to buy California-grown farm products that are produced under the most stringent food safety, employment and environmental rules in the world.”

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In another case, the social media posts complained about the employer’s improper withholding of taxes, causing employees to have an income tax liability at the end of the year. Those posts included the statement that the manager who failed to correctly withhold taxes was an “a**hole.” Another employee “liked” that comment. Those posts were found to be protected and concerted because they related to wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. The employees, who had been terminated for “performance reasons,” were reinstated, with back pay. (Three D, LLC (Triple Play) 361 NLRB No. 31 (2014); Aff ’d (2d Cir. Dec. 14, 2015). What is an employer to do? Review your social media policy, keeping in mind the following suggestions. Employers should avoid broad prohibitions on the use of the company name or logo. Prohibitions on harassment and discrimination may be upheld, but consider defining these terms by referencing your other harassment or discrimination policies. General, subjective terms, such as “confidential” or “inaccurate information,” could raise a red flag. Finally, a broad disclaimer at the end of a social media policy likely will not be effective. – Bruce Sarchet is an attorney with the firm of Littler Mendelson and represents employers in labor and employment law matters. You can contact him at bsarchet@littler.com.

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Chair R. Jay Allen, Vice-Chair Elizabeth Blanchard. Commissioners Sylvester Aguilar, Gary Christopherson, Michael Patrick Duffy, Stephen Griffen, Victor Mow. Port Director Richard Aschieris.

The Western United Dairymen lobbied against the bill and told its membership it is disappointed the governor signed it. “Compounding the impact the $15 minimum wage will have on the entire agricultural industry in the state, the industry lobbied heavily against the legislation because of the eventual effect it will have on the employees,” the organization wrote to its members.

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PROVIDERS

In San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties. Ranked by Number of Energy Sources Provided. Ties are Listed in Alphabetical Order.

Casey Hashimoto (209) 883-8300 tid.com

MID Merced Irrigation District 744 West 20th Street Merced, CA 95344 Port Of Stockton Electric Power Supply 2201 Washington Street Stockton, CA 95203

South San Joaquin Irrigation District 11011 E. Hwy. 120 Manteca, CA 95336

All Air Incorporated 1205 Vine Street, Ste. C Lodi, CA 95240

Advanced Commercial Enterprises 702 Church Street Modesto, CA 95337

Community Fuels 809-C Snedeker Avenue Stockton, CA 95203

Covanta Stanislaus 4040 Fink Road Crows Landing, CA 95313

Iberdrola Renewables 1125 NW Couch Street Portland, OR 97209

Unspecified Sources

Turlock Irrigation District P.O. Box 949 Turlock, CA 95381

Modesto Irrigation District 1231 11th Street Modesto, CA 95354

Other NonRenewable

Anthony Earley, (415) 973-5930 pge.com

Lodi Electric Utility 1331 S. Ham Lane Lodi, CA 95242

Large Hydroelectric

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. 4040 West Lane Stockton, CA 95204

Small Hydro Electric

Web Address

FPL Energy P.O. Box 14000 Juno Beach, FL 33408

Biomass/Waste

Phone

65%

10%

3.5%

11%

Top Local Executive

Hydrogen Technologies Inc. P.O. Box 8540 Stockton, CA 95208

Geothermal

Address

Solar

Company Name

Wind

% Renewable Content

Ed Stockon (209) 986-9346 hydrogentechnologiesinc. com

Chris Allen, (561) 691-7171 fplenergy.com Elizabeth Kirkley (209) 333-6762 lodielectric.com

27 % - Eligible Renewable 7%

Renewable energy storage

2009 Modesto, CA

45%

21%

Natural gas and power utility

1905 San Francisco CA

12%

52%

12%

Electric power and Irrigation water

1905 San Francisco CA

62%

Clean energy provider operating wind, natural gas, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear power across the nation

27%

46%

Customer owned and city operated utility providing electricity

24 % - Eligible Renewable 19%

34%

20 % - Renewable 0%

20%

26 % - Eligible Renewables

Greg Salyer (209) 526-7373 mid.org

23%

33%

2.17%

37%

3.06% - Eligible Renewable John Sweigard (209) 722-5761 mercedid.org

John Reis (209) 946-0246 dtepowerandindustrial. com

Services and Products

2.20%

Year Est. Company Headquarters

.86%

Irrigation water to approximately 3,100 agricultural customers irrigating close to 60,000 acres. Electric service to more than 115,000 customers and treated drinking water to the city of Modesto Operates and maintains New Exchequer, Mc Swain dams, reservoirs and hydroelectric facilities. Provides water for salmon and trout hatcheries. Total irrigable lands is 138,000 acres. A total of 825 miles of distribution facilities.Provides utility power

80%

Biomass plant, DTE affiliate. Produces 45 megawatts of clean renewable energy. Supports 45,000 homes per year. Sells power to PG&E

20 % - Eligible Renewable

1925 Juno Beach FL 1910 Lodi, CA

1887 Modesto, CA

1927 Merced, CA

2014 Ann Arbor MI 1909 Manteca, CA

19.5%

0.5%

Peter Rietkerk (209) 249-4600 ssjid.com

48%

51%

Wholesale power, irrigation water and domestic water

Kevin Gutierrez (209) 369-4822 allairheatingandair.com

100%

Solar

2011 Lodi, CA

Michael Flood (209) 581-1180 acesolarspecialists.com

100%

Solar

1989 Modesto, CA

Lisa Mortenson (209) 466-4823 communityfuels.com

100%

Biodiesel

2006 Encinitas, CA

Jeffrey Ruoss (209) 837-4423 stanislauswte.com

100%

Ralph Currey (503) 796-7000 iberdrolarenewables.us

Processes 800 tons per day of solid waste, which generates 22.5 megawatts of energy sold to PG&E Shiloh Wind Power Plant, Birds Landing; California customers include PG&E, MID and City of Palo Alto utilities

1989 Fairfield, NJ 2005 Portland, OR

Pacific Ethanol Stockton Neil Koehler, 2007 (209) 235-0370 0% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% Ethanol and feed products 3028 Navy Drive Sacramento CA pacificethanol.net Stockton, CA 95206 SunEdison 2007 John Dubel Solar energy provider for government, 44 Montgomery Street Beltsville (415) 230-3400 0% 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 16 commercial and utility Ste. 2200 MD sunedison.com San Francisco, CA 94104 These lists are provided as a free service by the Central Valley Business Journal for our readers. As such, inclusion is based on editorial consideration and is not guaranteed. If you would like your business to be included in a list, please write to: Research Department, Central Valley Business Journal, 4512 Feather River Drive, Ste. E, Stockton, CA 95219, fax your information to Research Dept. at (209) 477-0211 or email us at research@cvbizjournal.com. Copyright Central Valley Business Journal. 15

Researched by Danette Conley 09/2016

October 2016

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Central Valley Business Journal

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SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

BRIEFS Transit agency chooses new chief operating officer STOCKTON — The San Joaquin Regional Transit District has chosen Thomas Drozt as its new Chief Operating Officer. Drozt’s duties will include overseeing transportation, maintenance, and paratransit operations. Prior to coming to Stockton, Drozt worked at the Maryland Transit Administration as Director of Bus Transportation. “We’re very excited to have Thomas Drozt join the RTD team,” CEO Donna DeMartino said in a statement. “With over 17 years of transit management and planning experience, he will play an integral role in shaping, innovating, and growDrozt ing how RTD delivers transportation services to the San Joaquin County region.” Drozt also held management and executive positions at Dunn Transportation, Xerox Corporation, MV Transportation, and Veolia Transportation.

Boy Scouts honor Eberhardt STOCKTON — The Boy Scouts of America Greater Yosemite Council honored Bank of Stockton Chairman and CEO Douglass M. Eberhardt with the “Distinguished Citizen” award on Sept. 28. The award recognized Eberhardt for his life time of leadership and philanthropy to the Stockton community, the Boy Eberhardt Scouts said. The event was held at the Stockton Golf and Country Club.

Local accountant honored among the top 40-under-40 STOCKTON — Caleb Jenkins, leader of cloud accounting at RLJ Financial Services, Inc., has been named to CPA Practice Advisor’s annual 40-under-40 list. The program is designed to recognize young professionals who are helping to positively shape the accounting and tax profession. “I’m humbled and extremely honored to be recognized as 2016 40-under-40 in the accounting and tax profession by CPA Practice Advisor,” said Jenkins, in a press release. In order to be named to the list, the CPAs must be active both in Jenkins the profession and in their communities. Many are also active at industry trade shows and give seminars or participate in discussion on evolving practices and technologies. “Caleb has an aptitude for learning and implementing new technologies that assist our clients’ business operate more effectively,” said Randy Jen-

kins, president & CEO of RLJ Financial Services, Inc. “This is a real blessing to both our clients and our firm.”

Stockton CPA firm honored by national accounting newsletter STOCKTON — Local CPA firm Bowman & Company, LLP has received two national designations from the newsletter INSIDE Public Accounting. The firm was recognized as one of the 2016 Best of the Best Accounting Firms and also ranked among the nation’s 300 largest accounting firms. The Best of the Best recognition honors 50 CPA firms, among more than 540, from across the nation for superior performance in more than 70 criteria. This is the second straight year that Bowman has achieved that distinction. Bowman has been serving clients since 1949 and currently employs 35 accountants and support staff. “Bowman & Company is honored to be listed among the nation’s best accounting firms,” said firm Partner Daryl Petrick in a release. “We have worked hard to develop a talented team of professionals who are responsive to the needs of our clients.”

Pacific adds positions to facilitate internships STOCKTON — University of the Pacific’s Career Resource Center has created two new staff positions to support experiential learning for students enrolled in Pacific’s liberal arts programs. Internship development specialists will partner with employers, community leaders and alumni to create internship opportunities in support of academic goals for students enrolled in any of the 31 majors offered through the university’s liberal arts programs. Sue Daugherty joined Pacific’s Career Resource Center in July. Daugherty She has over 25 years of experience in recruitment, account management, business development and customer service. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism/public relations from Washington State University. Samantha Pfeiffer also joined the university in July after completing the student affairs graduate program at Pacific. Prior to Pacific, she worked in the area of human resources and recruiting in the banking industry for 11 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in human resource development from Clemson University.

Lodi fire station wins design award LODI — Fire Station 2, which opened late last year, received a National Fire Station Design Award, according to Lodi City Manager Steve Schwabauer. The station received a silver award by a team of architects who considered form, function, use of space, energy efficiency, durability, addressing fire service specific needs, integrating fire communications and technical systems, building mechanical systems along with firefighter safety and amenities. Mary McGrath Architects, Lodi firefighters and Gary Wiman of Public Works worked as a team to design Fire Station 2, which is located at 2 S. Cherokee Lane.

October 2016

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STANISLAUS COUNTY

BRIEFS Lewis hired to run new health care endowment TURLOCK — The Legacy Health Endowment board of trustees has hired Jeffrey R. Lewis as its first president and chief executive officer. The newly formed health care philanthropy endowment was created as a result of the sale of Emanuel Medical Center, Inc. to Doctors Medical Center of Modesto, Inc., which is affiliated with Tenet Health. The endowment will provide funding and technical support for nonprofit health care facilities to create health care solutions within Stanislaus and MerLewis ced counties. It will work through programs that provide medical services, health screenings and testing, health education, preventative health care services, medical education, medical research and other needed health care services. Lewis has spent more than 30 years working to promote entrepreneurial leadership, strategic partnerships, capital investment and planning, cost reduction and public policy development. Lewis has worked in Congress, for three U.S. senators, in the private sector, and in the foundation world as well. Lewis was resident of the Institute for Healthcare Innovation while also serving as the chairman and CEO of the St. Paul’s Foundation health care Project in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

Business Women’s Symposium set for Nov. 3 MODESTO — The Alliance SBDC is holding its second Business Women’s Symposium Nov. 3 in downtown Modesto. Business owners and professionals can enjoy breakfast catered by Greens On Tenth while hearing from keynote speaker Martha Connor, CEO of DirectLine Technologies as well as a diverse panel of business women who will share how they balance rising careers and personal pursuits. There will also be a Q&A session, raffle prizes and networking. The event is at 8:30 a.m., Nov. 3 at Greens on Tenth. Tickets are $30. For more information, call (209) 422-6416.

Boyd Corporation buys Spec Seal MODESTO — Modesto-based Boyd Corporation, which provides engineered, specialty materialbased energy management and sealing solutions, has acquired o-ring manufacturer Spec Seals. The purchase will complement Boyd’s work in industries including passenger automotive, commercial vehicle, agriculture and construction equipment, medical device, aerospace and various industrial markets, Boyd said in a press release. “We are thrilled to get this transaction closed and begin to introduce these new specialties to our valued customers,” said Boyd Corporation CEO Mitch Aiello. “We are positioned now more than ever to realize sig-

October 2016

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MERCED COUNTY

nificant growth in core markets around the world. ”Spec Seal has operations in Anaheim and Chicago.

MJC to host Fast Pitch Challenge

MODESTO — Modesto Junior College is hosting a “Fast Pitch” Innovation Challenge on Oct. 19. The competition is sponsored by the Small Business Development Council and the MJC Business, Behavioral and Social Sciences Division. It involves short presentations by as many as 10 persons with innovative and creative solutions to needs they have identified in the local marketplace. The winner will receive a $500 prize. MJC students, faculty and employees are eligible to present in this competition. Presenters will be selected from individuals who submit a competition application prior to the Oct. 4 deadline. Three MJC faculty members will serve as judges who evaluate and score each presentation. The winner of the “Fast Pitch” competition will also be invited to compete in the Stanislaus Innovation Challenge competition to be held at Stanislaus State University on Nov. 17. “Fast Pitch” applications and submission details are available at www.alliancesbdc.com/fastpitch. Applications for the competition must be submitted to the Small Business Development Council by 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Modesto gets grant to continue hazardous waste collection MODESTO — The city of Modesto received a grant for $50,000 for collection of residential household hazardous waste. The grant will allow the city to continue to have mobile household hazardous waste collection events every quarter into 2019. Those events provide Modesto residents an alternative to the permanent facility on Morgan Road. In 2013, the city began offering mobile hazardous waste collection with the help of grant funds. Since the inception of the program, the city has collected nearly 14 tons of material and served over 500 customers.

Fantasy of Trees to raise money for Community Hospice MODESTO — The lobby of the Gallo Center for the Arts will be transformed into a winter wonderland, filled with designer-decorated trees and wreaths, unique holiday gifts, tasty treats and a special visit from Santa during a fun-filled two-day event. Fantasy of Trees offers something for everyone and helps fund Community Hospice’s support programs for children and hospice services. The event starts Dec. 2 and features the Santa Shares breakfast at 8 a.m., Dec. 3 at the Gallo Center. For tickets and more information, contact Community Hospice Foundation at (209) 578-6370 or visit give.hospiceheart.org.

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BRIEFS

UC system’s Blue and Gold program. Seventy-one percent are first-generation students and 61 percent are Pell grant eligible.

Los Banos shopping center sold

Gray’s bill to attract more doctors to Valley becomes law SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Adam C. Gray, D-Merced, announced Gov. Jerry Brown had signed Assembly Bill 2048 to attract and retain more doctors at health centers that serve the most impoverished and disadvantaged populations in the state. The State Loan Repayment Program provides $1 million in federal grant funds every year to physicians, dentists, and nurse practitioners in California who agree to practice medicine in health professional shortage areas. Gray’s bill makes federally qualified health Gary centers, such as Golden Valley Health Centers and Livingston Community Health, automatically eligible to participate in the program. “The cumbersome application process and costs associated with this program have stymied participation,” said Gray. “Just one-third of the health centers in the state have been able to jump through the hoops to even be eligible to apply. What that really means is that the clinics most in need of help were getting nothing.” Gray introduced the bill after learning about the difficulties faced by Livingston Community Health when their doctors applied to participate in the program.

UC Merced welcomes biggest freshman class MERCED — UC Merced welcomed its largest freshman class for the start of the new academic year. The school, in its 12th year of existence, will welcome a freshman class of 2,049 students and 173 transfer students. In total the school will have 6,815 undergraduate students registered for fall classes. The undergraduate class is almost entirely from California, with 99 percent graduating from state high schools. Only 6 percent of the students came from the UC system’s referral pool, meaning the lion’s share of students chose UC Merced as their top choice. The largest group of students, 38 percent, came from Southern California. That was followed by 35 percent from the San Joaquin Valley and 23 percent that came from the Bay Area. The vast majority of www.firstchoiceservices.com students, about 88 per209.467.4426 cent, receive some form of financial aid. Many pay no tuition at all under the

LOS BANOS — – Ethan Conrad Properties, Inc. has completed the purchase of San Luis Plaza Shopping Center at Pacheco Boulevard and I Street in Los Banos. It is the company’s second purchase in the city in the last two years. San Luis Plaza is a 149,550-square-foot retail center located on State Highway 33, which is one of the heaviest traveled routes between the Central Valley and the Central Coast. The existing tenants in the Center include JC Penney, Black Bear Diner and WestAmerica Bank. The property had been bank-owned and has struggled with vacancy issues over the past several years, which has led to deferred maintenance at the center. Ethan Conrad Properties said it plans to remodel the center to give stores an updated, modern look. It will also up the landscaping and parking lot and improve signage to maximize visibility for the tenants.

Merced County tops list of affordable homes for teachers MERCED — Merced County has highest rate of available homes that teachers can afford, according real estate brokerage firm Redfin. The company rated California’s counties for affordability based on the state’s average teacher’s salary of $73,536. Only 17 percent of the 72,403 homes for sale in September in the 31 most populated counties were affordable. In Merced County, however, 60 percent of the homes on the market were priced so a teacher could afford them. Least affordable were the Silicon Valley counties of San Mateo and Santa Clara where not a single home for sale was affordable on a teacher’s salary, according to Redfin.

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Five content marketing trends for 2017 Content marketing has become a vast industry, yet it’s still growing at a steady pace. Most companies continue to increase their content creation budgets just to keep up with the competition, though most also claim that their evolving content strategies are leading to ever greater effectiveness. You can’t be good at everything when it comes to creating the widest Dan Natividad possible range of content types Partner Port City Marketing you can, so it is important to know what to prioritize. As the industry continues to evolve, marketers have more options available to them than ever before, including the following five trends that are likely to become big hits over next year.

Brand Building

Long-form content Those who have not invested in long-form content, such as e-books

and white papers in the thousands of words, probably think it’s too timeconsuming to be worthwhile. However, if you put yourself in the shoes of a consumer, you’ll realize that no 500-word blog post can be nearly as informative as a more in-depth piece, especially one that’s backed up with some visual content. While the humble blog post might be great for social media fodder, longform content allows you to share much more information, and it gives you something to promote. In addition, most consumers expect longform content to be gated, so asking for an email address before a consumer is given access to your white paper is well within reason. Native advertising Native advertising, also known as sponsored content, presents one of the biggest shifts in online marketing in recent years. Because today’s consumers are so used to being bombarded with ads, they are typically seeking more meaningful and engaging experiences than things like banner ads can provide. Native advertising doesn’t rely on disrupting consumers, so it also presents a much safer approach, provided the content offers genuine value. For example, something like a 3-D or

virtual reality tour of a restaurant could be considered a form of native advertising, but it’s also one that can give the user a meaningful and enjoyable experience. Virtual reality For industries that rely a lot on visual appeal, such as real estate and travel, virtual reality promises a new level of immersion. Although virtual reality as a marketing tool has been widely discussed lately, 2017 will likely be when it becomes more accessible to the masses and its potential as a marketing tool will be at its greatest ever. From being able to test drive cars to tour homes for sale, virtual reality could well become the new standard for engaging media. After all, there’s no better way to allow your customers to experience your brand from afar than by 360-degree virtual reality content. Live streaming video Today’s brands are expected to have a round-the-clock online presence. As internet speeds get faster, video marketing has evolved into a huge niche. That shouldn’t come as any surprise considering that YouTube is now the third most popular website in the world. Live streaming video presents the natural extension of regular video

marketing because it offers ever greater opportunities, including the ability to make meaningful connections with your customers through more realtime, conversational approaches than is otherwise possible. Interactive media The internet and interactive media were intended to go hand-in-hand, so it stands to reason that interactive content has become an important marketing tool. Understanding that increasing user engagement is one of the most important goals of their campaigns, successful content marketers are leveraging the potential of interactive content, such as games and quizzes, to get their target audiences meaningfully involved. Of course, it might not suit every type of business, but there’s no doubt that web-based games and other interactive content have become a serious business. You can breathe new life into an aging content marketing strategy by taking a fresh perspective and broadening your approach by capitalizing on newer and more effective content formats. – Dan Natividad, a Stockton native, is a partner at Port City Marketing Solutions along with Kristen Dyke and Erin Diego. Dan can be reached at dan@portcitymarketing.com.

Lawsuit aimed at Yelp could have free speech implications SAN FRANCISCO — A federal lawsuit in California could silence reviews on the popular web site Yelp according to company lawyers. San Francisco lawyer Dawn Hassell sued a disgruntled client who left a negative review on Hassell’s Yelp page. Hassell said the review contained lies that damaged her business and she demanded that Yelp remove them. She says her lawsuit is aimed at lies, not just negative reviews. The case has been in the courts for more than two years. A San Francisco judge originally declared the posts defamatory and ordered the company to remove them. A second judge and a state appeals court upheld the decision. The

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Internet giants Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft claim the ruling “radically departs from a large, unanimous and settled body of federal and state court precedent” and could be used to “silence a vast quantity of protected and important speech.” Yelp said it gives businesses unhappy about negative reviews a legal pathway to have them removed. That revolves around suing the person who posted the content and getting a court order demanding the internet company remove it. Hassell claims that is not good enough. She also says that her lawsuit has a narrow focus and will not hamper free speech.

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Modesto may host Amgen Tour start in ‘17 MODESTO — Modesto has taken a step toward hosting a stage for next spring’s Amgen Tour of California. In August, the city’s Community & Economic Development staff announced that AEG Tour officials had offered the city of Modesto a start stage in the 2017 Amgen Tour of California. During its Sept. 13 meeting, council members approved a letter of intent with AEG Cycling, LLC to be a starting point for one stage of the bicycle race next May. The council also decided to put aside $125,000 from the excess transient occupancy tax to fund host city commitments. While council members generally supported the idea of having Modesto host a marqee event, some were concerned about the cost to taxpayers. “If we think about it, there’s only one other bicycling event in the world that equals this, and it’s the Tour de France,” said Councilwoman Jenny Kenoyer. “I’m tired of being No. 2 in property crimes and No. 4 in violent crimes,” said Councilwoman Kristi Ah You. “I want to have something that we can be proud of. But it pains me to no end to — it’s $125,000 of taxpayer money.” The city will solicit sponsorships for the event to help offset the cost. The

city manager will make monthly reports on fundraising efforts that are expected to offset the city’s cost of hosting the event. Business leaders who have participated with Amgen in the past believe the event has a high chance of success. “The $120,000 spoken of tonight that you think you have to come up, you won’t have to come up with because this city rallies behind events that are positive, that are uplifting, that are

exciting,” said businessman Jeremiah Williams, who was co-chair of past Modesto Amgen Tour events. In the end, the council passed the four resolutions tied to bidding for the event, by a vote of 5-2. Mayor Ted Brandvold and Councilman Mani Grewal voted against them. Modesto hosted a stage start in February 2008 and hosted finishes in 2009-2011, but the race has not passed

through the city since then. The Amgen Tour of California is one of the world’s most prestigious bike races and can generate hundreds of thousand of dollars in revenue and marketing exposure for host cities. It also requires the commitment of public services, including road closures and public safety. Amgen is expected to announce the host cities in mid-October.

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Nuts sign Class A Mariners deal

MODESTO — The Seattle Mariners will become the new majority owner of the Modesto Nuts as well as the Major League parent of the Class A team. The Modesto Nuts professional baseball club and the Mariners have signed a four-year player development contract, making the Nuts the Mariners’ top Class A affiliate. The new deal will end the Nuts’ affiliation with the Colorado Rockies which has been in place since 2005. “I think this is a great day for the Nuts, the city of Modesto and all baseball fans in the Stanislaus County area,” Michael Savit, managing partner of HWS Baseball IV, LLC, which has owned and managed the team since 2005. “The Mariners are a great organization, and the commitment they are making to the franchise says a great deal about Modesto and its baseball future. We couldn’t be happier about partnering with the Mariners.” Last year, the Bakersfield Blaze was the Class A affiliate of the Mariners. The California League eliminated the Blaze at the end of the year, forcing the Mariners to search for a new home for its Class A affiliate. “The Mariners are committed to a strong minor league system,” Seattle Director of Player Development Andy McKay said in a press release. “That commitment, coupled with our desire to remain in the California League and the great opportunity to be affiliated with the Nuts and the city and fans of Modesto, has led us to this partnership. We are looking forward to many, many years of success here in Modesto.”

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Donaire Gerald O 8275 Mariners Dr #283 Stockton, Ca 95219 Z-Best House Cleaning Diaz Angelica 2627 Robindale Avenue Stockton, Ca 95205 Kadara Heating Air Conditioning And Refrigeration 2387 East Roosevelt Stockton, Ca 95205 Dos Amigos Meat Market Rodriguez Gabriella 204 W 11th Street Tracy, Ca 95376

SJ COUNTY

LEGALS Fictitious Business Names Flight Lounge 18845 Lower Sacramento Rd Woodbridge, Ca 95258 Sf Supermarket 8004 West Lane Stockton, Ca 95210 The Cpr Providers Gonzales Raymond 672 West 11th Street Ste 339 Tracy, Ca 95376 The Aguilera Real Estate Team Aguilera Lisa M. 24 W 10th St Tracy, Ca 95376 Alpha Omega Ministries 116 W Willow St Stockton, Ca 95202 Lakefront Mobile Home Park 3461 Brookside Rd Ste. C Stockton, Ca 95219 Hawaiian Legacy Catering & Design Taylor Malia Kehaulani 6900 Sumter Quay Cir Stockton, Ca 95219 Secondhand Rose Heuer Amanda Marie 14 N School St Lodi, Ca 95240 99 Auto Peralta Rafael 39 Klo Rd Lathrop, Ca 95330 Inquisitive Fire Training Thomas Derrick Deshon 4041 Castellina Way Manteca, Ca 95337 Gucci’s Lifestyle Barbershop

Jackies Dog Grooming 334 N Main St Manteca, Ca 95336 High Lux Solar Cleaning 6507 Pacific Ave 139 Stockton, Ca 95207 Riverside Mobilehome Park 13955 Walnut Grove Rd Thornton, Ca 95686 Professional Office Solutions 1201 W Main St. Ste 7 Ripon, Ca 95366 The Commons At Union Ranch 2241 N Union Rd Manteca, Ca 95336 Daugherty Insurance Services 10100 Trin. Pkwy Ste 450 Stockton, Ca 95219 Ss Trucking Singh Manju 1010 Vaughn Lane Tracy, Ca 95376 L&S Pool Solar 10251 Creek Trail Cir Stockton, Ca 95209 American Pacific Mortgage 1150 W Robinhood Dr Ste 4c Stockton, Ca 95207 On The Spot Duenas Sky 140 Feverfew St Manteca, Ca 95337 Rehabcare 1517 Knickerbocker Dr Stockton, Ca 95210 Silver Chase Self Storage 12565 S Manthey Road Lathrop, Ca 95330

Vineyardloft Events Warmerdam Louise 22901 North Davis Rd Lodi, Ca 95242 First Aid Angels Huckins Ryan Sr. 2025 W. March Ln Ste 2 Stockton, Ca 95219 Lady Bug Design Anna Pavlova 350 N. Union Rd. #61 Manteca, Ca 95337 Dancing Fingers Spa 8626 Lower Sacramento Rd Unit 37a Stockton, Ca 95210 Arabella Estate Vineyards 340 W Highway 12 Lodi, Ca 952429501 Kristina Power Management 458 W Callado Ct Mtn. House, Ca 95391 Sandoval’s Plumbing Sandoval Javier Jr 7475 E. Northland Rd Manteca, Ca 95336 Escalon Fit 1740 Main St Escalon, Ca 95320 Gusty’s Wings Sandigo Brenda O 1825 Pacific Ave Ste 5 Stockton, Ca 95204 R C Hernandez Trucking 431 Alturas Ave Stockton, Ca 95207 Collegeville Market & Subway 13521 E. Mariposa Rd Stockton, Ca 95215 Smart Medical Billing Services Bell Yvonne 1804 Germain Lane Stockton, Ca 95206 Golden Acres Home And Care Lopez Marivic T 1101 California St Escalon, Ca 95320 Jm Shutter Mfg Lencioni Michael C 1187 Vanderbilt Cir Ste 200 Manteca, Ca 95337 Thirsty Bear Hazard Nilah Jean 1424 W. Locust St. Lodi, Ca 95242 Thethi Builders Inc 382 S Central Pkwy Mtn. House, Ca 95391

Becerra Concrete Pumping Becerra David 102 East Harney Ln Lodi, Ca 95242

Self Health Wellness Coaching Marvin Chantelle Marie 945 Van Court Ripon, Ca 95366

Sedd 1222 Monaco Ct Ste 1 Stockton, Ca 95207

Garner Brother’s Trucking 547 S. Rose St

October 2016

American Table Pad Co Irene Schomburg Pedersen 1307 Crawford Road Modesto, Ca 95357

Lodi, Ca 95240 Blackwell Heating And Air 727 N Sacrametno St Lodi, Ca 95241 Born Again Auto Sales Chaney Shawn Mathew 617 E Pine St, #F Lodi, Ca 95240

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Api Planning Architecture 4335 B North Star Way Modesto, Ca 95356 Argonaut Distilling

Ceetree Real Estate 1238 Laurel Park Circle Manteca, Ca 95337

600 Yosemite Blvd Modesto, Ca 95354 Arturo & Son Arturo Barajas Alvarez 696 Crowslanding Bldg Modesto, Ca 95351

Plowsheer, Llc 34111 S Koster Rd Tracy, Ca 95304 Project Green Prints 1222 Monaco Ct Ste 3a Stockton, Ca 95207 K & K Farms Kammerer Rob 21343 N Devries Rd Lodi, Ca 95242 Antares Real Estate 5507 Teal Court Stockton, Ca 95207 Sister Diane’s Daycare 1616 E. Main Street Stockton, Ca 95205 Galeana Landscaping Alcaraz Angelica 10631 W Larch Rd Tracy, Ca 95376 Juju’s Onstage Dance Studio Tacan Margie Maranan 526 W Benjamin Holt Dr Ste E Stockton, Ca 95207 Morada Physical Therapy 4339 E Morada Ln Ste 150 Stockton, Ca 95212 Rojas Racquet Strings 3664 Higgins Avenue Stockton, Ca 95205 Jec Industrial Services 156 Clayton Ave Stockton, Ca 95206 Guarantee Repair Service 101 Commerce Street Lodi, Ca 95240 Stockton Gaskets Pelaez Jesus 2607 E Waterloo Rd Stockton, Ca 95205 Cultigen Nursery Medford Debra Lynn 4223 Yacht Harbor Dr Stockton, Ca 95204 Rose Consulting Ealy Latonia Sharnel 2465 Berryessa Court Tracy, Ca 95304 Instant Wine 12431 E Tokay Colony Rd Lodi, Ca 95240

STANISLAUS COUNTY

LEGALS Fictitious Business Names 1-800-Board Up Hughes 4601 Spyres Way Ste 1 Modesto, Ca 95356 17 Ice Cream Allison Melendrez 801 Oakdale Rd Modesto, Ca 95355 50’s Road House Agave House Inc 18341 Kennedy Rd Oakdale, Ca 95361 A & K Towing Service Adrian Jimenez 5723 W Kiernan Ave Salida, Ca 9536 A-Z Real Estate Prentice 1213 Durant St Modesto, Ca 95350 A1 24-Hours Notary Public Scherrer, R L 329 Las Palmas Ave Modesto, Ca 95354 Agricultural Chipping Services 1930 Ladd Road Modesto, Ca 95356 Alex Auto Body Alex Pacheco 970 W Glenwood Ave Turlock, Ca 95380 Alfredo’s Auto Repair Alfredo Rodriguez 2521 Rail Road Ave #B Ceres, Ca 95307 Already Really Fresh Manuel Ruelas 5308 Roeding Rd Hughson, Ca 95326 Alsco Steiner Corporation 3391 Lanatt Street Sacramento, Ca 95819

Baby Cakes & Catering Kristie Rivera 1730 Carlton Ave Modesto, Ca 95350 Bamboo House Restaurant Mui Sui Wah 4525 Broadway Ste B Salida, Ca 95368 Bargain Pacific Kathryn Marcellino 2409 Becker Ct Modesto, Ca 95358 Big O Tires 4237 McHenry Ave Modesto, Ca 95356 Bighead Animation Jimmy Angelo 4121 Dale Rd Apt 102 Modesto, Ca 95356 Blanc De Bleu Cellars 6342 Bystrum Road Ceres, Ca 95307 Block Advisors 1508 Coffee Rd Ste E Modesto, Ca 95356 Blue Sierra Design 3618 Tim Bell Road Waterford, Ca 95386 Bobby’s Smog Robert Stanley 1515 Yosemite Blvd Modesto, Ca 95354 Boese Rentals Bruce Boese 345 California Ave Oakdale, Ca 95361 Bottle Note 600 Yosemite Blvd Modesto, Ca 95354 Briscese Construction & Remodel Robert Briscese 2800 Sapphire Dr Modesto, Ca 95355 Budget Cleaning & Maintenance Of Stanislaus County Sara Rivera 415a W 18th #181 Merced, Ca 95341 Bulldog Bail Bonds 400 12th Street Ste 3 Modesto, Ca 95354

BZ Mart Inc 1510 Miller Avenue Modesto, Ca 95354 California Auto Parts

Deborah Payton-Sims 808 Sweetwood Lane Patterson, Ca 95363

& Auto Dismantler Amrajit Singh 618 S 9th St Modesto, Ca 95355

E.M.C. Lawn Maintenance Efren Munguia Cuevas 2608 Riverdale Ave Modesto, Ca 95358

California Living Concrete Hector Daniel Lopez 2704 Palomino Lane Modesto, Ca 95355

El As De Oro Bar Ramon Chavez Hernandez 880 S Hwy 33 Westley, Ca 95387

Calstar Unlimited Amenoel Barfield 509 13th Street, Ste 7 Modesto, Ca 95354

El Torito Loco Alejandrina Rangel 4558 Broadway Salida, Ca 95368

Carniceria Dos Aguas 1430 Main Street Newman, Ca 95360

Embryo, Inc 1224 E Barnhart Rd Turlock, Ca 95382

Central Valley Feed & Supply 6055 Central Ave Ceres, Ca 95307

Erika’s Beauty Hair Salon Rodolfo Castillo Perez 1755 Crowslanding Rd Modesto, Ca 95358

Central Valley Services Mary Louise Canedo 1501 15th St Ste A-2 Modesto, Ca 95354 Choice Auto Body Araceli De Reza 609 7th St Ste A Modesto, Ca 95354 Coyote Investments Fisher Timothy S 1300 Marilyn St. Modesto, Ca 95350 D & G Handyman Derek Weese 2741 Dow St Turlock, Ca 95382 Dazzle Me Nails Salon Carmen Fausto 3948 Sylvan Ave Ste #304 Modesto, Ca 95355 De Somma Enterprises Carmine R De Somma 1155 La Dalias Ct Turlock, Ca 95380 Discovery Seeds Co. 1713 Savoie Way Modesto, Ca 95356 Double A Asset And Protection Akil Johnson-Cato 9187 Fairway Ct Patterson, Ca 95363 Downey Park Counseling Associates Wess Ferguson 1213 Coffee Rd Ste P Modesto, Ca 95355 Driftwood Inn Jayantibhai Chhotabhai Patel 1024 So 9th St Modesto, Ca 95351 Ds Bouquets & More

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F H Trucking 1628 Imperial Ave Modesto, Ca 95358 Fabulous House Cleaning Verenice Sanchez 1230 Hasley Dr Modesto, Ca 95358 Fantasy Floral Socorro Padilla 654 N Yosemite #C Oakdale, Ca 95361 Farvest Farms Oz Epifanio Oseguera 2872 Don Rafael Ave Riverbank, Ca 95367 Fashion Autobody J Jesus Torres Villegas 696 Crowslanding Rd 3d Modesto, Ca 95351 Fast Tow Luther E Bradshaw 3601 Justin Ct Modesto, Ca 95355 First Health Elite 1612 Tully Rd Modesto, Ca 95350 Fitness Evolution 2705 Geer Rd Turlock, Ca 95382 Five Star Roadside Service Austin James Wyrick 2600 Rose Ave Modesto, Ca 95355 Foxy Designs Golding, Alexis McKaela 250 Odessa Way Oakdale, Ca 95361 Frances Ford Coppola Winery 400 Hosmer Ave Modesto, Ca 95351 Franklin & Downs Funeral Home 2561 5th Ceres, Ca 95307

Pioneer Drug 1428 Center Ave Dos Palos, Ca 93620

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October 2016

Qk 901 E Main Street Visalia, Ca 93292 Pearson’s Jewelers Sherry F. Pearson 1043 Adams Ave Los Banos, Ca 93635 Best Electric 1322 7th Street Modesto, Ca 95354

MERCED COUNTY

LEGALS Fictitious Business Names Two Angry Guys 1028 Vernal Ave Merced, Ca 95340 Unique Trade Victor Borges Arruda 6817 Helton St Winton, Ca 95388 Jb Truck Wash Juan Enrique Barrios Reyna 2219 Park Aracdia Ct Los Banos, Ca 93635 Alta Apiaries Inc 1668 Valley St Atwater, Ca 95301 G H Express Gurwinder Singh 1164 Olive Ave Apt #1 Livingston, Ca 95334 Mason’s Landscaping Dustin Mason 7481 Twins Court Winton, Ca 95388 J.R. Logistics Juan R. Diaz 115 San Clemente Dr Merced, Ca 95341 Go Media Group George H. Bertaina 3313 E. South Bear Creek Drive Merced, Ca 95340 Fruits Express Ramon Lemus Jr 305 Broadway St King City, Ca 93930 Nicholas Baballe Trucking 19214 First Avenue Stevinson, Ca 95374 Eyespyglam & Sheer Design Savannah Chavez 3266 Mc Master Rd Merced, Ca 95341

Merced Locking Key Ivan Garcia Prado 1900 Ashby Rd Sp2 Merced, Ca 95348 MM Marketing Consulting Morgan Aue 170 Rahilly Rd Merced, Ca 95341 Anna’s Notary Service Anna Martinez 971 E Olive Ave Merced, Ca 95340 California Autorama Transport Cesar Brum 7655 Towe Court Hilmar, Ca 95324 United In Christ/ Revival Center 214 Garden Dr Atwater, Ca 95301 Homes 4 You Realty Dianna C Bard 749 Leigh Dr Merced, Ca 95348 Interwest Real Estate Calvin Callister 3880 N Gardner Ave Merced, Ca 95340 La Felina Radio Tv Fidelina Banuelos 1472 B Street Suite A Livingston, Ca 95334 Bella Luna Bakery Café 350 W Main Street Merced, Ca 95340 Waterworld Vigail Naranjo 225 Mercy Springs Rd Suite B Los Banos, Ca 93635 Rockshar Dairy Sharlene De Jager 3025 E. Sandy Mush Road Merced, Ca 95341 Garcia’s Bookkeeping & Income Tax Maria T Garcia 9070 Hinton Ave Delhi, Ca 95315 Smokin Double Barrels BBQ Kurt Lopez 730 Foothill Street Los Banos, Ca 93635

Mayar’s Halal Meat Processing Anisa Mayar 24411 Anna St Hayward, Ca 94545 Defenitive Prints Timothy F Mcginity 7438 Carmellia Ave Dos Palos, Ca 93620 Ojenda’s Company Jorge Ojeda-Ochoa 16434 Carey St Dos Palos, Ca 93620 My Metal Works Joseph David Mendes 20070 Falke Street Hilmar, Ca 95324 Action Computers Satnam S Malhi 2278 Lecco Way Merced, Ca 95340 Delta Ranch John S Jordan 419 Bluff Court Los Banos, Ca 93635 5n Cattle Rachael Adele Nightengale 26711 Taglio Road Gustine, Ca 95322 Beat Michael Arturo Urner 945 Wake Forest Ct Merced, Ca 95348 Royalty Vip Christopher Calix Madyag 2832 Mccombs Dr Merced, Ca 95340 H&H On Canal Men’s Clothing Wendell K. Hammon 2887 Forist Lane Merced, Ca 95340 Antique Cauldron Heather Marie Bolton 1341w 6th St Merced, Ca 95341 Maple Inn 1621 E. Pacheco Blvd Los Banos, Ca 93635

Deborah Von Allman 858 Nickel St Los Banos, Ca 93635 Fresh Lane Produce Fernando Prado 3780 Armando Ct Ceres, Ca 95307 Nick’s Fix Nicholas Quinn 100 North Tower Rd Merced, Ca 95340 Property Solutions Rose Montez 413 Occidental Court Merced, Ca 95348 Cen Valley Maintenance Co. Francisco Gomez 232 Sunset Dr Merced, Ca 95340 Rhino Pest Services 860 Ridge Lake Blvd Legal A3-4008 Memphis, Tn 38120 Ghuman Transport Sangram Singh 924 Springbrook Dr Livingston, Ca 95334 Chelsy Leann Photography Chelsy Leann Bolser 720 West 18th Street Merced, Ca 95340 Boulders Plus Patrick Bloed 3524 Atwater Blvd Atwater, Ca 95301 Lighthouse Psychological Services 1026 Florin Rd #239 Sacramento, Ca 95831 Realty Executives Of Merced 189 El Portal Dr Merced, Ca 95348 JPS Sierra Foods Inc 5881 N Winton Way Winton, Ca 95388

Tuttle Farms Betty Shannon 3138 Willow Run Drive Merced, Ca 95340

B&A Transport Benigno F Alvarez 29739 West Cottonwood Rd Gustine, Ca 95322

Rivas Consulting Sol Rivas 2145 Leward Ct Merced, Ca 95340

El Jando S Trucking Alejandro C Salazar 355 San Bernardino St Los Banos, Ca 93635

Laurindo Azevedo 9854 Ferrel Ct Delhi, Ca 95315

Bellas Bridal, Quince & More Dahyanna B. Gonzalez 8400 W Lux Ave Dos Palos, Ca 93620

Collective Strategies Rachel Martin 365 Hearst Dr Merced, Ca 95348 Sugar Plum’s Family Farm Carolyn J Wahlen 2388 Nelander Rd Stevinson, Ca 95374 Tax Preperation By Deborah

Xpress Valuations Michael Silva 6424 Josie Street Atwater, Ca 95301 Valley Consultation Services Mary L. Dores 2862 Sohan Dr Merced, Ca 95348

Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

United Way sets $3 million goal for 2017 STOCKTON — The United Way of San Joaquin County launched its workplace campaign during a luncheon Sept. 14 at the University of the Pacific’s Spanos Center. The campaign’s official goal is $3 million, but past chairman Rick Goucher said he thinks the organization can do better. “We’re going to strive for $5 million,” he told the audience of business owners, citing the fact that San Joaquin County has three-quarters of a million people.” It shouldn’t be that big an effort.” The United Way is celebrating 90

years serving San Joaquin County. The organization provides a streamlined way to raise money from donors and distribute it to the county’s nonprofit organizations. At the core of its efforts is the workplace campaign. Representatives from United Way go to local businesses to explain the program to employees. Workers can choose to donate money, which is deducted from their paychecks. They fill out pledge forms, indicate how much money they want to donate and designate a nonprofit to give it to. Another way to participate is to give

to United Way’s Community Impact Fund, and United Way will decide where the money would be best used. During this year’s luncheon, the United Way showcased one of its nonprofits, the Boys and Girls Club of Tracy. The organization has seven clubs throughout the city and serves about 800 children by giving them help with homework, serving hot meals and setting healthy living examples. Ava McAllister spoke to the gathering and described how the club has made a difference in the life of her son, Aaron, who has autism. He

started going to the Boys and Girls Club 12 years ago when he was 8 years old. McAllister said she was nervous Aaron would be mistreated, but she soon learned she was wrong. “Not only did he survive, but my son thrived,” McAllister said adding that she is grateful that her son was accepted the way he is. Aaron became a volunteer and is now a paid staff member. To set up a United Way presentation for your business, contact Darcy Koster at 209-469-6980 or email at dkoster@unitedwaysjc.org.

MODESTO — Restaurant owners and managers will get a chance to tap into an industry insider’s expertise on the business of running a restaurant during two workshops in October. The Alliance Small Business Development Center will bring Tom Bruce, president of Central Coast Food and Beverage, to Modesto on Oct. 17 and 24 to share what he knows about building customer loyalty and increasing profitability. Bruce is an accredited vocational instructor, certified by the National & California Restaurant Associations. “It’s an opportunity to learn from someone who’s been in the restau-

rant industry for 30 years,” said Alliance SBDC Director Kurtis Clark. “He’s seen a lot and knows a lot about what works.” Clark said the workshops are geared toward restaurant owner/operators rather than franchise owners. Many people open restaurants because they have a passion for food, but they don’t necessarily have the business background needed to succeed in the competitive world of hospitality, he said. The workshops will cover customer service strategies, cost controls and strategic operations, sales growth and improving profitability.

Bruce talked by phone about the workshops by phone and said many restaurant owners need to learn to delegate so they can develop and executive their business’s strategy. “The things we see most often in the big picture is that too many operators spend too much time working in their business instead of working on their business,” Bruce said. “We try to teach them some improved operating systems in both cost controls and marketing,” During the workshops, Bruce will address marketing, menu design, how to modify a restaurant’s concept to keep it current and competitive and

how to conduct research to make informed decisions. This is the second time Bruce has offered the restaurant workshops in Modesto. Clark said the workshops five years ago were well received and when the small business development center received extra funding, it decided to offer the workshops again. The workshops will be from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday Oct. 17 and Oct. 24 Restaurant owners and managers interested in attending can register online at tinyurl.com/modrest or by calling the Alliance ABDC at (209) 4226416. The registration fee is $30.

Restaurant workshop offered in Modesto

October 2016

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Central Valley Business Journal

October 2016

Helping Helping Helping you be you be you be prepared prepared prepared

“ As a meteorologist, I work to make sure PG&E crews are ready forto any weather. “ A s a meteorologist, I work make “ As a meteorologist, I work to make sure sure We our customers to to be prepared “ PG&E A s awant meteorologist, I work make suretoo.” crews are ready for any weather. PG&E crews are ready for any weather. PG&E crews are ready for anyprepared weather.too.” We want our customers to be We want our customers to be prepared too.” SCOTT We wantSTRENFEL our customers to be prepared too.” Meteorologist

SCOTT SCOTT STRENFEL STRENFEL Meteorologist SCOTT STRENFEL Meteorologist

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Meteorologist