Progress Magazine November 2021

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

VOL. 42 | ISSUE 11 | NOVEMBER 2021

BAY VALLEY TECH STONE FIRE PIZZA HARVESTING SUCCESS

Serving Up Small Business Loans Since 1867

Bank of Stockton has been serving the local business community for more than 154 years. From loans to expand a growing venture, to services and products that help small businesses manage cash flow, we’ve always been here for all your banking needs. Knowing the important role small businesses play in our local economy, Bank of Stockton is committed to supporting and promoting new and expanding businesses. Talk to one of our business banking experts at your branch today and learn what Bank of Stockton has served up for you.

bankofstockton.com

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

IN MODESTO 1302 J St. & 4204 Dale Rd.

NOVEMBER 2021 | CONTENTS

MISSION STATEMENT

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area, regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity and business education.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman

Michael Gaffney, PG&E

Past Chairman

Steve Rank, Rank Investigations and Protection, Inc.

Vice Chair, External Operations Michael Moradian Jr. Peace of Mind Pest Control

Vice Chair, Internal Operations, Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAMBER CALENDAR

Garrett Ardis- Huff Construction Company Inc. Dennis Bettencourt- Blue Diamond Growers Brad Blakeley, Edward Jones Investments Kirstie Boyett, The State Theater David Halvorson Jr.- American Chevrolet Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Brian McDermott, Team S.O.S Kymber Miller- Sysco Central California Inc. Eric Nielsen, Gianelli Nielsen Peggy O'Donnell, Mid-Valley Productions Jason Pineda, Freshpoint Inc. Bill Robinson, Principal Financial Group DeJeune Shelton- Modesto Junior College Madhu Singh, Bank of Stockton Jared Steinwert, F&M Bank John Villines- Modesto Gospel Mission

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tyler Richardson Chief Business Services Officer, Opportunity Stanislaus and Executive Director of VOLT Joe Duran, President of Stanislaus Equity Partner (STEP) *Register on website, in person & Zoom 11:30 A.M

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STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM-DARK RELATIONSHIPS

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STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM Vicki Rice / Recycling Program Coordinator Upcoming Legislation SB 1383 that all cities in California will be facing. *Register on website, in person & Zoom 12:00 P.M.

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Distribution: 209 Magazine

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209.634.9141

Advertising Sales:

COMMUNITY

crogers@oakdaleleader.com 209.845.4074

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TECH CONNECT BitWise Industries, 2:00PM-3:00PM *Register on website 2:00 P.M

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL Jason Conway, Executive Director of Modesto Gospel Mission Chairman of Stanislaus Community System of Care Brad Hawn, Chairman of Stanislaus Homeless Alliance (SHA) *Register on website, in person & Zoom 11:30A.M MEMBERS MIX & MINGLE-TBD

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RISING PROFESSIONALS-DARK *Register on website, in person & Zoom 12:00 P.M.

Stone Fire PizzaDAY - OFFICE CLOSED 25 THANKSGIVING 26

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13 STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM AMBASSADOR & WELCOME TEAM MEETING

WOMEN IN BUSINESS Wildfire Public House 1533 Oakdale Rd # A, Modesto 5:30pm - 7:00pm *Register on website

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HARVESTING SUCCESS WEBINAR 2021 59th Annual, 12:30PM-1:30PM *Register on website

Bay Valley Tech

209.634.9141 • hvanderveen@209magazine.com

ADVOCACY

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Graphic Design: 209 Magazine Printer: 209 Magazine

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VETERAN’S DAY- OFFICE CLOSED

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209.634.9141 • www.209magazine.com

Topic: SCF's Economic Development Initiatives Cecil Russell, Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum Topic: Status on Classic Car Museum Opening

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Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce

209.577.5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org

DECEMBER 8 POP-UP ART EXHIBIT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 1 Marian Kaanon, President/ CEO of Stanislaus 9Community

VISIT MODESTO Foundation

AMBASSADOR & WELCOME TEAM MEETING *In person & Zoom 8:00 A.M.

MEMBERS MIX & MINGLE - TBD Chamber Calendar 8

Trish Christensen Modesto Chamber of Commerce tchristensen@modchamber.org

Staff: Administrative Assistant, Hope Gyorfi Administrative Assistant, Jolene Camarena Events Coordinator, Felicia Lopez Membership Coordinator, Sabrinna Gonzales Staff Accountant, Jaime Lastra

COMMUNITY

NOVEMBER

President & CEO

© Copyright 2021 Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

Some parts of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted, however, we require that permission be obtained in writing.

209.577.5757, Progress@ModChamber.org

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Message from the CEO

Patricia Gillum Pat Gillum CPA

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*In person & Zoom 8:00 A.M.

TECH CONNECT-DARK

MILESTONES

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL-DARK

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NEW MEMBERS

WOMEN IN BUSINESS- DARK

EDUCATION

RISING PROFESSIONAL-DARK

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WE’RE IN

TECH CONNECT

CHRISTMAS EVE- OFFICE CLOSED

At Kaiser Permanente

very much believe in.

SERVICE CHRISTMAS DAY- OFFICE CLOSED

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of our frontline work

outstanding care tea

day to improve the h

COMCAST

you thrive. Learn mor

**The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is located at 1114 J St., Modesto *See website for more detail. Find Zoom Registry links and more at www.modchamber.org Please note that calendar events and details are subject to change.

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING - OFFICE CLOSED

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in

this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

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PROGRESS MAGAZINE 1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354 209. 577.5757 • Fax 209. 577.2673 www.ModChamber.org • Progress@ModChamber.org

NOVEMBER 2021

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A Message From The President & CEO LOCAL MATTERS

By Trish Christensen

N

ovember leads us to the official start of the holiday season. We take in the changing color of the trees and see the falling leaves. We feel the colder air outside and light scented candles inside. We cover our backyard barbeques and return to roasting in our ovens. This time of year, we transition from outdoor living to planning for winter, family cooking, and longing for togetherness.

This holiday season will be another unique one. Things are so much better than the COVID shroud we were under last year at this time, yet it is not behind us. The impacts we are experiencing now are likely to affect some of our usual routines like how we shop for gifts, for food staples, and when we mail cards and gifts.

COMMUNITY

One of the loudest concerns and challenges we are hearing from employers, regardless of business or industry, or size of staff, is a need for workers. This is true of retail and grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment facilities and theaters, and even the US postal department. This highlights the need to support one another, and to plan for a lag in supplies, products, and merchandise. The supply chain issues are far from over.

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Every year as the holiday season begins, there is a “shop local - shop small business” campaign that kicks into gear across the nation. Covid itself generated a “shop local - shop small business” mindset that extended to “support” local for all services across our county. The people who live, work, and raise their families here have stepped up at every opportunity since March 2020. It is a testament to the high level of compassion, empathy, and generosity of the great people we are surrounded by here in Modesto and Stanislaus County.

My encouragement to all as we approach Thanksgiving 2021, and the rest of the holiday season, is to keep it up.

Shop local, shop small, support all, and plan ahead. If that perfect gift is six weeks out, you don’t want to be the last on the order list.

I am thrilled to report we held our first in person, Rising Professionals meet and greet, at Chamber Member Midici’s Stonefire Pizza in late September and it was a smashing success outside on their patio. So great that our first in person, Women in Business meet and greet, was also held there.

The October Rising Professionals will take place at Chamber Member Wildfire Public House on their patio, followed by the Women in Business network in November. We anticipate taking our November Tech Connect hybrid. Our Stanislaus Green Team meeting will be as well.

Annual Members Choice Awards Nominations are going on now. The 2021 awards presentations will take place at our Awards and Anniversaries Soiree in mid-February.

We are currently in annual member directory mode as well.

So, gathering information and developing content is taking place. Please contact our team for assistance if you need help updating your member profile. And as a reminder, we are always looking for community partners and members who would like to run an ad in any or all months of Progress each year, or in the annual Directory which is out for the year.

I wish you and your work families, and loved ones, a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving~ With warm regards,

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

MISSION The Modesto Chamber of Commerce to serving theArea, greater MISSIONSTATEMENT: STATEMENT: The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicatedistodedicated serving the greater Modesto regional businesses community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, MISSION The Modesto Chamber of Commerce isthrough dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area,STATEMENT: regional and businesses and community prosperity advocacy, collaboration, economic development, connectivity and business education.

Modesto Area,economic regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, development, connectivity and business education.

Toour execute our adopted mission have developed an acronym that helps keep us focused. access to leaders, economic connectivity and business education.

That To execute adopted mission we development, havewe developed an acronym that helps keep us focused.

That acronym is “CARES: Community, Advocacy, Relationships, Education and Service.” acronym is “CARES: Community, Relationships, Education andkeep Service.”

That To execute our adopted missionAdvocacy, we have developed an acronym that helps us focused. acronym is “CARES: Community, Advocacy, Relationships, Education and Service.”

COMMUNITY

EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

EDUCATION

At its heart the Modesto Chamber is a community of likeminded

The Chamber serves the education community by hosting the

business owners who share the vision for enjoying a thriving economy

annual State of Business and Education event, by fund-raising for local

and creating and maintaining our community as a vibrant place to live,

students at the Ag Aware and Harvest Luncheon annual series, and

work and play. The Modesto Chamber is the go-to resource and

partnering with local schools and colleges to train and educate young

At its heart the Modesto Chamber is a community of likeminded

business owners who share the vision for enjoying a thriving economy

and creating and maintaining our community as a vibrant place to live,

work and play. The Modesto Chamber is the go-to resource and

The Chamber serves the education community by hosting the

annual State of Business and Education event, by fund-raising for local

students at the Ag Aware and Harvest Luncheon annual series, and partnering with local schools and colleges to train and educate young

facilitator of ideas and communication for nonprofits, governmental men and women, all in keeping with our pledge to help provide a ready facilitator of ideas and communication for nonprofits, governmental men and women, all in keeping with our pledge to help provide a ready

agencies, and community leaders.

More More than than just ajust business club,club, the the workforce the Chamber Chamber agencies, and community leaders. a business workforcetotoserve serve local local employers. employers. Additionally, Additionally, the Modesto Chamber strives to affect its environment for positive educates its members on practical solutions and best practices through Modesto Chamber strives to affect its environment for positive educates its members on practical solutions and best practices through transformation by supporting change agents in the community. its Progress Magazine articles, monthly Chamber University and Seeds transformation by supporting change agents in the community. its Progress Magazine articles, monthly Chamber University and Seeds ofof Success speaker monthlycommittee committee Success speakerseries, series,workshops workshops and and seminars, seminars, monthly meetings, and SCORE counseling. meetings, and SCORE counseling.

ADVOCACY ADVOCACY

SERVICE SERVICE

Chamber Staff, Board of Directors and many of our topical

Chamber Staff, Board of Directors and many of our topical

committees, such as Economic Development and Government

committees, such as Economic Development and Government

Relations, are engaged and proactively representing our members by

Relations, are engaged and proactively representing our members by

The Chamber believes in service to the community and to its

The Chamber believes in service to the community and to its members. The Chamber Board and staff are active on many nonprofit

addressing business initiatives, addressing issues in our community members. The Chamber Board and staff are active on many nonprofit and government committees, donating their business expertise, time

addressing issues in our community and business working toinitiatives, relieve theaddressing regulatory burdens businesses endure due

and working toand relieve regulatory The burdens businesses due as to local statethe governments.

Modesto Chamberendure gets results, to local shown and state Modestomore Chamber gets results, as by governments. recent victoriesThe in forming rational ADA legislation, shown by recent avictories in measure, forming electing more rational legislation, defeating no-growth businessADA friendly candidates, working alongside otherselecting to passbusiness Measure L, a candidates, local self-help defeating a no-growth measure, friendly measure, for our workingtransportation alongside others to and passchampioning Measure L,fora more local water self-help agribusiness, industry citizens. By working together, transportation measure, andand championing for more waterour formembers our are stronger together than they ever be on their own. agribusiness, industry and citizens.

Bycould working together, our members

are stronger together than they could ever be on their own.

RELATIONSHIPS

RELATIONSHIPS

The Modesto Chamber specializes in building relationships among business and serving as the nexus to businesses, nonprofit

The Modesto Chamber in building relationships organizations, and specializes governmental agencies.

We hostamong monthly businessnetworking and serving the special nexusevents, to businesses, nonprofit events, as annual an annual trade show, and our long-running Gala. Membersagencies. also may serve committees or go organizations, and governmental We onhost monthly through the Leadership Modesto program wheretrade they will build longnetworking events, annual special events, an annual show, and term relationships with key leaders in the business world and or go our long-running Gala. Members also may serve on committees

andand government their resources. committees, The Chamberdonating also serves its business individualexpertise, members time by andhosting resources.

Thecuttings Chamber alsointroduce serves itsa individual members ribbon which new business to theby hosting ribbon cuttings introduce new business to the community, valuable and which cost effective (free) amarketing opportunities, community, costworkshops effective (free) marketing exposure valuable to social and media, and training for opportunities, our business partnersto andsocial their associates, and other free andtraining discounted exposure media, workshops and forresources. our business

partners and their associates, and other free and discounted resources.

C - Community

C - Community A - Advocacy

A - Advocacy

R - Relationships

R - Relationships E - Education

ES--Education Service S - Service

throughlocal the community.

Leadership Modesto program where they will build longterm relationships with key leaders in the business world and local community.

NOVEMBER 2021

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CHAMBER CALENDAR NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tyler Richardson Chief Business Services Officer, Opportunity Stanislaus and Executive Director of VOLT Joe Duran, President of Stanislaus Equity Partner (STEP) *Register on website, in person & Zoom 11:30 A.M

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AMBASSADOR & WELCOME TEAM MEETING *In person & Zoom 8:00 A.M.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Marian Kaanon, President/ CEO of Stanislaus Community Foundation Topic: SCF's Economic Development Initiatives Cecil Russell, Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum Topic: Status on Classic Car Museum Opening

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MEMBERS MIX & MINGLE - TBD

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AMBASSADOR & WELCOME TEAM MEETING *In person & Zoom 8:00 A.M.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS Wildfire Public House 1533 Oakdale Rd # A, Modesto 5:30pm - 7:00pm *Register on website

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STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM-DARK

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TECH CONNECT-DARK

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM Vicki Rice / Recycling Program Coordinator Upcoming Legislation SB 1383 that all cities in California will be facing. *Register on website, in person & Zoom 12:00 P.M.

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL-DARK

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS- DARK

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RISING PROFESSIONAL-DARK

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CHRISTMAS EVE- OFFICE CLOSED

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COMMUNITY

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VETERAN’S DAY- OFFICE CLOSED HARVESTING SUCCESS WEBINAR 2021 59th Annual, 12:30PM-1:30PM *Register on website

TECH CONNECT BitWise Industries, 2:00PM-3:00PM *Register on website 2:00 P.M GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL Jason Conway, Executive Director of Modesto Gospel Mission Chairman of Stanislaus Community System of Care Brad Hawn, Chairman of Stanislaus Homeless Alliance (SHA) *Register on website, in person & Zoom 11:30A.M

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MEMBERS MIX & MINGLE-TBD

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THANKSGIVING DAY - OFFICE CLOSED

RISING PROFESSIONALS-DARK *Register on website, in person & Zoom 12:00 P.M.

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING - OFFICE CLOSED

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

**The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is located at 1114 J St., Modesto *See website for more detail. Find Zoom Registry links and more at www.modchamber.org Please note that calendar events and details are subject to change.

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER. At Kaiser Permanente, we don’t see health as an industry. We see it as a cause. And one that we very much believe in. During this extraordinary time we are especially thankful to the heroism of our frontline workers. And, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of our outstanding care teams and individuals who deliver on the Kaiser Permanente mission each day to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We are here to help you thrive. Learn more at kp.org.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Laura Stokes Online Art Sales and Gallery Laura Stokes, Owner of Laura Stokes Online Art Sales and Gallery, joined the Modesto Chamber of Commerce and the Green Team earlier this year. She co-presented with Suzanne Reed of the Collaboration Connection at the September 16, 2021 Green Team meeting, discussing support available to assist organizations of all types and sizes to Go Green.

Laura started her online gallery in 2015 to benefit emerging artists and show her own work. Currently, the gallery carries the work of Jim Abuan, Post-Modern/Contemporary Artist; Juan Rodriguez, Classical Artist; and Laura Stokes, Neo-Abstract Artist.

Her gallery periodically hosts in-person events for artists she represents such as the upcoming Pop-Up Art Exhibit on Friday, December 3, 2021 from Noon to 4:00 PM in the main conference room of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. The public is invited to view the art of Jim Abuan and Laura Stokes, displayed in a stack room style - multiple paintings stacked against the wall allowing for browsing. Art represented by Laura Stokes Online Art Sales and Gallery may also be viewed by appointment at Laura’s Modesto studio.

From July 11 to August 18, 2017, the three artists created a wellattended art installation in downtown Modesto at the Mistlin Gallery, titled “We Are Not the Last”. This installation explored the issues surrounding immigration in the United States.

Jim Abuan is a Master of Fine Arts graduate of Otis Art Institute of LA County (’76).

Juan Rodriguez holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Washington (1994).

COMMUNITY

Laura Stokes is a retired (2009), p ro f e s s i o n a l engineer, h a v i n g practiced thirty years in the states of Washing ton, Maine, Florida, and Virgina.

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

2021 Turkey Drive 9th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive fundraiser is being held to benefit the Modesto Gospel Mission.

Help make Thanksgiving festive for more than 1,000 families in need. Donations accepted by mail, phone or in person by cash, check, card – or frozen turkeys – weekdays Wed., Nov. 17 thru Wed., Nov. 24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed 12-1 p.m.) at Rea & Associates, LLP, 1937 Coffee Rd. in Modesto.

Special thanks for your generous support in 2020, when we beat our goal to collect $10,000 to help others. Let’s do it again.

Can we count on your help this year? For questions, please contact Heidi or Deanna at (209) 521-2727.

Getting Modesto Mobile

By Andres Mendez / Director of Marketing, Visit Modesto

The first step in the process was to re-build the Visit Modesto website back in 2019. This meant moving the website to a WordPress based site that allowed for more features, functionality, and tools to ensure that the site was discoverable on Google. The single most important aspect of the rebuild was to become mobilefriendly. Google requires this since 2018 and it allows for consumers to navigate the site easily from their mobile device, which made our site a tool and resource for travelers on the go.

As you look at your own organization’s marketing needs ask yourself the following questions: “Do we have a digital presence?” and “Are we easily discoverable on Google?” and most importantly, “Is our site mobile friendly?” After asking yourself these questions you can begin to plan your strategy to ‘Getting Your Business Mobile,' which is the first step in expanding your digital footprint.

In today’s world a presence on the internet is the equivalent of oxygen for your business.

Next month I’ll explain the value of using Google Analytics and learning details about your customer you may not know exist.

Please reach out to me, andres@ visitmodesto.com, with any questions, comments, and or for tips.

COMMUNITY

If you run a business, you should be aware of why ‘getting mobile’ is critical to future success. According to Data HYPERLINK "https://datareportal.com/"Reportal, the average American spends 7 hours and 11 minutes looking at a screen every day. That is almost an entire workday spent looking at a digital device and utilizing the internet in some form. Here at Visit Modesto, we believe that if you do not exist ‘for mobile’ on the internet then you simply do not exist. Hence the reason why we decided to ‘Get Modesto Mobile’ and expand our digital footprint to help grow Modesto’s exposure and awareness as a travel destination.

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

JATCO Fills Role in Supply Chain

By Steven Ames / Director of Sales JATCO, Incorporated is a global leader in custom, plastic injection molding. We are a one-stop shop offering product design, manufacturing, printing, decorating, assembly, packaging, warehousing, and distribution solutions.

Founded in 1976, we have grown to become a bi-coastal injection molder with headquarters in Modesto with secondary operations located in Greenwood, South Carolina.

Our economic impact on the region is significant. Since locating in Modesto, we have shifted our purchasing to buy locally, and have provided significant benefit to supply chains of several local companies. In some instances, we have collaborated on disruptive, industry leading technology.

During our over 45 years of operation, we have engineered and manufactured products for almost every industry including electronics, medical, agriculture, solar, construction, automotive, housewares, toys, and an expanding list of others.

Our capabilities allow us to manufacture products that are barely visible with high tolerances to components the size of a pallet or roadside garbage bin. Our largest press in Modesto is 1500 tons which is comparable in size to a tractor trailer.

We are experts at designing products for manufacturing, reducing labor, and eliminating costs.

Our strengths are in material selection to meet specific applications and exploring innovative ways to utilize packaging to eliminate waste. We have deep experience in using many bio-based resins to mold a variety of products. JATCO is not your typical molder. We strive to reduce our footprint on the environment and utilize reprocessed, post consumable materials in our manufacturing processes.

One example is the work we are doing with the Almond Board on their Torrefaction process here in Modesto. The Almond Board is leading research into ways to utilize almond shells as a valuable additive to resin in plastic manufacturing. The almond based plastic reduces the stream of unutilized almond shells and is completely recyclable. It also uniquely increases the strength of plastic resin it is blended with. This is a game changing impact for the Central Valley, and we are seeing tremendous interest in a variety of applications.

We have capacity to do overmolding which is a distinctive injection molding process that provides a unified combination of multiple materials into a single part or product. The process typically involves using an inelastic, hard plastic-based material shrouded with a thin, pliable, rubber-like exterior layer. It is used in houseware, hand tool, toy, electrical and recreational product manufacturing to name a few.

Please feel free to contact us to learn more.

COMMUNITY

In February 2019, JATCO became a resident of the Central Valley when we made the decision to relocate from Union City to a new facility on Stoddard Road in Modesto. Although we had many locations to consider, Modesto was by far the most welcoming, and according to our President Steven Jones, “it just felt like home. Everyone is so friendly here and made us immediately feel like part of the community.”

steven.ames@jatco.com; 209-497-4290 NOVEMBER 2021

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Newly Minted Computer Programmers Help Local Companies Grow, Attract Tech Employers to Modesto

Hundreds of New Tech Jobs to Add Billions to the Region’s Economy

By Phillip Lan, President, Bay Valley Tech To address the chronic shortage of tech workers impacting the growth of local companies, Bay Valley Tech has partnered with Oak Valley Community Bank, Takapa Media, Oportun, WebEnertia, SCOE, Stanislaus County Workforce Development, Stanislaus State, the Raymus Foundation and many others to train hundreds of new software developers each year. Bay Valley Tech code academy alumni and software interns are now helping the Valley’s most innovative employers, such as E&J Gallo, Tyler Technologies and American Medical Response, accelerate growth. Bay Valley Tech alumni are not only helping local employers, they are expanding the region’s economy by attracting new tech companies looking to hire hundreds of new workers in Modesto. Many former software interns and students are also taking leadership roles in the community. Local tech professionals Roberto Mejia, Raul Leon, Justine Estrada and Taylor LaMar serve as positive examples for others to follow, mentoring new programming students and helping expand the region’s digital skills scholarship fund.

E&J Gallo technology analyst Siegfried Guentensperger is another local tech success story. As a kid, he was always curious how everything worked and loved taking things apart, but didn’t always quite know how to put them back together.

Siegfried eventually learned how to program his first gadgets using a Raspberry Pi and then started competing in Bay Valley Tech-sponsored hackathons. After connecting with the local tech community, he then joined Bay Valley Tech’s summer internship cohort, learned JavaScript and is now on the team providing key consumer data and insight for the world’s largest winery.

COMMUNITY

Bay Valley Tech teaching assistant and Women Techmakers ambassador Bernadette Davoud is another code academy alumni making an impact. Bernadette knows exactly what she wants her future to look like for herself, her family, her community and is inspiring others by working hard to make that positive future a reality. Arriving in the U.S. just five years ago without English language skills, Bernadette already had a specific goal in mind—to someday work for Google.

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

This past summer, Bernadette secured a part-time software instructor position at Google, teaching high schoolers how to code. Today, she is completing her computer science degree from San Jose State and teaching at Bay Valley Tech.

Her ultimate goal is to leverage robotics technology to help people in their everyday lives. Coders like Bernadette will be the reason why Google and other tech companies will one day open offices in the Central Valley.

What makes success obtainable for many students like Siegfried and Bernadette is the hard work and acquiring the in-demand technical skills employers are hiring for. Bay Valley Tech’s supportive community and tuition-free, highly flexible code academy is a key resource helping local businesses and workers. If you know someone who could benefit from a career in technology, please encourage them to complete our online code academy application at https://www.bayvalleytech. com/code-academy-application.

Phillip Lan

As president of Bay Valley Tech, Phillip Lan oversees the organization's fast-growing free code academy HYPERLINK "https:// www.bayvalleytech.com/home", HYPERLINK "https://www.bayvalleytech.com/ home"coding bootcamp and tech hub, which supports entrepreneurs with inexpensive office space, digital marketing services and software talent. Phillip is also a key driver in Bay Valley Tech's efforts to support and sponsor tech community organizations, including Tech Connect, Valley Hackathon, Women Techmakers, Valley AgTech, as well as numerous software developer meetups and K-12 coding programs. Prior to Bay Valley Tech, Phillip led the digital marketing team at E&J Gallo, the world’s largest winery, and held marketing, business development and leadership roles at IBM, Robert Half and Ask.com. He holds a bachelor’s degree in managerial economics from U.C. Davis and an MBA in computer information systems from California State University-East Bay.

How to Go Green: Presentation to Stanislaus Green Business Group

By Laura Stokes and Suzanne Reed / The Collaboration Connection

Suzanne Reed presented information on temperature rise, sea level change, polar ice melting, and greenhouse gas emissions that are causing heat waves, draught, wildfires, crop loss, and extreme weather events in California and throughout the world. These are the reasons it is essential that businesses and government transition to sustainable practices, processes, services, and products to combat and reverse climate change. The urgent need for transportation calls for action by individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits organizations, and government at all levels.

With growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products, going green is good business! Businesses should start by reducing their lifecycle carbon footprint. A broad range of resources for technical assistance and financial support is available. Suzanne’s presentation, which you can access here file:///S:/Committees/Stanislaus%20 Green%20Team/2021/September/Go%20Green%20 BIZ%20Presentation.pdf includes links to resources to help businesses start up, transform, and grow.

The Collaboration Connection website provides grants and financing resources for businesses and communities, (https://www.collaborationconnection.org/copy-of-grantsfunding-resources).

The website also provides a separate listing of links to grants and other funding for transformative agriculture and small scale farming, (https://www.collaborationconnection.org/ agriculturegrants-funding-resources.

Green businesses need to be aware of how they label and market their products and services to build consumer trust and loyalty. Suzanne also emphasized the importance of creating a healthy and equitable work environment and providing internships and skills building that create opportunities for promising career paths and upward mobility.

Suzanne advised businesses to network and share information with each other and throughout their supply chains. The presentation also included recommendations for public/ private partnerships that benefit the community at large and encourage business and community transformation.

Advocating for public policy changes and incentives that encourage green business development is a key role for the Chamber of Commerce and the Stanislaus Green Team.

ADVOCACY

How to Go Green Biz was the topic for the Sept. 16th Stanislaus Green Team lunch hour. Laura Stokes, an engineer turned artist recounted how her father and his partners harvested used boiler parts to create a successful boiler manufacturing business. She reminded us that repairing, reclaiming, and repurposing was once part of our culture and can be the basis of new business development today.

NOVEMBER 2021

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NOVEMBER 17TH 5:30PM - 7:00PM

RELATIONSHIPS

1533 Oakdale Rd # A, Modesto, CA 95355

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The Modesto Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Program works to bring women together who work in diverse occupations, to help build a unified supportive group that is dedicated to professional growth and success.

We are excited to have you join us while we connect, engage and have fun together at our next in-person event at Wildfire Public House !

$16 to attend - food & non-alcoholic drinks included No-host bar available

TO REGISTER PLEASE GO TO : https://business.modchamber.org/events/detail s/women-in-business-november-mixer-9050

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

TEAMSOS roles out SMARTINNCloud with rave reviews

By Brian McDermott / Advanced Communications Consultant

The other unique piece is that SMARTINNCloud is in two of the only 5 Tier 5 data centers in the country. Tier 5 is the highest level of security and uptime that a data center can have. You can be sure that your cloud solution and business critical applications will stay safe up and running 24 x 7 x 365.

When you combine all of this with TEAMSOS’ 28 years in business, a staff of engineers with the highest level of certifications in the industry and a sales and support team with many years of experience, your cloud solution will not only be affordable, but rock solid and reliable too.

Don’t spend hundreds of thousands on an up-front capital expenditure for data, voice, backups, endpoint security, password management or security cameras, when you can pay monthly with SMARTINNCloud and get better Internet connectivity pricing and have it managed 24 x 7 x 365.

Here is a list of the SMARTINNCloud options available today. Please don’t hesitate to contact Brian McDermott at bmcdermott@team-sos.com or call him at 209-502-6465 to learn more about this amazing suite of cloud solutions.

• SMARTINNCloud Data • SMARTINNCloud Voice • SMARTINNCloud Recovery • SMARTINNCloud Protect • SMARTINNCloud Aware • SMARTINNCloud Remember • SMARTINNCloud Colo

If you’re not buying crop insurance, you don’t know Jack Farmers and ranchers can now purchase crop insurance for protect themselves against the loss of crops due to natural disasters or the loss of revenue due to declines in the prices of agricultural commodities.

Purchasing crop insurance will reduce your exposure to a variety of risks and bring you piece of mind. If you want to learn more about the programs that are available and how you can benefit, you need to know Jack.

MEET JACK Jack Roudebush is a leading crop insurance expert. His combination of industry knowledge and insurance company insight makes him uniquely qualified to help you navigate the intricacies of these programs. Call Jack today to learn how you can minumize your risk and protect your bottom line.

Direct: 209.550.3710 • Mobile: 209.483.0650 jroudebush@capax.com Lic#0B67204

Business Insurance | Group Health | Workers Comp | Home and Auto

capax.com

RELATIONSHIPS

In 2021, TEAMSOS rolled out its new and exciting suite of cloud solutions called SMARTINNCloud. What makes SMARTINNCloud unique is the fact that it’s a partnership between TEAMSOS and its customers that allows the customers administrative access to their cloud solution.

Most other cloud solutions require the customer to fill out forms and sometimes even pay a fee to gain access to their data. Not with SMARTINNCloud.

1.800.94CAPAX • 209.526.3110 Giddings, Corby, Hynes Lic# 0144783

NOVEMBER 2021

15

Congratulations TO THIS MONTH'S MILESTONE MEMBERSHIPS

65 + years

15 + years

F&M BANK

CHIESA RANCH GEORGE REED, INC. VALLEY OPTOMETRIC GROUP J'S R US TRAVEL CSU STANISLAUS - AGRICULTURE DEPT. DEGRAFF DEVELOPMENT BELKORP AG, LLC J & L COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR INC.

50 + years FIVE MINUTE CAR WASH DON'S MOBILE GLASS SUTCO CONSTRUCTION CO.

30 + years BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION CASH-DUDLEY & TORRES PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION COSOL COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY SERVICES AGENCY

RELATIONSHIPS

15 + years

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BURKETT'S POOL PLASTERING, INC. CHOICE LIGHTING SUPPLY OAK VALLEY COMMUNITY BANK SIERRA VISTA CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES PENSION MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS, INC. GOLDEN BEAR PHYSICAL THERAPY AMSA SEED COMPANY PACIFICA SENIOR LIVING MODESTO ROBERTS AUTO SALES C.A. REDING CO., INC. YOSEMITE LANES STUDIO WARNER ANTHONY DIAZ INSURANCE SERVICES EUROPEAN AUTOMOTIVE SPECIALTIES

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

5 + years HEALTH PLAN OF SAN JOAQUIN REPUBLICAN PARTY OF STANISLAUS COUNTY VALLEY CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE STOCKTON HEAT MODESTO SUBARU PEACE OF MIND PEST CONTROL AND HOME INSPECTIONS INC. GURNICK ACADEMY OF MEDICAL ARTS TEAMSOS

1 + years NORTH MODESTO KIWANIS CARSTAR THE PROFESSIONALS AUTO BODY WORKS THRESHOLD COMMUNICATIONS KRVR/KVIN VALLEY KIA ROAD WARRIOR LOGISTICS CHILDREN'S CHOICE DENTAL CARE COVID CLINIC TRI COUNTIES BANK INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE

RELATIONSHIPS NOVEMBER 2021

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TO OUR NEW MEMBERS! Pelandale Dental Care (209) 545-9282 www.pelandaledental.com 500 Standiford Avenue Modesto, CA, 95350

Realty ONE Group Zoom (209) 814-2011 www.JoinROGrightnow.com 809 Sylvan Rd Modesto, CA, 95350

Debra Hendricks Consulting (209) 499-2742 www.dhftconsulting.com Modesto, CA

California Mentor (209) 957-4310 www.ca-mentor.com 2291 W March Lane, Stockton, CA, 95207

RELATIONSHIPS

Lice Clinics of America (209) 353-9240 http://www.liceclinicsmodesto.com 937 Coffee Road, Modesto, CA, 95355

18

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

MULTI-CHAMBER MIXER HOSTED BY

THIS AMAZING EVENT BROUGHT LOCAL CHAMBERS TOGETHER

RELATIONSHIPS

Thank you to the participating Chambers, community leaders and business professionals who attended.

NOVEMBER 2021

19

RELATIONSHIPS 20

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

PRESIDENT’S CLUB CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE ELITE

Care One Home Health and Hospice, Inc.

Mister Car Wash - Hatch Road

Seven-Up Bottling Co. of Modesto/Varni

E & J Gallo Winery

Central Valley Automotive

Mister Car Wash - Main

Brothers Corporation

Kaiser Permanente

Central Valley Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge

Mister Car Wash - McHenry (3520)

Solecon Industrial Contractors

Central Valley Nissan

Mister Car Wash - McHenry (448)

KEYSTONE

Stanislaus Food Products Co.

Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai

Mister Car Wash - Oakdale Road

Beard Land and Investment Co.

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

Mister Car Wash - Prescott Road

Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc., a HUB

Clark Pest Control,Enthusiast

Mocse Credit Union - Coffee Road

International Company

COIT Services Inc.

Mocse Credit Union - J Street

Doctors Behavioral Health Center-DMC

Collins Electrical

Modesto Toyota

Doctors Medical Center-DMC

Comcast

Nine3One

The Century

Frito-Lay Co., Inc.

Del Monte Plant #1

NT Nail Spa

The Farmacy

Pacific Southwest Container, Inc.

English Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation

Oak Valley Community Bank - I Street

The Modesto Bee

Physician Referral Service-DMC

Hospital

Oak Valley Community Bank - McHenry

TSM Insurance & Financial Services

Walmart

Exceed GPR & Locating, LLC

Oak Valley Community Bank - Oakdale

Turlock Irrigation District

F&M Bank - Carpenter Road

O'Brien's Market - Dale Road

Union Bank

VISIONARY

F&M Bank - Dale Road

O'Brien's Market - Oakdale

US Bank - McHenry

Crystal Creamery

F&M Bank - McHenry

O'Brien's Market - Riverbank

Doubletree by Hilton Modesto

Flowers Baking Co. of Modesto, LLC

Opportunity Stanislaus

EMOE, Division of Parker Hannifin Corp.

Food Maxx

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

Fiscalini Cheese Company

FreshPoint

Panelized Structures Inc.

IHeart Media

Galletto Ristorante

Pepsi Bottling Group

Modesto Irrigation District

Gianelli Nielsen

PMZ Real Estate

Valley Children's Healthcare - Madera

Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball

Gilton Solid Waste Mgmt, Inc.

Residence Inn by Marriott Modesto North

Valley Children's Healthcare - McHenry

Sutter Health Valley Area

Golden Valley Health Centers - 6th St.

Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc.

Valley First Credit Union - Dale Road

Sysco Central California Inc.

Golden Valley Health Centers - Florida

Rose Bouquet

Valley First Credit Union - J Street

Avenue

San Joaquin Valley College

Valley First Credit Union -Administrative

ENTHUSIAST

Golden Valley Health Centers - Las Vegas St.

Save Mart Supermarkets - Claribel Road

Offices

Alpine Protective Solutions

Golden Valley Health Centers - Scenic

Save Mart Supermarkets - Corp Office

Valley Lexus

American Chevrolet

Golden Valley Health Centers - Tully

Save Mart Supermarkets - F Street

American Medical Response

Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc.

Save Mart Supermarkets - Goodwin Drive

Atherton & Associates, LLP

Grover Landscape Services, Inc."

Save Mart Supermarkets - Oakdale Road

Audi Modesto

Infiniti of Modesto

(2601)

Bank of Stockton - Dale Road

International Paper Co.

Save Mart Supermarkets - Oakdale Road

Bank of Stockton - Modesto Main Branch

JS West & Companies

9801)

Agency - Modesto

Blue Diamond Growers - Salida

Lewis Capital Advisors

Save Mart Supermarkets - Pelandale Road

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance

Blue Diamond Growers - Turlock

Maxx Value Foods

Save Mart Supermarkets - Standiford Ave

Agency - Turlock

California State University, Stanislaus

Mister Car Wash - Dale Road

Save Mart Supermarkets - Whtimore Ave

Yosemite Foods Inc.

Stanislaus Surgical Hospital Stifel Investment Services Storer Coachways Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

US Bank - Modesto Main US Bank - Tully Road US Bank - Turlock Valley BMW

Vintage Faire Mall/Macerich Company Warden's Office Products Center Wells Fargo Bank

RELATIONSHIPS

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance

CONTACT THE CHAMBER TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRESIDENT'S CLUB LEVEL BENEFITS NOVEMBER 2021

21

Taking Pizza To The Next Level STORY AND PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA STILL Stone Fire Pizza by Midici is not your average pizza place with specialty pizzas like the fig, the pig, and the goat, a variety of toppings, crusts and other options where there is something for everyone at the cushy restaurant at the Vintage Faire Mall.

Their motto is “People are the best thing that can happen to anyone” and the family owned franchise has accepted that business culture of making Guest Friends and Team Friends.

The Walvesco Corporation is a family business that are new franchisees and new to the restaurant industry.

The corporation consists of parents Donna and Stephen Walling, and sons, John, David, and Michael that started this new business venture a few years ago. After looking at several different business models the Midici pizza franchise seemed to fit what they were looking to bring to the area.

RELATIONSHIPS

Owner Operator John explained that they get support from headquarters, for example they brought in a chef from Italy.

22

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

“They have been really good working with us," he said. "They are an emerging brand. It has been an interesting ride. We are glad to have the support at the end of the day and they still allow us to operate independently at the same time.”

Several things have changed over the past few years with a name change and COVID. They originally started out as the Neapolitan Pizza Company

by Midici and have rebranded to Stone Fire Pizza by Midici and went from mainly dine-in customers to now a larger takeout business.

“Fortunately we are pizza so it was easy to switch to 'to-go' orders,” stated John. “We were kind of already in the right position. We are already in the food industry so we have to be sanitary. The mask was the only new addition.

We take all the precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy. We are just kind of riding through it.”

John explained that their pizza is unique for a few different reasons including the Neapolitan Pizza that was originally created in Naples, Italy hundreds of years ago that is made with simple and fine ingredients with ovalini mozzarella.

There are many offerings on the menu that are made in house like the dough, meatballs with Angus beef and the sauces.

Accommodating people with food restrictions guests can get a gluten free crust or a cauliflower crust and they have vegan options at Stone Fire Pizza.

RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION

Walking into the restaurant with the curves, décor, gold pizza oven, and tree it gives this pizza place a very contemporary and enticing vibe.

The atmosphere was designed to resemble Naples, Italy according to John bringing the Modesto community a little piece of Italy.

NOVEMBER 2021

23

They have an Artisan Pizza that guests can customize with the six different sauces and a variety of toppings like a cracked egg, vegan sausage, goat cheese, grape tomatoes, arugula, Kalamata olives and artichokes to name a few.

The BBQ Chicken, the Double Pepperoni, Chicken Alfredo are a few of the pizzas that are guest favorites.

They have a house salad, Caesar salad, and the Italian with seasonal greens.

Pizza is not the only thing on the menu as they have calzones, pasta, Paninis, and dessert. Their signature dessert is the Nutella Calzone that has Nutella, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and powdered sugar.

“It is a special dessert that everybody really likes,” added John. “It (the fig, the pig, and the goat) is a special tasting pizza for sure and it is a guest favorite. People really love our cauliflower crust.

They offer an exclusive pizza of the month, which is when they introduced the fig, the pig, and the goat that gained so much popularity that they will be adding it to the regular menu. It is a fig or jam based pizza with goat cheese, parmesan and prosciutto.

“Our goal is to make everyone have a great experience and kind of make ourselves different than everybody else and we have great pizza.”

- John Walling “Our goal is to make everyone have a great experience and kind of make ourselves different than everybody else and we have great pizza,” remarked John. “We have regulars that we have built over time. Some of my favorite moments here are really meeting a lot of the local people and really people from all over the place.”

Stone Fire Pizza has a Happy Hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday where any beer or wine is $5 as well as their meatballs and Nutella Calzone.

They have a few beers on tap and have some local offerings like Blaker Brewing’s Honey Babies Blonde Ale and Plowed Under IPA and a few wines.

They have lunch specials and different promotions that can be found on their website or social media sites.

RELATIONSHIPS

“We are thankful for the support that we got from the mall and from our regular followers and community,” noted John about surviving through COVID. “It has worked out really well. It has been a good positive turnaround and we have been pretty fortunate so we can only go up from here.”

24

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

EDUCATION NOVEMBER 2021

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November 18th 2021 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Stacie McDonald PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR | BITWISE INDUSTRIES Floyd Muñoz COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR | BITWISE INDUSTRIES Jimmy Hinojosa TECH SUPPORT APPRENTICESHIP | BITWISE INDUSTRIES

MEETINGS ARE EVERY 3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH AT 2:00 PM.

EDUCATION

To register please go to: https://business.modchamber.org/events /details/tech-connect-11-18-2021-8829

28

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

Comcast Offers Small Businesses Owned by People of Color, Free Tech Makeovers, Marketing and More It’s not news that many small businesses are struggling to survive in light of the economic challenges imposed by the pandemic. In fact, research shows small businesses owned by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (aka BIPOC owners) have been hit even harder than others — and many are struggling to survive.

To show support for struggling businesses owned by people of color during the crisis, tech leader Comcast has made a three-year commitment to offering them complimentary marketing support, advertising creative, production and media services and technology consulting through an innovative program known as Comcast RISE.

“Small businesses have long been crucial to U.S. commerce and the healthy functioning of our economy,” said Kristeen Cominiello, Vice President of Comcast Business, Comcast California. “Unfortunately, many are struggling just to keep their doors open during this extended pandemic. Comcast is proud to provide the marketing and technology resources that have already helped so many small businesses grow and move forward despite the challenges they’re facing.”

What exactly is being offered? Comcast’s assistance may include any of the following, depending on each recipient's needs: · Strategic consulting: Comcast’s local marketing, research and creative teams will help businesses form strategies for growth in the current environment.

· Advertising assistance: Comcast specialists will help create TV campaigns. · Creative production: Comcast will assist with the turnkey production of a :30 second TV commercials while advising clients on media strategy and media placement schedules. · Technology makeovers: Comcast experts will install computer equipment and provide Internet, voice and cybersecurity services.

Comcast RISE is part of Comcast’s ongoing efforts to advance digital equity and help to provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive.

Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs and partnerships that will reach an estimated 50 million people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

Are you a diverse business owner who could use professional, customized help with marketing and operational strategies during this challenging time?

Apply for the program today at ComcastRise. com/apply.

The application deadline for the next round is January 15, 2022.

NOVEMBER 2021

SERVICE

Already, 228 businesses in Northern California have received such awards — and many more applications are encouraged, with awards to be announced quarterly.

29

One Eleven Web Design can help businesses maximize Google exposure

By Eric Vaughn / One Eleven Web Design Is it possible to reach the top of Google Search for free? Can a listing appear in Google Maps at no extra cost? Can small business owners view statistics on how customers interacted with their listing? The answer is yes.

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that enables businesses to manage their online presence within Google Search and Maps. Once verified, owners and managers can claim their GMB listing, which acts as a profile within Google's network.

Local Search Queries A local search query contains keywords relating to where and not just what the person wants. For example, a search phrase 'pizza in Modesto’ will list, you guessed it; pizzerias in Modesto, CA.Results appear alongside an interactive map near the top of the page. These three listings are often referred to as the Snack Pack sits above the paid adverts and organic listings making those results the first a customer sees.

GMB Listing The main GMB listing contains a wealth of information for the customer to view and interact with including: • Telephone number and website address with action buttons • Address details with a link to an interactive map • Opening hours and popular/busy hours of service

SERVICE

• FAQs, reviews, and blog posts

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• Pictures of the store and products GMB Listing Performance Statistics Businesses can log into their GMB dashboard to view a wealth of statistical data relating to their listings.

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

Google also sends performance emails that include how many people asked for directions. Customer reviews and the total number of people who saw the listing provide further insights for analysis.

How to Claim a GMB Listing The first step is to visit business.google.com page and follow the steps to “Create Profile."

GMB Login and Dashboard When you log in to GMB you'll get directed to the Dashboard screen. This provides a summary of your listing's performance. You can also add photos, and business hours. Click on Insights on the left of the screen to view more metrics, like how many people searched for your business directly.

GMB Reviews Customers automatically get notified when you send them a reply to their review. A timely and wellconstructed response to a negative review will help in the long run.

In Conclusion We can’t stress enough, claim the listing, fill out your profile completely and publish content on a regular basis.

You will see your website activity grow and business growth is right behind it.

WHAT IS SWIFTDOX? DIGITAL EXPORT DOCUMENT SERVICES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Swiftdox is a web-browser based software service that allows exporters and freight-forwarders to obtain essential export documentation electronically.

Swiftdox is the fastest and most comprehensive service in North America for export documentation which also provides built-in legalization/apostille options.

Whether you're new to exporting or an expert, our platform will streamline your global operations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT MODCHAMBER.ORG

HOW DOES IT WORK?

IT'S AS SIMPLE AS.......

1

2

3

4

Simply register a FREE account and register your company with the Modesto Chamber of Commerce

Quickly fill out a few easy forms, enter your products and upload your supporting documentation.

We will electronically review your application, notify you if corrections are needed, and approve once complete.

You can download your certificate instantly, have a hard-copy mailed to you or have your documents sent for legalization/apostille by one of our export specialists.

IS YOUR BUSINESS READY TO GO GREEN...

SERVICE

Resourcing Human Energy to be Economically and Environmentally Smart.

For more information please visit www.modchamber.org or contact info@modchamber.org.

NOVEMBER 2021

31

READ BY

7,500

DECISION MAKERS EVERY MONTH

SALES OFFICES Oakdale 209-847-3021

Manteca 209-249-3505

Turlock 32 209-634-9141 DECEMBER 2020