Progress December by Modesto Chamber of Commerce

December 2014 Vol. 34 Issue 12 ModChamber.org

Happy Holidays

Improve Local Economy

101 stAnnual Awards Gala

Arata, Swingle, Sodhi, & Van Egmond

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CONTENTS DECEMBER 2014

LEADERSHIP

4 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 David Gianelli, Gianelli & Associates Chairman-Elect Eric Tobias, F&M Bank Past Chairman Ralph Curtis, Curtis Legal Group Vice Chairman, Internal Operations Patricia Gillum, Patricia Gillum, CPA Vice Chairman, External Operations Craig Lewis, Prudential California Realty Vice Chairman, Member Relations William Moreno, Fire2Wire Vice Chairman, Marketing & Events Laura Ward, Ward Promotional Marketing Solutions Directors Kristi Ah You, Franklin & Downs Funeral Homes Jeffrey Burda, Wells Fargo Mid-Valley Commercial Banking Daniel Garcia, Tri Counties Bank David Gingerich, TD Gingerich Insurance Solutions, Inc. David Halvorson, American Chevrolet Brad Hawn, CHG Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Stephen Madison, STANCO Nate Miller, Grimbleby Coleman CPAs Inc. Steven Rank, Rank Investigations and Protection, Inc. Kole Siefken, DoubleTree Hotel Ruben Villalobos, The Villalobos Legal Group Lucy Virgen, Bank of the West Jeremiah Williams, Oak Crafts by Jeremiah Ex-Officio Keith Boggs, Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office George Boodrookas, Modesto Junior College David Boring, Never Boring Kristopher Helton, Leadership Modesto David White, The Alliance

Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce (209) 577-5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org

Printer: The Parks Group (209) 576-2568 • mike@parksprinting.com Distribution: The Parks Group (209) 576-2568 Advertising Sales: Kristin Bowker Never Boring (209) 526-9136 • progress@neverboring.com © Copyright 2014 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

COVER STORY Mc Henry Village

EDUCATION SPIE Recognizes Partners

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Guest Column

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS "There Ought to Be a Law" Contest

NETWORKING & REFERRALS New Chamber Members

Chamber Calander

Welcome Corner

Cecil Russell, President/CEO Modesto Chamber of Commerce CRussell@ModChamber.org

Graphic Design: Never Boring (209) 526-9136 • www.neverboring.com

Message from the CEO

MARK W. BUCKLEY FARMERS INSURANCE GROUP OF COMPANIES

It has been my privilege to be a member of the Welcome Team for more than two decades. I have met hundreds of wonderful business owners and the opportunity to celebrate their enthusiasm and sacrifice as they open or expand their businesses. It is thrilling to see the creation of jobs and the economic vitality these businesses bring to our Chamber and our community. As a small business owner myself, I have learned and shared many great lessons from these interactions and have formed lasting relationships with many of the businesses and other members of the Welcome Team. I have learned that we do business with people we know and trust. I know my business is built on relationships so I certainly see the value of being a member of the Chamber and serving on the Welcome Team. Mark W. Buckley, CLU, CFP, LUTCF Farmers Insurance Group of Companies 1236 Floyd Avenue, Suite B Modesto, CA 95350 209-527-8800

PROGRESS MAGAZINE

1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 577-5757 • Fax (209) 577-2673 www.ModChamber.org • Progress@ModChamber.org

DECEMBER

LEA DERS H IP

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO By Chamber President and CEO Cecil Russell

I will start this edition of Progress with congratulations to Jeff Denham, Anthony Cannella, Kristin O lsen, and Adam Gray on their reelections. These elected officials have served us well and we have every confidence that they will continue to represent us with a focus on creating an environment that will be conducive to growing jobs and strengthening our economy. The Chamber has identified CECIL RUSSELL many compelling issues that our Board of CHAMBER PRESIDENT Directors will be examining, and we will AND CEO forward feedback to our elected officials. These issues include water, transportation in the region, the new “hidden” gas tax being proposed by the California Air Resources Board, and public safety. In regard to public safety, last month’s issue of Progress featured our public safety leaders. We are glad to report that in the City of Modesto we have had a 20% reduction in home burglaries, 13% reduction in commercial thefts, a 12% reduction in vehicle thefts, 11% reduction in robberies and a 5% reduction in larceny. This has been accomplished despite a 25% reduction in patrol staff and budget cuts over the last year. These reductions in crime have occurred because of a more strategic approach to, and use of, available resources and increased engagement with the community. The police department has been using predictive policing data and improved dialogue through one-on-one conversations, social media and town hall meetings. These strategies and their results have been reported in the Modesto Bee’s inter views with Modesto Police Chief Galen Carroll. These improvements are good news for Modesto and contribute to a better quality of life for all who reside here. I had the pleasure this week to attend two different events that honored leaders in our community. The Civil Justice Association of California awarded Kristin Olsen with the 2014 Civil Justice Award for her work as our representative in Sacramento, fighting to protect the business community from lawsuit abuse. I also attended an event honoring Jeremiah Williams as Modesto’s American Legion Post 74, for his continuing service to our

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

community. Congratulations to both of these very deserving people. I have had the privilege of ser ving on the Committee for the Mayor’s Top Teens for the past three years. I am happy to report that the group of 30 teens, were chosen out of 47 nominated this year, will once again make us proud of the youth in our community. The program needs your support to help fund activities and scholarships for these well deserving students. Please contact Loree Lee in the Mayor’s office for more information at 209-571-5101 or visit their website: www. ci.modesto.ca.us/council/topteens The holiday season is now fully upon us, which for many is a favorite time of year to celebrate with family and friends. We are fortunate to have a number of choices for holiday shopping in our community. Vintage Fair Mall is one of the Macerich Company’s top ten shopping malls in the entire country. We are featuring McHenry Village on our cover and also as the feature story for this issue. These and other great shopping areas in our city provide excellent shopping experiences, enabling us to shop local and keep our tax money in our community. I have recently learned of a new slogan: “START HERE. GROW HERE. LIVE HERE.” It is a sentiment that speaks to all of us, encouraging us to support our community, each other, and show our pride. We can be local if we shop local. This year the City of Modesto presents the 2014 Celebration of Lights Rock’n Holidays on Saturday, December 6th, 2014. The day starts off with Breakfast with Santa at 8:30 a.m., followed at 9:00 a.m. by the Dickens Faire & Modesto Certified Farmers’ Market Presents: Victorian Christmas Market. The Holiday Parade begins at 5:30 p.m., rain or shine, which is directly followed by the Downtown Tree Lighting. After all of the festivities meet down at the Tenth Street Plaza for lights, garland, decorations, local vendors, SNOW, and music every half hour, starting at 7:30 p.m. For more information, times and locations, please visit: www.modestogov.com/prnd/events/ holidayparade. Have a great holiday season and bless our community.P

{ C HAIRMEN'S CORNER }

F OC USED ON I M PROVI NG LO CAL ECONOM Y By Chairman David Gianelli

HAPPY HOLI DAYS!

Your Chamber has been hard at work preparing for the New Year. Our focus continues to be on improving the local economy through job creation. We are working closely with the Alliance on assisting our existing businesses to expand and in creating a positive place for business in Modesto. We are actively involved in the Downtown Partnership whose goal is to make Modesto's Downtown be a showcase for our community. We want to ensure that our downtown is a place we can be proud of and which reflects the positive qualities of our community.

DAVID GIANELLI CHAIRMAN

As we enter the holiday season we want to remind our members to shop local. Not only are you helping local retailers, you are helping your community. When you shop local, revenues stay here. That means more money circulates in our local economy and more revenues for police, fire and our local infrastructure. Show you care for your community! Shop local!

We will also be working hard to make Stanislaus County a self help county. Improving our roads and our transportation infrastructure is essential to attracting new business and jobs to our community. The self help tax is essential if the ACE train is to be extended to our area. Imagine being able to get to San Jose in half the time it takes by vehicle - and on a much more reliable basis. The ACE train will provide that ability with a comfortable, practical and more affordable way to reach the Bay Area. The self help tax is also essential for the completion of an essential link to Highway 5, for the completion of the North County Corridor and for the proper maintenance of our roads. We support these projects as a good infrastructure is essential to a good economy and an improved quality of life for everyone. We have added a new subcommittee which focuses on the water issues our community faces. As I write this I am returning from a trip to the Yucatan having learned that the Mayan civilization collapse was primarily due to four extended droughts. We can learn from the lessons of the Mayans P .

DECEMBER

{ CO VER STO R Y }

A Tradition Since 1953 By Ken McCall

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

{ CO VER STO R Y }

Looking for a unique shopping experience? In these days of big box stores and self-checkout lines, the merchants of McHenry Village take pride in providing personalized customer service. It’s been a tradition for over six decades. The boutique-style open-air shopping center at 1700 McHenry Avenue is one of the oldest on the west coast. Legions of loyal shoppers enjoy its special blend of service, selection, and style. Each year, the Village marks its anniversary with a special after-hours celebration, the Taste of McHenry Village, which showcases the center’s retailers and restaurants, and offers patrons the opportunity to stroll through the garden-like setting, enjoy an evening of fine food and live entertainment, and sample the services offered by some of the area’s best independent retailers. “This used to be the edge of town. It was way out in the country. Now it’s the busiest intersection in Modesto,” says General Manager Robert Fleischer of Standard Management Company, the management company of McHenry Village. “The trees, the grounds, the landscaping, the parking convenience, the restaurants, and the personal relationships make it a pleasant experience. Generation after generation has shopped here.” McHenry Village, located on the southeast corner of McHenry and Briggsmore Avenues, sits on 19 acres that was previously a ranch. The grand opening, on October 15, 1953, marked a milestone in Modesto’s history. Farmland surrounded the sparkling new shopping center. Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. Modesto’s population

hovered around 21,000. New homes were priced below $10,000 dollars. McHenry Avenue was a dusty two-lane road when business began with nearly 25 shops and service providers offering their wares in an elegant, outdoor atmosphere. McHenry Village was the only shopping center in town. Over the years, McHenry Village has been renovated, upgraded, and expanded from the original two structures to eight buildings. The charming open-air center is peppered with boutiques, specialty stores, jewelers, restaurants, and salons. Ninety-five percent of the retailers are locally owned and operated establishments. “It’s where they need to be because it’s where their customers are,” notes Fleischer. “Shop at one merchant and dozens of others.” It is the premium location for the independent retailer in Modesto. Way back when, it was on the outskirts of town. Now, it is literally centrally located. For over 60 years, the landmark location has attracted Stanislaus County shoppers with distinctive merchandise, a diverse choice of restaurants, and special events. Car, boat, and art shows, bridal events, and Christmas at the Village draw patrons to the busy shopping center. Shoppers seek that special McHenry Village mix of superior service and selection. McHenry Village continues to grow with new businesses and as many of you may have noticed there is a huge new digital reader board on McHenry Avenue at the main entrance. McHenry Village is now celebrating the holidays and is the perfect place to shop and dine. Personal gifts for everyone on your shopping list. For more information and Santa’s hours visit mchenryvillage.com. P

DECEMBER

GO VE RNMENT R ELATIO NS

WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? PARTICIPATE IN MY "THERE OUGHT TO BE A LAW" CONTEST By Senator Anthony Cannella

Last year, I invited individuals to participate in my “There Ought to Be a Law” contest, a contest that offered constituents throughout my district the opportunity to present their ideas for new legislation. I held the contest for several reasons. Number one, I have seen how powerful a voice can be when actively engaged in government. I also saw this as a great opportunity for people to gain firsthand experience in the law-making process. And while I expected people to participate, I was extremely pleased at the amount of individuals who submitted their ideas for possible legislation. These ideas ranged from changing the date of Halloween to make it easier for schoolchildren and parents to participate in the festivities to requiring high schools to teach lessons in local history — each submission demonstrated a great level of civic involvement and creativity.

ANTHONY CANNELLA SENATOR

The contest resulted in SB 1151, an idea submitted by Natalie Rios and Wendi Salpa, both Madera High School students. SB 1151 promoted safer driving in school zones by enforcing an additional fine for violators. The bill received unanimous support in the Senate and Assembly, but was ultimately vetoed by Gov. Brown. This contest proved so popular last year, I decided to hold it again; and so far, the response has been very positive. Bottom line, this

contest solidifies what I already know: That constituents not only care about their communities, they want to become more involved, too – they want to make a difference – they want to share their voices in the government process. This is how government should work and I encourage you to participate. Deadline for submission is December 15, and you can download the application with submission instructions by going to http:// district12.cssrc.us/sites/district12.cssrc.us/files/131105_totbal_ form.pdf. If you have questions about the contest or how to submit, please feel free to contact any of my local offices. You can find this information on the application. I will be announcing a winner early next year and am excited to sponsor legislation from the winning submission. The winner(s) will be invited to Sacramento and testify with me at a hearing on their bill, further solidifying the fact that a constituent’s voice can be powerful — and lead to new legislation that makes California an even better place to live. As always, my staff and I welcome your opinions and questions. Please visit my website at http://senate.ca.gov/cannella to receive up-to-date information, as well as district office locations and phone numbers. P

Gift Giving for the Holidays and Any Time! Our gourmet almond products are the perfect gift for any occasion. Visit our company stores for a wide selection of unique gift baskets. From friends and family to customers and employees, we have something for everyone on your list! Visit Our Modesto Company Store in McHenry Village Pantone 374 C

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

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3500 Shiells Road

(209) 862-0555

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G OVERN M EN T RELATION S

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN CAUCUS SETTING THE TONE FOR A HEALTHY ECONOMY By Assemblymember Kristin Olsen

KRISTIN OLSEN ASSEMBLYMEMBER

This month, the California Legislature will be reconvening for the 2015-16 Legislative Session. As the new Assembly Republican Leader, I will be leading a caucus that will work to advance a policy agenda based on priorities that will energize California and lead to job growth, a healthier economy, and greater opportunities for individuals and families.

Despite California’s problems, many of you feel the way I do – that our state can once again be the mecca for innovation and opportunity. We want people to be able to grow roots here; to obtain a good education and a great paying job; to raise families in strong communities. We want businesses to be able to grow and thrive here. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go to prove that our state is worthy of investment, that California is where opportunity - not unemployment – can abound. To start, government officials at all levels need to earn back the trust of individuals, families, and business owners by fostering a transparent, reliable and accountable environment that is committed to working as hard as people do.

I am hopeful that my bill, AB 1764, will encourage more high school students to take computer science and more schools to offer such curriculum, buåt this new policy is just a small step. We have to remain committed to the larger goal of making sure we have a workforce that is prepared to meet the needs of the economy. Call me foolhardy, but I still believe in the California dream. It is present in every bright-eyed, rosy cheeked, and energetic young child who dares to dream big. It is present in the enterprising young 20-something who creates a startup in his garage. And it is present in the single mother who wants the absolute best for her children and their future. Innovative and tenacious, the spirit of California is ripe for a revival—and Republicans are perfectly situated to capitalize on this momentum. Every cloud has its silver lining and California is no exception. You can help us accomplish these goals by sharing your stories of success and struggle. I will use them to continue advocating for our district from my new statewide platform. As always, do not hesitate to contact my office at (209) 576-6425 if you have any questions or concerns. P

Next, we need to pull the reins on regulation and reduce the tax burden to help foster a vibrant marketplace and send a message to small business owners that our state is ready to help them expand and flourish.

Third, the tenant of a great economy is an educated workforce. Whether through career technical programs or higher education, we need to make sure that employers have a competitive and qualified pool of prospective employees to choose from. We must continue to substantively reform our education system to better prepare our students for workforce demands. For example, computer science skills prepare students for careers in a variety of sectors beyond information technology, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and more. Yet, many companies cannot find employees qualified for these jobs.

Broken regulatory policies such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 continue to put California businesses at a competitive disadvantage by keeping them knee-deep in legal paperwork – or completely overwhelmed by costs imposed by legal fees and settlements. We need to get our state’s business owners out of the line of fire, and allow them to get back to work.

Front Jeff Quinn, Marc O’Neil, Marcia Messer back Rick Moen, Dan Mello Workers Comp I Agricultural I Health & Benefits I Professional Crop I Commercial Packages I Home & Auto

MODESTO (209) 529-3480 l TURLOCK (209) 667-0995 wintonireland.com l Since 1913 l Lic # 0596517

DECEMBER

EDUC A TIO N

SPIE RECOGNIZES PAR TNERS By Paula Rafala, Memorial Hospital HR Director SPIE President

City of Modesto Utility Users Tax The City of Modesto’s Utility Users Tax is collected on water, gas and electric services at a rate of 6%, cable television services at 3%, and telecommunication services at 5.8%. The maximum tax utility users have to pay for each service is $1500. The Modesto Municipal Code currently provides for refunds of overpayments made within 12 months from the receipt of the refund request. To request a refund, please provide the city with a written request and copies of your utility bills which verify you overpaid. Requests for refunds should be mailed to: City of Modesto Finance Department Attn: Utility Tax Desk PO Box 642; Modesto CA 95353 You may elect to prepay the utility users tax maximum if you believe you will exceed the cap. If you have any questions, please contact the Utility Tax personnel at (209)577-5206.

Stanislaus Partners in Education (SPIE) recognized business and industry partners at our Annual Recognition Luncheon on Thursday, October 23, 2014. As a non-profit organization representing business, labor, government and education, SPIE enlists the resources of the community to maximize the employment potential of young people and adults in Stanislaus County. PAULA RAFALA

G3 Enterprises received SPIE’s highest award: The Peter Johansen Award.

G3 Enterprises is committed to working with Stanislaus County students in many ways. G3 has partnered with Ceres High School’s Careers in Manufacturing Academy by providing mentors, representatives on their board, in-kind contributions to support Green Technology investments and providing work experience. G3 supports the Patterson High Business Logistics Program by providing representatives to their advisory committee, providing input into curriculum and tours of the facility. G3 Enterprises is a strong partner of the Walter White All Stars Mentoring Program, jointly creating a direct partnership with a local elementary to provide mentors with third and fourth graders. G3 provides direct engineering and logistics support to the Ag in Motion trailer which invites middle school students to explore agricultural science, become an entomologist or an agronomist for a class period as they use a microscope or soil test kit to study the natural world. G3 Enterprises co-founded the Gallo Early Start Leadership Camp, a leadership program facilitated by professional business women volunteers, focused on developing practical leadership skills for high school Sophomores and Juniors in Stanislaus County. Every year, G3 hosts teacher interns who spend a week studying and working in our businesses to acquire valuable and practical insights about the work world and employer requirements to take back to their classrooms. G3 funds grants for schools at all levels that encourage career programming. Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) also recognized Gallo Center for the Arts as a countywide partner. The Gallo Center for the Arts has been a faithful partner to education in this county. The leadership brings in kid-friendly productions in convenient time frames so that after school programs can send participating students. The Center provided memberships for the crafting of the Stanislaus County Arts Education Master Plan. Recently, the Center partnered with this County Office to jump start Year 2 of Destination Graduation by hosting “An Evening with Woz,” a chat format with Steve Wozniak and by so doing provided a venue for 800 community members to hear the word about the campaign to raise the high school graduation rates in this county. In particular, Lynn Dickerson, the Executive Director, has been open to partnerships, creative ventures, and opportunities to promote the arts in this community. P iWoz books, autographed by Steve Wozniak himself are available at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce for $25.00 All proceeds go to benefit Destination Graduation. For more information please call the Chamber 209-577-5757

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

STAN ISLAUS G REEN TEAM

N E T WORK I NG & REFERRALS

CHAMBER CALENDAR DECEMBER 2014 04

Modesto Gospel Mission 1400 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto Time: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m

CHAMBER U – CHAMBER 101

VALUE CLASS

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

Location: Modesto Chamber of Commerce 1114 J Street, Modesto Time: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

By Rikki Keenan, Stanislaus Green Team Coordinator

Cash-Dudley Speiller & Torres Professional Law Corporation 518 13th Street, Modesto Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

CHAMBER U - SELL MORE:

LEMONADE DAY HAPPY HOUR 10 Village Baking Company 1700 McHenry Ave Ste. 18 11 Modesto Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

BIGGER, BETTER EVENTS

Modesto Chamber of Commerce 1114 J Street, Modesto Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS

Gabriel Fine Jewelers 1700 McHenry Ave, Ste 32 Modesto Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

JANUARY 2015 08 BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS TBD Time: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

COLLINS ELECTRICAL COMPANY INC. JOINS THE REACON TEAM

21 SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS TBD Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

101ST ANNUAL GALA

Modesto Commerce Bank 4204 Dale Road Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m

MEMBER CHOICE AWARDS

Gallo Center for the Arts 1000 I St, Modesto Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Kirk Lindsey Center 1020 10th Street Plaza, Suite 102, Modesto Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

RIKKI KEENAN STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM COORDINATOR

I would like to welcome to the Stanislaus Green Team our newest REACON Team member Collins Electrical Company Inc. Since 1928 Collins Electrical Company Inc. has offered comprehensive services, forward thinking and innovation which all adds up to their clients saving time and money. Their highly trained field electricians adhere to IBEW Code of Excellence standards and make it a priority to be environmentally smart and compliant.

Joe Burth will be representing Collins Electric on the S tanislaus Green REACON Team. Joe has been in the electrical industry for over 20 years, managing a variety of Commercial and Industrial Projects for Collins Electric. For the last five years, Joe has focused his talents on multiple cost saving and renewable energy solar projects, he also has helped his customers save on overhead costs with energy efficient lighting renovation throughout the Central Valley. As a Stanislaus Green Team member, Joe will bring a variety of cost and energy saving technologies from the Industry's best electrical and engineering firm directly to businesses throughout the Central Valley. If your company is interested is becoming a member of the 2015 REACON find additional detailed information online at StanislausGreenTeam.com or contact Rikki Keenan Schmeeckle by email or phone with any questions you might have. RKeenan@ ModChamber.com | 209.577.5757 Ext.103. P

REACON Team Investors

Scenic Oaks Funding

thrives in the ever changing market by educating its staff on industry changes, advancing technologically into a paperless system, offering exemplary customer service to all of their clients, as well as having key staff members readily available to assist in the process. Dedication towards customer satisfaction, progress through education, and transparency results in success, for both the company and their clients. If you or a loved one is looking into buying a home, refinancing, or are interested in reverse mortgage, call TODAY!

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

Green Sponsors

StanislausGreenTeam.com For more information contact Rikki Keenan at 209.577.5757 or at RKeenan@ModChamber.org

SHOW CASE Your BUSINESS

Radiators • Aluminum • Scrap Appliances Tin • Stainless Steel • Scrap Iron • Copper Brass • Cardboard • E-Waste • Batteries MODESTO JUNK CO. Recycling Center

Have a new location or renovation to show off ? Host a “Show Off Your Business” and let the community see your new digs! For more information call Lynda Jost at 209-577-5757 ext. 111.

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Our Financial Advisors have been serving the community since 1985. We provide a full range of financial products and services, from helping you select individual investments to developing a retirement plan. We have access to a broad array of company resources -- including research analysts and economic and market experts who help us make informed investment recommendations based on your needs. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, member SIPC. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. 1549 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350, Phone: 209-529-0211 P

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Go "nuts" with your corporate gift giving this year! Blue Diamond Nut and Gift Shop 4800 Sisk Road, Modesto, CA 95356 209-545-3222 Open: Monday – Friday 9-5 Saturday 10-4

Shop online at www.bluediamond.com • Visit Our Other Stores In Sacramento and Chico DECEMBER

C O M MU NI TY DEVELOP MENT

LEMONADE DAY By Tammie Webb L emonade Day Modesto hosts three different contests for o u r yo u t h t o participate in that truly allow them to shine: The Best Tasting Contest, The Best Stand Contest and The Best Business Contest.

The Best Tasting Contest brings in over 20 different individuals and teams and the competition is a “puckering” event for our local judges who have included, Dave and Angela Jones, Cecil Russell, Lee Palleschi, Ralph Carrasco, David Geer, Tony Varni and Joanne Ramos.

This month we are spotlighting our Best Tasting Contest. Our Best Tasting TAMMIE WEBB Contest Venue Sponsor is the Village Baking Company & Café, which is where we will be holding the contest as well. We truly appreciate Joanne Ramos and her staff for letting us take over the bakery and bring in amazing kids with the best tasting lemonade ever!

Please join us for our Lemonade Day Family Happy Hour on December 10 at Village Baking Company & Café as we show off our Best Tasting Contest Venue and all of Joanne’s Holiday Treats & Goodies, which you can pre-order that night.

Our previous winners include: 1st Place Kiana Engel – with her award winning “Kiana’s Cool Cucumber Lemonade” 2nd Place Christian & Caeley Cabello – with their award winning “Minagua Lemonade” 3rd Place Natalie Cipponeri – with her award winning “Basil Lemonade”

Our Best Tasting Contest will be held on May 2 so there is plenty of time for kids to have their best recipe ready. On April 15, kids will be able to apply online at www.modesto.lemonadeday.org.

Enjoy some scrumptious appetizers and desserts, sample some lemonade of the Best Tasting Contest winner’s, bring your kids to decorate their own cookies and don’t forget your business cards for networking and raffle prizes! Event begins at 5:30 p.m. Also during the week of December 10 - 17, at the Village Baking Company & Café, if you purchase any “Lemon” related food items 10% of the proceeds go to Lemonade Day Modesto, including our own “Gingerbread Lemonhead!” Cheers! P

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PARKS GROUP 209.576.2568 theparksG.cOm Modesto: 209.576.2568 1515 Tenth Street, Modesto, CA 95354 Stockton: 209.466.9026 445 W. Weber Ave, Suite 124A, Stockton, CA 95203

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

E C O NOMI C DEVELOP MENT

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Atherton & Associates, LLP is pleased to

announce the promotion of Craig Schaurer, CPA to Tax Manager. Craig specializes in corporate, partnership, and individual tax services as well as business consultation services. He has extensive expertise in agricultural tax and business consultation services. He also has experience in various industries such as real estate, construction, and CRAIG SCHAURER small business as well as litigation support and forensic accounting. A native Modestan, Craig is an honors graduate of CSU Stanislaus and received his Certified Public Accountant license in 2010. Originally from Fremont, Nick Rodrigues has been in the Tech Industry for most of his life. Starting right out of high school making chips for Intel, he learned the basics of business and was able to receive his Apex Certification. Nick has worked in procurement with Flextronics on behalf of Cisco and even William Sonoma to name a NICK RODRIGUES few. He prides himself with his professional perseverance and a “stop the wishful thinking” type of attitude. Nick is a calculated decision maker and looks at optimal outcomes with low risk. The evolution of the IT industry continues to intrigue his passion regarding his career, and he’s the type of leader the looks for how change can improve every organization-ideas must equal validation.

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{ NOVEMBER } BUSINESS

BEFOR E H OU R S

Business Before Hours hosted by: BANK OF THE WEST & I.J. LARSEN PUMPS, INC.

Pastenieks, Bucheli & Falasco, LLP

congratulates their newest Certified Public Accountant, Laura Garcilazo. She started as a tax intern with the firm in 2012 while attending Stanislaus State. She graduated in May 2012 and obtained her licensure this October. Laura specializes in financial and compliance audits for employee retirement plans and non-profit entities as well as LAURA GARCILAZO business and individual tax services. She also has experience with general financial and accounting services and speaks fluent Spanish. For more information, please contact her at 209-529-5515 or visit our website at www.pbfcpa.com.

BANK OF THE WEST 3600 McHenry Ave, Modesto, CA 95356 www.bankofthewest.com

I.J. LARSEN PUMPS, INC.

509 Tully Road, Modesto, CA 95350 www.ijlarsenpumps.com

For the fifth year in a row, Bank of the West & I.J. Larsen Pumps have teamed up for the Business Before Hours to promote the kickoff of the Salvation Army’s Holiday Toy Drive. As we are always promoting buying local, this toy drive specifically gives back to our local families here in Modesto. Toys can be delivered to any Bank of the West location in Modesto until December 15. Bank of the West is one of the fastest growing large banks in the Western US. They have moved from the #27 ranked bank in 2007 for business lending portfolio, to #18 in Q2 2014. Bank of the West is a strong believer in business driving the economy. They are very proud to have 4 branches in Modesto and 10 branches in Stanislaus County. As of 2013, Bank of the West has been awarded the Greenwich Small Business Award for banks similar in size each year! Come check out Bank of the West, as a leader in Business Banking! I.J. Larsen Pumps is a 24-hour business that specializes in installing and repairing residential, industrial, commercial and agricultural water well pumps. They are constantly looking into the latest technology for energy efficient and quality equipment. They make it a priority to shop local, and purchase American made products when possible. They offer water testing and pump inspections and they are also a certified D1 operator, for public wells. P DECEMBER

GUEST COLUMN SHOP LOCALLY AND BOOST OUR ECONOMY By Jennifer Mullen, CVB

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Modesto will be dressed for the holidays. Parades, family traditions and spectacular events are just a few of the ways to celebrate. It will be a Rockin’ Christmas parade in downtown, with brightly illuminated floats and marching bands. Better wear your mittens, we hear it will be snowing in the 10 St Plaza after the parade. Enjoy the wonderful spirit of Christmas, as several churches will have very special events such as a Live Nativity performance, Holiday Candlelight, featuring spectacular music from the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Choir and a Community Nativity Festival with over 300 nativity scenes. Santa Claus is coming to the historic State Theatre for the Kids Celebration of Christmas. The State will be transformed into a winter wonderland. The McHenry Manson will be decked out in its holiday finest and will host a Dickens Faire, Christmas Tea and Candlelight Tour. Holiday Pops Concert with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra featuring Christmas classics, carols and medleys and the Central West Ballet’s,holiday favorite, The Nutcracker will have a variety of delightful performances at the Gallo Center for the Arts. A trip to Modesto means fabulous foods at one of the many locally owned restaurants with menu’s that feature produce, oil, vinegars, meat and cheeses from local farms. Gift Certificates to those restaurants are a great opportunity to give loved ones a well-deserved night out and delicious meals. It also means great gifts for the foodies in your life. Our community’s love affair with food takes many forms. Attractive holiday gift packaging and shipping make it easy to give a local taste to family, friends and business associates near or far. Check out some of the great local products that we produce that would make the perfect gift like: Beekman Beekman Honey, Clayton’s Coffee, Bella Viva Dried Fruit, Blue Diamond Almonds, Classic Wine Vinegar, Fiscalini award winning Cheeses, Roberts Ferry Nut Co, Sciabica Olive Oil, Stewart and Jasper Nuts and much more.

Oak Valley Commercial Lenders and Stanislaus County Branch Managers pictured (from top): Roxanna Smith, Elisa Luna, Mike Petrucelli, Ron Davenport, Susan Quigley, Julie Alves, Patrick Burda, Peter Brown, Cathy Ghan, Sylvia Orozco, Dianna Bettencourt, Mike Garcia, Lupe Rodriguez, and Susan Hartless.

Come home to Oak Valley and experience community banking at its best ~ the perfect blend of old-fashioned personal service and modern technology to meet your every need.

Throughout our diverse shopping areas, independently owned jewelry stores, art galleries, antique stores and boutiques are overflowing with unique gifts that blend modern and traditional. The results are functional, ornamental, wearable and even edible works of art that will not only brighten the holidays of those on your list, but will help keep money flowing in the local economy. What stocking would be complete without merchandise from our own Modesto Nuts Baseball team, always a fan favorite. During this season of gift giving, remember it is also important to volunteer. Local non-profits contribute significantly to the quality of our community and can use all the help they can get during these challenging times. Consider a monetary gift or volunteer some of your time. Your contributions will be greatly appreciated and you’ll feel terrific for helping out.

866.844.7500

ovcb.com

Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock • Patterson Escalon • Ripon • Stockton • Manteca • Tracy

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

So do yourself and our community a favor this year by shifting a bit more spending to your local merchants, service providers, artisans, entertainment and others. Along with helping your neighbors and community you may just find “going local” a far more relaxing and enjoyable experience, one that rewards both you and our community. For a complete listing of all holiday events: visitmodesto.com P

C O M MU NI TY DEVELOP MENT

N ETW ORKIN G & REFERRALS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

Computer Tutor Business and Technical Institute has free training grants available for those who are seeking employment in the administrative field. We specialize in accounting, medical office and general administrative training. In addition, we also provide lifetime job placement assistance for our graduates. To get information on how to qualify please call 209-545-5200 or visit www.computertutor.com/ free. Break free of what ever is holding you back and let us help you get educated, trained and employed. Classes begin year-round! Howard Training Centers 21st Annual CR ABFEST!

BRAIN MCDERMOTT

FISCALINI CHEESE COMPANY

Brain McDermott

Brian Fiscalini

958 El Vecino Avenue

7231 Covert Road

Modesto, CA 95350

Modseto, CA 95358

Phone: 209-502-6465

Phone: 209-545-5495

brain@communlimited.net

brianfiscalini@fiscalinicheese.com

Telecommunications Consulting

www.fiscalinicheese.com Cheese

CIAO BELLA RISTORANTE Chau Ngyuyen

NORCAL DALE PARTNERS, LP

2401 E. Orangeburg Avenue

J.D. Gantes P.O. Box 1122 Modesto, CA 95353 Phone: 209-576-1890 todd@soundexpressdjs.com www.soundexpressdjs.com Event Services

Suite320

Friday, February 6, 2015 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. & Saturday, February 7, 2015 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Howard Training Center 1424 Stonum Road, Modesto, CA 95351 Price: $45.00 Phone: (209) 593-5618 Tickets available at - www.howardtrainingcenter.com Howard Training Center invites you to our 21st Annual CrabFest February 6 & 7. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. All you can eat crab! Our famous HTC cookies & crabby cookies will be on hand as well! Dance to the sounds of LIVIN’ from 9 p.m. - Midnight. Two rooms filled with raffle prizes. This event sells out early so get your tickets now! To go orders are available for $30.00. Sponsorships are available. All proceeds benefit the programs provided by HTC. Tickets available at www.howardtrainingcenter.com.

Modesto, CA 95355 Phone: (209) 521-2426 ciaobellaristo2422@att.net www.facebook.com/ciaobellaristo Restaurant

EL JARDIN RESTAURANT Mary Delgado Phone: 209-352-0062 959 10th Street Modesto CA 95354 eljardinmary@yahoo.com www.eljardinrestaurants.net Restaurant

EUROPEAN WAX CENTER Vivian Nguyen

E C O N O MI C DEV ELOP MENT

Phone: 510-909-0887 3430 Tully Road, Suite 28

NEW MEMBER PROFILES O'Dell Engineering is a multi-discipline engineering firm with offices

in Modesto, Pleasanton, Fresno and Palo Alto. The firm, established in 1994 by Randy O'Dell, efficiently serves clients throughout the Central Valley, San Francisco Bay Area and the greater Sacramento area providing an array of professional design and planning services including civil engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, 3D laser scanning, land planning, and GIS. The firm focuses on consistent customer satisfaction through high quality deliverables, customized coordination, and timely project completion.

Modesto CA 95350 vivian.nguyen@waxcenter.com www.waxcenter.com Beauty Salons

TEEN VILLAGE Gigi Sherriffe 3440 McHenry Ave Modesto, CA 95355 Phone: 209- 544-8400 gigisherriffe@hotmail.com www.teenvillage@outlook.com Retail

THE TURNING POINT COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Marlena Neely 1001 Needham St. Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: 209-544-1913 marlenaneely@TPCP.org www.tpcp.org Community Service Organizations

U.S. POST OFFICE Jennifer Gowans 715 Kearney Avenue Modesto, CA 95350 Phone: 209-523-5094 jennifer.l.gowans@usps.gov www.usps.com Goverment Organizations & Officals

Keeping Modesto Cool Since 1957 LIC. 872913

AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING • SHEET METAL • AIR DUCT CLEANING PLANNED SERVICE MAINTENANCE

(209) 523-8365 W W W . N O R Q U I S TA I R . C O M DECEMBER

ED ITORIAL

BE JOYOUS BE MERRY BE FESTIVE BELONG

THE GALLO CENTER, CHANGING OUR TOWN FOR THE GOOD By Lynn Dickerson CEO, Gallo Center for the Arts

The Gallo Center has changed our town. Since opening its doors a little more than 7 years ago, about 1,000,000 people have come to downtown Modesto to see a show or attend an event at the Gallo Center. Our research tells us about 60% of those guests also have a meal or a glass of wine or spend money some way in downtown while they are here. That’s pretty powerful stuff.

Dale Commons invites you to join us for our

Annual Christmas

Open House Save the date!

Friday, December 12th, 2014 4:00pm to 6:00pm Come celebrate with our Seniors at Dale Commons and enjoy Carolers, a special visit from Santa Clause, appetizers & beverages, Specialty Craft Boutique... ...and meet our staff!

SILENT AUCTION TO BENEFIT MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(open to the public)

Independent and Assisted Living Community

3900 Dale Road Modesto, CA 95356

209.526.2053

www.dalecommons.com RCFE #507004998

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

LYNN DICKERSON

I often say, not only is the Gallo Center a cultural and entertainment hub for our entire region, it’s also an economic engine. Imagine how much more brutal the recent great recession would have been had the Center not opened when it did! As the Gallo Center has grown in popularity and its programming has diversified, patrons have started coming from far and wide to attend a show. On a regular basis, the Gallo Center welcomes guests from Fresno, Sacramento, the East Bay, the Foothills, Merced County and points even further away. Those out of town guests are good for all of us. They fill up their gas tanks as well as their bellies while in town. Many spend the night in our hotels and motels. An economic impact study conducted last year indicated that people attending shows and events at the Gallo Center accounted for approximately $5.6 million in the 2012 calendar year expenditures downtown or in the Modesto metro area (not including the cost of tickets). Of that, approximately $2.5 million was spent on food and beverages. Patrons often tell me they no longer travel to San Francisco or Sacramento for shows because there are so many good choices at the Gallo Center. Instead of driving two hours, paying big bucks for parking and dining and then driving home with toothpicks keeping their eyes propped open, they are now choosing to spend their entertainment dollars locally. They are able to see world class entertainment in a variety of genres, park for free or practically free, enjoy a delicious meal at one of our local restaurants and be home in a jiff after the show ends. Talk about a win/win! I am so proud of the impact the Gallo Center is having in our community. We are bringing joy to lives and improving our local economy. To borrow a line from Wicked…” We have changed our town for the good!” P

GIVING Make someone’s holiday….Think Giving.

N E T W OR K I NG & REFERRALS

COMM UN ITY D EVELOPM EN T

LEADERSHIP MODESTO SER VES THE COMMUNITY

RIBBON CUTTINGS

By Elizabeth Greenlee Harrison, Executive Director/CEO Interfaith Ministries of Greater Modesto If there is a theme rising to the top for this year’s Leadership Modesto class, it must be this: Modesto Cares. On November 7, we were privileged to participate in Community Service Day, visiting and hearing from nonprofits dedicated to serving our friends and neighbors under the facilitation of day chairs, Amy Vickery of United Way, and Mandy Jenkins from Brandman University. Beginning our day at the Chamber of Commerce, we heard from Cheryl Gerhardt, board member of the Alzheimer’s/Dementia ELIZABETH GREENLEE Support Center, Inc., about the challenges HARRISON LEADERSHIP MODESTO faced by Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers, 14/15 and the assistance this group provides through education, support groups and care, entirely mobilized by volunteer efforts. Next, we heard from Debbie Johnson, founder and CEO of Without Permission, a non-profit addressing domestic sex slavery and human trafficking. Debbie presented the gut-wrenching facts behind the reality of these atrocities happening in Modesto. Without Permission sheds a light on this issue and helps bring traffickers to justice. They also train law enforcement and health and human services agencies to detect and handle these sensitive and volatile cases, as well as providing life-changing support for victims of these despicable crimes.

AARON BROTHERS

3801 Pelandale Avenue, Ste. F3 Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 545-9267

EL JARDIN RESTAURANT

959 10th Street Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 567-2548

AMERICAN TAX CREDIT GROUP

7060 N. Fresno, Suite 230 Fresno, CA 93720 (559) 412-0836

JOHNNY CARINO’S 3401 Dale Rd Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 578-9432

At our next stop, Learning Quest Assistant Executive Director Kara Washington presented us with the history of its growth from a small organization teaching literacy skills, to a bustling non-profit with 250 tutors teaching GED, ESL and literacy classes to over 1,500 students. We heard a touching story from a former ESL student who emigrated from Mexico speaking only Spanish, and is now employed by Learning Quest, presenting her account in articulate, precise English. We got to roll up our sleeves for the next few hours, first spending our lunchtime at the Salvation Army with Brian Aird, who shared with us the many ways they are touching this community, providing food, shelter, education and support to those in need, before we had the honor of serving lunch to a grateful crowd of diverse individuals, from homeless veterans to wide eyed toddlers. After that, we tied on tool belts and had a satisfying experience trying our hands at fence construction for two houses being built by Habitat for Humanity. After cooling our heels on a short bus ride, Roger Duke, MF T, welcomed us into the warm environment at the Modesto Vet Center. There, we were moved by the impact that counseling can make for combat veterans in crisis. We were delighted to learn that walk-ins aren’t turned away, but embraced and served when they need it. It’s safe to say lives have been saved by this important branch of mental health, and we returned to the Chamber with a deep sense of gratitude. There, we were treated to an enlightening discussion on non-profit collaboration and collective impact with Francine DiCiano of the United Way, and Amanda Hughes of the Stanislaus Community Foundation. These passionate leaders articulated the ideals that we spent our day absorbing: that working together, strategically and with intention, this community can make an impact that is greater than the sum of its parts, that volunteerism is the key ingredient to sustaining non-profits, and that the dollars we give to local organizations are truly a meaningful way to show Modesto that we care. P

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

EUROPEAN WAX CENTER

3430 Tully Road, Ste. 28 Modesto, CA 95350 Phone: (209) 408-8065 ECON OMIC D EVELOPM EN T

NEW MEMBER PROFILES With over 150 years of combined experience represented by our management, staff, consultants, and Board of Directors, Vocational Coaching and Development Institute, Inc. (VCDI) strives to be the leader in education, preparation, guidance and assistance. VCDI provides services to consumers in the macro-areas of self-advocacy, community integration and the paramount focus of service provision, employment training, in the form of vocational preparation. VCDI helps the willing individual in attaining their personal goals as they relate to independence, employment and success as citizens of their respective communities. P

Prime Shine Car Wash presents:

LAND OF OPPORTUNITY ...a series spotlighting entrepreneurial achievement

Name: Renee Daveluy Business: Artistic Director, Central West Ballet Central West Ballet (CWB) was founded in 1987 under the name Bravo! Repertory Dance Theatre. Since 2004, former Ballet West dancers Rene Daveluy and Leslie Ann Larson have led the company as it has undergone the transition from a youth dance company to a young professional ballet in the making. How does the company differ from where it started? We started as essentially a youth company. When I came in 10 years ago, our oldest members were barely sixteen. But being simply a youth company was never what CWB was about. In the last five years, we moved to new studios and just this year we initiated our first official academy of dance to train students who desire to be trained in classical ballet. What have you done in your professional career that has led you to where you are now? Leslie and I both had careers in dance. We had once been the young teenagers we saw in this company, who wanted nothing but to be dancers. When I came in ten years ago, it was my first true artistic directorship, so I had to just figure it out. I met a lot of bumps in the road, but that’s how you learn. I think we all learned together, dancers and staff. What are some of the accomplishments of which you are particularly proud? The academy of dance is a major move for us. It enables us to self sustain, so it is a financial decision, but it’s also in line with our vision as a company. We are taking the company’s experience and ability to train students in a very academic and serious way and providing a service to students. The academy is a service. It’s something we can do now, but it’s not something we could have done years ago. It’s a

natural progression for any entity that wants to go the distance like that. You can’t put the cart before the horse, but even when we moved four years ago, we weren’t ready to do it. It’s only been a few months, but you can already see the benefits to the company. What is the single biggest reason that you have achieved the level of success you have? This company has always been a very good company. It was a very good youth company, it was part of the regional dance community for many years. And it was seventeen years old when I came in. That was already a great success. But here we were, and there were maybe 5 or 6 dancers in the whole troupe who were really made to be on stage. We collectively made a choice to go forward, for better or worse. What advice do you have for business people when it comes to achieving their goals? Take small steps. The natural progression comes out of necessity and desire. In life, everything is about desiring something. So if there’s this true need and you’re ready for it, it has a tendency to just flow forward. So just stay in synch with that. Yes, you have to take action, but take action when and because it is time. Don’t force the new thing to happen, just stay in synch with what happens naturally with the company. What do you like about doing business in the Modesto community and why do you think this is the Land of Opportunity? I think myself and Cynthia Coughlin, the Executive Director, asked ourselves when we started here: how can we possibly make a ballet company happen in Modesto? Luckily, Modesto does have pride in our performing arts. CWB was seventeen years old when I came in. That was already a great success, but we were always looking for even more. Then the opening of the Gallo Center for the Arts gave us the boost we needed. The creation of a complete, state of the art, professional arts complex in Modesto enabled everyone in the arts here in the city to go to the next level. P

Prime Shine Car Wash is proud to present The Land of Opportunity. Each month this series provides a forum in which to showcase the entrepreneurial achievements of a Stanislaus County business owner. Prime Shine Car Wash is proud to recognize the entrepreneurʼs ability to overcome obstacles and to honor their successes in their industry and in the community.

giving

Warden's is proud to support the spirit of giving, during the holiday season and the whole year round. We recognize that when it comes to the joy of the season, it's always better to give than receive.

DECEMBER

WORK IN Renee’s Day Spa Gets a Major Makeover with McHenry Move By Justin Souza

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT (Courtesy of Never Boring) When business is booming, advertising is the last thing on your mind. But when times get tough, an aggressive ad

It was this need that spurred Matias to move the business to a larger location a few blocks North on McHenry this past January. “The new building is 4400 square feet, so we have plenty of room to grow,” said Matias.

The new location offers clients a wide ranging list of relaxing services, from facials and massages, to makeup, skin care, manicures and pedicures, and even rooms dedicated to massages and other treatments, the spa’s sizeable hair salon and a quiet, sumptuous lunch area.

Clients have responded favorably to the new location, she added. “There’s no other place like this in Modesto. It’s a relaxing, luxurious, pampering experience in a very clean, professional setting. We have coffee and goodies, and gift items. Gift certificates are also available if you want to treat someone to the great ambiance of Renee’s Day Spa!” “It’s such a great place to de-stress and be pampered,” concluded Matias. “Even if you have a very stressful life, you can come in here and it will just melt away.” P For more information, all Renee’s Day Spa at 209 341-0551

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

on. By maintaining an advertising presence through thick and thin, you can keep your business rolling, stay at the top of your customers’ minds and keep slowdowns to a minimum. Never Boring is an industry expert at creating unique, effective and affordable advertising. Find out how we can keep your business moving forward, visit us today at neverboring.com

Bra nding. Strategy. Design. MODESTO MEANS BUSINESS The Chamber stands by this statement. We practice it on a daily basis. As an organization, we use Chamber Members exclusively. We hope we can ‘count on you’ to practice using Chamber Members to meet all of your business needs. You can find new and current members online at www.ModChamber.org. Progress Magazine is the voice of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, and the leading business publication in Stanislaus County. For more information or advertising info call (209) 526-9136.

neverboring.com

"Even if you have a very stressful life, you can come in here and it will just melt away"

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The new digs have also allowed a bump in staffing for the business. Whereas the day spa’s previous location was packed when all nine staff members were on duty, the new location can accommodate all twenty-three employees at once. The move raised the business’ client capacity, as well, said Matias. “Before, it was hard to get people scheduled in. They’d often have to wait three to six weeks for one of our four stations. Now that we can do eight to ten packages a day, we’re able to get people in right away.”

For the last seventeen years, Renee’s Day Spa has been a favored relaxation location for people throughout Modesto. But the 900 square foot building where the Day Spa had been located since 1997 wasn’t large enough to accommodate the number of clients that the popular Day Spa brought in, said owner Renee Matias. “I felt like everybody else in the market was growing, and I wasn’t. Other businesses were opening up with a couple thousand square feet, and the ability to offer a full service day spa experience. We just didn’t have the room to keep up.”

ECON OM IC D EVELOPMEN T

PRESIDENT’S CLUB CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE PLATINUM LEVEL

SILVER LEVEL

The Eberhardt School of Business

Rabobank

E. & J. Gallo Winery

AT&T

English Oaks Nursing &

Acme Construction Company, Inc.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

Kaiser Permanente Walmart

American Chevrolet

F & M Bank

Walmart Neighborhood Market

American Medical Response

Gabriel Fine Jewelers

Rocha Transportation

Rehabilitation Hospital

Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc.

Aramark Uniform Services

Galletto Ristorante

Rogers Jewelry Company

DIAMOND LEVEL

Atherton & Associates, LLP

Georgia-Pacific

San Joaquin Valley College

Bank of the West

BIAlytics

Gianelli & Associates

Beard Land and Investment Co.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Gilton Solid Waste Management, Inc.

Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc.

Brandman University, Chapman

Greater Modesto Medical

Seven Up Bottling Corporation

Doctors Behavioral Health Center-

Surgical Associates

Solecon Industrial Contractors

University System

Smile Shine Family Dental

California State University, Stanislaus

Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc.

Doctors Medical Center-DMC

Central Valley Ag Grinding

Grover Landscape Services, Inc.

Frito-Lay Company, Inc.

Central Valley Autism Project Inc

Harris Moran Seed Company

MedAmerica Billing Services, Inc.

Central Valley Automotive

Heald College

Central Valley Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge

I.J. Larsen Pumps, Inc.

Stanislaus Food Products Company

Central Valley Nissan

Infiniti of Modesto

Stanislaus Surgical Hospital

Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai

Institute of Technology

5.11, Inc.

Central Valley Medical Group

International Paper Company

Crystal Creamery

Central Valley Specialty Hospital

JS West & Company

DoubleTree Hotel

Children’s Hospital Central California

Kaplan College

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

Evergreen Nursing & Rehabilitation

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

Mercer Foods

Turlock Irrigation District

Citibank

Mike's Knock Out Burger & Rays

Fiscallini Cheese Company

Clark Pest Control

Bar-B-Que

Memorial Medical Center

COIT Services Inc.

Mocse Credit Union

The Modesto Bee

Collins Electrical

Modesto Commerce Bank

Uno Chicago Grill

Modesto Irrigation District

Comcast

Modesto Toyota

Valley First Credit Union

Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball

Concordia Claims Managers

Oak Valley Community Bank

Construction Management

O’Brien’s Market

Valley Lexus-BMW

RACOR, Division of Parker

DMC

Pacific Southwest Container

GOLD LEVEL

Care Center

Corporation

Hannifin Corporation

Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Solid Networks, Inc. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Stanislaus Distributing

Storer Coachways SunOpta Aseptic, Inc.

Union Bank US Bank

W.H. Breshears, Inc.

Save Mart Supermarkets

Costco Wholesale

Panelized Structures Inc.

Warden’s Office Products Center

Seneca Foods, LLC

Covanta Stanislaus, Inc.

Papa John’s

Warden’s Office Furniture Outlet

Sysco Food Services of

Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios,

Pepsi Bottling Group

Prompt Staffing D.B.A Courtesy

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

Central California

Taco Bell

Pacher & Silva

Del Monte Foods

Staffing

Delta Sierra Beverage

Post Foods, LLC

DirectLine Technologies, Inc.

Prime Shine Car Wash

Insurance Agency

Yosemite Meat Company, Inc.

Celebrating Over 50 Years Of Quality Care * Registered Nurses 24/7 * Long Term and Short Term Quality Care * 175 Bed Skilled Nursing Facility * Pleasant Environment * Inviting and Stimulating Social Activities * Inpatient & Outpatient Physical Therapy * Inpatient & Outpatient Occupational Therapy * Speech Therapy * Respiratory Therapy

* Specialty Dining Menus * Pharmaceutical Services * Intravenous Therapy * Incontinence Service * Wound and Skin Care * Medicare Part A & B * Medi-Cal * Other Insurances Welcome * Family Owned & Operated for over 50 Years

Engaged in your Care & your Life 209.577.1055 2030 Evergreen Ave. Modesto, CA 95350 www.evergreencare.com Fax: 209. 550. 3615

ACTUALLY, GETTING LOTS OF EMAILS CAN LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE. Our members can email directly with their doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, which in turn allows them to spend more working time in your office.

DISCOVER A BETTER WAY kp.org/choosebetter