Progress April 2018

VOL. 39 | ISSUE 4 | APRIL 2018

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

BAY VALLEY TECH PRODUCING TECH TALENT

MODESTO JUNK COMPANY

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APRIL 2018 | 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

Love Modesto and Modesto Subaru team up to benefit the community

Steven Rank, Rank Investigations and Protection, Inc.

Chairman-Elect

Thomas Reeves, City of Modesto

Past Chairman

Vice Chairman, Internal Operations

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DIRECTORS

COMMUNITY

Eric Tobias, F&M Bank

Vice Chairman, External Operations Stephen Madison, STANCO

Patricia Gillum, Patricia A. Gillum,CPA Annie Amies, Vintage Faire Mall Elliot Begoun, The Intertwine Group Brad Blakeley, Edward Jones Investments Paul Holshouser, Flowers Baking Co. of Modesto Michael Howell, Blom & Associates Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Loren Kuntz, Atherton & Associates Naomi Layland, Huff Construction Co, Inc. Craig Lewis, Lewis Capital Advisors DeSha McLeod, Community Hospice Inc. Michael Moradian, Peace of Mind Pest Control & Home Inspections Kathy Monday, Damrell, Nelson, Shrimp, Pallios, Pacher & Silva and Squeeze In Tom Nielsen, Individual Member Peggy O’Donnell, Mid-Valley Promotion Dillon Olvera, Beard Land & Investment Co. Kristin Reza, Bank of Stockton Lucy Virgen, Bank of the West Pete Zahos, Sysco Central California, Inc.

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Bay Valley Tech Producing Tech Talent

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Workforce Development

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ADVOCACY

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

Bay Valley Tech Producing Tech Talent to Help Local Businesses Accelerate Growth

Announcements/ People on the Move Ribbon Cuttings Workforce Development April Anniversaries

EDUCATION Improvements Coming to Graceada Park

SERVICE

Graphic Design: Never Boring

209.526.9136 • www.neverboring.com

Distribution: The Parks Group

the Community

Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce

209.576.2568 • mike@theparksgroup.com

RELATIONSHIPS

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

Printer: The Parks Group

Chamber Calendar

Love Modesto and Modesto Subaru Team Up to Benefit

ADVISORS

Keith Boggs, Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office George Boodrookas, Modesto Junior College David Boring, Never Boring Tim Harms, Leadership Modesto Joe Lopez, City of Modesto David White, Opportunity Stanislaus Melissa Williams, Modesto Irrigation District

Message from the CEO

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Improvements Coming to Graceada Park

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Work In Progress: Modesto Junk Company

209.576.2568

Advertising Sales:

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in

Never Boring 209.526.9136 • progress@neverboring.com © Copyright 2017 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

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

PROGRESS MAGAZINE

Modesto Junk Company

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

APRIL 2018

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

By Cecil Russell, Chamber President and CEO Ag Aware is our annual event that occurs in April and celebrates our past, current, and future agricultural community. This year Ag Aware falls on April 13 at 11:30 a.m., and will again be held at MJC’s ACE Pavilion on West Campus. Tickets are still on sale for $25, and this great event raises money for all of our local high school FFA chapters. This event has a lunch of locally-sourced food, and our speaker is the President of Bowles Farming Company. I hope to see you all there.

There is a lot going on in our region! Last month, I had the opportunity to attend Downtown Modesto Partnership’s “State of Downtown” presentation at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The keynote speaker, Peter Kageyama, a noted author and expert on cities, was phenomenal. I would encourage you to watch the presentation at www.domopartnership.org. I have also been attending City and County meetings on the proposed low-barrier homeless shelter downtown and the emerging cannabis policies. The Chamber is monitoring these developments, and listening to the concerns of all of our members. Due to Measure L and SB1 funds, you will continue to see repairs to our roads, improvement to our transportation corridors, and major changes coming to Highway 132 and the downtown ACE train station over the next couple of years. We will have more information and updates on these projects in these pages in the near future. You can see other meetings and committees Chamber representatives have attended in the infographics next to my article. Advocacy is an important aspect of the Chamber’s

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

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mission, so if you think the Chamber needs to be involved in a certain area or issue, I would love to hear from you.

We have confirmed a date and location for the next Disney Institute professional training module! We will host Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence on Nov. 1, at MJC’s West Campus. This module is a “stand-alone” training, so you can still attend if you were not able to benefit from last year’s topic. Mark this date on your calendar, spread the word, and tickets will go on sale soon!

The Chamber’s Government Relations Council (GRC) is working hard to obtain answers for our members from our local County candidates for District Attorney, Sheriff, and Superintendent of Schools. As it strives to do each major election, the GRC has sent out questionnaires to all of the candidates in these races, and will print their respective answers verbatim in the May issue and on the Chamber’s website. Providing unfiltered information to our members is very important to our Board, and is one of the many benefits of membership in the Chamber. I encourage each of you to become an informed voter in this election, and vote for the candidate that you feel will best represent business interests and create a vibrant economy.

Thanks for reading and thanks for your membership in the Modesto Chamber of Commerce! | P

ATTENDED DOWNTOWN MODESTO PARTNERSHIP’S STATE OF THE DOWNTOWN EVENT

RIBBON CUTTINGS HOSTED BUSINESS AFTER HOURS FRANKLIN & DOWNS

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL PRESENTATION BY STATE SENATOR CATHLEEN GALGIANI

HOSTED TAX REFORM FORUM WITH CONGRESSMAN JEFF DENHAM AND AREA LARGE EMPLOYERS

ATTENDED MODESTO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL INSTALLATION DINNER

Stanislaus Green Team Presentation by Covanta ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PRESENTATIONS BY STANISLAUS COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND CITY OF MODESTO BUILDING DEPARTMENT

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

ATTENDED 2018 GRAFFITI PARADE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETINGS

ATTENDED ANNUAL PANCAKES & POLITICS WITH AREA ELECTED OFFICIALS HOSTED BY CERES CHAMBER AND CENTRAL VALLEY HISPANIC CHAMBER

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ATTENDED MODESTO CITY FIREFIGHTERS ANNUAL INSTALLATION BANQUET

Advertise in Progress Magazine, the awardwinning business publication of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. It’s more affordable than you may think.

ATTENDED WEEKLY/MONTHLY MODESTO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS, DOWNTOWN SECURITY MEETINGS, COMPREHENSIVE FEES TASK FORCE MEETING, SPIE MEETING, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION MEETINGS

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APRIL 2018

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CHAMBER CALENDAR APRIL DEVELOPMENT 04 ECONOMIC COMMITTEE MEETING

MAY 02

Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 7:30 a.m.

CHAMBER CALENDAR

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Ag Aware Luncheon MJC Ace Pavilion 11:30-1 p.m.

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STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 9 a.m.

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS BBSI 1111 I St., Ste. 107, Modesto 5:30 p.m.

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 12 p.m.

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AMBASSADOR & WELCOME TEAM MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 8 a.m.

**The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is located at 1114 J St. Modesto

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 7:30 a.m.

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Chamber Marketing Online Class Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 4 p.m.

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STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 9 a.m.

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 12 p.m.

23

AMBASSADOR & WELCOME TEAM MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 8 a.m.

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Memorial Day CHAMBER CLOSED

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

1111 I St., Ste. 107, Modesto April 19 | 5:30 p.m.

BBSI was founded by an entrepreneur driven to provide a valuable hands-on business service at a reasonable price. By staying true to the core company principles—to deliver what was promised, when it was promised, and always with respect—BBSI has built strong relationships with both customers and employees.

We work with over 5,000 companies in 24 states daily, but manage to keep business personal. How do we do it? With solutions we know, because we've used them on ourselves, and a philosophy of success that demands teamwork.

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Group Health • Workers Comp Home Owners & Auto • Business Insurance Giddings, Corby, Hynes Lic.# 0144783

APRIL 2018

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LOVE MODESTO AND MODESTO SUBARU TEAM UP TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY

By Eric Jung, City Engagement Director, Love Our Cities What single strategy can increase work productivity by 13 percent, increase morale, lower turnover, increase Millennial engagement with your company, and produce $6 in sales revenue for every $1 spent (source: profits4purpose.com)?

While Subaru’s brand is uniquely geared towards “making the world a better place” with their “Love Promise,” these local initiatives go way beyond corporate programs and are possible thanks to local ownership that sees the value for their business and their local community.

A Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

NO, this is not a joke.

Consider Millennials are now over 83 million strong, exceeding Baby Boomers by almost 8 million as the largest generation.

They make purchasing and career decisions differently than prior generations, seeing each as an extension of their identity, and Social Media has made their identity more important than ever before.

Finding the best price or obtaining the best wage are often not the determining factor for decisions, as 89 percent of Millennials will switch brands if one supports causes (source: themillennialimpact.com). Businesses are recognizing CSR plans are a wise strategy for customer acquisition and employee retention.

This year, Love Modesto has created a new partnership with businesses, through our Annual Sponsor program, that helps local businesses design and execute their CSR strategies.

COMMUNITY

Modesto Subaru and Sutter Health are the first to join the program. In addition to premium brand visibility across our various media channels, we work side by side on larger strategies to increase customer and employee engagement.

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Strategies for employee engagement at Subaru consist of team participation in multiple projects at Love Modesto on April 21st as well as ongoing year-round projects in the community.

Modesto Subaru is adopting a Junior High School and a local home in a nearby neighborhood to help an elderly homeowner who is physically unable to keep up his or her yard.

“Our employees and customers at Modesto Subaru believe in being the change that makes a difference in our community.”

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

As Chris Godden, the COO of Modesto Subaru believes, “The power of community is what keeps us moving forward.”

What CSR strategies do you have in place at your business?

Are you interested in developing a CSR plan to benefit your business and Modesto?

Love Modesto would love to work with you! Contact us at contact@lovemodesto.com. | P

BAY VALLEY TECH PRODUCING TECH TALENT TO HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES ACCELERATE GROWTH

By Phillip Lan People are the most important resource any business can have. Today’s hyper-competitive environment requires sharp, dedicated employees who are often the difference between fastgrowing, high margin companies and struggling organizations.

Individuals who can leverage technology to improve marketing effectiveness and/or increase operational efficiencies give their employers a key competitive advantage in the current shifting competitive landscape.

Fortunately, the Central Valley has several colleges and universities working hard to prepare students for the modern workplace. Software languages and tools which have always evolved at a pretty good clip are changing even more rapidly, however. So much so that it’s become nearly impossible for traditional educational institutions to keep up. Graduates are now trying to enter the workforce with only general software concepts but little hands-on experience utilizing modern software languages crucial in today’s companies.

These junior tech workers and interns are requiring a substantial amount of additional training to become bona fide contributing members of their teams.

Fast-growing companies who desperately need new tech workers hit a wall because they can’t afford to pull senior developers off of urgent projects to train new graduates. This inability to grow their tech capabilities can grind a company’s growth to a halt.

Some companies, on the other hand, do not have the in-house technical expertise to teach new graduates the latest software tools and methodologies. They are looking for new employees to elevate their corporate Digital IQ.

Students from CSU Stanislaus, UC Davis, UC Merced, Modesto Junior College, code academies and other educational institutions meet weekly at ValleyWorx (www.valleyworx.com), Modesto’s tech co-working space, to work on corporate projects and be mentored by experienced technology professionals on the newest software languages, tools and frameworks. Interns work in teams to build projects leveraging Angular.io, Angular. js, React.js, Node.js, PHP, .Net, Python and C++. The internship also supports the growth of agtech in the Central Valley by giving students opportunities to develop their interest and skills in machine learning and artificial intelligence as well.

Many local employers are excited about the internship program, projected to train over 100 new tech and digital design professionals in the Modesto/Stockton area by year’s end. In addition to software development, mobile app development and digital design, the internship program also teaches leadership, communication and presentation skills necessary to be a wellrounded, high-performing team member.

Contact Bay Valley Tech at www.bayvalleytech.com, if you are interested in sponsoring the technology internship program, are considering hiring an intern or are interested in attending Bay Valley Tech’s web design and development classes.

Contact ValleyWorx at www.valleyworx.com, if you are interested in flexible, inexpensive office space within a community of entrepreneurs and technologists in Modesto. | P

ADVOCACY

Until recently, new graduates had limited options to bridge the gap between what they learned in school and what local employers needed. Last month, however, Bay Valley Tech (www.bayvalleytech.com) launched a fast-growing technology and digital design internship program designed to do just that. In combination with Bay Valley Tech’s web design and development classes, the internship program accelerates growth of the Central Valley’s tech ecosystem by taking some of the heavy lifting to train graduates off of the shoulders of local employers and then connecting interns with those employers.

APRIL 2018

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Community Hospice and Community Hospice Foundation Announce New Board Members Community Hospice, the oldest and largest nonprofit hospice provider serving the Central Valley, is pleased to announce its new Community Hospice and Community Hospice Foundation Board Members.

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) is pleased to announce that Susan Frederick has been selected to join SJVC's new Training and Workforce Development department as an Account Executive.

She is working directly with employers to Susan Frederick

develop custom training solutions in the business, medical and technical fields.

Joining the Community Hospice Board of Directors are: • Christine Schweininger, President and CEO of the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Chad Van Houten, Principal Shareholder, Grimbleby Coleman CPAs

Joining the Community Hospice Foundation Board of Directors is: • Patrick Blum, Sales Manager at Clark Johnson Company, Inc. • Tracy Kerr, President and CEO of Mocse Credit Union • Robert Lopez, Branch Manager at Wells Fargo Bank • Chuck Mitten, Plant Manager at The Wine Group • Nancy Houghton, Director, Camp Erin of the Central Valley

Susan holds a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science Business/Management from University of Phoenix. She has held titles as Corporate Education Liaison, National Training Manager, National Workforce Solutions Market Manager with University of Phoenix/Apollo Education Group. Most recently she has worked with various colleges for corporate outreach and strategic accounts.

Susan is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the economic development of Modesto and the Central Valley in her new role. | P

“It is a pleasure to welcome our newly appointed Community Hospice and Foundation Board Members,” said C. DeSha McLeod, Community Hospice President/CEO. “As we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community, we look forward to working with our new Board Members that can lend their expertise in helping us provide compassionate and quality care

The Modesto Gospel Mission is proud to announce the promotion of

Jason Conway to Executive Director

to our community residents and providers.” | P

after an extensive search by its Board of Directors. Jason has served as the

RELATIONSHIPS

Carolyn Huff Photography Studio and Gallery welcomes Carolyn Doub as our featured artist beginning Apr. 3. Carolyn Doub and her husband have lived in Modesto for over 30 years and spent the last decade in the Palm Springs area.

Carolyn’s work is derived from photographs she has taken while traveling. She has been able to visit much of California, Hawaii and Arizona. Also, she and her husband have traveled to France, England, Scotland, Israel, Jordan, and Greece.

Carolyn paints using oil, acrylic, and water color. Carolyn also offers Giclee’ with Certification and Artist Enhancement or Commission work as well.

The art work of Carolyn Doub will be on display at Carolyn Huff Photography Studio and Gallery April - June 2018. Join us for the artist reception during the Modesto Art Walk, Apr. 19, 5-9 p.m.; and also, May 17, 5-9 p.m. For more information contact carolyn@ carolynhuff.org or call 209.918.6627. | P

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

Mission's Interim Executive Director Jason Conway

since July 31, 2017. During this time Jason did an outstanding job and exceeded the

Board of Directors' expectations. Jason formally assumed this role in early March. Jason became homeless in 2007 and came to the Mission and joined its 18-month New Life Program. After graduation, he was hired by the Mission and has worked there ever since. The Mission is celebrating 70 years of transforming lives in Modesto, and Jason is resolute in his desire to serve the homeless and the greater community. | P

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APRIL 2018

RELATIONSHIPS

The

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT By: Jordan Sevens

EVEN AS THE ECONOMY IMPROVES,

“The whole idea is to get people self-sufficient,” says Doris

SEARCHING FOR A WORTHWHILE

Foster, the Director of Workforce Development.

JOB IS NO EASY FEAT REGARDLESS OF BACKGROUND.

The most basic form this takes is the pre-apprenticeship, through which Workforce Development trains people in “soft

At 6.1 percent, the unemployment rate here in Modesto is about

skills,” or skills that are more fundamental and apply to a wide

as low as it has Principal ever been, which is great on the macro

variety of jobs. Foster gives a few examples, such as “knowing

level. For the economy and city as a whole, that means greater

you need to come to work on time, not being on your phone, not

income, fewer homeless, and more productivity. But on the

saying something inappropriate to your boss.”

micro, individual level, that does present some challenges. More employed people means fewer jobs for those still unemployed,

Along the same lines, there is the Summer Youth Program, which

and employers with greater expectations from those they hire.

provides young people with summer jobs within in-demand

Fortunately for the struggling job-seeker, there’s Workforce

industries—presently manufacturing and health care—to both

Development, an organization that partners with America’s Job

RELATIONSHIPS

Center of California to provide resources and mentorship to

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those seeking to make themselves more desirable employees.

The types of work they do is vast and varied, but the end goal of all is to equip workers with the knowledge and experience they need to make it in the work force, whether that means offering classes in something like resume building or even subsidizing the wages of inexperienced workers so that employers are more willing to take a chance on them.

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

when a person found a job. Now, the department keeps a client’s file open until they’ve been settled into their job for a year and feel secure in their position. During that year period, Workforce Development continues to provide support, training, and counseling to help employees feel comfortable and capable in their new jobs.

While one-on-one, personalized development is a priority, the department does have to be practical. If you’re seeking a job in a field that just isn’t hiring, they’re not necessarily going to waste everyone’s time and money getting you trained in that give them experience and help them learn what types of jobs

field. However, they do offer aptitude tests and counseling to

they might be interested in.

find a field that works best for you, even if that’s not the thing you went in searching for. After all, the ultimate goal is to wind

A step up from this is the Registered Apprenticeship, which

up not only trained, but employed.

is a mix of relevant classes and paid on-the-job training. This system benefits both the employer and employee, because Workforce Development reimburses a significant portion of the employee’s wages, reducing the risk that the business is taking on this new worker.

An even more in-depth version of this is Customized Training, wherein both the employer and Workforce Development work toward preparing the employee for advancement within their field, determining what their strengths are and developing them in areas where they might be lacking.

Last but not least there is the new Incumbent Worker Training, which entails any kind of work with someone who is already

In addition to the training and workshops, Workforce

employed. This could take many forms, such as helping an

Development offers less intensive services to help you in your

employee whose job has been replaced by a machine train for

quest for a job. For example, for people seeking jobs that require

a new position within their company. Another example Foster

a typing test, their job centers—located in Modesto, Turlock,

gave is helping cope with layoffs, such as those resulting from

Oakdale, and Patterson—will provide a test and certificate.

Seneca Foods closing, by helping workers who have been employed for a long time learn how to hunt for a job again and

Going forward, Workforce Development plans to expand

help them update their resumé.

its presence by providing job centers in new cities, and to expand its capacity to support individuals by working with

Another newer development is a focus on job retention. In the

and understanding the needs of specialized groups (the two

past, Workforce Development considered a case a success

examples given by Foster were veterans and the previously incarcerated). Beyond that, their plan for the future is to stay

AS LONG AS THERE ARE

are shifts in the economy. As long as there are people looking

PEOPLE LOOKING FOR JOBS

guiding them in their search, and giving them the tools they

IN STANISLAUS COUNTY,

for jobs in Stanislaus County, Workforce Development will be need to stand on their own two feet. | P

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE GUIDING THEM IN

RELATIONSHIPS

flexible, and adapt to the needs of the community as there

THEIR SEARCH… APRIL 2018

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TO THIS MONTH'S MILESTONE MEMBERSHIPS

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RELATIONSHIPS

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CAL-TRADE WELDING SCHOOL OF MODESTO

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

IMPROVEMENTS COMING TO GRACEADA PARK

By Leadership Modesto Class of 2017/2018

The Leadership Modesto Class of 2018, in partnership with

The Graceada improvement project will be funded through

the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Modesto and the

a fundraising campaign led by Leadership Modesto class

College Area Neighborhood Alliance (CANA), is initiating

members. The campaign will solicit cash donations from

improvements to Graceada Park as the focus of its class project.

private donors, corporations, and foundations. In-kind gifts are also being solicited for labor and construction materials.

The class chose this project after considering more than

Construction will start when the campaign is successful in

a dozen ideas submitted by class members. Ultimately, the

raising the required gifts and pledges. Donations can be made

class chose to replace the playground equipment partially

through the Chamber of Commerce, designated for the 2018

destroyed by fire in August 2016. The project is expected to

class project.

cost approximately $60,000 with an anticipated completion date in June or July 2018.

“We are confident that this project will make a lasting impact on Graceada, just as we hope the lives and careers of 2018

“Graceada Park has long been the centerpiece of our great

Class members will make a lasting impact on Modesto,”

city, the scene of countless cultural, family, and recreational

added Boyett. | P

experiences that have shaped lives for years,” remarked Kirstie Boyett, 2018 class member and member of the Executive Committee. “By restoring the playground, our class is taking an important step to returning Graceada Park to its original beauty and utility.”

Several class members reflected on the impact of Graceada Park on their lives. “Many of our fondest memories were made at this beautiful park,” commented Alana Scott, class member. “The desire of the class is to stay connected long after graduation and continue the improvements to the park so that

EDUCATION

it can serve generations to come.”

APRIL 2018

15

© Modesto Irrigation District

Lighting rebates

HVAC rebates

High efficiency motor rebates

HELPING VALLEY BUSINESS GROW

Oak Valley’s

SERVICE

Teddi Lowry, Branch Manager -

Dale Road, 579.3371, Sylvia Orozco, Branch Manager McHenry, 579.3365, with GreenWorks Paul and Jeannie Campbell, owners, and Kim Henry, General Manager

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

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- Paul Campbell, GreenWorks Commercial Janitorial Service

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WORK IN PROGRESS a series spotlighting some of our area’s most innovative and successful companies

MODESTO JUNK COMPANY By: Jordan Sevens Making our planet cleaner and healthier for everyone can at times feel like a daunting and inconvenient process, but it’s also a vital one. Fortunately, Modesto is filled with local businesses willing to work with the community and make it easy and affordable to go green, making our community and our Earth a better place in the process.

One such company is the Modesto Junk Company, a local scrap company and recycling center operated by the Highiet family. The company stands out not only for its fair prices and its willingness to go above and beyond for its clients, but also for its nearly century-long presence in the community. Alex Highiet founded the business in 1920, and its operation has been passed down through the family ever since.

“We’ve been here for a long time and we’re staying, so we’re committed to doing what’s right and doing what’s best for everybody here,” said Keith Highiet, great grandson of Alex Highiet and current bookkeeper and PR representative of Modesto Junk.

This support manifests in part through the efforts they make to help local businesses become more efficient in their recycling efforts. They not only offer free consulting, providing information on what can be recycled and how to make the most money doing so, but they’ll even provide the bins and trucking necessary for companies to recycle vast quantities of scrap metals and other recyclable materials. They’re also continually looking toward the future, looking for new ways to recycle, including the processing of e-waste including laptops and other modern technologies.

They also contribute to the community in more surprising ways. Copper theft is a common crime, and they’ve fostered a good

"…WE’VE BEEN HERE FOR A LONG TIME AND WE’RE STAYING, SO WE’RE COMMITTED TO DOING WHAT’S RIGHT AND

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DOING WHAT’S BEST FOR EVERYBODY HERE…" B r a n di n g . S t r a t egy. D e si gn. relationship with the local police by closely scrutinizing any copper that comes their way, taking photos and thumb prints of the sellers, and establishing a waiting period for payment. According to Keith, they’ve assisted in a few investigations doing this. In this way, they make our community safer as well as cleaner.

“We’re all here together,” said Keith Highiet.

These words sum up the philosophy and culture of Modesto Junk. It references not only the familial nature of the company, which is also run by his father Jeff and his sister Alexis, but also the way that Modesto Junk contributes to our community and to humanity as a whole, by keeping our one and only planet clean and safe, so we can continue using it for generations to come. | P

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MODESTO JUNK COMPANY, VISIT WWW.MODESTOJUNK.COM 1425 9TH ST. 209.522.1435

THE CHAMBER C.A.R.E.S. 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.

PRESIDENT’S CLUB CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE PLATINUM LEVEL

SILVER LEVEL

Galletto Ristorante

Stinson Enterprises Inc.

E. & J. Gallo Winery

American Chevrolet

Gianelli & Associates

Kaiser Permanente

American Medical Response

Gilton Solid Waste Mgmt, Inc.

Storer Coachways

Walmart

Aramark Uniform Services

Golden Valley Health Centers

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

Walmart Neighborhood Market

Atherton & Associates, LLP

Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc.

Telcion Communications Group The Eberhardt School of Business

Bank of Stockton

DIAMOND LEVEL

Grover Landscape Services, Inc.

Brightwood College

I.J. Larsen Pumps, Inc.

Bank of the West

California State University,

Beard Land and Investment Co.

Stanislaus

Infiniti of Modesto

Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc.

Care One Home Health and

Doctors Behavioral

Central Sanitary Supply Co.

Health Center- DMC

Hospice, Inc.

Doctors Medical Center-DMC

Central Valley Ag Grinding

Frito-Lay Company, Inc.

Central Valley Automotive

Pacific Southwest Container

Central Valley Chrysler,

Physician Referral Service-DMC

International Paper Co. Iron Mountain, Inc. JS West & Companies Lewis Capital Advisor

dba Modesto Toyota

The Modesto Bee Turlock Irrigation District Union Bank US Bank Valley BMW Valley Children's Healthcare Valley First Credit Union

Maxx Value Foods

Valley Lexus

Mercer Foods

Vintage Faire Mall

Mocse Credit Union

W.H. Breshears, Inc.

Central Valley Nissan

O'Brien's Market

Warden's Office Furniture Outlet

Central Valley Specialty Hospital

Oak Valley Community Bank

Warden's Office Products Center

5.11, Inc.

Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

Wells Fargo Bank

Crystal Creamery

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

Panelized Structures Inc.

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

Doubletree by Hilton Modesto

Clark Pest Control

Pepsi Bottling Group

Insurance Agency

Fiscalini Cheese Company

Cloudy in California

PMZ Real Estate

HealthSouth Rehabilitation

COIT Services Inc.

Prime Shine Car Wash

Collins Electrical

Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc.

Memorial Medical Center

Comcast

Modesto Irrigation District

Covanta Stanislaus, Inc.

Rogers Jewelry

Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball

Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp,

RACOR, Division of Parker

Del Monte Plant

GOLD LEVEL

of Modesto

Hannifin Corp.

Jeep, Dodge

Pallios, Pacher & Silva

Seneca Foods, LLC

Delta Sierra Beverage

Sysco Food Services of

English Oaks Nursing

Central California

Taco Bell

& Rehabilitation Hospital

Rogers Jewelry Co. San Joaquin Valley College Save Mart Supermarkets Seven Up Bottling Corporation Smile Shine Family Dental Solecon Industrial Contractors

F&M Bank

Solid Networks, Inc.

Flooring Liquidators, Inc.

Stanislaus Food Products Co.

Flowers Baking Co. of

Stanislaus Surgical Hospital

Yosemite Meat Co., Inc.

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

Modesto, LLC

Food Maxx

SERVICE

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

18

AFLAC - DOWNTOWN MODESTO

LATINO COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE

Insurance 802 14th St., Suite D Modesto, CA 95354 Aflac.com 209.985.6562

Nonprofit 627 13th St., Ste. C Modesto, CA 95354 lcrstanislaus.org 209.567.1040

ADVANCED IPM

MARYANNS AROMATHERAPY AND WELLNESS

Pest Control Services 1110 Melody Ln. Roseville , CA 95678 advancedipm.com 209. 809.2317

Health 225 E. Granger Ave., Ste 1 Modesto , CA 95350 maryann.massagetherapy.com 209.222.3001

BUFFALO WILD WINGS

OPUS MEDICAL, INC.

Restaurant 3401 Dale Rd. Modesto, CA 95356 buffalowildwings.com 209.530.9464

Health 500 Coffee Rd., Ste. C Modesto, CA 95355 opusmedical.com 209.425.0770

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

Branching Out for 45 Years When it comes to our customers, we make sure that your business is seeing green.

At Grimbleby Coleman, we’ve been helping clients like you since 1973.

Trust our team of advisors to find solutions as unique as your business needs.

it’s the people behind the numbers.

Contact us today at 209-527-4220 or gccpas.net

Lic.# 502700235

One

IN A

Your company is one-of-a-kind, let us tell your story.

We’ve been helping companies like yours stand out for 35 years and counting.

THE LEADER OF THE BRAND MARKETING, ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS GRAPHIC DESIGN & BRANDING FILM & MULTIMEDIA INTERACTIVE & WEB DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL MARKETING CUSTOM SIGNS & FLEET GRAPHICS

MODESTO 1016 14th St., Modesto 209.526.9136

CUSTOM SIGNS 1025 Needham St., Modesto 209.593.5844

STOCKTON 445 W. Weber Ave. Ste. 124A, Stockton

THE FILM VAULT 1401 J St., Modesto 209.526.9136

neverboring.com 800.317.9136