April Progress 2013

April 2013 Vol. 34 Issue 4 modchamber.org

MODESTO CHAMBER

“Checks Up”on

Healthcare Education The Medic’s Plus Cover Photo by Studio Warner

FeedBack Breakfast

Private Schools: Weighing the Cost & Benefits

When you partner with Sutter Health, you partner with the most advanced intensive care nurseries and a health care system that delivers more babies than any other in Northern California. It’s how we plus you.

sutterhealth.org

Mission Statement

To promote the region’s economic strengths and vitality; identify and promote services that are valuable to our members; advocate for public policy that is advantageous to the business community; and fully participate and partner in activities to improve quality of life.

Executive Committee Chairman Ralph Curtis, Curtis Legal Group Chairman-Elect David Gianelli, Gianelli & Associates

Modesto Junior College Nursing students practice skills in Human Simulation Lab

Past Chairman Kathy Halsey, Individual Member Vice Chairman, Internal Operations Patricia Gillum, Patricia Gillum, CPA Vice Chairman, External Operations Craig Lewis, Prudential California Realty Vice Chairman, Member Relations Bill Moreno, Fire2Wire Vice Chairman, Events & Special Projects Laura Ward, Ward Promotional Marketing Solutions Directors Pamela Cullors, Sysco Food Services of Central California Dan Garcia, Tri Counties Bank David Halvorson, American Chevrolet Brad Hawn, CHG Doug Johnson, Reach Business Solutions Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Steve Madison, STANCO Michael Moradian, Peace of Mind Home Inspection, Inc. Ron Owen, Bank of the West Chris Ricci, Chris Ricci Presents, Inc. Jim Ridenour, Individual Member Eric Tobias, F&M Bank Ruben Villalobos, The Villalobos Legal Group Jeremiah Williams, Oak Crafts by Jeremiah Amy Wolfe, AgSafe

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FeedBack Breakfast

Matt Anderson

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

Distribution: Parks Printing (209) 576-2568 Advertising Sales: Kristin Bowker Never Boring Design Associates (209) 526-9136 • progress@neverboring.com

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leadership Message from the CEO

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Chairman’s Corner

6

cover story Modesto Chamber “Checks Up” on Healthcare Education

Community Development 18 Awards and Achievments 25 Work in Progress

20 26

Economic Development People on the Move Business Briefs

26

New Member Profiles

15

Networking & Referrals New Chamber Members

17 22

Business Before and After Hours Calendar

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Stanislaus Green Team

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

Cecil Russell, President/CEO Modesto Chamber of Commerce crussell@modchamber.org

Printer: Parks Printing (209) 576-2568 • frankp@parksprinting.com

CONTENTS April 2013

Ambassador Corner

Ex-Officio Bill Bassitt, The Alliance Keith Boggs, Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office George Boodrookas, Modesto Junior College David Boring, Never Boring Design Associates Greg Nyhoff, City of Modesto

Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce (209) 577-5757 • info@modchamber.org

Q:

– Ben Franklin

I am involved in the Ambassador program and I have learned (remember you can’t spell learn without “earn”). Why did you join the Modesto Chamber of Commerce? Didn’t you join because you wanted to capitalize on opportunities to expand your brand and grow your business? I am doing exactly this as a member of the Ambassador Committee. I challenge you to maximize your membership, get involved and learn! Matt Anderson, Pacific Records Management: (209) 320-6618, www.pacific-records.com. P

What’s happening in Modesto today?

A: Everything!

Find the events that keep our area hopping at mydesto.com

Cover Photo by: Studio Warner © Copyright 2013 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, info@modchamber.org

PROGRESS MAGAZINE 1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 577-5757 • (209) 571-6480 • Fax (209) 577-2673 www.modchamber.org • info@modchamber.org

April

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lea ders h ip

message from the ceo

Chairman’s Corner

By Chamber CEO Cecil Russell

By Chamber Chairman Ralph Curtis

cecil russell Chamber ceo

In this issue of Progress we continue the dialogue on healthcare. The healthcare industry is essential to our community. Healthcare does not start and stop with just patient care. It also contributes in a major way to our local economy. There are millions of tax dollars generated through the health care industry that go towards improvements of the region’s infrastructure and the medical facilities in this area, both large and small, create thousands of jobs.

I mention in our February edition that there are over 10,000 jobs in the healthcare industry in our community that are committed to delivering excellent healthcare. These jobs range in pay scale and level of education, and all of them help fuel our local economy. Central Valley Specialty Hospital, which is expected to open this month, will create over 300 new jobs over the next few years.

How are we going to continue to develop employment-ready candidates for the growing needs of the healthcare profession in our area? Not only will we need to add new positions to meet the needs of a growing population and the effects of the President’s plan for healthcare reform, but we will need to replace employees that will be retiring. With this in mind, we are using this issue to highlight some of our local educational institutions that offer training to people interested in a career in healthcare. The goal of these institutions and their students is to raise the bar on the quality of care provided to our region.

We must keep pace and encourage, beginning with our high school students and continuing on to our college students, consideration of a career in healthcare. We locally offer exceptional training in many areas of the healthcare industry and know that the demand for qualified employees in the healthcare field will only continue to grow. These jobs will not only help those under the care of our local healthcare providers, but will also have a huge impact on our economy, and provide an overall better quality of life for our community.

Finally, as most of you know Minnie Dodge, a member of the Chamber team for 14 years, has retired and moved to Boise, Idaho. We wish her well and she will be missed. As President, I have taken this development as an opportunity to restructure the Chamber team. I have promoted Constance ( Jorritsma) Anderson to the position of Operations Manager. The Chamber will be hiring a Communications Specialist and making additional changes that will all position the Chamber to better serve our membership. Just like advancements in healthcare and healthcare education, the team at the Chamber must continue to raise the bar and advance our own practices to better serve you, our members. P

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

Greetings from the Chamber Board! Better communication with members, doing more to promote members’ interests and focusing more on improving the local economy were some of the goals coming out of a recent board planning session.

David Halvorson at American Chevrolet hosted the planning session and Dave Kilby led our discussions. Mr. Kilby is the vice cecil russell president of the Cal Chamber and has a wealth Chamber ceo of information about what successful chambers are doing throughout the western U.S. Board members acknowledged that there is much we can do to improve in the areas mentioned above. To improve communication, which includes getting feedback from Chamber members, we have begun hosting “Feedback Breakfasts.” Some board members and staff will gather in small groups with Chamber members on a regular, ongoing basis to discuss what’s going in the business community and to get feedback on members’ needs and suggestions. This program has been tried with success in other chambers and we look forward to starting it soon. Breakfast will be on the Chamber! We are also changing our Chamber Happenings weekly email, making it more streamlined and reader-friendly and we are well into the re-design of the Chamber’s website.

One way we can promote the local economy is to focus on job creation. We were introduced to a book, “The Coming Jobs War” by Jim Clifton, the chairman of Gallup. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. The book discusses how the competition for jobs is now global and discusses ways we can meet the challenge of job creation on a local level. More and better jobs mean more money flowing through the local economy, benefitting everyone, and more tax dollars so local government can provide more services, including police, fire protection, and roads.

Along these lines, the Chamber’s Land Use & Transportation Committee, under the leadership of Craig Lewis, has already been working hard. They are developing a new general plan for Modesto that would set forth a reasonable blueprint for the city to use in creating areas where new businesses could develop and succeed, adding new jobs to the community. They are doing this in conjunction with a proposal for major transportation corridors that will facilitate commerce. This is exciting and critically important work that could really help to improve Modesto. You will be hearing a lot more about this in coming months.

We are also looking at ways to promote the interests of our members. We have discussed studying and taking a position on some of the Mayor’s proposals, such as the public safety tax, as well as taking another look at the pros and cons of a transportation tax initiative. We also need to look at more ways Chamber members can benefit from doing business with other Chamber members.

The Chamber Board is really energized and committed to having the Chamber be a force for business and especially members’ businesses. Besides the above, we are looking for new ways to accomplish this, as well as recharging some of our existing programs. We have a great staff and their leader, Cecil Russell, is leading the charge. I am excited about the direction we are taking. Call, email or stop by the Chamber. Let us know how we’re doing and give us your feedback.

Modesto has tremendous potential. Let’s join together and make it happen! P

Chamber Hosts Breakfast Sessions to Gather Feedback from Members

© Modesto Irrigation District

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce has begun hosting a number of small-group breakfasts for members. The intention is to gather a limited number of members together and provide them with the opportunity to give honest feedback to the Chamber about the challenges facing their businesses, industries and the community, and what they see as ways in which the Chamber can help support members. The Chamber’s role in the breakfasts is to bring the group together and listen. “The Chamber is aware of changes in the general business climate of our area, but our membership is diverse in industry and business type, and we want to know about the specific circumstances affecting our members and the way they do business. This information helps us identify needs and to determine how to most effectively support the local business community,” says Chamber President & CEO Cecil Russell. In addition to members, attending each breakfast meeting will be Mr. Russell and two to three Chamber Board Directors. If you are interested in attending a Feedback Breakfast, please contact the Chamber: (209) 577-5757 or canderson@modchamber.org. P

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April

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{ Co ve r S to r y }

Modesto Chamber “Checks Up” on Healthcare Education

By Justin Souza

Across the country, the healthcare industry is in the midst of an explosion. For the last five years, the healthcare industry’s growth has far outpaced overall employment trends. With an average of several hundred thousand jobs created in healthcare nationwide each year, healthcare is one of the key drivers of the country’s economic growth.

Here in Stanislaus County, the growth of healthcare has been even more dramatic. In 2010, a report by the Employment Development Department (EDD) estimated that 10% of the county’s workforce was employed in healthcare. In 2012, that number had increased to nearly 12% of overall employment, and it’s only expected to get bigger. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in medical assisting and administrative healthcare—two of the largest segments of the healthcare industry—are expected to grow by 31 and 21 percent by 2020.

This sustained growth means that the need for healthcare education has been one of the prime concerns for area educational institutions. From public institutions like Modesto Junior College to private colleges and academic centers including San Joaquin Valley College and Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, the educational community has been pushing hard to fill the community’s needs for a quality, skilled workforce ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow.

Preparing for the Future At San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC), healthcare education is a primary goal, said Alaine Johnson, Health Studies Division Manager for the private junior college’s Modesto campus.

According to Johnson, SJVC is proud to offer a series of accelerated credential and degree programs to around 250

students a year. “I think we do a very good job of introducing educated, well skilled professionals back into the community,” said Johnson.

Johnson added that with the rapid advance of the healthcare industry, SJVC strives to prepare its students to land the jobs available today, and be ready to tackle the positions needed tomorrow. “We know that our students will encounter a lot of new technology in the future, so we have changed a lot of our training to prepare our students for that,” said Johnson. SJVC staff ensure that students are able to complete license and certification requirements and offer assistance in job searches, help with the development of resumes and locating job leads.

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, a nine-year-old private medical training institution with four campuses in California, shares this approach to student advancement. According to Sabia Young, Campus Director and Program Coordinator for the Modesto campus, “The Academy provides a sophisticated level of training. Our program pairs up-to-date training equipment with didactic lectures and hands-on experience provided by highly trained instructors, physicians and technologists.” Since Gurnick opened its first training program in 2004, the Academy has experienced incredible expansion due to the demand for quality medical training programs in California. Today, the Academy offers five extensive medical programs to over 1200 students each year, with steady expansion expected into the future.

Supply and Demand The push to keep up with demand is typical throughout the medical education industry. The demand for a strong nursing workforce is expanding faster than any other position in the national economy, with a projected 26% growth over the next seven years, a target that medical training programs are hard pressed to hit. At CSU Stanislaus in Turlock, the School of Nursing accepts 60 students each year out of over 350 applicants to its prestigious B.S.N. program. The four-year program helps prepare students for advanced careers in healthc are inc luding

public health, Registered Nurse positions and administrative and managerial roles. But with an estimated shortfall of 800,000 nurses expected by 2020 according to a report released

by Georgetown University last year, the University’s program and those like it are scrambling to expand offerings while still adhering to strong requirements for graduates.

At Modesto Junior College’s Allied Health Program, which includes the College’s long-running Associate Nursing Program, the focus is on balancing quality instruction and the incredible— and growing—demand for nurses here in California. According to Program Director Lisa Riggs, “California has greatly increased nursing programs statewide, but we’re still in the bottom nationally for having enough nurses for patient population. With Obamacare coming in, we’re going to need a lot more nurses and primary care physicians out there providing care.”

The nursing program at Brandman University—a private college which has campuses throughout California and Washington— focuses on a student body who are already certified as nurses but are seeking a more advanced degree to expand their knowledge and gain access to new job opportunities. According to Niki Santo, Campus Director of Brandman’s Modesto campus, the University is unique in being designed with the working professional in mind. Instead of following the traditional brick and mortar university model, much of their students’ instruction is managed online, which allows the faculty and instructors to maintain agility in subject matter and lesson plans. Students complete their studies primarily online or at the Modesto campus, but occasionally commute to the Irvine campus for an immersive hands-on session with instructors.

Whatever the institution, healthcare education is a thriving industry and one approaching an even more lucrative future.

As healthcare takes a larger role in our community, the demand for nurses, medical assistants and other healthcare workers will continue to rise and our local educational institutions will continue to train the workforce of the future. P

Riggs said that meeting this shortfall is of prime concern at MJC. “ We’re focused on preparing our nurses for the future.”

Part of this preparation lies in exposing nursing students to the most cutting edge technology.

“Our technology is state of the art and our building is one of the most highly sophisticated in the state,” said “In 2012, that number had Riggs. But the down economy has made deep cuts a daily reality in the increased to nearly 12% of program. “Funding has been an issue,” added Riggs. “Because of that, we’ve overall employment, and it’s only had to cut the number of students that come into our program.” The expected to get bigger. According premiere MJC program has reduced to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, acceptance rates from around 150 to only 100 this year.

careers in medical assisting and

administrative healthcare—two of the largest segments of the healthcare industry—are expected to grow by 31 and 21 percent by 2020.”

April

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{ F RO M THE E XPERTS }

Private Schools: Weighing the Cost and Benefits

By Sean C. Hancock, EdD, Director, Modesto Campus & Alyssa Bahr, Dean of Student Services, San Joaquin Valley College When considering a two year college, there’s more to consider than simply the cost of tuition. Important considerations in your college search should also include: • Does the college offer the program in which I’m interested?

• Is the curriculum structured in such a way that meets my learning style?

• Are there support resources to assist me outside of the classroom?

• Will I be employable once I graduate?

While private schools may be more costly, the benefits include: • Guaranteed course offerings • Accelerated programs guaranteeing graduation within a specific period of time • Hands-on, career focused curriculum • Support resources • Job readiness and placement assistance • A quality education with regionally accredited schools Private, career college education is delivered by faculty with industry experience: those who know what it takes to be successful in their fields.

With a balance of hands-on skills training and academic instruction,

students are well prepared to enter the workplace with the confidence to succeed. Of the 5,698 students who earned an A.S. degree at SJVC between 2008 and 2011 and were eligible for job placement, 76% were working in their area of study at least three-quarters time (i.e., 30 hours per week) within one year of graduation.

Committed to long-term student success, career colleges place a great deal of emphasis on molding quality employees: those who not only possess the industry specific skills and training required for their chosen field, but the soft skills that employers demand.

Career colleges are able to respond to the needs of the community.

Career education provides a skilled workforce for in-demand positions within the communities they serve. Medical professionals will continue to be in high demand throughout the decade, especially as more people gain access to affordable healthcare.

Consider SJVC in your college search. Your career could start here.

San Joaquin Valley College - (209) 543-8800 - www.sjvc.edu. P

Do you think Taxes and Accounting are black-and-white? Let us help you find your “sweet spot” in the gray area!

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

gu est c o l u m n

Advanced Thorascopic Surgery Option Raises medical Bar in Modesto

Video-Assisted Thorascopic Surgery Newly available to our area is a specialty approach to lung surgeries and biopsies called VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) used to detect and remove cancer, fluids, tissues and other masses from the lung area. VATS procedures are now being performed at the Doctors Medical Center of Modesto.

The innovative approach, which involves video assisted instruments including a digital scope and monitor, provides a less intrusive alternative to open chest surgery (thoracotomy). Thoracotomy typically leaves an eight-inch or longer incision and scar; instead, the VATS procedure reduces pain, bleeding and recovery time involved in surgery, while minimizing scarring to as small as 5 mm.

DR. Liu

Dr. Minghui Liu is the only doctor offering VATS at Doctors Medical Center of Modesto, and one of just three specialists in the Modesto area accredited to perform the VATS procedure. Liu, a Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon and Affiliate of the Greater Modesto Medical Surgical Associates, explains that doctors must undergo an additional two to three years of special training in order to offer this procedure, and he is perhaps the only physician in the vicinity using the approach for both biopsy and lobectomy.

“The Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery is a valuable technological procedure that offers patients a better experience from beginning to end,” says Liu. “It minimizes trauma to the patient during the procedure and reduces hospitalization time to just two to three days.”

Liu says the procedure can be applied to cases of lung cancer, spontaneous pneumothorax, empyema, lobectomy, removing lung masses and pockets of fluid, biopsies and diagnoses for cancers, and is now available by physician referral.

For more information about the VATS procedure or to make an appointment with Dr. Minghui Lui, contact DeAnn Bauche, Manager of CV Surgeons by calling (209) 575-5833. P Lic. # 724566

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523-4578 dehartinc.com

April

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Your Chamber at Work Mod esto Chamber bui l d s a Pathway to a B e tte r F uture

By Craig Lewis, Prudential California Realty, Chamber Board of Directors, Land Use & Transportation Committee Chair Why have some cities economically accelerated over the past 10 years and why have other cities declined? Has it been because some cities have more money to spend? No! At least not in this economy! Why have cities like Austin, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Francisco; Palo Alto; Irvine; and Pleasanton economically thrived while others have not?

Do you think that the cities that have thrived have common goals and are headed in the same Craig Lewis Vice Chair direction? I would submit to you that they worked External relations out their differences and focused on the most important facet of the local economy: JOBS! They have focused on their city GDP! What is our GDP over the last 10 years? Anyone want to guess?

In the Real Estate Brokerage business, I feel and deal with the effects of the economy everyday. And yet we must ask, what are we doing about adding more jobs? What are we doing to diversify our economy so that we don’t live or die based on one or two segments of the local economy?

Thank goodness that we have the agricultural community as the back bone of the economy or else we could be out of business entirely. Can we count on agriculture to create double digit GDP for the entire community in the future? What are we doing about our brain drain in Modesto? Why do we have children that obtain a good education from our schools and then leave the area and not come back? (I should know.

We have 8 children that have been educated here and only one still resides in the area). What upside potential for advanced job placement is available? Are we only destined to be a “bedroom community” for the job centers that are outside our county? How many of you currently travel outside the county to get that upside potential? Wouldn’t you rather have that opportunity here rather than leave your children every day to commute outside the county in order to achieve that potential?

I could go on and on because I believe you are asking the same questions, maybe even more. What can we do to create a change? I believe we need to declare WAR! A war on jobs that is. Cecil Russell exposed many of us at the Chamber to a book entitled The Coming Jobs War by Jim Clifton, the President of Gallup (as in polls). To quote a small portion of the book, “This has to be a war on job loss, on low workplace energy, on healthcare costs, on low graduation rates, on brain drain and on community disengagement.

Those things destroy cites, destroy job growth and destroy city GDP. Every city requires its own master plan that is as serious as planning for war.” The book goes on to describe the four areas a city must focus on to make a change and be a job magnet. They are as follows: 1. Recognize that the most important solutions are local. Weak local leaders will look to Washington for more legislation and stimulus packages and more money for R&D to solve their problems. But what they need for job creation – entrepreneurs, enterprise energy, and the leadership to put it all together – is right here at home because cities are the highest probable source of job creation. In 2009, almost half of all venture capital money spent in America went to four cities: New York, Palo Alto, Seattle, and Sunnyvale. So the obvious question is: Why does the Bay Area create so much economic power and not Detroit? Both have the same federal government. They work under the same laws and same rules. But, San

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

Francisco and Silicon Valley have created a culture that responds to innovation and creates business models like no other place on Earth. Cities that do this become a beacon for the most talented people in the world.

2. Have your whole city wage a war for jobs. Everybody in charge of anything needs to focus on job creation. If they divert their attention, vote them out. Be ruthless. If the bike path doesn’t have anything to do with job creation, there is no bike path. If rezoning improves the jobs outlook, rezone.

But not just any job will do – you want good jobs. The jobs war is won by knowledge jobs. Aim everything at those. The global economy is moving to the knowledge worker. You can build a slaughterhouse in your city, but that can’t be the leading job strategy. Good jobs are created by entrepreneurs working with innovators creating a winning business model. The jobs war is what should get city leaders up in the morning, what they should work on all day, and what should keep them from getting to sleep at night.

3. Align efforts citywide. Every city needs a team to work on the alignment, focus, and strategies that put all businesses and local institutions of absolutely every kind on the same page. Meanwhile, the whole city has to be participating, highly coordinated, and working from the same playbook to win.

4. Don’t allow your local constituencies to look to Washington. Washington has something for you that is unsustainable or even worse, unhealthy. Free money eventually makes you more dependent. Free money, entitlements, more bureaucracy, less of your control – all these things make individual initiative, meritocracy, and free enterprise weaker and less competitive. To reenergize, to strike lighting on your city’s GDP growth, it’s brain gain, it’s quality job creation more than anything else. You have to jumpstart your city yourself.

As a local businessman, I am challenging every business person in this community to rise to the occasion! If you like the results you are getting in your business, then don’t bother doing anything more. Obviously you are in a place of abundance and don’t need any more help to increase your business.

If you want a better future for you and your children, join the conversation.

We all need to come together to design a better future. Call the Chamber and offer your support. We all have to create a common vision of what we want our future to be. Things will not be any different in the future unless we come together to make it different. It is our fault if it doesn’t change. We are in charge of our future, the outside forces are not!

From the book again, “Failing the jobs war will be easy, and winning will be hard.” Do you want to help make a difference and make the future better than the past? Please come and help!

Your Chamber has worked hard to start this ball moving down the field and is collaborating on one of the first phases of creating more jobs and a new vision for the future. Our efforts are focused around the City of Modesto General Plan which projects into the future. We want our land use policies and transportation corridors to be designed in order to move “goods and services” for jobs. Keep your eye out for discussions concerning this General Plan update. This is only a start to creating a different vision and future for our community. P

This year the Business To Business Trade Show will focus on getting Connected.

• Connect outside your business circle • Connect to the business community • Reconnect with past business contacts • Just Connect!

By connecting, we become more engaged. Engagement becomes action. By taking action we accomplish goals, make sales and create opportunities! We encourage you to be a part of this exciting show.

Trade Show Tip #1 I N TER ACTI V E TECH NOLOG Y Technological use at trade show started out with flat screen plasma monitors running presentation loops. While that is now commonplace, companies are looking to enhance the attendee experience. Touch screen plasma TVs can be used to have attendees interact with your brand and get information. But why not go beyond that? Leap Motion has released a new interface control that uses a finger and motion as a mouse. Imagine someone walking up to your display waving a finger and controlling the data.

Leap Motion is not only cutting edge, but it is affordable at only $70.

While we will blanket the air waves, cover print and social media, put up posters and generally tell all of Modesto about this amazing event, we have found the best way to drive traffic to the event is through you, our exhibitors! This is a great way to reconnect, showcase a new product or service and incentivize someone to take the next step! Like last year, each exhibitor will receive 25 tickets to pass along to their customers.

Members are encouraged to stop by the Chamber office and pick up a ticket for themselves or to pass along to a customer.

June 20, 2013 Modesto Centre Plaza

The BtoB Trade Show will provide you a platform with which you can connect or reconnect to grow your business. To connect as an exhibitor or an attendee, call Elizabeth Facanha at (209) 577-5757 or email efacanha@ modchamber.org to be a part of the 9th Annual Business To Business Trade Show. P

Contact efacanha@modchamber.org to reserve your space or call (209) 577-5757.

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Diamond Level Bank of the West Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc. Doctors Behavioral Health Center-DMC Doctors Medical Center-DMC Frito-Lay Company, Inc. MedAmerica Billing Services, Inc. Pacific Southwest Container SunPower

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© neverboring.com

100TH ANNIVERSARY

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

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

AAA AT&T Acme Construction Company, Inc. Ambeck Mortgage Associates American Chevrolet American Medical Response Aramark Uniform Services Atherton & Associates, LLP BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Brandman University, Chapman University System California State University, Stanislaus Central Valley Ag Grinding/Central Valley Ag Transport Central Valley Automotive Central Valley Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Central Valley Nissan Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai Central Valley Medical Group Central Valley Specialty Hospital Children’s Hospital Central California Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino Citibank Clark Pest Control COIT Services Inc. Collins Electrical Comcast Construction Management Corporation Courtyard by Marriott Covanta Stanislaus, Inc.

Curtis Legal Group Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios,

Pacher & Silva Del Monte Foods Delta Sierra Beverage DirectLine Technologies, Inc. The Eberhardt School of Business English Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Hospital F & M Bank Galletto Ristorante Georgia-Pacific Gianelli & Associates Gilton Solid Waste Management, Inc. Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc. Grover Landscape Services, Inc. Harris Moran Seed Company Heald College I.J. Larsen Pumps, Inc. Infiniti of Modesto Institute of Technology International Paper Company ITT Technical Institute JS West & Company Kaplan College MED3000 Mercer Foods Mocse Credit Union Modesto Commerce Bank Modesto Toyota Mraz, Amerine & Associates Nestle USA Oak Valley Community Bank O’Brien’s Market OLAM Spices & Vegetables, Inc. Pacific Gas & Electric Company Panelized Structures Inc. Pepsi Bottling Group Post Foods, LLC Prime Shine Car Wash Rabobank Raley’s Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. Rocha Transportation San Joaquin Valley College Seven Up Bottling Corporation Solecon Industrial Contractors Solid Networks, Inc. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Stanislaus Food Products Company Stanislaus Surgical Hospital Storer Coachways SunOpta Aseptic, Inc. Sutter Gould Medical Foundation Turlock Irrigation District US Bank Valley First Credit Union Valley Lexus-BMW W.H. Breshears, Inc. Warden’s Office Products Center Warden’s Office Furniture Outlet Wells Fargo Bank Wells Fargo Commercial Banking Winton, Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency Yosemite Meat Company, Inc.

On April 11, business leaders will join the Chamber of Commerce in supporting the future of an industry most important to our area: Ag Aware Agriculture. The 18th Luncheon Annual Ag Aware!

Luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the S.O.S. Club of Modesto. The Modesto Chamber, along with presenting sponsors Duarte Nursery and Garton Tractor/New Holland, continue to produce the event to raise awareness of issues facing the Ag industry and to raise money for Modesto City Schools’ FFA programs. In its 18 year run, the luncheon has raised over $130,000 for local FFA programs, enabling students to attend state and national leadership conventions and to purchase equipment to further their groups’ projects. Tickets for the Ag Aware! Luncheon are available at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce: 1114 J Street, Modesto. Table sponsorships are $350 and include 8 tickets and an advertising package. Contact the Chamber for more information: (209) 577-5757. P Chamber Supports Ag Industry at

2013

The Modesto Chamber advocates for high quality, business-friendly electoral opportunities. Each year, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Stanislaus County Library, the Modesto Bee and leaders in the Democratic and Republican parties, hosts a two-part Candidate Workshop. This year, there are many opportunities to be the change you want to see in our community.

There are a number of school board, special district, city council and MID board seats that need to be filled in the November 5th election.

The first session of the workshop was held at the Chamber on March 13th and focused on the rewards and challenges of running for, as well as serving in, elected office. Political consultant Chip Langman offered advice on how to get started in launching a campaign. The workshop was well attended by a wonderfully diverse group. Some attended as serious prospective candidates, while others simply wanted to become educated on the process of running for office. The second portion of the workshop will take place this summer and will focus on the nuts and bolts of running for elected office. The workshops are free and deliver valuable advice from individuals who have experience in the political arena. The Chamber encourages business-minded people to run for our local elected offices to create a pro-business climate in our region. Keep up on your “Chamber Happenings” to find out when Part Two of the workshop will take place. P

BE HEALTHY BE INDEPENDENT BE SAFE BELONG

“Healthy Aging Affair” GREAT GIVEAWAYS AND DOOR PRIZES!

Thursday, April 25th, 2013 2:00 to 4:00 pm Join Dale Commons, Garden City Healthcare Center and Pacifica Senior Living for a fun “Healthy Living Affair” featuring vendor booths, giveaways and prizes!

Guest Speakers:

2:15 pm – Benjamin Remington, MD 3:15 pm – C. Yates, MD Join Us At DALE COMMONS 3900 Dale Road • Modesto Dale Commons

Memory Care RCFE #507004251

SPONSORING VENDORS: American Red Cross Area Agency on Aging California Rehabilitation Catholic Charities/SEPA Community Hospice Costco Eco Sound Medical Services DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER Focus Health & House Calls Freedom Senior Care Consulting Golden Bear PT Healthy Aging Association Interim Healthcare KAISER PERMANENTE Modesto Garden Club Right At Home SUTTER HEALTH/MAINO COMMUNITY HEALTH LIBRARY Valley Hearing Aid Optical

DALE COMMONS 209.526.2053 3900 Dale Road Modesto, CA 95356 www.dalecommons.com RCFE #507004998

Independent and Assisted Living RCFE #507004998

April

13

lea ders h ip

Chamber Board Perspective

By George Boodrookas, MJC Foundation Executive Director For the past 24 years I’ve had the honor of serving as an administrator in various capacities at Modesto Junior College. I know firsthand, and I think you’ll agree, that our community college is a great treasure. Since 1921, MJC has been providing businesses and organizations in this region with exceptional employees.

Our allied health training programs have always been very strong. And now, with state-of-the-art facilities, they are second to none! Community colleges nationwide provide some 70% of the nurses in our communities. That is the case in our community as well. Just ask your registered nurse where she or he was trained…it’s likely MJC. In addition to nursing, MJC Allied Health provides top notch education to nearly 500 future medical assistants, respiratory therapists, certified nursing assistants, and psychiatric technicians every semester. Furthermore, there are hundreds more students enrolled in programs throughout the college who are completing prerequisite courses for admission to allied health programs. MJC receives unparalleled support from our regional hospitals and medical community. As a result, our allied health programs are the envy of colleges throughout the State of California.

George Boodrookas

We appreciate the financial, intellectual and moral support of our medical community, donors, Chamber of Commerce members, and friends, who have worked hard to keep our MJC allied health programs strong. Thank you!

The photo at the end of this article is MJC’s new Allied Health Facility on our West Campus. Funded by the passage of Measure E in 2004, the building was completed in 2011 and serves as a state-of-the-art venue for healthcare training in the region. We thank the residents of our community for their tremendous support of Measure E and we look forward to many years of partnership with the medical community, producing top quality employees for the healthcare industry! P

n e t w or k i ng & referrals

Ribbon Cuttings

Cencal Mechanical Heating & Air 1254 Lone Palm Avenue Modesto, CA 95351 (209) 522-1124

Passion Boutique

ADP

1020 J Street Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 236-1609

9310 Tech Center Drive, Suite 170 Sacramento, CA 95826 (916) 854-5543 *Photo taken at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce

New...or just new to you?

again

OUTLET CENTER

With our huge 50,000 sq. ft. furniture showroom, you're sure to find the perfect, gently used, office furniture that’s perfect for you. Saving $$, as well as the environment, has never been easier.

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14

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

n e tw o r ki n g & re f e rra l s

New Chamber Members Aflac Associate Jennifer Hooten (209) 985-1189 jennifer_hooten@us.aflac.com Insurance

Agape Villages Foster Family Agency Joann Beattie P.O. Box 1000 Manteca, CA 95336 123 Sycamore Avenue #201 Mantec, CA 95336 (209) 824-5365 (209) 824-5395 jbeattie@agapevillages.org www.agapevillages.org Foster Family Agency

California Gold Almonds Lucy Jaska 2407 Tenaya Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 642-4400 (209) 382-6244 lucy@goldalmonds.com www.goldalmonds.com Food Products

Dakota Information Group LLC Jon Jacobson 1129 Kansas Avenue Modesto, CA 95351 (209) 205-9559 (209) 205-9564 jon@dakotainfogroup.com www.dakotainfogroup.com Private Investigations

Dittos Brad Braillard 1025 J Street Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 527-8300 (209) 527-7263 youcanprint@dittosprint.com www.dittosprint.com Printers

Fresno Pacific University Merced Center Krista Saxon 3379 G. Street, Bldg. P Merced, CA 95340 (209) 354-5900 (209) 354-5901 krista.saxon@fresno.edu www.fresno.edu/merced Schools-Colleges & Universities

Home Instead Senior Care Pattie King 2937 Veneman Avenue, Suite C-260 Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 543-1277 (209) 543-1275 patty.hisc107@homeinstead.com www.homeinstead.com Home Health Services

Latino Community Roundtable Maggie Mejia P.O. Box 4203 Modesto, CA 95352-4203 (209) 303-2664 mejiam3@sbcglobal.net www.lcrstan.org Community Service Organization

Lee Cross Associates Lee Cross 908 Ranleigh Way Modesto, CA 95358 (209) 968-6191 (209) 522-3912 lcaservesu@gmail.com www.accountingmodesto.com Financial Services

Madrigal for Council 2013 Tony Madrigal P.O. Box 581323 Modesto, CA 95358 (209) 579-4776 tonymadrigal@gmail.com www.tonymadrigal.com Individual Members

Matthews Real Estate Desiree Betancourt 810 Standiford Avenue #4 Modesto, CA 95350 (209) 238-9033 des@cmreagent.com www.cmreagent.com Real Estate

Modesto Certified Farmers Market Steve Erickson P.O. Box 3364 Modesto, CA 95353 16th Street between H & I Streets Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 605-8536 (209) 526-3386 modestocfm@gmail.com www.modestocfm.com Farms

Right Turn Partnership Rickey McGill 3800 McHenry Avenue, Suite #10 Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 614-3345 rickeymcgill@att.net www.rightturnwebsites.com Website Design & Development

Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) Carlos Yamzon 1111 - I Street, Suite 308 Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 525-4600 (209) 558-7833 cyamzon@stancog.org www.stancog.org Government Organizations & Officials

April

15

c ommu n i t y de v e l op m e n t

Familiar Faces

and a lending hand

Please join us in welcoming Roxanna Smith to the commercial lending team at Oak Valley.

With 30 years of commercial and agricultural lending, Roxanna is no stranger to Stanislaus County and the local business community.

She is a true reflection of our commitment to hiring experienced professionals with deep roots in the communities we serve.

Roxanna E. Smith

VP Commercial Loan Officer 209.579.3367

4120 Dale Road 758.8000

With L e a d e rshi p M od e s t o 3 0 Leadership Modesto 30 began our Media Day the morning of, March 8 at the downtown offices of Never Boring Design. Julie Orona, VP Art Director at Never Boring Design, was our host for the day. While enjoying some early morning refreshments, we were introduced to owner David Boring who gave us a brief history of this successful local business. Next, Calvin Curtain spoke with us regarding the media perception, crisis communication and the speed in which we now are able to receive breaking news. At this point, our class broke off into two groups where we were given the opportunity to discuss topics we felt are relevant for the different types of publications within our community.

We gathered next at 10th Street Place to meet with David Jones, Director of Communications for Stanislaus County. Mr. Jones gave our class a two-point challenge: to create a 60 second narrative of our individual life stories and to do so in 2 minutes. To add to the challenge, volunteers were then encouraged to present their “life story” in front of the class. This exercise helped to underscore the lessons in what it takes to make a story newsworthy and compelling enough to capture an audience and still remain in control enough to expect the unexpected. Our time here would prove valuable for our final stop later in the day.

LEMO 30 then took a quick walk to the Modesto Bee where we were introduced to Eric Johnston who gave us an overview of the many challenges at the Modesto Bee from circulation to the journalistic aspect of producing the daily newspaper. While lunching on delicious meal prepared by ARC of Stanislaus County, we participated in a panel discussion lead by Marian Kaanan.

Our panel consisted of Carrie Cardoza, Melissa Williams and Mark Looker.

Each gave a brief bio and spoke about their involvement in media and public relations in our community.

Come home to Oak Valley and come home to familiar faces and a lending hand.

1200 I Street 549.2265

MEDIA DAY

3508 McHenry Ave 579.3360

Our final destination was to Clear Channel Radio where we had the opportunity to be part of the Dave Diamond Radio Show. The lessons we learned earlier in the day regarding on-air and live challenges came in handy!

Dave was a gracious host and gave us the opportunity to talk on-air about why we so strongly support the Leadership Modesto Program. Naturally, we used to this perfect opportunity to inform listeners about our LEMO project on June 1, “Casino Royale” at the Cold House Distillery benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Stanislaus County.

This eventful day was a valuable learning tool and a great time! Leadership Modesto 30 would like to thank our host, Julie Orona, along with all of the Media Day speakers. P

Keeping Modesto Cool Since 1957 LIC. 872913

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

16

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

1.866.844.7500 • www.ovcb.com

(209) 523-8365

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

W W W . N O R Q U I S TA I R . C O M

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

n etw orkin g & referrals

{ March } Business

Before & After Hours

Business Before Hours hosted by:

Business After Hours hosted by:

Heald College

Dale Commons Assisted Living

Heald College

Dale Commons Assisted Living

5260 Pirrone Court, Salida, CA 95368

3900 Dale Road, Modesto, CA 95356

(209) 416-3700 • www.heald.edu Heald College is a private career college that has been preparing students for rewarding careers in the Healthcare, Business, Legal and Technology fields for over 150 years. We award Associate in Applied Science degrees and Associate of Arts degrees. We offer classes during the day, evening, andModProgress online. Heald College is dedicated to the overall success of our students and also provides graduate placement assistance for life for all of our graduates and Alumni.

Medical Assisting Medical Office Pharmacy Technology Therapeutic Massage

(209) 526-2053 • www.dalecommons.com Dale Commons is celebrating 11 wonderful years as the Premier Provider of Independent and Assisted Living in the Central Valley. Our high service standards continue to include compassion, concern, pride and accountability that continuex to be unmatched, with a warm and personal experience delivered by our 7.75 5.pdf caring team to create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for every family that enters our community.

Business Administration Industrial Technology

April

17

g o v er nment relatio ns

REp. Denham Supports Chamber’s position on jobs “My prioritie s a re the Va l l e y’ s p ri ori ti e s”

By U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (CA-10) I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to serve California’s Tenth Congressional District in the U.S. Congress for the next two years. This is an opportunity I assure you will not be taken for granted.Rather it is a chance to bring the Valley’s voice to Washington as we work to f ind common ground on issues that affect our families, our businesses and Jeff Denham our communities. During my freshman Congressman term, I had the rare privilege of getting substantial legislation passed through both the House and Senate and signed into law by the President to address veteran unemployment and help our communities recover from natural disasters more quickly, while also saving billions of dollars in the process. While these accomplishments are a step in the right direction, there is much, much more we can do to protect our Valley and bring real change to those who need it most.

It’s no secret that Washington has a spending problem. In the past months, we’ve seen how close our country is to bankruptcy, and in the coming months, we must make Washington accountable to hardworking taxpayers by passing a budget that will responsibly manage the government’s f inances. To do this, we have to put aside our differences and work together to f ind common sense solutions to balance our budget and create jobs, protect and strengthen critical programs like Medicare and Social Security, and expand opportunity to all Americans. I am willing to listen to ideas from Democrats and Republicans alike and engage in serious debt talks to come up with a more comprehensive def icit reduction plan. Every hardworking family has to balance its budget; I’m committed to ensuring Washington does the same.

I’m also working to get the federal government off the backs of our job creators and give our small businesses the chance to succeed. As a Central Valley farmer, I understand the specialized needs of various sectors of our agriculture economy. My position on the House Agriculture Committee will allow me to bring the voice of California’s largest industry to the table when discussing federal policy and reform. I will continue to f ight for a longterm Farm Bill to give our growers and producers a competitive and productive edge and provide the certainty Valley farmers so desperately need.

Water truly is the most important job creator in the Central Valley, and as your representative, I have made it a priority to maintain a steady focus on water policies impacting California. I introduced H.R. 2578 to address the very real water concerns in the Central Valley. With more water storage and better conveyance, California will be able to continue to meet the demands of growing populations and increased food consumption around the world. The more water that is available, the better and more consistently the agriculture industry will be able to feed families and create jobs. Projects like the M.I.D. proposal are the type of creative solutions needed to navigate through California’s burdensome

environmental regulations. These efforts bring what I believe to be one of the most important amenities back to our region: JOBS. I will also continue my work from my seat on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to make sure we continue to improve California’s infrastructure needs. In the Valley, we have an opportunity to look for more cost-effective and innovative approaches to passenger and freight rail service. This will be a big focus of mine over the next two years as Chairman of the Rail Subcommittee. We will look for ways to promote economic development and generate American jobs here in the Valley. In this new capacity, I will also play an active role in ensuring projects, like California High Speed Rail, are held accountable and remain transparent for taxpayers who will be paying for the cost of such projects in future generations.

Without funding or a viable business plan, these projects should be delayed, and the money should be put towards shovel ready projects that will put our family and friends back to work today.

Finally, returning to the Veterans Committee for a second term will give me the opportunity to continue my work in Congress to take the best care possible of our brave and deserving veterans. I come from a family with a long and proud tradition of military service, and providing the best possible care and support for our veterans is very important to me. Last year, I saw my job-creating legislation–the Veteran Skills to Jobs Act–signed into law, and I will continue working to ensure we keep the momentum going on behalf of America’s veterans. Our service men and women risk their lives every day to protect our country and I’m committed to making sure we preserve the rights, protections and benefits that America’s brave and heroic veterans deserve. P c ommu n i t y de v e l op m e n t

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc. is pleased to announce that CPAs Lisa Mazza and Deborah Baker have been rewarded for their participation in Toastmasters International leadership and communication programs. Lisa has earned the status of Distinguished Toastmaster, the highest award in Toastmasters’ Leadership Program, that recognizes both leadership and communication skills. Debby has earned the Division Governor of the Year and Advanced Communicator Silver awards. She also led her Toastmaster Division to President’s Distinguished, the highest level of performance through Toastmasters. For more information visit www.gccpas.net. P

c o mm u ni ty d eve l op m e n t

announcements

Howard Training Center announces their Annual Senior Meals Spaghetti Feed on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at Howard Training Center, 1424 Stonum Road, Modesto. Come join the fun, great food and support a great program. The doors will open at 1:00 p.m. and meals will be served at 2:00 p.m. Dine on spaghetti, salad, bread and famous HTC cookies for dessert. Bring the entire family. The John’s Incredible Pizza Bear will be on hand with their prize wheel, balloon animals, and prizes. There will also be a lot of raffle prizes to win, so don’t miss this event!

Tickets: Adults $10, Children 10 & under $5. Call (209) 5935611 for tickets and more information. P IT T Technical Institute- Lathrop Campus invites you to attend our SPRING CAREER EXPO! There is NO CHARGE to employers for booth space and it is not necessary that a company be hiring to participate in this event. Lunch will be provided at no cost. The event is Wednesday, April 10, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at ITT Technical Institute, 16916 South Harlan Road, Lathrop, California. To secure your space at this event, please contact David Martin by fax (209) 858-0277 or dmartin@ itt-tech.edu. Please complete and submit all registration forms by Friday, March 22, 2013. P Memorial Medical Center Cancer Services Program offers many opportunities for healing. This spring, Sutter Health’s Memorial Medical Center plans a full schedule of activities for cancer patients, their families and supporters. The schedule includes cancer screening events, complementary therapy programs and a new cancer survivorship conference. The programs provide activities for everyone involved in the healing process: cancer survivors, their family members, caregivers and health care providers. The finale to the spring events schedule will be the first annual Cancer Survivorship Conference on June 15. More information may be obtained by calling the Memorial Medical Center Cancer Services line at (209) 569-7789. P

Saturday, May 18 To reserve tickets: Online—visit give.hospiceheart.org/events By phone—call 578.6370 All proceeds benefit the patients and families of Community Hospice.

ind in-k s d n e ps a rtuniti i h s r o nso opp e.

Spo iving ailabl g av

Modesto Transfer and Storage joins Atlas Van Lines, a member of Atlas World Group, on May 1, 2013. MTS is the premier fullservice moving provider in Central California with decades of award winning service in household and commercial moves. Atlas Van Lines is the #1 interstate household goods relocation provider in Quality and Safety through the American Moving and Storage Association and recipient of the Platinum Award from Cartus. If you’re going new places, call MTS today at (209) 537-6683. P The Stanislaus County Library invites the local community to join their effort to provide small security blankets, called Snuggles, to shelter animals. This year will mark the third annual Snuggles project locally, and last year, 1,159 Snuggles were delivered to the Thomas W. Mayfield Regional Animal Services Center.

Completed blankets can be dropped off at any Stanislaus County Library through April 30. For more information, please visit www.stanislauslibrary.org. P

April

19

{ Sm a ll B usiness Sp o tlig ht } The Medic’s Plus Inc. The Medic’s Plus Inc. started in 2009 and has built an enviable reputation for providing excellent and cost efficient first aid standby for public and private events, sports events, county fairs, and cancer walks. Our staff (First Responders, EMTs, Paramedics, Nurses) is constantly growing. Our proven commitment to our community and its neighboring communities, sponsors and event planners has allowed our company to flourish.

The Medic’s Plus currently provides employment opportunities to a broad base of health care professionals, ongoing skills building to improve our services, as well as our employees’ abilities, and is an open horizon to build careers. We believe that teamwork, commitment, and loyalty to our clients and employees are the key to a successful and reputable organization.

As we broaden our services to meet our community’s demands, we also look forward to the opportunity to grow afield. If you are searching for cost efficient and quality vocational training in CPR and First Aid programs and/or medical standby for a sponsor or an event, make The Medic’s Plus your first call. P

e c on om i c de v e l op m e n t

people on the move Oak Valley Community Bank recently

announced that Roxanna Smith has joined the Commercial Banking Group as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. She will be working out of the Modesto-McHenry Branch. With over 30 years of commercial and agricultural lending experience, Smith will be responsible for expanding the Bank’s commercial lending efforts in the Modesto Roxanna Smith area. Smith currently resides in Modesto with her husband and daughter. For more information on Oak Valley Community Bank, call (866) 844-7500 or visit www.ovcb.com. P

The Stockton Thunder is excited to

announce its recent hire of Michael Ravotti as an Account Executive for the team. Originating from Ford City, Pennsylvania, Michael received a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Penn State University. His responsibilities with the Thunder include managing season ticket and mini-plan accounts while organizing group outings, suite nights and fundraising programs Michael Ravotti for interested groups. If you would like more information regarding the Thunder, Michael can be reached at (209) 373-1523 or mravotti@stocktonthunder.com. P

Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group has expanded their Planning

Department with three new hires: Mary Beatie joins the firm as a senior planner; George Uc and Samantha Chaidez join as assistant planners. “Mary is a seasoned planner and brings extensive land use and municipal planning expertise to the firm. In addition, George and Samantha are relatively new in their careers, yet have already proven to be valuable assets to our clients’ projects,” said Dale Melville, Provost & Pritchard’s President. P

Mary Beatie

George Uc

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency is pleased to announce the

Samantha Chaidez

addition of Regan Libby Jennings as a Producer in their Turlock office. Regan is licensed in all lines of insurance and will be focusing on Health and Commercial Lines. She is a graduate of CSU Stanislaus with a degree in Organizational Communications and received her Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 2010. Regan is working on becoming a PPACA (Health Care Regan Libby Jennings Reform) Certified advisor. Please feel free to contact Regan at (209) 667-0995 or rjennings@wintonireland.com. P

20

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

30 years ago, Never Boring was just a phone and a stack of business cards resting on a weight bench in David Boring’s garage.

Today, we’re the most accomplished ad agency between Sacramento and Fresno.

we owe our success to you, our clients and friends who have made sure that the

We’ve come a long way together and

last 30 years have never been boring. With your support, we’re ready to make the next 30 even better.

ADVERTISING I GRAPHIC DESIGN I WEB DESIGN I MARKETING I PROMOTIONAL SOLUTIONS I FILM & MULTIMEDIA I CUSTOM SIGNS & FLEET GRAPHICS

n e t work i n g & re f e rra l s

Chamber Calendar April 2013

BEFORE

AFTER

MAy 2013

11

Ag Aware Luncheon

9

Business Before Hours:

Location: SOS Club, 819 Sunset Avenue Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

11

Kaplan College Location: 5172 Kiernan Court, Salida Time: 7:30 am – 8:30 am

Business Before Hours

18

16 Stanislaus Green Data Path, Inc. Location: 318 McHenry Avenue, Team Meeting

Location: Kirk Lindsey Center, Suite A

1020 10th Street Plaza Time: 7:30 am – 8:30 am

Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am Stanislaus Green

Team Meeting

16

Business After Hours:

Location: Kirk Lindsey Center, 1020 10th Street Plaza Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

18

Brenda Athletic Clubs Modesto Sports Location: 200 Norwegian Avenue Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Business After Hours Boys & Girls Club National Multiple Sclerosis Society United Way of Stanislaus County Location: 422 McHenry Avenue Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Stanislaus Green Team REACON Team Members

Green Team Supporters

Interested in REACON Team membership or Stanislaus Green Team sponsorship? Call (209) 577-5757 or e-mail RKeenan@ModChamber.org

22

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

Prime Shine Car Wash presents:

LAND OF OPPORTUNITY ...a series spotlighting entrepreneurial achievement

Cindy Woolston, General Manager, Modesto American Medical Response

Cindy Woolston

American Medical Response was founded in 1992. The company was formed by smaller ambulance companies coming together and utilizing their resources to develop one company. Today AMR operates in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

They serve 2,100 communities and have approximately 17,000 employees.

What are your current products/services? Do they differ from the products you carried in the beginning?

Ambulance Transportation Services, Air Ambulance Service, Mobile Health Care, Standby Services for Special Events, Tactical Teams, Bike Teams and Critical Care Transportation.

Some of these are new lines of business that the company has expanded into since its start up.

How many employees do you have?

We currently have approximately 300 employees [in Modesto].

What have you done in your professional career that has led you to where you are now?

I have continued to learn the business in various different roles that I have held in the organization. This has made me eligible for promotion opportunities that have come my way.

Are you originally from this area? If not, where are you from and how did you come to the area?

Yes, however, I started my career in Sacramento. When the opportunity arose to come back to Modesto in a management position, I took it. I have been here since 1997.

When you were younger what goals did you set for yourself and why?

To have a successful career so I could adequately provide for myself and family.

I have really enjoyed helping people in whatever way I can.

What challenges have you had to overcome in your professional life and how did you achieve that?

The biggest challenge was being able to readily adapt to change.

Our industry changes rapidly and you have to be able to quickly embrace the change and go with it.

What are some of the accomplishments of which you are particularly proud?

Being able to move into other positions within the organization and grow with the company.

What is the single biggest reason that you have achieved the level of success you have?

My determination to succeed.

What do you like about your job?

There are many things I like about my job; the day to day challenges, the people I meet, being able to make a difference in the community.

Do you participate in any community outreach efforts or clubs?

Yes, as do many of my employees.

What are your plans for the future?

Continue to grow our business in the Modesto area and have a positive footprint within the communities we serve.

What advice do you have for business people when it comes to achieving their goals?

Never lose the desire to achieve your goals, whatever they may be.

What do you like about doing business in the Modesto community and why do you think this is the Land of Opportunity?

Modesto is a great place to have a business, as there is opportunity for growth. Modesto is a close-knit community and people enjoy working together to make this a good place to both work and live.

There is affordable real estate here, giving businesses and families the opportunity to settle into the community.

Do you have any particular history that has contributed to helping you achieve your goals?

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.

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

April

23

Diamond Level Chamber Member

1601 Cummins Drive, Suite D, Modesto, CA 95358 (800) 340-1326 medamericabilling.com

Lesson #1

DON’T PROMISE WHAT YOU CAN’T DELIVER

WE DELIVER WHAT WE PROMISE

parksprinting.com | 209.576.2568

What sets us apart from our competition….dependability.

printing • mailing • fulfillment • promotional items • cross media marketing 24

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

© neverboring.com

of the

WORK IN Mission-Based Golden Valley Health Center Provides Medical Help to the Under-served

Service when you need it (Courtesy of Never Boring Design Associates)

Since

its

establishment

in

1972,

Golden

One of the challenges GVHC faces is figuring out

Valley Health Center has provided quality

how to balance its mission with the realities of doing

healthcare services to the Central Valley’s

business. “Golden Valley is a business with a very great

most disadvantaged residents. The nonprofit

mission, but we have to be efficient stewards of our

organization serves patient populations that

money or we won’t be here to provide our mission.”

often fall through the cracks, including migrant and low-income populations.

As the community faces the changes brought by healthcare reform, Noguera said GVHC will face even

According to GVHC Interim CEO Christine

When business is booming, advertising is the last thing on your mind. But when times get tough, an aggressive ad campaign becomes the last thing you want to spend money 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 Design 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

more precipitous challenges. “With healthcare reform,

Noguera, GVHC’s mission

there’s going to be additional

has never swerved from the

demand for physicians or

organization’s original intent:

medical services across the

ADVERTISING I GRAPHIC DESIGN I WEB DESIGN I MARKETING I FILM & MULTIMEDIA I COMMERCIAL SIGNS

Stanislaus

see healthcare reform bringing

County residents regardless

serves patient

more people under that insured

of language, financial or

populations that often

umbrella and simultaneously

cultural barriers.

“Our mission drives what we do every day,” said Noguera.

Part of that mission has led

fall through the cracks,

increasing the demand for access to healthcare services.”

including migrant and lowincome populations. ”

“As we prepare for the future, we’ve been expanding hours

GVHC to expand facilities

and looking at ways to ensure

and staff to serve more

all staff are well trained so that

people each year. “We don’t

they can perform at a higher

build big health complexes where we ask patients

level and provide a more comprehensive package

to come to us; the majority of our sites are located

of services to patients on each visit.”

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, or through our 2012 directory at www.villageprofile.com/california/modesto.

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.

right in the community we want to serve. That helps alleviate barriers such as transportation and

Today, GVHC employs over 700 local residents in

helps elevate issues like cultural literacy so that

positions across 29 sites, and as this number grows

the care we’re providing is really customized to the

Noguera says that GVHC will not lose sight of its

needs of the local community.”

mission. And that that makes her very proud. P

neverboring.com

to

communities that we serve. We

•

services

“The nonprofit organization

© Never Boring Design

to deliver quality healthcare

April

25

e c on om i c de v e l op m e n t

{ business briefs } Unemployment in our area is high. Companies are hiring, but are having a hard time finding candidates that fit their needs. A solution to this problem is retraining. Earning an Associate’s Degree or career certificate through private education would fill this “skills gap” that concerns employers today. At San Joaquin Valley College, students can receive an excellent education in Medical Assisting, Administrative Health Care Management and Pharmacy Technology to fill the needs of local employers quickly and effectively. P Cosmetic dentistry incorporates state-of-the-art CAD CAM technology into dental practices across the world. CAD CAM dentistry can produce a wide variety of dental restorations including: inlays, crowns, veneers, bridges, and even implants in hours versus weeks.

CAD CAM dentistry boasts the ability to create custom esthetic restorations in one visit. CAD CAM dentistry has even made its way into Accredited Dental Assisting programs’ curriculum in California.

Heald College Modesto has partnered with Henry Schein Dental Supply Corporation and D4D Technologies and will be hosting a group of licensed dentists in the area for CAD CAM training on a local owner’s new E4D system. For more information, contact Gina Macias, Heald College: Gina_Macias@Heald.Edu, Direct (209) 416-3723. P As the healthcare profession as a whole continues to grow, so does the need for Professional Medical Assistants. The most well-respected medical assisting programs introduce students to the specialized training needed for entry-level employments in medical offices, clinics, laboratories and hospitals. Course content should include theory and practical applications in both administrative and clinical procedures.

Jodi Jones has been a Professional Medical Assistant for 18 years and is also a PMA instructor at Institute of Technology. “[I] am proud to work for a corporation that has stayed true to the profession. Upon graduation, our students will be prepared to contribute in a wide range of entry-level occupations in the medical field.” Ms. Jones encourages anyone looking to begin a career in the medical field to visit the Institute of Technology and find out more about this effective, professional and highly personalized institution. P

New Member profiles Dakota Information Group is a State licensed Private Investigative

firm. Our purpose is to serve the local legal community by combining the latest technology with proven investigative methodologies to make your life easier, develop case confidence and bring more value to the attorney-client relationship. We work closely with attorneys, paralegals and other legal support staff to provide necessary assistance. We can do the research needed, and the due diligence required, as well as conduct interviews, locate witnesses, take statements and judgment recovery. We are located at 1129 Kansas Avenue in Modesto. Contact us at (209) 205-9559 or visit www.dakotainfogroup.com. P

Matthews Real Estate offers a combined 18 years of experience in the real

estate, home sales, financing, land development, new home construction and marketing industries. We founded this brokerage in response to the needs of our clients for reputable and responsible representation and are 100% referral based. Whether you’re exploring an investment opportunity, embarking on your first home purchase or considering a Short Sale, Modesto Agent Tim Eiland and Broker Associate Desiree Betancourt can assist you. We are located at 810 Standiford Avenue, Suite 4 in Modesto. Contact us at (209) 923-2999 or visit www.cmreagent.com. P

Aflac Associates introduces a new independent agent, Jennifer Hooten.

Jennifer moved to the Modesto area in June 2012 from Indiana. While in Indiana, she served as an Individual Health Insurance Broker catering to the needs of the Indiana State Medical Association and the Indiana State Bar Association members. Her belief in growing a business is based on trust and helping people meet their needs. When so many employers are looking for viable options to overcome employee benefit challenges, Aflac is there to help.

For more information, contact Jennifer at (209) 985-1189. P

Lee Cross Associates, Cash Flow Consultant, has been serving Stanislaus

County since 2000. As an experienced chief financial officer and controller, Lee understands that cash flow is the life blood of business. Lee uses new technology and 30+ years of experience to improve clients’ working capital and profits by accelerating cash flow and reducing costs. These benefits are provided through his interim CFO and controller consulting service. Call (209) 968-6191 or e-mail Lee at LCAservesu@gmail.com. Visit www.accountingmodesto.com for services offered. P Course Description

Cost

Supervisor Sexual Harassment Prevention Training – SinglePoint Outsourcing, Inc.

April 16, 2013 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Supervisors are personally at risk for a lawsuit if they allow or engage in sexual harassment. In this 2-hour interactive course, you will become equipped to recognize sexual harassment and know what to do about it. You will also learn about the laws that govern harassment and discrimination while meeting California’s Supervisor Training requirement. 

May 14, 2013 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Show individuals & students how to manage their money by preparing a personal spending plan. Identify ways to decrease spending and increase income. Participants will learn how to track their spending habits, and put forth an attainable financial goal.

Technology Tool Box Build Your Business with the Right Tools Solid Networks

May 14 2013 11:30 am 1:30 pm lunch provided

 





Setting Financial Goals Finance & Thrift







Course Date/Time



Course Name

   

Members $20.00 Non-Members $40.00 Members $10.00 Non-Members $20.00

Hammer, screwdriver, wrench – you wouldn’t think of building your tool box without these!

Now it’s time to build your technology tool box on the same premise – you won’t believe you’ve managed your business without these valuable tools. Join us for a hands–on learning event on key technology tools that will boost your business to the next level.

Website caller ID, HaaS, a Customer online payment tool….and more!

Location: Solid Networks 5686 Pirrone Road, Salida

Members $10.00 Non-Members $20.00

Keys to Effective Communication – SinglePoint Outsourcing, Inc.

May 29, 2013 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Success as a leader depends on the ability to communicate successfully. Whether giving direction or feedback, you cannot afford to have messages misunderstood or misconstrued, or lost in the sea of information that bombards us everyday. In this workshop, you will learn strategies to ensure your messages are heard and acted upon, while building and maintaining healthy relationships.

Members $20.00 Non-Members $40.00

The Power of Decision Making – Single Point Outsourcing, Inc.

July 17, 2013 9:00 am 11:00 am

Decision-making is a key skill in the workplace, and is particularly important for effective leadership. Decision-making is a key skill in the workplace, and is particularly important for effective leadership. In this class, you will learn the essential steps in the decisionmaking process and how to use different decision-making strategies to ensure that your decisions meet organizational objectives.

Members $10.00 Non-Members $20.00

*All Chamber University courses are provided at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, unless otherwise noted; call the Chamber to register: (209) 577-5757.

26

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

HEALTH PLAN OF SAN JOAQUIN MEANS...

- Hundreds of primary care physicians and specialists - Easy access to your personal doctor - Choice of hospitals and pharmacies - Local and nationwide emergency care - Free 24/7 advice nurse - Serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties Eligibility guidelines apply and may be based in part on household income. Plan availability varies by county.

I

1-888-936-PLAN (7526) www.hpsj.com

He just saved two hours.

And a copay.

How? He simply e-mailed his doctor, instead of leaving

Members can:

work for an office visit. My Health Manager online services

• e-mail their doctor’s office

can prevent productivity losses—for your people and your organization—at a time when it’s crucial to do more with less.

And these services are available at no added charge.

• check most lab results • request routine appointments

with their personal physician • order prescription refills

See how we can bring greater value to your health care dollars—view a demo at kp.org/experience.

Or contact your Kaiser Permanente broker or account manager.

kp.org/centralvalley