VOL. 39 | ISSUE 2 | FEBRUARY 2018
LEADERSHIP MODESTO: PROOF TO THE POWER OF COOPERATION CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH'S NEW HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTER FUTURE LOOKS GOOD FOR FISHER NUT
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FEBRUARY 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
Art Block Plaque Recognizes Leadership Modesto and Partners
Steven Rank, Rank Investigations and Protection, Inc.
Chairman-Elect
Thomas Reeves, Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
Past Chairman
4 5 6
Eric Tobias, F&M Bank
Vice Chairman, External Operations Stephen Madison, STANCO
Vice Chairman, Internal Operations
Patricia Gillum, Patricia A. Gillum,CPA
DIRECTORS
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.
Focus on Prevention
10
Stanislaus Food Products
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Chamber Calendar
8
Leadership Modesto:
Proof to the Power of Cooperation
ADVOCACY
10
Focus on Prevention Improves Quality
of Life in Stanislaus County
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Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce
209.577.5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org
Ribbon Cuttings/Announcements People on the Move Stanislaus Food Products February Anniversaries
EDUCATION Central Catholic High's New Health and Fitness Center
SERVICE
Graphic Design: Never Boring
209.526.9136 • www.neverboring.com
Printer: The Parks Group
Distribution: The Parks Group
2018 Board of Directors
RELATIONSHIPS
Cecil Russell, President/CEO Modesto Chamber of Commerce CRussell@ModChamber.org
209.576.2568 • mike@theparksgroup.com
Message from the CEO
COMMUNITY
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
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Central Catholic High
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209.576.2568
Advertising Sales:
Never Boring 209.526.9136 • progress@neverboring.com
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Thank you to Our 104th
Annual Gala Sponsors
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Work in Progress: Future Looks
Good for Fisher Nut
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in
© 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.
Fisher Nut
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PROGRESS MAGAZINE 1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354 209. 577.5757 • Fax 209. 577.2673 www.ModChamber.org • Progress@ModChamber.org
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
By Cecil Russell,
Chamber President and CEO We are now knee-deep in 2018. Hopefully you have all hit the ground running after the holiday season, and your resolutions are still working out for you. We are committed to helping your organization prosper in 2018, and to help strengthen the entire region’s economy for all businesses. Our Board and staff are working hard on creating tangible ways to accomplish these goals, and we will keep you informed. But please contact me if you have ideas on how the Chamber can better serve you and your business this year. By the time you read this, you should have received our first printed membership directory in several years. We are proud of the final book, and are working to get this in every restaurant and hotel room in the region to help promote your business. We expect that this will be an ongoing, annual publication, and we thank our partner who made this possible, The 209 Business Journal.
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Our 104th Annual Gala & Members’ Choice Awards was a great success. We were so proud to publicly recognize and award the following individuals and organizations for what they did in 2017: • Mark Buckley, Farmers Insurance, Welcome Team Member of the Year • Bill Robinson, Principal Financial Group, Ambassador of the Year • Cindy Young, County Office of Education, Excellence in Education • Naomi Layland, Huff Construction and Ardis Farming, Distinguished Service Award • Modesto Gospel Mission, Nonprofit of the Year • Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball, Small Business of the Year • The Modesto Bee, Chamber Business Partner of the Year • Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Chamber Member of the Year
The Chamber has new momentum, new Board members, new ideas, and new energy in 2018. We are looking forward to working on your behalf in the upcoming year. | P
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RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS
ATTENDED VOLT INSTITUTE GRAND OPENING
• Co-Hosted Business After Hours with Modesto Bee
Attended Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation Dinner
• Met with Modesto Bee marketing staff to plan various joint opportunities in 2018
2018 Graffiti Parade Planning Committee Meeting
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL PRESENTATION BY MODESTO CITY COUNCILMAN DOUG RIDENOUR ON CITY'S CANNABIS POLICY STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM PRESENTATION BY RECOLOGY
We were especially pleased to award Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools Tom Changnon with our Citizen of the Year/Lifetime Achievement Award. Thank you to the Gallo Center for the Arts, all our sponsors, the restaurants, food and beverage donors, and all of you who attended. It truly was a special night. There will be more information and photographs of this event in our March issue. Many of our members do not realize that their employees can serve on one of our committees. If you would like more information, contact our membership director John Villines.
Attended King-Kennedy Memorial Center Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon
ATTENDED CERES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2018 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS & INSTALLATION DINNER
Met with various City Council Members & County Supervisors
• Modesto City Council Meetings • MID Meetings • DID & Downtown Security Meetings • Comprehensive Fees Task Force Meeting • Community Organization Meetings • Chamber committees and special events planning meetings
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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STEVE RANK
RANK INVESTIGATION & PROTECTION, INC. CHAIRMAN
THOMAS REEVES PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO.
ERIC TOBIAS
PATRICIA GILLUM
CHAIRMAN-PAST
VICE CHAIR, INTERNAL OPERATIONS
F&M BANK
CHAIRMAN-ELECT
ANNIE AMIES VINTAGE FAIRE MALL/ MACERICH DIRECTOR
ELLIOT BEGOUN THE INTERTWINE GROUP DIRECTOR
BRAD BLAKELY EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS DIRECTOR
STEPHEN MADISON
PATRICIA GILLUM, CPA
PAUL HOLSHOUSER
FLOWERS BAKING CO. OF MODESTO, LLC
STANCO
VICE CHAIR, EXTERNAL OPERATIONS
MICHAEL HOWELL
BLOM & ASSOCIATES DIRECTOR
WARREN KIRK DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
LOREN KUNTZ ATHERTON & ASSOCIATES DIRECTOR
NAOMI LAYLAND
HUFF CONSTRUCTION CO INC.
CRAIG LEWIS LEWIS CAPITAL ADVISORS DIRECTOR
DESHA MCLEOD
COMMUNITY HOSPICE INC. DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
KATHY MONDAY
DAMRELL, NELSON, SHRIMP, PALLIOS, PACHER, SILVA & SQUEEZE IN
MICHAEL MORADIAN
PEACE OF MIND PEST CONTROL & HOME INSPECTIONS DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
TOM NIELSEN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER
DIRECTOR
PEGGY O'DONNELL MID-VALLEY PRODUCTIONS
DILLON OLVERA BEARD LAND & INVESTMENT CO. DIRECTOR
KRISTIN REZA
LUCY VIRGEN
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
BANK OF STOCKTON
BANK OF THE WEST
PETE ZAHOS SYSCO CENTRAL CALIFORNIA INC. DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
FEBRUARY 2018
5
CHAMBER CALENDAR FEBRUARY DEVELOPMENT 07 ECONOMIC COMMITTEE MEETING
MARCH 07
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 7:30 a.m.
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STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 9 a.m.
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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Franklin & Downs 1050 McHenry Ave., Modesto 5:30 p.m.
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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 12 p.m.
Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 7:30 a.m.
CHAMBER CALENDAR
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6
New Membership Orientation Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 3 p.m.
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STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 9 a.m.
15
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Network Builders IT 4641 Spyres Way, Modesto 5:30 p.m.
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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 12 p.m.
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CHAMBER CLOSED Presidents Day Observance
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CHAMBER ONLINE MARKETING TOOL CLASS Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 12 p.m.
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AMBASSADOR & WELCOME TEAM MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 8 a.m.
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
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Chamber Online Marketing Tool Class Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 4 p.m.
AMBASSADOR & WELCOME TEAM MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 8 a.m.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
4641 Spryes Way Modesto, CA Feb. 15 | 5:30 p.m. Network Builders IT was founded in 2006 and is one of the leading IT and Managed Service Providers in the area. With a strong focus on customer service and the customer experience, Network Builders is known for fast, friendly and helpful technical support. Our services include IT helpdesk support, managed network security services, network design installation and maintenance, VOIP phone services, data protection and business continuity. Stop by and see our new office and meet our incredibly talented and amazing staff. We would love to share our story and discuss how we can assist you with your technology needs. For more information on our services or to receive a free network assessment, please contact our sales department at 209.522.6248 or sales@nbit.com | P
1016 12th St, Modesto, Ca 95354
Celebrate your employees!! Purchase Fair tickets for your employees now and let the summer FUN begin!
Stanislaus County Fair
Corporate group orders of 50 or more Fair admission tickets will receive $4 OFF per ticket. Your price at only $8/ticket ($12 value). Visit our website for more information.
July 13-22, 2018
w w w. S t a n C o F a i r . c o m #stancofair FEBRUARY 2018
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ART BLOCK PLAQUE RECOGNIZES LEADERSHIP MODESTO AND PARTNERS: PROOF TO THE POWER OF COOPERATION
By Tera Chumley, Senior Management Consultant County of Stanislaus, Leadership Modesto Class of 2013-2014 In case you haven’t noticed recently, the planter installation on 10th & J Street, in front of Picasso’s Deli has a new fixture. A plaque, installed last November, recognizing the 10th Street Art Block improvements and partnerships taking shape on 10th Street between I Street and J Street. The project that this plaque commemorates reflects the winning collaboration between the City of Modesto, the Downtown Modesto Partnership Group, and the Chamber's Leadership Modesto Class of 2013-2014. (simply the best class ever) In 2012 the Downtown Modesto Partnership began working on ways to improve downtown Modesto’s walking environment. In 2013, the group presented a concept for improving the entire block of 10th Street, between J and I Streets, at a Downtown Summit meeting. In 2014, the improvements were approved by the Modesto City Council. Later that same year the Leadership Modesto Class of 20132014 recognized that this project reflected the class goals of supporting small local businesses and encouraging downtown Modesto visitation. The Chamber's Leadership Modesto class began fundraising efforts that focused on bringing planters, seating, shade, tree lighting, and overall elements of ambiance to this core downtown block. The plaque recognizes the major community supporters of the project: • THE ENDSLEY FAMILY • THE VENEMAN FAMILY • DR. NORM AND JOAN RINGER • THE GREGORY AND KRISTEN REED FAMILY • THE CARRADE FAMILY • THE GEMP FAMILY • THE BURDA FAMILY • GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS • OAK VALLEY BANK
COMMUNITY
• UMPQUA BANK.
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At a time when it has never been more critical that community, business and government work together toward common good – the 10th Street Art Block project stands out as proof to the power of cooperation. | P
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
Rooted in Success Building success and community connections is in our roots. 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
HIS NEW YEARS RESOLUTION WAS TO GIVE HER ONLY THE BEST.
COMMUNITY
That’s why he chose Burnside Body Shop. We Can Fix That.
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FEBRUARY 2018
9
FOCUS ON PREVENTION IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE IN STANISLAUS COUNTY By Jacqui D. Sinarle
Imagine a process that aims to address local issues from a proactive perspective and resolve them before they become costly problems. That’s what Stanislaus County created when it launched Focus on Prevention, an initiative geared toward improving the quality of life for community residents while leveraging vast local resources. “Focus on Prevention operates on the philosophy that to have a broad community impact we need to organize multiple sectors with a strategic effort to accomplish shared results,” explained Ruben Imperial, Stanislaus County’s Deputy Executive Officer. While Focus on Prevention was launched in 2015 and is a long-term plan expected to gain effectiveness and momentum over a 10-year period, the initiative has already begun to impact local communities. “Focus on Prevention has helped the City of Modesto strengthen our relationships with community and social services groups to meet the needs of our community,” observed Modesto’s Interim City Manager Joe Lopez. “Through collaboration, we are able to accomplish goals quicker and more efficiently, without duplicating our efforts.” The first phase of the initiative is impacting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Stanislaus County. “In 2017 we created the Community System of Care (CSOC) leadership council, which includes the regional funders of homeless services and the 30-plus homeless programs in Stanislaus County,” said Ruben Imperial, Deputy Executive Officer, Stanislaus County. The aim of CSOC is to coordinate and align the efforts of all the homeless services in the county. Currently CSOC programs house more than 1,000 homeless people every night through shelters, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing.
ADVOCACY
“Last year we also launched the Outreach and Engagement Center (OEC),” Imperial said. OEC staff members seek people out in the community in a strategic and coordinated effort with partner outreach teams and service providers, build trusting relationships,
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“Focus on Prevention operates on the philosophy that to have a broad community impact we need to organize multiple sectors with a strategic effort to accomplish shared results,"
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
“Focus on Prevention has helped the City of Modesto strengthen our relationships with community and social services groups to meet the needs of our community…" and facilitate connections to housing and support services. Thanks to grants and other funding, the initial four-person OEC staff was expanded to more than 10. To provide additional community support, the Focus on Prevention Stewardship Council and CSOC leadership council are developing a proposal to open an Access Center and Low Barrier Shelter that will provide a “one stop shop” for services, centralizing professional services and multiple community-based efforts in one location and providing access to rehabilitative services, a daytime engagement center, and overnight shelter for the unhoused in our community. The next phase of Focus on Prevention is aimed at strengthening families in Stanislaus County, including the neighborhoods and communities, schools and businesses, and other institutions that help them thrive. This effort will begin by supporting individuals who are or have been engaged in the juvenile and criminal justice systems, their families, and families that have been directly affected by their actions. Over time the effort will expand to strengthen all families in the county. “Our hope for Focus on Prevention is that we create a culture of learning and results, and when something’s not working we quickly change direction toward efforts with positive results,” said Jody Hayes, Stanislaus CEO. “We recognize that while government may play an important role, we are not the only solution to address the challenges in our community. This program was founded on the belief that the best way to implement long-term systemic change in our community is for all sectors to come to the table and work together, forging common goals and a shared accountability for results. We’re very proud of the many organizations and leaders who have joined this movement and we look forward to creating a model for other communities to consider in developing public/private partnerships.” For more information about Focus on Prevention, visit: www.preventionfocus.net. | P
Life happens at the tabLe
MEETINGS
路
EVENTS
路
GROUPS
1508 10th Street, Modesto
路
I N - H O U S E AV
路
AVA I L A B L E D A I LY
| (209) 529-5898| Camp4Wine.com
Are you interested in hosting a
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
in 2018?
Contact Communications Assistant, Sandra Montez today!
ADVOCACY
209.577.5757 or smontez@modchamber.org
FEBRUARY 2018
11
RIBBON CUTTINGS
ANNOUNCEMENTS Your Future is Our Business Pen Women Presents! opens, Feb. 1
EDWARD JONES INVESTMENT 1700 Standiford Ave., Ste. 130, Modesto, CA 95350
through Mar. 27. The February reception and poetry reading is during Art Walk, Thur., Feb. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m. with poetry readings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The March reception and poetry reading is during Art Walk, Thurs., Mar. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m. with poetry readings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Carolyn Huff Photography Studio and Gallery hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 1 to 6 p.m., and Third Thursday 1-9 p.m. For more information, contact: carolyn@ carolynhuff.org. | P
PLAYLIVE NATION 3401 Dale Rd., Modesto, CA 95356
SPORT CLIPS HAIRCUTS 3848 McHenry Ave., Ste. 160, Modesto, CA 95356
Join us for the 23rd Annual AG Aware Luncheon! Join 700 of Modesto’s prominent agricultural and community leaders to raise funds for Modesto’s Future Farmers of America programs. Proceeds from the Ag Aware Luncheon benefit Modesto area FFA chapters who will be the next generation of leaders in the area’s most prominent industry.
RELATIONSHIPS
Our 2018 speaker is Cannon Michael President/CEO of Bowles Farming Company.
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APRIL 13, 2018 Location: Modesto Junior College ACE Pavilion Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Tickets: $25
VOLT INSTITUTE 1310 I St., Modesto, CA 95354
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
For more information and tickets please contact the Chamber at (209) 577-5757 or visit the website:
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RELATIONSHIPS
Modesto: 209.576.2568 1515 Tenth Street, Modesto, CA 95354 Stockton: 209.466.9026 445 W. Weber Ave, Suite 124A, Stockton, CA 95203
BECOME A MEMBER visit us at modchamber.org or call our membership Director, John Villines at 209.577.5757
FEBRUARY 2018
13
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE The Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group team continues to grow with the addition of four new staff members. Three of the new employees are assistant engineers: Rebekah Brechmann in the Fresno office, Georgia te Velde in the Modesto office, and Miguel Jimenez in the Clovis office. Abigail Bullard has also joined Provost & Pritchard as an assistant environmental specialist based out of the firm’s Visalia office. “We are fortunate to be the company these four have chosen to join early in their careers and are thrilled to have them on our team,” said Ronald Samuelian, Provost & Pritchard’s president. “Rebekah will help our growing transportation design project team. Georgia and Miguel bring practical Rebekah Brechmann farming and on-farm design experience to help us meet the increasing demand for agricultural water supply projects. Abigail adds additional geological skills to our team of geologists, hydrogeologists and soil scientists.” Brechmann graduated from California State University, Fresno with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and is currently
Innovation:
RELATIONSHIPS
Not just insurancerisk management.
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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
pursuing her master’s degree in civil engineering. With a strong background in transportation design systems, Brechmann’s experience includes pavement design, geotechnical engineering design, intersection design, and transportation design. A graduate of University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, te Velde’s experience is primarily in agricultural and irrigation systems engineering. She has been involved in the design and installation of irrigation systems, including underground pipelines, pump and filter stations, and aboveground water applications.
Georgia te Velde
Jimenez has over five years of engineering experience, specifically in the design of irrigation systems. A graduate of California State University, Fresno with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Jimenez has developed strong relationships within the agriculture industry to Miguel Jimenez assess grower needs, review current irrigation systems, and identify potential solutions and modifications to make their systems more efficient. Bullard graduated from Utah State University in Loan, Utah with a master’s degree in geology after obtaining her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of North Carolina, Asheville. Her experience includes geologic mapping, stratigraphic studies, soil testing and investigations, and ArcGIS.
Abigail Bullard
Established in 1968, Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group has a strong tradition of engineering and consulting excellence throughout California. With office locations in Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield, Modesto, Los Banos, Chico and Merced, the firm features a mix of seasoned professionals, complemented by younger staff with fresh ideas. Provost & Pritchard specializes in civil and agricultural engineering, environmental and land use planning, hydrogeology and geology, surveying, and construction management services in the areas of water resources, municipal infrastructure, agriculture, site development, and environmental compliance. For more information, visit www.ppeng.com or email info@ ppeng.com. | P
Are you interested in hosting a
BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS
in 2018?
RELATIONSHIPS
Contact Communications Assistant, Sandra Montez today! 209.577.5757 or smontez@modchamber.org
FEBRUARY 2018
15
STANISLAUS FOOD PRODUCTS By Steve Rouse, VP Marketing Stanislaus Food Products is located at the corner of 12th and D Streets in Modesto. Each summer, the company specializes in fresh-packing Italian-style tomatoes and sauces in large gallonsized cans for use in restaurants. Because Stanislaus does not produce supermarket-sized cans, many locals are unfamiliar with the company’s name and reputation. But, to quality-oriented Italian restaurants and pizzerias across America, the name “Stanislaus” stands for the highest quality fresh-packed tomatoes they can buy. Today, the company is proudly owned and operated by the Cortopassi family and locally employs roughly 250 people year round in its Modesto office and warehouses. Seasonally, the company also directly employs another 1,800 loyal employees during its three-month summer “fresh pack” tomato season. Indirectly, the company contributes millions of dollars to the region’s economy and helps support thousands of additional year round and seasonal jobs throughout Modesto and Stanislaus County. Those businesses include local farms growing fresh tomatoes and seasonings, local steel can and corrugated box manufacturing plants, local trucking companies used to haul tomatoes from the field to the cannery and, then, finished canned goods from the cannery to its warehouses, local electrical contractors and equipment fabricators, and utility workers from MID, PG&E, and the City of Modesto, etc. Today Stanislaus is led by President Tom Cortopassi and long-time Executive Vice President Bill Butler. Cortopassi and Butler both
RELATIONSHIPS
give credit for the company’s enduring reputation for excellence
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to the dedication of the company’s quality-oriented employees, many of whom have been with Stanislaus for decades.. | P For Questions, please contact: Steve Rouse, VP Marketing Stanislaus Food Products 209.522 .7201
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
Congratulations
TO THIS MONTH'S MILESTONE MEMBERSHIPS
CUMULUS RADIO KATM/KHKK/KHOP/ESPN JENSEN & JENSEN ATTORNEYS
50 + years BRIGGSMORE CENTER
25 + years WARDEN'S OFFICE FURNITURE OUTLET MOCSE CREDIT UNION MODESTO GOSPEL MISSION MID VALLEY HEALTH SERVICES JOAN CLENDENIN
15 + years
40 + years
EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS
KEMPER CPA GROUP, LLP
CLASSIC WINE VINEGAR COMPANY, INC.
35 + years CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
30 years +
BANK OF THE WEST (PELANDALE) MJC TECHNICAL EDUCATION BANK OF THE WEST (H STREET) SATAKE USA INC. MO-CAL OFFICE SOLUTIONS BEST WESTERN TOWNHOUSE LODGE EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
A STEP ABOVE FLOORING, INC. BRIGHTER SIDE YOSEMITE SELF STORAGE HOMEWOOD VILLAGE MOBILEHOME COMMUNITY 7/11 MATERIALS, INC. DIRECT APPLIANCE JH LAWDER, INC. STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS BRITTON KONYNENBURG PARTNERS
10 + years SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT H & R BLOCK STEP ASIDE PEST MANAGEMENT, INC. METROLIST SERVICES, INC. GREEN RUBBER-KENNEDY AG. PATRICIA A. GILLUM, CPA GREENWORKS COMMERCIAL JANITORIAL SERVICES, INC.
FEBRUARY 2018
RELATIONSHIPS
60 years +
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COVER STORY
CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH'S NEW HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTER By: Jim Pecchenino, ’72, President
I
t’s hard to miss the Mark Gallo Health and Fitness
Central Catholic promises a well-rounded, college prep
Center if you’re in the neighborhood of Carpenter and
education where students are academically, physically, and
Maze Roads in west Modesto. Looming just in from
spiritually prepared for their lives. The gym, fitness center, and
the corner, behind St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and
tennis courts are important elements in this goal. Teams from
Central Catholic High School, the 29,000-square foot facility
throughout the area enjoy playing in the beautiful gym, which
has become the center of the campus and a regional facility for
is also used for community events such as the World Meeting
all to enjoy.
of Popular Movements, wedding receptions, retreats, and our annual BASH dinner and fashion show. The fitness center is
Opened in August of 2016, the $7.6 million building houses a
staffed every afternoon from 2 – 6 p.m. by an experienced fitness
1,100-seat gym, the John C. Bosio Fitness Center, two classrooms
trainer, hosting athletic team members as well as the casual
for agriculture education, the VanNes Tennis Courts, a state of
student who wants to get—or stay—in shape. Teams also work
the art kitchen, and various offices and training rooms for PE
out under the supervision of their coaches on mornings before
and coaching staff.
school. The six state of the art tennis courts allow quicker play
EDUCATION
for our teams and their competitors on a beautiful new surface.
The fitness center is staffed every afternoon from 2 – 6 p.m. by an experienced fitness trainer.
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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
Plans call for a variety of athletic camps for students and staff
"‌ The generosity of donors who made it
throughout the year. The two classrooms are located right near donated land that soon will be converted to gardens for the agriculture department. Sophomore Elizabeth Watkins, Food Network’s
possible, allows Central Catholic to provide a full athletic and fitness program to all its students and to focus on graduating students
Chopped Junior Champion, 2016, recently received a grant
who have a focus on a life of good health, as
from Dominoes to grow vegetables to work into a farm to fork
well of doing their best and serving others in
project with our agriculture department, nutrition program,
their community."
and our kitchen. Beyond that, the agriculture department has just completed a strategic plan that will include curriculum in pruning and harvesting grapes, the production of orchard and row crops, and a livestock pavilion to house student fair animal projects. Partnering with Modesto Junior College, we offer a class in nutrition every year or two that fits in well with the agriculture program. Students can also take an Elements and Principles of Floral Design class, where they learn the fundamentals of floral design and also prepare centerpieces for clients, school, and community events. The Mark Gallo Health and Fitness Center, and the generosity of donors who made it possible, allows Central Catholic to provide a full athletic and fitness program to all its students and to focus on graduating students who have a focus on a life of good health, as well of doing their best and serving others in
Principles of Floral Design class, where students learn the fundamentals of floral design
EDUCATION
their community. | P
and also prepare centerpieces for clients, school, and community events.
FEBRUARY 2018
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THE MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR 104TH ANNUAL GALA SPONSORS!
Corporate SPONSORS
Silver SPONSORS
Gala SPONSORS AMERICAN CHEVROLET
HEALTHSOUTH REHABILITATION OF MODESTO
SOUTHWEST SPIRITS & WINE
BANK OF STOCKTON
INTRINSIC ELEMENTS
SYSCO CENTRAL CALIFORNIA INC.
BURNSIDE BODY SHOP
KITCHEN & BATH CRATE
COMCAST
NUE VODKA
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WORK IN PROGRESS a series spotlighting some of our area’s most innovative and successful companies
FUTURE LOOKS GOOD FOR FISHER NUT AND THE ALMOND INDUSTRY By: Jacqui D. Sinarle As the world’s demand for almonds grows, so does Fisher Nut Company’s capacity to provide them. “Fisher Nut is a California almond processor, handler and marketer,” explained Ron Fisher, president and CEO. “We contract with growers throughout the Central Valley, which produces about 82 percent of the world’s almonds.” As one of about 110 handlers in the region, Fisher Nut buys from almond growers and handles the processing and sales of their crops. Ron Fisher started Fisher Nut in 1986, and today, between 70 and 80 percent of the company’s production is exported with the balance distributed domestically. “We deal with national and multinational companies and confectionary bakery snack users on the wholesale level,” Fisher said. “Our customers are discerning and quality oriented, and our sophisticated processing system produces high quality confectionary grade almonds. Our goal is to get the best price for the product so we can provide the best price for our growers.” Fisher Nut has a stellar reputation for providing quality product that commands a premium in the marketplace. “We’re also known for the longevity of the company and our reputation for doing what we say over the course of many years,” Fisher said. “We have international sophistication and a very large network for product outlets.”
He credits the company’s longevity and success to “hard work, sincerity, one-onone transactional relationships, excellent service, an aggressive approach to sales and marketing, and future forecasting to be one step in front.” “Our greatest accomplishments have been the constant growth that we’ve achieved; the services and competitive returns that we provide to our growers; the employment we’ve provided to people in our community; and our success in providing a good, healthy, safe food product to the world,” Fisher said. Right now the future looks good both for Fisher Nut and the California almond industry. “The almond is still a preferred permanent crop throughout the Valley,” Fisher noted. “Currently there are about a million acres planted here, and over the next three years we’ll see another 100,000 acres planted per year.” Fisher Nut is prepared to accommodate larger crops with advanced automation and electronics and an experienced sales and marketing team. “This year’s almond crop is also the largest harvest in history,” Fisher added. “We’re seeing prices at profitable levels for growers and we’re setting shipment records. This year, California will ship about 2.2 billion pounds of almonds—that’s five percent more than last year and production is still growing.” For more information on Fisher Nut Company, visit fishernut.com. | P
SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT (Courtesy of Never Boring) When business is booming, advertising is the last thing on your mind. But when times get tough, an aggressive ad 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 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
B r a n di n g . S t r ate gy. D e si gn.
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
Flowers Baking Co. of
Stinson Enterprises Inc.
E. & J. Gallo Winery
Acme Construction Company, Inc.
Kaiser Permanente
American Chevrolet
Food Maxx
Storer Coachways
Walmart
American Medical Response
Galletto Ristorante
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
Aramark Uniform Services
Gianelli & Associates
Telcion Communications Group
Atherton & Associates, LLP
Gilton Solid Waste Mgmt, Inc.
The Eberhardt School of Business
DIAMOND LEVEL
Bank of Stockton
Golden Valley Health Centers
The Modesto Bee
Bank of the West
Brightwood College
Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc.
Turlock Irrigation District
Beard Land and Investment Co.
Brunn & Flynn
Grover Landscape Services, Inc.
Union Bank
Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc.
California State University,
I.J. Larsen Pumps, Inc.
US Bank
Doctors Behavioral
Stanislaus
Infiniti of Modesto
Valley BMW
Care One Home Health and
International Paper Co.
Valley Children's Healthcare
Doctors Medical Center-DMC
Iron Mountain, Inc.
Valley First Credit Union
Frito-Lay Company, Inc.
Central Sanitary Supply Co.
JS West & Companies
Valley Lexus
Modesto & Empire Traction Co.
Central Valley Ag Grinding
Maxx Value Foods
Vintage Faire Mall
Pacific Southwest Container
Central Valley Automotive
Mercer Foods
W.H. Breshears, Inc.
Physician Referral Service-DMC
Central Valley Chrysler,
Mocse Credit Union
Warden's Office Furniture Outlet
O'Brien's Market
Warden's Office Products Center
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Health Center- DMC
Hospice, Inc.
Jeep, Dodge
Modesto, LLC
dba Modesto Toyota
GOLD LEVEL
Central Valley Nissan
Oak Valley Community Bank
Wells Fargo Bank
5.11, Inc.
Central Valley Specialty Hospital
Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green
Crystal Creamery
Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai
Panelized Structures Inc.
Insurance Agency
Doubletree by Hilton Modesto
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
Pepsi Bottling Group
Yosemite Meat Co., Inc.
Fiscalini Cheese Company
Clark Pest Control
PMZ Real Estate
HealthSouth Rehabilitation
Cloudy in California
Prime Shine Car Wash
COIT Services Inc.
Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc.
Memorial Medical Center
Collins Electrical
Rogers Jewelry
Modesto Irrigation District
Comcast
Rogers Jewelry Co.
Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball
Covanta Stanislaus, Inc.
San Joaquin Valley College
RACOR, Division of Parker
Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp,
Save Mart Supermarkets
Seven Up Bottling Corporation
of Modesto
Hannifin Corp.
Pallios, Pacher & Silva
Seneca Foods, LLC
Del Monte Plant
Smile Shine Family Dental
Sysco Food Services of
Delta Sierra Beverage
Solecon Industrial Contractors
English Oaks Nursing
Solid Networks, Inc.
Stanislaus Food Products Co.
Central California
Taco Bell
& Rehabilitation Hospital
Stanislaus Surgical Hospital
F&M Bank
CONTACT THE CHAMBER TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRESIDENT'S CLUB LEVEL BENEFITS
First Choice Physician Partners Flooring Liquidators, Inc.
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WHEELS FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC DBA LOANMART
4701 Stoddard Rd., 2nd Floor
3848 McHenry Ave., Ste. 160
Loan & Credit Services
Modesto, California 95356
Modesto, CA 95356
15400 Sherman Way, Ste. 170
510.703.5814
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Van Nuys, CA 91406 800.562.6627
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3500 Coffee Rd., Ste. 19
2031 Crows Landing Rd.,
Modesto, CA 95355
Modesto, CA 95358
209.848.2635
209.669.2500
stanislausseniorfoundation.org
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