Progress February 2018

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

16

Chamber Calendar

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Leadership Modesto:

Proof to the Power of Cooperation

ADVOCACY

10

Focus on Prevention Improves Quality

of Life in Stanislaus County

12 14 16 17

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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

4

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

13

6

New Membership Orientation Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 3 p.m.

15

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

20

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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28

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.

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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

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I N - H O U S E AV

路

AVA I L A B L E D A I LY

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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.

18

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

19

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

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF STANISLAUS COUNTY

E&J GALLO WINERY

PRIME SHINE CAR WASH

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON MODESTO

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY COLLEGE

FRANKLIN & DOWNS FUNERAL HOMES

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GOLDEN VALLEY HEALTH CENTERS

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20

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

VALLEY BMW/VALLEY LEXUS VARNI BROTHERS CORPORATION VALLEY CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

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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.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS BAY VALLEY TECH

SPORT CLIPS HAIRCUTS

Education

Barber

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

haircutmennorthpointlandingmodestoca.com

Van Nuys, CA 91406 800.562.6627

SERVICE

bayvalleytech.com STANISLAUS SENIOR FOUNDATION LA PERLA TAPATIA

Assisted Living & Rehabilitation

Grocery

3500 Coffee Rd., Ste. 19

2031 Crows Landing Rd.,

Modesto, CA 95355

Modesto, CA 95358

209.848.2635

209.669.2500

stanislausseniorfoundation.org

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

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