Progress January 2015

January 2015 Vol. 36 Issue 1 modchamber.org

Kaiser Permanente

cares for Modesto

Health

Get Fit

Ask the Experts

PR O GR ESS

TO SUCCESS

Ta lk dire c tly to 5 , 0 0 0 l oc a l b u s i n e s s e s an d m o re th a n 2 0 , 0 0 0 t op d e c i s i on ma k e rs .

A dv e rtis e in P ro g re ss M a g a z i n e , t h e award - w in n in g b u si n e s s p u b l i c a t i on of t h e Mo de s to Ch a mb e r of C omme rc e .

It ’s m o re a ffo rda b l e t h a n y ou ma y t h i n k .

A dv e rtis e n o w call : 209- 526- 91 3 6 or e-ma il: pro gre s s@ n e v e r b or i n g . c om

PROGRESS

CONTENTS JANUARY 2015 LEADERSHIP

4 Mission Statement

Message from the CEO COVER STORY

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.

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Kaiser Permanente Cares for Modesto STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

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Executive Committee

Air Quality & Health

Chairman David Gianelli, Gianelli & Associates

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Chairman-Elect Eric Tobias, F&M Bank

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Past Chairman Ralph Curtis, Curtis Legal Group

Vice Chairman, Internal Operations Patricia Gillum, Patricia Gillum, CPA

ADA Reform Good for Small Business Community EDUCATION

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Vice Chairman, External Operations Craig Lewis, Prudential California Realty

Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

Directors

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Jeffrey Burda, Wells Fargo Mid-Valley Commercial Banking Mike Garcia , Oak Valley Community Bank David Gingerich, TD Gingerich Insurance Solutions, Inc. Virginia Medueño, Imagen Public Relations Brad Hawn, CHG Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Stephen Madison, STANCO Nate Miller, Grimbleby Coleman CPAs Inc. Bill Moreno, Fire2Wire Tom Nielsen, Beard Land and Investment Steven Rank, Rank Investigations and Protection, Inc. Kole Siefken, DoubleTree Hotel Lucy Virgen, Bank of the West Laura Ward, Ward Promotional Marketing Solutions Jeremiah Williams, Oak Crafts by Jeremiah Peggy O’Donnell, Mid-Valley Promotion

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Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce (209) 577-5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org Graphic Design: Never Boring (209) 526-9136 • www.neverboring.com Printer: The Parks Group (209) 576-2568 • mike@parksprinting.com

NETWORKING & REFERRALS

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Chamber Calendar

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New Chamber Members

Welcome Corner

Advisors Keith Boggs, Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office Mellissa Williams, Modesto Irrigation District George Boodrookas, Modesto Junior College David Boring, Never Boring Kristopher Helton, Leadership Modesto David White, The Alliance Tiffani Burns, Modesto City Schools Cecil Russell, President/CEO Modesto Chamber of Commerce CRussell@ModChamber.org

Guest Column : A Resolution that will Succeed

JOHNNY GARCIA FARMERS INSURANCE/ GARCIA AGENCY

Hello Community members of the Modesto Chamber! My name is Johnny Garcia; I’m an Insurance Agent with Farmers Insurance/ Garcia Agency. In my office my staff and I get the satisfaction of being able to help protect families of our local community, whether it is by Life Insurance, Homeowners, Business, Work Comp, Autos, etc. My customers are my family! As an Ambassador, I’m able to reach out to the community on a different level. I get to help make Modesto a better place, one business at a time, while making new friends. P Johnny Garcia Office: 209.222.3710 Cell: 209.312.4970 jgarcia19@farmersagent.com

Distribution: The Parks Group (209) 576-2568 Advertising Sales: Kristin Bowker Never Boring (209) 526-9136 • progress@neverboring.com © Copyright 2014 Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Some parts of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted, however, we require that permission be obtained in writing.

(209) 577-5757, Progress@ModChamber.org

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

JANUARY 2015

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PUBLI C A DVO CACY

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

By Chamber President and CEO Cecil Russell

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great holiday season, and is looking forward to a prosperous 2015. There will be many challenges and opportunities for our community in the coming year.

There will be decisions on economic and geographic growth, including a major land use determination that will affect Modesto’s geography for decades to come.

CECIL RUSSELL Later in this year’s elections, the citizens of CHAMBER PRESIDENT Modesto will vote on who our local elected AND CEO officials will be for the next four years, with contests for the Mayor and three city council seats. All of these events will have long-lasting impacts on the future of Modesto and surrounding communities. We stay committed to advocating for commerce by being a strong voice for business concerns and building strong, healthy collaborations with other local organizations who are striving to make the community a better place to live and work.

The Board of Directors for the Chamber are often the unsung heroes that make everything we do possible. In January the chamber transitions between outgoing and incoming Board Members. We want to take this time to THANK our retiring Board members and to WELCOME the new ones. The contributions of our Board enable the Chamber to be the strong business organization that it needs to be to serve you and help to build a better quality of life for the entire community.

Our RETIRING board members are Kristi Ah You of Franklin & Downs Funeral Home; Daniel Garcia of Tri Counties Bank; David Halvorson of American Chevrolet; and Ruben Villalobos of the Villalobos Legal Group. Their service has brought value to this organization and I cannot thank them enough. We have two Board members that will be continuing their board service: Kole Siefken from the DoubleTree Hotel and Laura Ward from Ward Promotions; I thank them for their continuing support by serving on the Board again. Our NEW elected Board members are Peggy O’Donnell from Mid-Valley Promotions; Mike Garcia from Oak Valley Community Bank; Virginia Madueo from Imagen Public Relations; and Tom Nielsen from Beard Land and Investment.

We thank these individuals and their businesses for joining our Board and I look forward to a very fruitful year of serving with them in the trenches.

We will be celebrating these retiring and new Board members, along with remarkable individuals and businesses, at our upcoming 101st Annual Gala and Member Choice Awards on Saturday, January 31st. This event is held at the Gallo Center for the Arts, and is a time of exemplary food and drink from local businesses, peer-nominated awards, and stellar live entertainment from local musicians (and school children). I hope you can attend the Gala, which is sure to be one of the premier events of 2015.

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

The Chamber had a busy and fruitful year in 2014. We continued to raise funds for local students involved in agriculture through Ag Aware and Harvest Lunch. We joined forces with the Alliance to produce workshops for ADA awareness and lawsuit prevention, and to attract new businesses to our region. We successfully worked on getting pledges for air service between Modesto and Los Angeles, helping to raise over $1.5 million in ticket pledges. We worked with the local Farm Bureau and MID on numerous water-related issues, including the relicensing of Don Pedro and La Grange dams, and preserving the historical water rights of MID and TID. We also helped to get businessfriendly candidates elected to the MID Board. We worked with the education community on Destination Graduation and held a packed “State of Education” event explaining Common Core.

We worked with the City of Modesto to attract new businesses and restaurants to our downtown, as part of a serious push for revitalization that continues into 2015. We partnered with the Alliance on our “State of the Region” event covering economic issues for our County. This event featured a presentation by U.S. Congressman Jeff Denham and all of the State elected officials for our area on one stage for a Q&A feature – a feat that had never been achieved. We also had one of the best attended Oktoberfest events in Northern California. These are just a few of the many things that your Chamber accomplished on behalf of you and your business in 2014.

New Year is traditionally a time of year that we welcome change, both in our private and our professional lives. Usually this change revolves around commitments to alter our routines or break habits for the betterment of our health, family and/or our careers. I am sure that this year for most of us will be similar. When looking for inspiration for positive changes, we can look at Modesto’s historic slogan: WATER-WEALTH-CONTENTMENT-HEALTH. Despite a wet December, we need more WATER and need to make solid decisions to protect this resource. This will in turn help drive a more robust economy. A growing economy will lead to more jobs and help create WEALTH. We can all work toward a lifestyle that focuses on HEALTH. Each of these components together create a more vibrant community that will assist with the last part of our slogan, CONTENTMENT. If each of us, as individuals, groups, businesses and community organizers, work together we can make huge strides toward WATER-WEALTHCONTENTMENT-HEALTH. I, along with the Chamber staff, look forward to working hand-in-hand with our business members and all members of OUR community towards a productive and prosperous 2015! P

ASK THE EXPER TS W H AT ’ S T H E M O S T IM PO R TNAT CHA NGE T O TAX LAWS THIS YEA R? With April 15 fast approaching, Progress Magazine asked five local accountants the same question.

MARIA ST OKMAN , CPA, MB A AT H ERT ON & ASSOCIAT ES, L L P

Congress finally approved and the President signed the much-awaited Tax Extenders Bill, H.R. 5771. The bill extends more than 50 expired provisions through Dec. 31, 2014.

Some of the key provisions include: increasing expense limit of business assets to $500,000, 50 percent bonus depreciation for qualified purchases, tuition deduction, teacher supply deduction, exclusion for personal residence cancellation of debt income, sales tax deduction in lieu of income tax, IRA transfers to charity, R&D tax credit and more.

Since the bill extends these items only through Dec. 31, 2014, we may be facing the same issue next year.

E I L EEN PASTEN I EK S, CPA PAS T E N I E KS , BUCH EL I & FAL ASCO, L L P

The Affordable Care Act’s “individual mandate” began in 2014. Everyone is required to have insurance, and that insurance must be reported on each 2014 tax return. Each member of a household will fall into one of four different categories:

• Purchased qualifying insurance through the exchange; • Purchased qualifying insurance through an employer or Medicare; • Did not purchase qualifying insurance and does not have an exemption, subject to penalty;

• Did not purchase qualifying insurance but is entitled to an exemption from the penalty.

Preparing your tax return this year will include an entirely new and complex process. Start preparing now!

business deductions are also expiring. IRS budget cuts mean good news/ bad news for all: fewer audits, but slower refunds.

NATH A N A . MI L L E R , CPA, M S T G R I MBL E BY C O L E MA N CPAS

Grimbleby Coleman CPAs has identified the Affordable Care Act and the increased estate exclusion limit as the two most noteworthy legislative changes of 2015. Commonly referred to as “Obamacare,” now both individuals and businesses must comply with the new law or be faced with penalties. The estate exclusion has increased for 2015 to $5,430,000 for decedents who die during 2015. Taxpayers can also gift up to $14,000 in 2015 as the annual exclusion for gifts remains unchanged from 2014. For a full list of 2015 tax updates, be sure to visit gccpas.net.

PATRI C I A A . G I L L U M, CPA

• The standard rate for business miles driven will go up to 57.5 cents per mile Jan. 1, 2015.

•

Employee State Disability Insurance deduction decreases to 0.9 percent of pay in 2015 from 1 percent this year.

If itemizing:

• The amount taxpayers can deduct for medical or moving purposes will drop to 23 cents.

• Total eligible medical expenses that exceed 10 percent of adjusted gross income (or 7.5 percent if the taxpayer or spouse is 65 or older) can be eligible for deduction.

• Charitable miles remains at 14 cents per mile.

• Unreimbursed mileage driven for business reasons but is combined with other miscellaneous itemized deductions are only deductible to the extent they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. P

ROB ERT A. H AW KS JR., CPA

Happy New (tax) Year – not! Thank goodness the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 passed, but it expired almost immediately on Dec. 31, 2014! As a result, 2014 tax rules are similar to 2013, but 2015 rules are worse. Deductions for mortgage insurance, qualified tuition and a few other items will be no good in 2015. Several energy credits are also going away. Business issues continue including ACA (Obamacare) compliance, interstate sales and income taxes, and limited bank financing availability. Some key JANUARY 2015

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{ CO VER STO R Y }

Kaiser Permanente

cares for Modesto By: Jacqui D. Sinarle

Since joining the Modesto community less than 20 years ago, Kaiser Permanente has been on a mission to deliver high-quality, affordable health care and to improve the health of its members and the communities it serves.

It has succeeded, thanks to in an expansive range of services and an emphasis on wellness.

“Kaiser Permanente is an integrated health care system, which means that our physicians, hospitals and health plan are all under the same umbrella and work in concert to provide timely, comprehensive, and seamless care and service,” explains Deborah Friberg, senior vice president and area manager, Kaiser Permanente Central Valley Area. “Our focus is on our members’ and patients’ total health, guided by a team of personal

"… we’ve been able to reduce serious heart attacks by 62 percent…”

physicians, specialists, and other caregivers.”

Kaiser Permanente’s expert medical teams are supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, care delivery and chronic disease management.

“As a result, our members enjoy excellent health compared to non-members,” Friberg says. “For example, we’ve been able to reduce serious heart attacks by 62 percent. A total of 85 percent of our members diagnosed with hypertension have their blood pressure under control compared to 60 percent nationally, and stroke deaths declined 42 percent between 2001 and 2010 in Northern California alone.”

Kaiser Permanente has been recognized for its commitment to providing members with high quality care, receiving a perfect score on clinical measures in its Quality Report Card for 2015 from the California Office of the Patient Advocate and getting some of the highest ratings in the nation on its Medicare plans.

The history of Kaiser Permanente goes back to the Great Depression, with a surgeon and a 12-bed hospital in the Mojave Desert where workers building the Colorado River Aqueduct were able to prepay their health care coverage.

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

“The physician, Sidney Garfield, focused his medical practice on maintaining health and safety rather than merely treating illness and injury,” Friberg says. “Today, Kaiser Permanente operates in the same way—we emphasize preventative care as the best way to keep our members healthy.”

Kaiser Permanente began service in Modesto in 1996, using contracted physicians from the community.

“As our membership in Stanislaus County grew, we opened our first medical office on Bangs Avenue in January 2003, and another at 3800 Dale Road in June of the same year, staffed with physicians from The Permanente Medical Group,” Friberg says. “The Modesto medical center at 4601 Dale Road opened in phases beginning in October 2006, with the hospital opening in October 2008.”

Two of the organization’s newest local services include an expanded cardiac catheterization lab that provides increased cardiac services including STEMI (heart attack) cases and pacemaker implants, and a Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit that enables staff to deliver and care for babies at 28 gestational weeks.

Kaiser Permanente also owns and operates a retail store where the public can inquire about health insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act/Covered California. The Modesto store, called Shop KP, is located at North Point Landing, 3848 McHenry Ave., Suite 325, and can be reached at (209) 5771974.

"… We are very focused on wellness and prevention- we believe they are the premise of a great health care organization…”

“Shop KP representatives personally help guide consumers through the different options available for health care insurance under the Covered California plans and/or direct enrollment into Kaiser Permanente Individual and Family Plans,” Friberg says. “The store hosts seminars about the Affordable Care Act and how to enroll, as well as seminars called the Value of Kaiser Permanente Membership.” (For more information, visit www. shopKP.org or call 209-222-1871).

Besides offering increased options for local residents to get needed health care services (made even easier for more people by the Affordable Care Act), Friberg says, “We’re also helping to shape public policy to be healthier, including the adoption of a HEAL Cities Initiative by the City of Modesto which supports health and wellness of its citizens through increased access to parks and recreation, reducing childhood obesity through offering healthier foods and beverages at schools and other cityowned venues, and updates to its General Plan to help facilitate these improvements.”

Another thing that’s special about Kaiser Permanente is the easy access that members have to physicians and services.

“We want our patients to receive care when they want it, where they want it,” Friberg says. “In the Central Valley Service Area we have about 500 physicians, two medical centers, and nine outpatient medical office complexes for our 280,000 members in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. We contract with Dameron Hospital to serve members in the Stockton area. In addition, we were the first health system in the area to convert paper files into electronic medical records, and our providers are easily accessible to members by secured email.”

Other innovative options include telephone and video visits that can save members time, travel and co-pays, and a no-cost shuttle that operates between Kaiser Permanente’s Manteca and Modesto hospitals from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week.

With 3,400 employees throughout Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties, Kaiser Permanente prides itself on being an optimal workplace with low turnover rates and high employee satisfaction and has been awarded for its internal employee wellness program.

The organization’s wellness programs have also been a great asset to local members.

“We are very focused on wellness and prevention—we believe they are the premise of a great health care organization,” Friberg says. “When members come in for their checkups they not only get their blood pressure, temperature and weight checked, but they’re also asked a series of lifestyle and nutrition questions, including if they are exercising regularly and eating several fruits and vegetables a day.”

“Members also have access to a variety of wellness tools, all for free, including valuable information about health topics online, a wellness coach on the phone, classes to help people live healthier, and other resources,” Friberg adds. “As part of our preventative care program, we are able to instantly notify members at their routine appointments if they are overdue for screenings, such as flu vaccination or mammograms, which they can often get without an appointment.”

To learn more about Kaiser Permanente in Modesto, visit www.kp.org/centralvalley. P

JANUARY 2015

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GUEST COLUMN C REAT I N G A T R UE S ENS E O F B ELO NGING F O R S ENIORS: DALE C O M M O N S O F M O DES TO

By Charmaine Rincon, Marketing Director If you are someone who has worked hard all your life, and now feels that it’s time to reap the rewards, a warm and welcoming place to call home awaits you.

Formed in 2002, Dale Commons is a unique Independent and Assisted Living Community that focuses on cultivating a sense of belonging by promoting privacy, dignity and a sense of empowerment to the lucky residents who live there. It’s a feeling that everyone notices the moment they are invited to “come on and make yourself at home” and continues through every thoughtful and personal detail.

The highly-experienced and welcoming staff at Dale Commons also knows that assisted living means person-centered care and that no two residents’ needs are the same. Our approach is to simply provide affordable quality living, where each resident can receive personalized service in the privacy of their own apartment. Whether it’s socializing and meeting new friends, medication reminders, assistance with bathing, dressing or transportation to a doctor’s appointment or one of our amazing outings to the beach for lunch or the Gallo Arts Center, we’re here to help our residents continue living an independent lifestyle.

The Dale Commons residents have a wide variety of exciting and fun opportunities to become involved in a new healthy approach to living well and staying independent longer. A variety of activities including gardening, yoga for seniors, ballroom dancing, fall prevention & exercise classes, are also available and with such a lengthy list of amenities and exciting activities, it’s safe to say that the residents at Dale Commons rarely ever experience feelings of boredom.

Residents also have access to a huge country kitchen where they can bake and share their favorite family recipes with others. Promoting health and wellbeing is another part of the Dale Commons experience and residents enjoy a quarter-mile walking track outside and a fully-equipped exercise room. Fun treats and social events like ice cream socials and Happy Hour every Friday at 3:00 enhance the feelings of camaraderie and community as well.

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

As part of WESTliving’s world class service initiative, residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals daily and guest meal services delivered to their apartment as well as a private dining room to entertain family and friends. They also have a library, equipped with computer and 24 hour internet access; an “Anytime Café” with goodies available around the clock for that late night craving. Other amenities include an on-site barber and beauty salon, private patios, private apartment living each with their own kitchenette, walking paths, scheduled transportation and state-of-the-art fire, security, and emergency call systems. Additionally, Dale Commons enjoys a partnership with Grace Moving Company, a customized local moving company that provides a stress-free move from one’s former home to the community at no additional charge this special offer is running January thru February 2015. For those who call Dale Common home know that the community spaces are more than extensions of their home, they’re extensions of their life.

As the flourishing Independent and Assisted Living Community looks to the future, they are excited to share upcoming additions to their growing campus. “In 2015 Dale Commons will be adding some amazing new amenities,” Charmaine shared. “We will be adding an in-house movie theatre for our residents and also a fitness and wellness center.

Our thoughts and goals are always on not only enhancing our existing offerings for residents, but looking for way to help them socialize and stay healthy. We continually endeavor to encourage our residents to embrace their inner youth and enjoy a lifestyle that makes them feel energized, refreshed and excited. Dale Commons Introduced a wonderful new multi-faceted, Brain Fitness and Wellness Program this year: Pathways; Healthy body, mind and Spirit combines an educational series with an innovative activity program based on the lasted advances in brain fitness and wellness technology. It’s the WESTliving way of life and their residents don’t grow older; they grow better.” P For more information on Dale Commons, visit them at 3900 Dale Road, Modesto; call 209-526-2053 or go online at dalecommons.com.

STAN ISLAUS G REEN TEAM

AIR QUALITY & HEALTH

By Rikki Keenan Schmeeckle, Stanislaus Green Team Director

RIKKI KEENAN SCHMEECKLE STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM DIRECTOR

Who doesn’t love a warm cozy fire during the winter holiday season? Did you know that burning produces various compounds toxic to the environment including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and particle pollution all of which affects our health? Get informed and inform those around you about the facts behind air quality and the effect it has on our health. You can visit ValleyAir.org to see Check Before You Burn forecast in your area.

KEY FACTS Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health. By reducing air pollution levels, countries can reduce the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma.

The lower the levels of air pollution, the better the cardiovascular and respiratory health of the population will be, both long and short-term.

The “WHO Air Quality Guidelines” provide an assessment of health effects of air pollution and thresholds for health-harmful pollution levels. Ambient (outdoor air pollution) in both cities and rural areas was estimated to cause 3.7 million premature deaths worldwide in 2012.

REACON TEAM INVESTORS

Some 88% of those premature deaths occurred in low and middleincome countries, and the greatest number in the WHO Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions.

Policies and investments supporting cleaner transport, energy-efficient housing, power generation, industry and better municipal waste management would reduce key sources of urban outdoor air pollution.

Policies and investments supporting cleaner transport, energy-efficient housing, power generation, industry and better municipal waste management would reduce key sources of urban outdoor air pollution.

Reducing outdoor emissions from household coal and biomass energy systems, agricultural waste incineration, forest fires and certain agroforestry activities (e.g. charcoal production) would reduce key rural and peri-urban air pollution sources in developing regions.

GREEN SPONSORS

Reducing outdoor air pollution also reduces emissions of CO2 and short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon particles and methane, thus contributing to the near- and long-term mitigation of climate change.

In addition to outdoor air pollution, indoor smoke is a serious health risk for some 3 billion people who cook and heat their homes with biomass fuels and coal. P

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

JANUARY 2015

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G OV E R N MENT R ELAT IONS

ADA REFORM GOOD FOR SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY

By Senator Anthony Canella, Assemblymember Kristin Oslen, Assemblymember Adam Gray ADA reform good for small business community Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen (R-Modesto) Assemblymember Adam Gray (D-Merced) & Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) For the past year, Central Valley small businesses have been hit hard with frivolous lawsuits related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) brought upon by a few individuals – and their attorneys – who are only interested in get-rich-quick schemes.

ANTHONY CANNELLA SENATOR

Currently, California law allows for attorneys to collect payments directly from small businesses that are not ADA compliant. The problem with this is many of the Central Valley businesses who were targeted weren’t even aware they were in violation of ADA rules and regulations.

As a result, some were forced to settle for thousands of dollars, or worse, close their doors completely – many due to instances that have nothing to do with accessibility, like where a sign is placed in a business.

These get-rich-quick lawsuit schemes violate the spirit of the ADA and shouldn’t be tolerated. That ’s why in response, we introduced legislation in December to curb these unnecessary lawsuits and help our small business communities.

AB 54 (Olsen) was introduced because many constructionrelated accessibility standards change on a regular basis, making it difficult for small businesses to maintain ADA compliance.

AB 54 would provide businesses an opportunity to correct ADA violations within 60 days if construction-related accessibility standards related to the specified violation have changed within three years, enabling businesses to remain open while they work to comply with access laws.

Keeping Modesto Cool Since 1957 LIC. 872913

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

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

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

AB 52 (Gray) would significantly reduce or eliminate statutory damages if a small business corrects its violations within 180 days.

It ’s sad that these well-intentioned measures are meant to give everyone equal access, but they’ve been abused by a select group who shakedown our local businesses for a quick buck. People have lost their KRISTIN OLSEN jobs and businesses have shutdown all ASSEMBLYMEMBER because the law has a loophole that is currently being exploited – this isn’t good for business and it doesn’t promote equal access.

Additionally, these bills are receiving bipartisan support from legislators representing areas across the Central Valley, including Senators Tom Berryhill (R-Twain Harte), Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield), Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) and Andy Vidak (R-Hanford), and Assemblymembers Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals), Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), Devon Mathis (R-Visalia), Jim Patterson (R-Fresno), Henry Perea (D-Fresno) and Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield).

As a recent editorial in the Merced Sun-Star stated, “Actual barriers to handicap access are indefensible. The changes that Gray and Olsen propose would neither excuse such violations nor lessen the incentives for fixing them.”

While there’s no question the ADA has provided millions of individuals with disabilities equal access at work and in places of business, as well as enforces the fact everyone deserves equal access, regardless of their abilities, this recent string of frivolous ADA lawsuits is a blatant abuse of these well-intended laws.

Small businesses are the backbone to any community and we are committed to protecting small business owners, their families, their employees and their employees’ families. AB 54 and AB 52 will ensure business owners are protected, while at the same time increase accessibility for those who need it most – a win-win for everyone. P ADAM GRAY ASSEMBLYMEMBER

Senator Anthony Cannella 918 15th Street, Modesto, CA 95354 phone: 577-6592 Assemblymember Kristin Olsen 3719 Tully Road, Suite C, Modesto, CA 95356 phone: 576-6425 Assemblymember Adam Gray 1010 Tenth Street, #5800, Modesto, CA 95354 phone: 521-2111

CHAMBER CALENDAR JANUARY 2015 01

NEW YEAR’S DAY

The Chamber is closed

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BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

Modesto Chamber of Commerce 1114 J Street 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

15 STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

Kirk Lindsey Center 1020 10th Street Plaza, Suite 102, Modesto

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

7 & 21

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING*

think BOLDLY • plan CAREFULL Y • excute PRECISELY

Do you think Taxes and Accounting are black-and-white?

Let us help you find your “sweet spot” in the gray area!

Time: 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

28

AMBASSADOR & WELCOME TEAM MEETING*

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

101ST ANNUAL GALA

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MEMBER CHOICE AWARDS GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1000 I ST, MODESTO TIME: 6:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M.

*MEMBERS ONLY

FEBRUARY 2015 12

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

Modesto Toyota Time: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Radiators • Aluminum • Scrap Appliances Tin • Stainless Steel • Scrap Iron • Copper Brass • Cardboard • E-Waste • Batteries MODESTO JUNK CO. Recycling Center 1425 9th Street Downtown Modesto

19 19

STATE OF THE CITY 2015 MODESTO CENTRE PLAZA TIME: 11:00 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M.

209-522-1435 Se Habla Español www.modestojunk.com

BUSINESS EXPO MODESTO CENTRE PLAZA TIME: 1:00 P.M. TO 6:00 P.M.

19

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

Kirk Lindsey Center 1020 10th Street Plaza, Suite 102, Modesto Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

25

SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS

3801 Pelandale Avenue, Modesto, CA 95356 Ste E7 Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-4:30pm • Sat. 9am-3pm Free bins and hauling for commercial and industrial customers.

JANUARY 2015

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C O M M UNI TY DEV ELOP MENT

ANNOUNCEMENTS The Accountemps division of Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized temp agency for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. OfficeTeam is the world’s leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled office and administrative professionals into front office and administrative assistant jobs.

Burton’s Fire Inc. of Modesto

Members of the Accountemps and OfficeTeam divisions of Robert Half in the Modesto branch recently had the opportunity to partner with Second Chance Computer Refurbishing to give PCs to local schools. In this initiative, computers were refurbished and given to low-income children at schools who have shown their academic pursuit through high achievements and grades. The Robert Half team members were especially happy to give back to the community and witness the appreciation first-hand for computers from both the children and their parents. As a result of the Robert Half teams’ donations, over 250 PCs and 50 laptops have been given to classrooms.

has become the dealership for Sales & Service Dealership for Central California for Rosenbauer America, the world’s largest fire truck manufacturer.

Burton’s Fire has been in business since 1991 in Modesto servicing and repairing fire trucks. Burton’s Fire has twenty-five employees. The business was started by brothers Ken & John Burton. Burton’s serves the states of California, Nevada and Hawaii. P John Burton Burton’s Fire Inc. www.burtonsfire.com john@burtonsfire.com cell: 209.765.6971

meeting you where you are

Business can be a stretch but our flexible CPA professionals are dedicated to keeping your business in shape.

Contact us today at 209-527-4220 or www.gccpas.net. it’s the people behind the numbers.

12

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

profits Does your business want more business? Great marketing gets you there. Think Never Boring.

EDUCAT ION

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND MOBILE LEARNING

By Sally Savona, Division Director Stanislaus County Off ice of Education

The latest trends in classroom technology or “edtech trends,” is shifting. In recent history the buzz surrounding technology in education has focused on Apple’s iPad and how the deployment of apps could contribute to a dynamic learning experience in schools.

While the iPad does offer educators and students the opportunity to engage content and standards in a variety of ways, many school districts are taking a new direction SALLY SAVONA DIVISION DIRECTOR in using technology to prepare students for STANISLAUS COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION career and college readiness. The newest in edtech trends, Google’s Chromebook, has officially taken the top spot as the leading supplier of educational devices to schools. The Chromebook runs the Chrome operating system which is cloud-based and has a very education friendly price point. These factors make the device very versatile and affordable to schools. It utilizes the Google Apps for an Education Suite that includes word processing, presentation tools, and databases as well as a number of free media-rich applications. All these accessibility tools are available through the Chrome Web Store Increased technology and access to devices is gaining momentum as schools implement the Common Core State Standards. These new standards were designed to ensure students are prepared for today’s entry-level careers, freshman-level college courses, and workforce training programs. The Common Core focuses on developing the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills students will need to be successful. Many of the standards include language that speaks specifically to the use of technology and how a student should make use of it to achieve the desired learning outcome. An example is the 8th grade English Language Arts Common Core Standards: • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.2 Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.5Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest.

The new standards are also being assessed through the use of technology. Quickly fading away is the notion of “paper-pencil” standardized assessment. The Common Core standards have also ushered in an era of computer adaptive testing called SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) designed to accurately measure student progress toward college and career readiness and provide an academic check-up that gives teachers and parents better information to help students succeed.

A number of school districts in Stanislaus County including Modesto, Oakdale, Turlock, Waterford, Hughson, Salida and Newman-Crows Landing are preparing their students for the workforce and higher education by deploying Google Chromebooks to classrooms and providing ongoing professional development to teachers. Grace Davis High School in Modesto is an example of a school currently using Google Apps to collaborate, write, and turn in work to address Common Core standards. “Digital Davis” has distributed Chromebooks to its entire student population of 1,560 students. At Davis the use of Google Apps has been instrumental in helping students to access content and complete learning objectives. According to Davis Principal Mike Rich there have also been some interesting and unexpected outcomes as well. w“Discipline numbers have been cut in half and our attendance rate has climbed several percentage points,” said Rich.

For Information related to technology in the classroom or to set up a professional development opportunity call the Stanislaus County Office of Education: Technology and Learning Resources Division at 209.238.1400.

“Google’s Chromebooks Have Officially Taken Over The ...” 2014. 4 Dec. 2014 <http://www.buzzfeed.com/mollyhensleyclancy/google-chromebooks-have-officially-taken-over-theeducation> “Common Core State Standards Initiative: Home.” 2009. 4 Dec. 2014 <http://www.corestandards.org/> “Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.” 2011. 4 Dec. 2014 <http://www.smarterbalanced.org/>

14

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

N ETW ORKIN G & REFERRALS

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

BELFOR PROPERTY RESTORATION George Halpin 641 Glass Lane Modesto, CA 95356 Phone: 209-577-1237 Fax: 209-577-1304 George.halpin@us.belfor.com www.belforusa.com Property Restoration

SHOW CASE Your BUSINESS Have a new location or renovation to show off ? Host a “Show Case Your Business” and let the community see your new digs!

For more information call Lynda Jost at 209-577-5757 ext. 111.

CINEMATIC ADVENTURE CLUB Paul Zagaris 1713 26th Street Sacramento, CA 95816 Phone: 209-614-1394 paul@cinematicac.com www.makingmoviesreel.com Advertising Specialities/Promotions

DOUGLAS M. RIDENOUR SR. 3405 Artistides Modesto, CA 95355 Phone: 209-485-8231 Dmr311@me.com Individual Member

MARILYN COMBS, INDEPENDENT HERBALIFE DISTRIBUTOR Marilyn Combs 1721 St Mayeul Drive Modesto, CA 95356 Phone: 209-579-1534 marilynmcombs@gmail.com www.123bestofhealth.com Health/Diet Food Products

NEW BEGINNINGS WEIGHT LOSS CENTER Lydia Grant 3018 E. Service Road, Suite 104 Ceres, CA 95307 Phone: 209-272-1181 newbeginningsceres@gmail.com www.nbwlc.com Weight Control Services

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

To become a member of The Chamber visit us at www.modchamber.org or call our Membership Director John Villines at 209-577-5757

Gabriel Fine Jewelers 1700 Mchenry Ave Ste. 32, Modesto, CA 95350 209.529.2110 www.gabrielfinejewelers.com

Gabriel Fine Jewelers has provided quality jewelry to Modesto and Stanislaus County for over 22 years. The owners, Gabriel and Liliana Khasha are expert jewelers and have served the Modesto jewelry market for over 20 years. Gabriel will personally assist you and with his 35 years of experience beginning in Paris, France he is sure to provide nothing but expertise. Gabriel’s provides high quality engagement rings, wedding rings, and the best names in jewelry. They also create unique one of kind, custom pieces of jewelry. At Gabriel’s, you’ll quickly notice they are a cut above the typical Modesto jewelry store with their customer service and beautiful selection of jewelry they are unrivaled. P ECON OMIC D EVELOPM EN T

NEW MEMBER PROFILES Aaron Brothers has been providing inspiration for almost 70 years. We were built on the idea of being your neighborhood store for artistic expression and framing needs. Our certified designers are trained to provide you with expert advice. The Modesto store on Pelandale Avenue is excited to be a new member of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

We’d also like to give a very special thanks to our regular customers and welcome our new ones. We are a community. We believe in staying connected. We’re not just frames and paint brushes!

Marilyn Combs is an Independent Distributor and Executive President’s

Team member with Herbalife International; a global health and nutrition company. She has received the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2 Million in personal sales. Services include a wellness profile, “Iron Man Inner Scan”, and personal coaching. Our nutritional products provide support for weight management, targeted nutritional needs, and products for the 24 hour athlete or anyone wishing to maximize their workout.

JANUARY 2015

15

GUEST COLUMN A RESOLUTION THAT WILL SUCCEED

By Erica Hughes, Founder & Partner Get Fit Modesto

You open your eyes in the morning, you feel refreshed…rested. You feel great in your own skin, strong, healthy, alive. You crave food that truly nourishes you and your vibrant life.

You are clear minded.

You are happy. This is ERICA HUGHES, JONATHON CRENSHAW, TARA CRENCHAW the healthiest version of you. If you can see this version of yourself then you CAN become this person. This person is already in you!

“You have as much willpower as you think you have. Which means that on some level, your journey toward self-improvement will be a self-fulfilling prophecy.”, a perfect truth that I read in an article in Forbes magazine, titled Just 8 percent of people Achieve Their New Year’s Resolutions. In my 16 years of working as a health and fitness professional it has never been an issue of people not wanting to improve or reach their personal health goals. I don’t want to over simplify the vast complexities of the human mind but that’s just it ...we need to keep it simple when it comes to goal setting. I am as guilty as the next person when it comes to wanting to cross the finish line without running the race. It comes down to making specific, small goals and being willing to be uncomfortable to attain them. I am an adventurist, a risk taker and I love a good challenge. I love big results quickly and I want to rip the band aid off and get there already. The idea that consistent small choices were key to follow through and success was repelling to me. Yes the risk taking and visionary elements of my personality have served me well in ensuring incredible movement and growth in my life but my learned willingness to be uncomfortable and consistent with the little things are what have built my house of brick instead of hay. Today my foundation is strong. I stand on a path that was built overtime and very intentionally (of course with tons of mistakes that I had to correct along the way).

In all sincerity I plan to learn, grow and build until my last breath I am

16

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

positive that you want to succeed in your health goal this year so first decide that you can. No one else is responsible for your failure or success.

Even God said in the bible we have free will friends. Make a measurable specific goal. Here is what I recommend: 1. I W I LL GO TO TH E GYM 3 TI M E S A WEEK FOR

30-45 M I NUTE S PE R I O D . ( CO M E WORKOU T

W I TH M E AT GE T FI T I F YO U WAN T TO!)

2. I W I LL SLE E P NO LE SS TH AN 7 HOU RS A N IG HT. 3. I W I LL AD D D AR K LE AFY GR E E N S TO

E V E RY M E AL.

4. I W I LL AV O I D SUGAR AND FLO U R B ECA U SE

TH E Y AR E H UR TI NG M E .

5. I W I LL D O TH I S CO NSI STE NTLY FOR 9 0 DAYS

AND TH E N R E E VALUATE .

If you want to know the craziest, fastest most assured way to reach your goals...simplicity, consistency and NEVER GIVE UP. P LI V E I NSPI R E D !

Erica

N E T W OR K I NG & REFERRALS

{ DECEMBER } BU S INE SS

BEFORE HOURS

Business Before Hours hosted by: MODESTO GOSPEL MISSION

Modesto Gospel Mission

1400 Yosemite Boulevard, Modesto, CA 95354 209.529.8259 www.modestogospelmission.org The Modesto Gospel Mission was founded in 1948 and is committed to seeing lives impacted through offering services to provide refuge, recovery and restoration.

They have been successful in seeing lives transformed physically, spiritually and emotionally through the love of Christ. The Modesto Gospel Mission provides services including: emergency shelter for men, women and children, long term residential recovery, after school programs, tutoring, GED/diploma, job training, 5 meals a day, case management for chronic homelessness and community care crew outreach. P

{ DECEMBER } BU S INE SS

AFTER H OURS

Business Before Hours hosted by: CASH-DUDLEY SPEILLER & TORRES

Cash-Dudley Speller & Torres 518 13th Street, Modesto CA 95354 209.526.1533 www.aspaq.com

Cash-Dudley Speiller & Torres is an experiences law firm dealing in matters of family law. The attorneys, consisting of an all-female group, have a combined near fifty years of experience practicing family law in the area. They provide the following services: dissolution of marriage, nullity of marriage, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, guardianship, grandparent rights, mediation, domestic violence restraining orders, wills and adoptions. One client was quoted thanking them for their â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enormous strength, determination and courage throughout the process.â&#x20AC;? P

JANUARY 2015

17

WORK IN

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

INTRINSIC ELEMENTS

By Jacqui D. Sinarle

There’s a lot that’s unique about Intrinsic

in Conscious Creation (ECC) meditation, plus

Elements.

offsite services including meditation and speaking

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT

engagements.

(Courtesy of Never Boring)

In addition to being the only business of its kind in the area, Intrinsic Elements opened amidst a

The owners’ philosophy also makes Intrinsic

significant economic downturn in 2010 and it’s

Elements unique.

managed to survive and thrive.

“We are here to inspire people to recognize their Actually, the fact that Intrinsic

greatness so that they may find

Elements is unique may be

and develop their own personal

We are here to inspire

“Intrinsic Elements is a gift

people to recognize

boutique with a metaphysical

their greatness so that

who owns the store with her

they may find and

daughter-in-law Michelle Van

develop their own

Some of the things that make

personal power and live consciously

“Because of our huge selection of

costume

jewelry

and

accessories and the mix of gemstones and crystals, our

MODESTO MEANS BUSINESS

tagline is ‘where bling meets

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.

bliss,’ ” Fagundes adds. “We have a lovely teaching space

Intrinsic Elements special are

for classes in meditation and

its products — an eclectic mix

conscious lifestyle education,

of homeopathic items, unique

and we have an Angel Reader on

gifts, crystals, and a large selection of reasonably

at 1214 J. Street in Modesto, also offers unique

While it may surprise some people that Intrinsic

onsite services that include group meditation,

Elements is poised to celebrate its fifth anniversary

private meditation, Reiki (a form of therapy in

on April 15, 2015, Fagundes says, “It seems against

which the practitioner channels energy into the

all odds, but if you follow your dream you can

patient to encourage relaxation and improvement

overcome innumerable obstacles.”

treatment), Deeksha Blessing (another channeled energy), and private and group Explorations

You can find new and current members online at www.ModChamber.org.

staff and provide energy work.”

priced high quality jewelry. The business, located

of the conditions for which the patient sought

B r a n d i n g . S t r a t e g y. D e s i g n .

Progress Magazine is the voice of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, and the leading business publication in Stanislaus County. For more information or advertising info call (209) 526-9136.

neverboring.com

Artsdalen.

Fagundes explains.

P

•

core,” explains Susie Fagundes,

power and live consciously,”

1214 J Street, Modesto, CA 95354 phone: 409.8510 www.intrinscelements.com

© Never Boring

exactly why it’s succeeded.

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

JANUARY 2015

19

E C O N O MI C DEV ELOP MENT

COM MUN ITY D EVELOPMEN T

MAXIMIZE YOUR CHAMBER M E M BE R SH IP IN 2015

The New Year is always the time of year when most of us determine that THIS IS THE YEAR. This is the year we will lose weight, break bad habits, grow our business, exercise, and set impossible goals. Include the Chamber in that list this year

“Wow!” “I didn’t know they had that!” “There is so much here!” These are just a few of the exclamations heard from fellow Leadership Modesto Classmates on Education Day. The day began at the SCOE Event Center with introductions from our hard working Education Day co-chairs, Cynthia Fenech, Communications Coordinator, SCOE and Jeri Trainor, Prevention Programs Coordinator, SCOE; our class extends a warm thank you to both for a fabulous SUSAN KINCADE LEADERSHIP experience. We also had a chance to spend MODESTO14/15 the day with the high school students from the Stanislaus County Office of Education’s Leadership Academy. It was a wonderful experience to learn what these students are involved in as well as their dreams for the future.

Speaker extraordinaire, Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools, Tom Changnon, gave us “the 40,000 foot view of education” setting the framework for our day and what our region has to offer students.

By John Villines, Director of Membership Services

If you are like many busy people, you have only a limited amount of time to invest. The Chamber exists primarily to help each of our members attract new customers, grow and thrive. We aim to do the same for you – but it requires a partnership of participation.

The Chamber offers a multitude of free opportunities to promote, network, advertise and pitch your company to a broader business marketplace in the region via the Internet, print and social media, and in-person events. The Chamber also provides a wide-range of tangible cost-cutting benefits, free SCORE® counseling, and free and low-cost educational classes and legally required training. Through its wide-range of associations, the Chamber also provides additional benefits to its members through collaborative resources, seminars, and events.

The Chamber also serves to affect change in the community and advocate on behalf of our members. We offer you a unique opportunity to roll up your sleeves and work side-by-side with us. We have many committees which tackle various “big picture” issues. We invite you to attend some meetings. The Chamber also holds many annual events for the good of the community, which offer you chances to sponsor, participate or serve.

I encourage you to maximize your Chamber membership in 2015. The Chamber can make your business better, and you can make the Chamber better too. The old adage is true, “a rising tide floats all boats.” We can accomplish this by working together. P

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Eileen Pastenieks CPA, CFE, CFF

Ralph Bucheli CPA

Daniel Falasco CPA

Tax Services - Accounting - Bookkeeping Fraud & Litigation - QuickBooks Audits - Payroll Processing

Accepting New Clients

1301 L Street - Suite 1, Modesto, CA 95354 209-529-5515 - www.pbfcpa.com 20

EDUCATION DAY

By Susan Kincade, Vice President of Instruction, Modesto Junior College

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

Over fifty of us hopped on a bus and set out to tour the Stanislaus County Institute of Learning/Tactical Character Academy as well as Early Intervention/ John F. Kennedy School. Students at the Tactical Character Academy made presentations on what their lives looked like before the academy and what their lives look like now with structure, support, and goals—it was an emotional experience for many of us. At the John F. Kennedy School, we toured the amazing facilities for special needs students.

There were several of us who wished we had the calming sensory rooms at our offices! The pride and care staff exhibited at both schools was phenomenal and we left with the understanding that the intense care and attention students receive was due to the dedication of the individuals who work there.

Lunch and most of the afternoon was spent touring Modesto Junior College’s West Campus. The tour started in the Science Community Center with the soon to be opened Great Valley Museum that included a demonstration of Science on a Sphere, followed by an abbreviated show in the Planetarium. Leadership Modesto and Leadership Academy students then toured the Allied Health facilities in Glacier Hall. We saw the high end technology used to educate our nurses and medical assistants including a two way video/two way audio classroom that broadcasts classes live to Columbia College. The participants were able to get up close and personal with the mannequins used by nursing students at MJC. In order to better educate and train MJC nursing students, the “patients” have imbedded technology to simulate nearly every body part as well as functions that included sweating, crying, bleeding, and heart beats Finally, we all returned to the SCOE Event Center and heard from Kate Trompetter, Center for Human Services and Amy Vickery, The United Way on the outstanding new program, “Graduation Coach.”

The day ended with a Pictionary contest pitting Leadership Modesto on one side and the Leadership Academy Students on the other.

The competition was fierce, but Leadership Modesto re-secured the championship. Another great day for Modesto, Leadership Modesto, and the Leadership Academy! P

Prime Shine Car Wash presents:

LAND OF OPPORTUNITY ...a series spotlighting entrepreneurial achievement

Name: Tom Brenda Business: Brenda Athlketics Brenda Athletic Clubs was founded in 1978

by Al Brenda, longtime area teacher and coach. Today the business is owned and operated by Tom Brenda, Al’s son, who has been part of the business since his father opened it. For more than 36 years the family business has grown and expanded.

Currently there are three locations in Modesto and Turlock, including two full service facilities, Modesto Sport at 200 Norwegian Ave. in Modesto and Turlock Sport at 201 Tampa St. in Turlock. At press time Brenda Athletic Clubs was preparing to open its newest club, Yes You Can, a state-of-the-art elite training facility at 2310 Monte Vista Ave. in Turlock. The Brenda Sport clubs are full service health clubs and personal training facilities featuring a family-oriented, non-intimidating environment. These spacious clubs offer a variety of both indoor and outdoor experiences designed to help clients live a full life through health and to achieve their fitness goals in a safe, clean, family friendly atmosphere. The many amenities at Brenda Athletic Clubs include tennis, swimming, a full range of group exercise classes, racquetball, free weights and functional training, spas, saunas, kids’ clubs and much more. In keeping with the organization’s philosophy of providing healthy activities for all ages and all levels of fitness, the knowledgeable and friendly staff also offers Silver Sneakers Fitness classes for seniors, youth fitness sports and conditioning classes and camps, Zumba®, yoga, Pilates Reformer, cycling, R.I.P.P.E.D, and bootcamps.Yes You Can is a personal training-only facility where the staff works with clients on a one-on-one basis or in group settings with specialized training classes also available.

How many employees do you have?

We have 120 employees.

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

I have been involved in athletics and coaching and the fitness business since 1978. I have also developed and overseen management of eight different business locations.

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

I was always involved in athletics, which helped me with goal setting and perseverance. It also gave me the determination to earn a college degree, which turned into wanting to be a teacher and a coach and then to succeed in fitness management.

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

My experiences of learning the value of work at an early age and competing in athletics have helped me achieve my goals.

trying to be proactive instead of reactive when dealing with such things.

My philosophy is that competition makes you tougher and better in the long run.

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

I believe that standing firm on the fact that we are a locally owned family business has helped us succeed. The fitness/exercise business is ever changing and through the years we change in order to keep up with the latest trends and ideas. If you are in the business long enough like Brenda Athletic Clubs, things may cycle back to become popular again under a different name. The one constant and key to success is personal service and attention to detail. Our new club, Yes You Can, is a training and motivation center where people can get guaranteed results. It’s also the largest stateof-the-art training center of its kind in the Central Valley. Recently the popularity of personal training studios has increased dramatically. People want the closer, special, specific and professional attention where they typically get faster and safer fitness goal results. We decided to jump on board this market so we can continue to offer all that customers want and to better serve their needs.

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

I’m proud of keeping so many people employed over the years. It also makes me proud to hear stories from our members about how fitness and using our facilities has made such a positive difference in their lives.

What do you like about your job?

I like helping people change and helping them to help themselves Do you participate in any community outreach efforts or clubs?

Local service clubs and community events and charities and fundraisers are always a part of our business.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to keep on doing the best job as I can and to continue to provide top notch fitness facilities in the area.

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

The best advice I have for business people when it comes to achieving their goals is to focus on perseverance and determination and hard work.

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

Modesto is still small enough for businesses to enjoy the advantage of the “local small business community” where we help each other out. At the same time, it’s big enough to enjoy a higher volume potential. Plus it’s home . . . always been here and always will be. P

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

Some challenges have included certain business location sites that were not profitable and/or certain economic downtimes or excessive competition.

I’ve been able to overcome these challenges by always adjusting and 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.

wardensworks.com

8 0 0 . 6 6 9. 6 3 2 1

JANUARY 2015

21

N E TW OR K I NG & REFERRALS

PRESIDENT’S CLUB CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE PLATINUM LEVEL

SILVER LEVEL

E. & J. Gallo Winery

AT&T

Kaiser Permanente

Acme Construction Company, Inc.

Walmart

American Chevrolet

Walmart Neighborhood Market

American Medical Response Aramark Uniform Services

DIAMOND LEVEL

Atherton & Associates, LLP

Beard Land and Investment Co.

BIAlytics

Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Doctors Behavioral Health Center-

Brandman University, Chapman

DMC

University System

Doctors Medical Center-DMC

California State University, Stanislaus

Frito-Lay Company, Inc.

Central Sanitary Supply Co.

MedAmerica Billing Services, Inc.

Central Valley Ag Grinding

Modesto & Empire Traction Co.

Central Valley Autism Project Inc

Pacific Southwest Container

Central Valley Automotive

Physician Referral Service-DMC

Central Valley Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge

GOLD LEVEL

Central Valley Nissan Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai

5.11, Inc.

Central Valley Medical Group

Bank of the West

Central Valley Specialty Hospital

Crystal Creamery

Children’s Hospital Central California

DoubleTree Hotel

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

Evergreen Nursing & Rehabilitation

Clark Pest Control

COIT Services Inc.

Care Center

English Oaks Nursing &

Rehabilitation Hospital

First Choice Physician Partners Flowers Baking Co. of Modesto, LLC

Rabobank Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc.

F & M Bank

Rocha Transportation

Gabriel Fine Jewelers

Rogers Jewelry Company

Galletto Ristorante Gianelli & Associates

San Joaquin Valley College

Gilton Solid Waste Management, Inc.

Smile Shine Family Dental

Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc.

Seven Up Bottling Corporation

Grover Landscape Services, Inc. Harris Moran Seed Company

Solecon Industrial Contractors

Heald College

Solid Networks, Inc.

I.J. Larsen Pumps, Inc.

Stanislaus Distributing

Infiniti of Modesto Institute of Technology

Stanislaus Food Products Company

International Paper Company

Stanislaus Surgical Hospital

JS West & Company

Storer Coachways

Kaplan College Lion Fusion Express

SunOpta Aseptic, Inc.

Mercer Foods

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

Mike's Knock Out Burger & Rays

Turlock Irrigation District

Bar-B-Que Mocse Credit Union

Union Bank

Modesto Commerce Bank

US Bank

Modesto Toyota

Uno Chicago Grill

Fiscallini Cheese Company

Collins Electrical

Flowers Baking Co. of Modesto, LLC

Comcast

Memorial Medical Center

Oak Valley Community Bank

Comforcare Home Care Services

O’Brien’s Market

Valley Lexus-BMW

Modesto Irrigation District

Concordia Claims Managers

Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball

Pacific Gas & Electric Company

W.H. Breshears, Inc.

Costco Wholesale

RACOR, Division of Parker

Panelized Structures Inc.

Covanta Stanislaus, Inc.

Papa John’s

The Modesto Bee

Valley First Credit Union

Warden’s Office Products Center

Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios,

Pepsi Bottling Group

Warden’s Office Furniture Outlet

Save Mart Supermarkets

PMZ Real Estate

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

Seneca Foods, LLC

Del Monte Foods

Post Foods, LLC

Sysco Food Services of

Delta Sierra Beverage

Prime Shine Car Wash

DirectLine Technologies, Inc.

Prompt Staffing D.B.A Courtesy

Hannifin Corporation

Central California

Taco Bell

Pacher & Silva

The Eberhardt School of Business

Insurance Agency

Yosemite Meat Company, Inc.

Staffing

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

22

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

* 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

®

• Heart Attack

• Pneumonia

• Heart Failure

• Surgical Care

DMC MODESTO THE KEY TO BETTER HEALTH IN THE REGION

Doctors Medical Center Modesto understands what matters most to patients is safe, effective care. That’s why DMC is proud to be among a select group of hospitals nationwide to be recognized by The Joint Commission as a 2014* Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®.

By acknowledging our excellence in accountability performance for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care, you’re assured exceptional treatment from the moment you enter our doors. And, that’s the key to a healthy community.

This achievement was made possible by the dedicated physicians, nurses and employees at DMC, who continually raise the bar in healthcare performance.

For more details on this important designation, visit dmc-modesto.com

facebook.com/dmcmodesto

*based on 2013 data

For a physician referral, call 1-888-284-6641

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

DISCOVER A BETTER WAY kp.org/choosebetter