June Progress 2013

June 2013 Vol. 34 Issue 6 modchamber.org

THE

Business of on “Checks Up”

Healthcare Education Graffiti Summer BtoB Trade Show Cover Photo and Artwork by Aaron Vickery “Fasm”

Chamber’s Website Launches

Valley Charter High School

For us, it’s more than just practicing medicine For more than 60 years, Sutter Gould has been committed to providing state of the art medical care to its patients. From our robotically trained physicians, specializing in minimally invasive surgery to ensure a speedy recovery, to the construction of new care centers in Tracy and Turlock, innovation and growth have always been important to us. For us, it’s about developing partnerships to enrich all of our lives.

suttergould.org 01298

CONTENTS JUNE 2013

Mission Statement

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

Executive Committee Chairman Ralph Curtis, Curtis Legal Group Chairman-Elect David Gianelli, Gianelli & Associates Past Chairman Kathy Halsey, Individual Member Vice Chairman, Internal Operations Patricia Gillum, Patricia Gillum, CPA Vice Chairman, External Operations Craig Lewis, Prudential California Realty Vice Chairman, Member Relations Bill Moreno, Fire2Wire Vice Chairman, Events & Special Projects Laura Ward, Ward Promotional Marketing Solutions

Cover Photo: Mural by Aaron Vickery “Fasm” on the Modesto Chamber’s building located at 1114 J Street.

Directors Pamela Cullors, Sysco Food Services of Central California Dan Garcia, Tri Counties Bank David Halvorson, American Chevrolet Brad Hawn, CHG Doug Johnson, Reach Business Solutions Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Steve Madison, STANCO Michael Moradian Jr., Peace of Mind Pest Control Inc. Ron Owen, Bank of the West Chris Ricci, Chris Ricci Presents, Inc. Jim Ridenour, Individual Member Eric Tobias, F&M Bank Ruben Villalobos, The Villalobos Legal Group Jeremiah Williams, Oak Crafts by Jeremiah Amy Wolfe, AgSafe

Mike Nash

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

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

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Chamber Board Perspective

6

cover story The Business of Graffiti Summer

11 25 26

Community Development Awards and Achievements Work in Progress “Bowled Over” By Support for Boys & Girls Club of Stanislaus County

15

Economic Development New Member Profiles

20

People on the Move

17

Networking & Referrals Business Before and After Hours

26

New Chamber Members

26 Calendar Stanislaus Green Team

Ambassador Corner

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

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

leadership Message from the CEO

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

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

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Q:

It has been a pleasure being an Ambassador with the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Entering into my 12th year, I feel it has given me the opportunity to meet other Chamber members and learn more about their businesses that I otherwise may have never known. I feel that the Ambassador Program provides a bridge between the Chamber of Commerce and its members. It is our goal to help the members understand what resources and tools are available to them in order to increase their business. There are many ways to get involved and we welcome and need your help. To learn more about the Ambassador Program, you can contact the Chamber or me. Modesto Chamber Ambassadors can and do make a difference. Mike Nash - Mo-Cal Office Solutions - “Gaining Trust Through Service since 1965” (209) 495-9542. P

What’s happening in Modesto today?

A: Everything!

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

© Copyright 2013 Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Some parts of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted, however, we require that permission be obtained in writing.

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

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

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lea ders h ip

message from the ceo

Chamber Board Perspective

By Chamber CEO Cecil Russell

W hat’ s n e w at the C ha mbe r ?

By David Boring, President, Never Boring In a member driven organization, when the membership bill comes due, we often stop and ask ourselves if the annual dues are providing enough value. I’ve heard it too, when a few fellow business owners ask, “What has the Chamber done for me lately?”

The artwork on the front cover of this issue of Progress is a mural painted on the side of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce building on J Street. It was painted by local artist Aaron Vickery.

It is a great depiction of a ‘57 Chevy and supports the downtown mural project, featuring artwork illustrating our Graffiti heritage.

It is again time for Modesto’s “Graffiti Summer” cecil russell Celebration. The celebration starts with a special Chamber ceo showing of American Graffiti on June 1st at the State Theatre; then on June 2nd, McHenry Village hosts the 8th Annual Graffiti Classic Car Show, produced by the Modesto Area Street Rod Association. Graceada Park Amphitheater comes alive as MoBand kicks off its Concert in the Park series on June 7th with “Graffiti Nites.” The North Modesto Kiwanis Club presents the 15th year of the Modesto Graffiti Classic Car Parade on June 7th in downtown Modesto. The parade is one of the biggest, annual celebrations to occur in Modesto and draws thousands of tourists to our area. It has become a huge economic boon for our community.

We extend a big thank you to John Sanders, the North Modesto Kiwanis Club and their team for all of their hard work! John tells us that this year the parade will feature a record number of cars - over one thousand - not only in the parade, but also in the show and festival at MJC on June 8th and 9th.

This year the Modesto Graffiti Classic Car Parade will feature a very special guest as its Grand Marshal: GEORGE LUCAS! You will not want to miss this rare occasion when the legendary George Lucas returns to the city where he grew up and the city that inspired him to create the classic movie American Graffiti. The movie has become forever linked to Modesto’s civic identity. A special reception honoring Mr. Lucas will be held at the Gallo Center for the Arts and Chris Murphy will announce the rollout of the new Modesto “Walk of Fame.” Chris and his team launched the Modesto Historic Cruise Route last year which helped solidify our standing as Modesto, USA. This year George Lucas will be inducted into the Walk of Fame that will soon find its home embedded in the sidewalk of the 10th Street promenade. We are proud of our special connection with George Lucas and can only hope that our relationship will continue to grow.

There are many other Graffiti themed events throughout the month of June. The Gallo Center for the Arts will host a special concert featuring a tribute to the Platters, Coasters and Marvelettes on Saturday, June 8th; Graffiti Night with the Modesto Nuts is on June 15th; the Boogie Woogie Rock’n Roll’n Music and Art Dance Party on J Street will be held on June 22nd and many, many more. You can find information on all of these events at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce website.

Please enjoy these events and help keep our heritage alive!

Your Modesto Chamber is proud to announce the launch of our NEW website. We have met with several of our members and have incorporated many of your great suggestions into our new website. The member directory alone has many new features that we believe will deliver even more value to our members. Please visit our new site and let us know what you think: www.ModChamber.org. P

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

As it turns out ­— A LOT. David Boring Board Member

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is very active on many fronts lately, and it’s worth taking note of. Recently, your Chamber has put together an ambitious plan to bring more business, jobs and prosperity to the area, addressing transportation and shovel-ready land needs. This is the first big step toward dialogue with area leadership and the business community at large to solve these pressing challenges. Your Chamber has taken the lead in this conversation.

Another great example of where our Chamber is making a difference is its participation in advancing downtown hospitality. We all know downtowns are what define cities and ours is no exception. By partnering with the City of Modesto, the Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Modesto Downtown Improvement District, we are seeking solutions to make our downtown more relevant and vibrant for our citizens, as well as progress as a valuable economic driver and destination.

We also have worked to preserve Modesto tradition. The Chamber has always promoted the value of American Graffiti and its importance to our community. Behind the scenes, we are part of a wave of enthusiasm and energy to create a Graffiti classic car museum that’s gaining support. The Chamber has a great mural (on this Progress cover) on the exterior wall of its building to show its dedication to preserving this valuable part of our past. The Chamber supports all efforts to both celebrate our heritage and encourage it to help produce much needed dollars for our community for years to come.

There’s more: the Chamber is launching a new website that will better showcase membership and Chamber information in a great new format with many great features. Be sure to check it out at www.ModChamber.org.

As the Chamber moves forward, there are several staffing changes that reflect their rededication to bringing added value to membership, more member communication and fresh energy to the task of leading business in this community. If you haven’t lately, I’d encourage you to attend a Business Before Hours or a Business After Hours event, to network with other business leaders. These events are also an opportunity to meet the Chamber’s new staff professionals and interns that are already making a big difference in how our Chamber does business.

Let’s not forget the number one way the Chamber stays relevant and important: that we, as members, stay engaged, speak up, join a committee, attend Chamber events and get involved. Our Chamber needs more than new initiatives and staff to be successful. We need YOU, too. P

lead ersh ip

Your Chamber at Work Ch amb er Upd ates We b si te – P l e nty of up si d e for M e m b e r s

By Constance Anderson, Operations Manager, Modesto Chamber of Commerce Our number one goal at the Modesto Chamber is to bring value to our members. We are thrilled to announce the renovation of the Modesto Chamber website. In addition to the cleaner, more userfriendly design, the new and improved website offers more than a dozen new opportunities to benefit our Chamber members.

One major improvement is the usability and search options available in our online member directory.

Constance Anderson The new directory allows members and nonOperations Manager members to search our directory in a number of ways, making your company’s information available to potential customers seeking your services. In addition, more opportunity for the promotion of your business exists through the way your listing in the directory is displayed and with potential links to your website, Facebook page, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. All of these changes will help secure the Modesto Chamber website as a go-to resource for both our members and those looking for the services provided by our members.

Another important update is the creation of our “Members Only” section.This section will feature a unique login and password for each member and will allow members access to Member-to-Member discounts, special resources and the ability to update your company’s contact information or representatives at the touch of a button.

Interested in applying for Leadership Modesto, the Ambassador Group or for Chamber Membership itself? You can now do all of that

online! The new website also includes the opportunity to buy tickets to Chamber events or to pay your membership dues online via our secure payment system. Every process is as streamlined as possible to save members time and make the process straightforward and easy.

New opportunities will exist throughout the site for additional promotion of our members. Whether through advertising spaces on the homepage, or by featuring major sponsors on the pages of each event, there is even greater potential for members to see your business’ name and logo when they visit the Chamber website!

Of course the site will continue to feature the Chamber’s calendar of upcoming events, as well as a community calendar. It will also include updates on the work of each of our committees, schedules of Chamber University courses and information on programs like Leadership Modesto.

And this is only the beginning of what we have to offer our members via our new, dynamic website! In the near future you can expect to see more resources for small business and those looking to start a business. There will be opportunities to redeem or offer exclusive Member-to-Member discounts and a mobile and smart phone application version of the site as well!

Providing the resources and information you need to help your business run as smoothly as possible, while providing increased exposure for our members. This is the mission of our new website, www.ModChamber.org. Tour the website and let us know what you think! Post your comments on Facebook for a chance to win tickets to Oktoberfest 2013! P

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{ Co ve r S to r y }

T he Bu s in e ss of Graffiti Sum m er

By Justin Souza

There are certain things everyone who hails from the valley expects each June. Kids will be getting out of school for the summer, temperatures will be rising and Modesto will once again be taken over by classic car fever.

Classic car fans rejoice: Graffiti is back on the scene!

To urism Dr a w Each year, Graffiti Summer’s month long selection of parades, classic car shows and festivals draws beautiful automobiles and huge crowds to locations throughout Stanislaus County.

This year marks the 40th since George Lucas’ classic film American Graffiti hit theatres and the festivities in the Modesto area are set to be larger than ever before. From huge car shows and festivals to film events—including the State Theatre’s annual one-night-only showing of their exclusive archive print of the film—and special events to welcome and commemorate local boy Lucas’ contributions to Modesto culture, this Graffiti Summer is sure to be hot!

But while Graffiti Summer might harken back to the days of cruising the strip, to business owners, this annual event represents a significant and reliable uptick in profits.

According to Jennifer Mullen, executive director of the Modesto Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Graffiti’s spate of events can mean big returns for local retailers because they transform Modesto into an essential tourism destination.

Because of the huge variety of events and destinations—all of which are managed separately—accurate visitor counts are all but impossible, but Mullen indicated that Graffiti activities draw people (and their cars) from national locations as far away as Colorado and Michigan as well as locations overseas.

“[Graffiti] is really the one thing Modesto can claim as our own, and people really associate us with it,” said Mullen. “There was a couple f rom Sweden here the other day who said that they watch American Graff iti every year. They were visiting California and wanted to come to Modesto specifically to see something American Graff iti related.”

T h e Bu si n e ss of G r af f i t i The tradition’s worldwide draw bears profitable fruit for local businesses.

Last year, the festival’s largest weekend—which included the North Kiwanis Car Show and Festival—brought just over a million dollars to the city, according to Mullen. From increasing room occupancy rates at local hotels and filling tables at area restaurants to providing booming business to Stanislaus County’s gas stations, Graffiti Summer has made a considerable impact on local businesses. But the dollars that Graffiti gets circulating in Modesto aren’t relegated to simply tourism. Local car lovers typically pitch in during April and May by patronizing local auto restoration shops and automotive parts sellers in the quest to polish their rides, fix the leaks and get ready to participate in one of the many local car shows happening in June.

The good tidings of Graffiti don’t end at the till, either. Local charities also greatly benefit from the festivities. Many festival and car show ticket prices are handed directly over to area nonprofits or charities. According to John Sanders, Chairman and founder of the North Modesto Kiwanis Car Show and Festival, the popular event raised over $70,000 for local charities last year. Sanders added that all work for the festival is handled by volunteers to ensure maximum benefits to charities. “It takes about 200 volunteers to put the thing on but we do it so that 100% of the net proceeds we can give to the charities we support.”

George Lucas Returns to Modesto George Lucas, Modesto native and award winning director of the renowned Star Wars franchise and American Graffiti, will be acting as the Grand Marshal at the 2013 Kiwanis Graffiti Parade in Modesto.

According to Sanders, he expects this year’s event to be even larger than last year’s because of the draw presented by George Lucas, who will be serving as Grand Marshal for the Festival’s June 7 parade.

Graffiti Th r ou gh out t he Y ea r Mullen indicated that the Graffiti festival’s yearly success has been good motivation to continue the celebrations throughout the year.

“People come during this month to experience cruising cars, but we’re getting set so that visitors can experience Graffiti all year long,” said Mullen. “We have a lot of people who come throughout the year looking for something American Graffiti.”

According to Mullen, she has traditionally directed tourists to the downtown A&W Drive In and Lucas Plaza, but the past two years the CVB has been able to add some new destinations to its list. “We were thrilled to be able to add the Historic Graffiti Cruise Route last year, and this year the introduction of the Walk of Fame will help us celebrate our history as the home of American Graffiti!”

The new Walk of Fame, which will start near the fountain at 10th Street Place will feature plaques honoring significant figures in the

cruising/Graffiti movement including local Gene Winfield, American Graffiti actors Candy Clark, Bo Hopkins and Paul Le Matt—who were all in attendance at last year’s events—and many more. The new tourist attraction will kick off when George Lucas is made the first official inductee at this year’s event.

In addition to these attractions, tourists will be welcomed by a number of major murals painted on prominent locations throughout Modesto by local artist Aaron Vickery. Vickery said he was commissioned in just the last few months to paint the series of classic car murals which speak to Modesto’s American Graffiti heritage.

Vickery, who has become well known as a mural artist in the area, was commissioned to paint larger than life, spray-painted murals, including the details of a ’57 Chevy located on the Modesto Chamber of Commerce’s building on J Street. Tom Nye “The Giant” also painted a mural of a classic car which is located on a building in McHenry Village.

“Cecil Russell from the Chamber spoke to John Black and Chris Murphy about getting a mural on the Chamber’s building,” recounted Vickery of the Chevy. “They pitched in and funded it and got me to paint it. It’s amazing that we were able to make it happen!”

For more information on these and other Graffiti Summer events, contact the Modesto CVB at visitmodesto.com. P

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Logical Training Solutions, LLC P.O. Box 56 Empire, CA 95319 (425) 503-3129

Endless Possibilities Thrift Store /Society for Handicapped Children & Adults

*Photo taken at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

ModProgress 7.75 x 5.pdf

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 AT MODESTO CENTRE PLAZA - HARVEST HALL, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Medical Assisting Medical Office Pharmacy Technology Therapeutic Massage

Business Administration Industrial Technology

June

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gu es t col umn

Graffiti Month is all about nostalgia — and that’s what The State Theatre does best

By Sue Richardson, GM/Executive Director, The State Theatre

Sue Richardson

Graffiti Month is all about celebrating the past, and there’s nothing more nostalgic and more familiar to generations of Modestans than The State Theatre. Dozens of couples met at The State and married. Hundreds worked their first jobs here. And people still stop by who, as youngsters, collected bottles to cover the cost of a 10-cent matinee.

Whether people come to see art and indie

Cash’d Out: A Tribute to Johnny Cash Fri. June 7, 2103 Doors at 8; show at 9 p.m.

General admission tickets: $20

Sing-A-Long Grease

films, or dance in the aisles at concerts, they regard The State as their hometown theater. It’s as though it’s always been here, and we hope it always will be.

It’s only fitting, then, that The State gets into the swing of the Graffiti thing. Park your rod following the Car Parade the evening of June 7 and see, for only $20, the best Johnny Cash tribute band -- ever! Below you can see what else is happening in June when we return, for one glorious month, to the good old days of cruising, hot rods and rock ‘n’ roll. P

Singles Mingle at The State: Sock Hop & Graffiti Celebration

Hot Rods and Man Food: A Special Event for Father’s Day

Wed. June 12, 2013 Doors at 6; sock hop at 7 p.m.

Admission is $10

Sun. June 16, 2013 Doors at 1; film at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5 or $4 each for a family of four or more. Man Food Buffet: $5 per person

Solar Powered People, Kid Mud and Stop Motion Poetry

Sat. June 8, 2013 Doors at 5:30; film at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5

Sat. June 15, 2013 Doors at 7; show at 8 p.m.

General admission tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door

The Stray Cat Lee Rocker Fri. June 21, 2013 Doors at 7; show at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and $30

For more information, please call (209) 527-4697 or visit www.thestate.org.

Lesson #1

DON’T PROMISE WHAT YOU CAN’T DELIVER

WE DELIVER WHAT WE PROMISE

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What sets us apart from our competition….dependability.

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

c o m m u n i ty d ev e l op m e n t

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts recently completed its national reaccreditation process with the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). We are pleased to announce the Academy received zero violations with commendations for exceeding expectations during our recent reaccreditation site visit. Our four California campuses achieved high standards in student retention, student satisfaction, licensure and job placement. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – Modesto Campus is proud of the dedicated employees who willingly share their expertise with our students, providing opportunities for achievement of educational goals leading to changed lives upon completion of our programs! For more information, visit www.gurnick.edu.

Michael O’Connor, owner of The O’Connor Insurance Agency of Modesto, is proud to present a $1,000 check to the Woodland West Community Neighborhood. The O’Connor Insurance Agency is part of the Allstate Insurance Company. The Allstate Foundation offers Agency Hands in the Community grants to Allstate agency owners who volunteer by focusing on fostering strong communities that build safe and vital enviroments where people want to live, work, raise families and run businesses.Woodland West Community Neighborhood will use the money to publish their newsletter. For more information, call (209) 247-1824.

Valley Wealth Inc. was ranked 43rd among the nation’s top 50 emerging wealth management companies by Forbes. The company was started in 2008 by Jeff Burrow and Jason Gordo, both of whom were raised in the Central Valley.

Last year, the company increased its managed assets by $110 million and has recently surpassed $300 million under management. The firm’s mission is to help clients achieve financial success by working closely with them to understand each of their client’s unique circumstances, wants, needs and desires.

Half of the firm’s business comes from managing company retirement plans, while the other half involves managing private wealth. Contact Valley Wealth Inc., 1101 Sylvan Avenue Suite # C-203, Modesto, CA 95350, by calling (209) 579–5900 or e-mail info@valleywealth.com.

Central Valley Specialty Hospital joined the Modesto Chamber of Commerce in January as a President’s Club Circle of Influence Member – Silver Level.

Accepting Central Valley Specialty Hospital’s President’s Club plaque from Chairman Ralph Curtis is Gia Smith, Chief Executive Officer. By locating in Modesto, Central Valley Specialty Hospital provides a huge opportunity for job creation in our area. The Hospital expects to care for patients referred by about a dozen community hospitals and medical centers in the region. The Chamber appreciates Central Valley Specialty Hospital’s membership. For more information on Central Valley Specialty Hospital please visit www.centralvalleyspecialty.org. P June

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

president’s club Circle Of Influence Platinum level Kaiser Permanente Walmart Walmart Neighborhood Market

Celebrating our 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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

Emerald Level © neverboring.com

E & J. Gallo Winery

Gold Level Front Jeff Quinn, Marc O’Neil, Marcia Messer back Rick Moen, Dan Mello Workers Comp I Agricultural I Health & Benefits I Professional Crop I Commercial Packages I Home & Auto MODESTO (209) 529-3480 l TURLOCK (209) 667-0995 wintonireland.com l Since 1913 l Lic # 0596517

5.11 Tactical Series Costco Wholesale Crystal Creamery DoubleTree Hotel Evergreen Nursing & Rehabilitation Care Center JC Penney Company Memorial Medical Center The Modesto Bee Modesto Irrigation District Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball RACOR, Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation Save Mart Supermarkets Seneca Foods, LLC Sysco Food Services of Central California Taco Bell

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

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

Courtyard by Marriott Covanta Stanislaus, Inc. Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios,

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

ed ucation

Chamber Promotes In ternships as Means of Building Strong, Local Workforce

By Constance Anderson, Operations Manager, Modesto Chamber of Commerce

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candle by it.”

– Margaret Fuller, Journalist As a constant advocate for business development in the Central Valley, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce regularly hears the term “qualified workforce” used ad nauseam. It is difficult to believe that with the number of high-quality educational opportunities available in our area – from trade and vocational schools to university options – that this could be the case. Perhaps the disconnect between educated graduates of all education levels and satisfied employers is experience. This is a gap that can easily be filled through internships.

How can you find the “qualified employees” your company is seeking?

Help create them! Hosting an intern at your company can provide your business with additional, economical help and educate a student as to the experiences, expectations and knowledge they should have to make them a desirable choice as a potential employee.

An internship is a temporary work or volunteer opportunity. Internships can be paid, unpaid or “for credit,” in which the student may earn academic credits for the time spent “on the job.” Job assignments and the nature of the work assigned to an intern varies from company to company, but likely, with minimal training, guidance and supervision, interns are able to take ownership of the lingering projects you or your staff just haven’t been able to get to. During the school year, internships may have to work around a student’s schedule, but summer is often wide open for students – especially juniors and seniors looking for work experience to add to their resumes.

In most cases, each school will have a point of contact for their intern program, either school wide or through a specific department. Sometimes the process is as informal as a posting on a school bulletin board, or simply having a conversation with a student you know who may be interested in an opportunity. An amazing resource for students and employers looking to fulfill an internship opportunity is IgniteU. IgniteU is an online tool that helps match businesses looking to host an internship with an interested and qualified student. For more information on IgniteU, please visit www.IgniteU.com.

Offering an internship not only bolsters your work force, but furthers the education of our students in ways that a traditional classroom setting cannot. It provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained in their studies and experience what a potential career in a particular area might be like. It allows them to practice skills like professional interaction, meeting deadlines, organization and quality control. In addition, because interns are essentially treated as an employee of the business for which they are interning, their on-the-job experience educates them on a variety of other skills that can’t be taught from a book, including how to report progress on a project to a superior, taking initiative and responsibility. Students experience first hand what expectations they will be held to regarding timeliness, appearance and cooperation with co-workers. Ultimately, all of this learning produces a stronger, more well-educated, “qualified workforce.”

The Modesto Chamber has been fortunate to benefit from a number of interns in recent years, ranging from high school level through university students. While each came to us with a different skill set and level of learning, all of them made a contribution and left our organization that much farther ahead than when they started with us. Be a part of the solution in helping create a qualified workforce in the Central Valley.

Help bridge the gap between “student” and “potential employee” by creating an internship opportunity at your business. P

PEOPLE

ARE THE BOTTOM LINE

You've worked hard to get where you are.

Put your trust in a firm motivated to help you go further.

it's the people behind the numbers.

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

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Se Impa n siness How ietrintendent Bufice of Educatio ty Of t Sup Grove5 e ssistan islaus Coun g A a t i, t n t a Vi 22 Stan Don G re Cityl Scout Troop #exter u t u F f D ir o tation Modesto Gp Leader: Lori Presen ion o Tro raduatools G n o i t h c a Destin ndent of S tion

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zabe .org. act Eli dChamber t n o c n, Mo nha@ rmatio e info 7 or efaca r o m 75 For 577-5 (209)

Our goal is simple: try our best to create unique, “signature flavors” in everything we make. From our fresh, early morning breakfasts to a wide variety of lunch items & dinner specialties. Oh, of course, then there is fresh, made-in-the restaurant ice cream!

Our pancakes are made from scratch, a special recipe, consisting of oatmeal, buttermilk and fresh ingredients. Everything is made to order.

We NEVER precook anything, even bacon. Try the French toast.

We believe in full flavors, full seasoning - bland is not what you will get here. Our soups are interesting, healthy and flavorful. Dressings are house made. Burger buns are baked right here, everyday. We strive to give you the core items you might expect, but with our flavor and presentation twists.

Our employees are genuinely glad to serve you and will go out of their way to take care of you. We believe in hiring people, with good hearts and minds.

Simply, everything falls into place if we succeed at that. Our current four locations offer something different to their unique local atmosphere, in employees, décor and feel. One thing is common throughout our locations: our goal to serve you doesn’t change whether you are visiting our oldest locations in Modesto, (over 30 years), Lodi’s wine country, or our newest location (opened August, 2012) in Historic Old Town Galt. To contact the Velvet Grill & Creamery, call (209) 544-9029 or visit our Facebook page. P

BE INFORMED BE EDUCATED BE AWARE BELONG

Caregiver Lecture Series

Modesto Police Department – “How To Prevent Identity Theft” Thursday, June 20th, 2013 2:00 to 4:00 pm PLEASE RSVP: 209.526.2053 SPEAKER: Sgt. DeAble, Modesto Police Department

FIND OUT WHAT CAREGIVING IS MEANT TO BE

Dale Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community

3900 Dale Road Modesto, CA 95356 209.526.2053

www.dalecommons.com RCFE #507004998

14

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

com munity d evelopment

ec o n o m i c d ev e l op m e n t

New Member profiles

announcements

Alzheimer/Dementia Support Center, Inc. is a locally-based nonprofit

The Career Services Department at the Institute of Technology is committed to assisting our students and graduates identify opportunities in the community.

We will be having an open to the public onsite job fair on July 18, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. To reserve a space or request additional information, please contact Grace Fitch or Wendy Jones at (209) 545-3100. We can also be reached by e-mail at gfitch@it-email.com or wjones@it-email.com.

organization offering support, guidance, and educational resources on issues related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. ADSC hosts multiple, weekly caregiver support groups utilizing peer counseling to assist those caring for loved ones afflicted with dementia-related illnesses.

ADSC also provides support to early and mid-stage memory-impaired individuals by hosting peer support groups featuring music and art therapy.

ADSC is located at 700 McHenry Avenue, Suite B in Modesto. Contact us at (209) 577-0018 or visit www.adsc-modesto.org.

Globalkom LLC powered by Cricket Wireless is a company that has

been around for over ten years and now has opened a new premier service location. Our main goal is to build our company around the community.

We want to offer customers the best wireless experience at the most affordable prices. Modesto Cricket will give customers not only the best wireless experience, but the best customer service experience. We are open Monday-Friday from 10-7 and Saturdays from 11-7. We look forward to seeing you at our new location on 1421 Coffee Rd Suite F, (209) 524-6600.

Dr. Amy Shin has been named the new CEO of Health Plan of San Joaquin. She is taking over May 6th for the retiring Dr. John Hackworth. Earlier this year, HPSJ became Stanislaus County’s Local Initiative Health Plan in accordance with the Medi-Cal Two Plan Model for managed care, adding to the health plan’s extensive Medi-Cal provider network in San Joaquin County. HPSJ now has nearly 185,000 members in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties, with a provider network of over 300 primary care physicians and 3,000 specialists. P

Home Instead Senior Care is a locally owned and operated franchise

that provides assistance with daily activities which may have become difficult for seniors to manage on their own. We provide companionship, care and personal assistance which enable your loved ones to remain in their homes. Our CAREgivers are thoroughly screened, extensively trained and matched to your preferences. You can rest assured that your loved one is treated with kindness, dignity and professionalism. We know how difficult these decisions can be and we’re here for you. For more information, call (209) 543-1277.

Logical Training Solutions, LLC is a locally based company that

provides driving safety (defensive driving) training, onsite and online fleet driver solutions for companies, non-profits and governmental entities. Expert instructors engage employees in an interactive change process using proven strategies. We can customize our courses to meet your training needs and budgetary resources. Having well-trained drivers makes sense. Logical Training Solutions provides onsite classroom and in-vehicle solutions in addition to our engaging fleet online courses. Courses can be found at www.ecofleetsafety.com. Call us at (888) 982-9517 for a free quote or demo of our online courses.

Modesto Web & Host provides award-winning small business services

including web hosting, domain names, website design and interactive programming. Speed, reliability, security and support are the cornerstones to all the web services we offer. When you need help, the Modesto Web & Host team is there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

When you need advice, we have it in abundance. When you’re ready for growth, we have the cost-effective solutions you’re looking for. For more information, call (209) 846-2255.

Valley Recovery Resources is a non-profit organization that operates two Redwood Family Centers, which are working to create a community where individuals seeking recovery, and their families, have the opportunity and services necessary for a drug-free and productive future. Redwood Family Center provides a crucial component to the recovery process – a clean and sober living environment. Redwood Family Center partners with other Stanislaus County government, private and non-profit organizations to ensure that residents receive necessary drug and alcohol, mental health, social services, domestic violence and parenting treatment and case management services. For more information, call our office at (209) 550-7352 or visit www.valleyrecoveryresources.com. P

Lic. # 724566

Your comfort

is our business.

523-4578 dehartinc.com

June

15

VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL

By Susan Nisan, Principal, Valley Charter High School

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce has a long history of supporting Valley Charter High School, the only classroom-based charter high school serving 9th through 12th grade students in Modesto. Chamber CEO Cecil Susan Nisan Russell recalls the birth of Valley Business High School in 1999 when Martin Petersen, then Superintendent of Stanislaus County Office of Education and a Chamber member, teamed with business leaders to educate students in an alternative environment with an emphasis on workforce readiness. Mr. Russell states that board members “volunteered to assist with the requirements and screening of the original students, providing internships and scholarships for the first couple of years and then continued to serve as advisors.”

Valley Business High School later reorganized with other schools chartered by the Stanislaus County Office of Education to more effectively deliver curriculum and to better implement the Early College High School Initiative in partnership with Modesto Junior College.

As a result of the merging of schools, Valley Charter High School now offers three college-preparatory programs: both classroom-based and non-classroom-based programs for grades 9 through 12 and a hybrid Early College Honors program for juniors and seniors who attend MJC classes in addition to their high school coursework. All three programs share a common vision to equip students with confidence and competence for college, career and community success.

Acquiring marketable job skills is especially critical today. Valley Charter students combine academics with an emphasis on integrity and service as they develop a portfolio with a resume and letters of recommendation and practice professional behavior and dress.

Earning a high school diploma and completing college courses and hands-on experience in the business world are essential to prepare for the highly skilled jobs of the future. The Chamber has offered such valuable experience to senior Denise Jackson, a former Chamber of Commerce office intern, that she requested to build her class schedule around her service. Mr. Russell encourages Chamber members to reach out to students. “We, the business community, can assist the schools by providing both mentorships for as many students as possible and internships for high school students. These services can be some of the most valuable training that the students will ever receive.”

Valley Charter is a free public school of choice, currently serving 245 students who reside in Stanislaus and contiguous counties, overseen by Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools Tom Changnon and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. To arrange for a summer or school-year internship or volunteer to mentor a class, contact Valley Charter at (209) 238-6800 or snisan@stancoe.org. P

For information on how The Principal can help give you an edge, contact the Modesto Business Center. ®

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©2013 Principal Financial Services, Inc. “The Principal,” “Principal Financial Group,” the Edge design, “We’ll Give You An Edge” and the illustrated character are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc. Insurance products from the Principal Financial Group® are issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in New York) and Principal Life Insurance Company. Securities offered through Princor Financial Services Corporation, (800) 247-1737, member SIPC. Principal National, Principal Life, and Princor® are members of the Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, IA 50392. AD2071-05 | t1104040263

16

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

netw orking & referrals

{ May } Business

Before & After Hours

Business Before Hours hosted by: Kaplan College

Business After Hours hosted by: Brenda Athletic Clubs Modesto Sports

Kaplan College

Brenda Athletic Clubs Modesto Sports

(209) 543-7000 • www.kc-modesto.com

(209) 571-2582 • www.brendaathletics.com 200 Norwegian Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350

Kaplan College Modesto provides career-focused education to more than 400 students and helps prepare them to enter the workforce through hands-on programs in allied health and criminal justice. Students receive the training and professional skills necessary to reach their educational goals and start a new career.

At Brenda Athletic Clubs, we are not just a gym or a health club — we are a family friendly f itness club. We offer spacious workout facilities in numerous locations including Modesto, Merced and Turlock. Our goal is to meet and exceed the needs of our members and guests. “Helping People Change Since 1978.”

© Modesto Irrigation District

5172 Kiernan Court, Salida, CA 95368

June

17

Making a DIFFERENCE one family at a time!

- No-cost and low-cost healthcare coverage - Hundreds of primary care physicians and specialists - Easy access to your personal doctor - Choice of hospitals and pharmacies - Local and nationwide emergency care - Free 24/7 advice nurse - Serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties Eligibility guidelines apply and may be based in part on household income. Plan availability varies by county.

I

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

Ed ucation

How to S.C.O.R.E. When You Counsel Employees C.M.F. Leadership Consulting

Inaugural Microsoft Small Business Tech Summit The Modesto Chamber of Commerce & IT Solutions|Currie

The Power of Decision–Making – SinglePoint Outsourcing, Inc. To register for all SinglePoint Outsourcing, Inc. classes call (559) 625-4800

Members $10.00 Non-Members $20.00

S.C.O.R.E. Counseling Method© is an employee performance counseling Members method specifically designed using behavioral and social science theories, June 11, 2013 psychology, decision-making, and communication skills. S.C.O.R.E. Counseling $20.00 9:00am - 10:30am Method© helps employers and employees improve behavior when the Non-Members employee consciously or even subconsciously chooses to be deficient or $30.00 defiant of satisfactory performance or behavior in the workplace. They make the decision to change, while we support them and the organization.

Join us for breakfast and learn about “The Modern Office.”

Breakout sessions on: • Windows 8 - Modern tools for business. Come see what is new in the latest Microsoft OS • Office 365 - Your complete office in the cloud • Make Money with Social Media as a Small Business Owner - We will share the top 5 June 28, 2013 mistakes that small business owners make when delving into social media so that you 7:30am -12:00pm can avoid (or fix them). You will also learn about some free and low cost tools to streamline your social media management and make it more profitable • Keynote on leveraging technology for profit by David Sahl • Windows 8 live Demo by Melissa Barry   • Office 365 by Jhon Castiblanco We will:

• Review 12 of the most helpful Web 2.0 sites for the classroom July 9, 2013 • Take a deep dive into at least 3 of the 12 tools (by consensus) 9:00am - 11:30am • View and share some lesson exemplars using the tools

 





K-12 Classroom Technology Boot Camp – Forge Integration

Cost

Members $15.00 Non-Members $25.00



Martin Petersen Center 720 12th St, Modesto

Course Description

This is a SPECIAL double-feature workshop. See and hear strategist and expert Michael Loschke share how to use SOCIAL MEDIA to create buzz before and after your event. Sales meetings, seminars, fundraisers, arts and sports are all June 4, 2013 EVENTS that can attract new customers, deepen existing relationships, generate 9:00am - 11:00am more revenue and increase loyalty. Learn about powerful, easy-to-use online event marketing tools that help make your promotion and registration fast, professional and most important - MORE PRODUCTIVE.



Grow your Business with Social Media & Events Marketing – IMC Consulting & Training

Course Date/Time



Course Name

   

Free to educators

Guaranteed to leave with something you can use in your classroom.

Decision-making is a key skill in the workplace and is particularly important for effective July 17, 2013 In this class you will learn the essential steps in the decision-making process 10:00am – 12:00pm leadership. and how to use different decision-making strategies to ensure that your decisions meet organizational objectives.

Members $20.00 Non-Members $40.00

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

June

19

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

people on the move Institute of Technology is pleased to present

NOT THE GRAFFITI YOU EXPECTED? WE CAN FIX THAT. You came for Graffiti Summer, but it looks like it’s time to visit another Modesto institution: Burnside Body Shop. Let the folks at Burnside get your vehicle back in shape with eco-friendly paint services and gentle dent repair.

Remember: you have the right to choose your body shop.

Sonia Pulido

Sonia Pulido as the new Employer Relations Coordinator. Ms. Pulido’s experience in community outreach will benefit the graduates from Institute of Technology with their job search. She will connect with employers to assist them with their hiring needs. Her strong ties to the community and connection with the students combine to make a strong addition to the team. For more information, please call (209) 545-3100 Ext. 3134.

Laurie Fleming joined Data Path, Inc. on March 6 as its new Business Manager. Her responsibilities will include accounting and human resources. Ms. Fleming moved to Modesto in 1983, is a graduate of Beyer High School and currently resides in Ceres. She has worked in a professional office environment for the past 24 years and most recently was the controller of Solution Pro, a nationwide service company for the past nine years. For more information, please contact (209) 521-0055. P

Laurie fleming

Kitchen remodel.

Kitchen remodel. 7 days. Less than $15k.

Kitchen remodel. 7 days. Less than $15k. www.mykitchenbox.com BEFORE

AFTER

Let’s face it: You have better ways to spend 3 months and $50,000 than on a kitchen remodel. In 7 days and for less than $15,000, kitchenBOX delivers:  Granite countertops  Kohler faucet with pull-out sprayer  Granite or tile backsplash  Garbage disposal  Complete cabinet refinishing  Wall and ceiling paint  Cabinet door and drawer hardware  Appliance removal and installation  Dual-compartment Kohler kitchen sink  New electrical switches, outlets and faceplates  2 hour consultation with interior designer

Start your path to kitchenBOX today! (209)622-3610 CA License #947965 20

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

How Do You Get NoticeD bY

70,000 PeoPle everY DaY?

Easy. A great wrap will fit your vehicle like a custom suit and drive customers to your door. the Wrap Pack are experts at turning drab vehicles into cool, mobile billboards that never stop working for you. Plus, with cats this cool, you know you’re bound to look better than anything else on the road.

Come in today to let the Wrap Pack create a custom wrap for you.

Modesto

AGENCY

1016 Fourteenth St. Modesto, CA 95354 tel 209.526.9136

CUSTOM SIGNS

1025 Needham St. Modesto, CA 95354 tel 209.593.5844

A S S O C I AT E S

Stockton

All SErvICES

445 W. Weber Ave., Ste. 124A Stockton, CA 95203

COLLEGE & NEEDHAM, MODEStO

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S t a n i s l a u s G re e n T e a m

Stanislaus Green Team

By Rikki Keenan, Stanislaus Green Team Coordinator The Stanislaus Green Team is comprised of local businesses from all over Stanislaus County. The team discusses green initiatives & networks on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 10:00 A.M. The goal is to educate and encourage businesses to become more environmentally efficient using green practices that can potentially save them a substantial amount of money.

BEFORE

AFTER

The program has been in operation since November of 2012 and already has participation f rom 110 area businesses. The REACON team of industry experts has visited and assessed 13 businesses and officially certified Gianelli & Associates as the first Green Sustainable Business in the county.

The Stanislaus Green Team has been very active throughout the county. The Team participated in the Earth Day in the Park Festival and was recently recognized by the City of Modesto for its efforts.

Cecil Russell, President of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Garrad Marsh acknowledged four Stanislaus Green Team businesses at the Modesto City Council meeting on May 14: Dittos of Modesto, Schneider Electric, Cal-Green Recycling and McCoy’s Industrial Tire. These four businesses were the first to become Modesto Chamber members directly because of their desire to increase their involvement with and contributions to the Stanislaus Green Team. On June 20th the Modesto Chamber Business to Business Trade Show will feature the addition of a new Stanislaus Green Team Arena, in which Green Team businesses will make green resources available to local businesses.

The Modesto Chamber has brought tremendous value to its membership through the development of this program. Anyone is welcome to attend Stanislaus Green Team meetings and REACON efficiency assessments are free of charge to our members. We look forward to the July issue of Progress Magazine which will feature many of the inspiring “green” stories of our area. Watch for more amazing accomplishments to come as the Stanislaus Green Team continues to grow, educate and encourage more local businesses to improve efficiencies by going green. P

Next Stanislaus Green Team Meeting Thursday, June 20, 2013 Kirk Lindsey Center 1020 10th Street, Suite 102, Modesto, CA (Across from Brenden Theater and right next door to Fuzio’s)

Green Team Supporters

REACON Team Members

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

22

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

Prime Shine Car Wash presents:

LAND OF OPPORTUNITY ...a series spotlighting entrepreneurial achievement

Pam O’Brien & Susan Fenton at home At Home has served the Modesto, California community with beautiful home furnishings, great service, low prices and hometown relationships since 2003. The store is owned and operated by Susan Fenton and her daughter Pam O’Brien.

When was your company founded?

How did it begin?

Susan: In our family, we’re the 24th or 25th people to be involved in the furniture business. We were both teachers but we talked about it and both our husbands thought it would be a good idea to open a store. So we decided to leave teaching and have found success now for nearly 11 years. Pam takes care of all the business stuff, I take care of the floor. She has the hard part, that’s for sure!

Susan Fenton & Pam O’Brien

How many employees do you have?

Pam: We have twelve employees, plus us. So fourteen total. Most of the people who work for us have worked here since the beginning.

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

Susan: My husband and I have lived here for almost 47 years. So we know the community and get clients all the time that we know from just living in the Modesto area.

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

Susan: I’m proud that whatever conflicts we’ve had, we work them out. We really love At Home, we love it there. We enjoy going to work and it’s been good for us. We’ve had a good time, made some money on the way.

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

Susan: Because we are different, and we are local. We love our

work and it shows. We try to be innovative, we have an interesting website and we have the second Saturdays events which are seminars (which could be on anything from decorating to cooking to gardening), a sale and snacks that we have every second Saturday year round.

What do you like about your job?

Susan: I like the people I work with. I like dealing with customers.

I love to do that. The people are enjoyable, interesting. I think it’s difficult. The furniture business isn’t easy.

Pam: I don’t think any retail business is easy right now. When you have a retail business you’re now competing with the internet. But I still love dealing with interesting customers and the people we work with. I also like buying merchandise and knowing what’s happening and what trends are going on in home furnishings.

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

Susan: It’s all about integrity. Being honest and keeping in touch with customers.

Pam: Also, your employees are important. Because we’ve had ours a long time they’ve built a rapport and a relationship with customers.

That’s definitely been a part of our success.

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

Pam: Here in Modesto, we get a lot of people from the Bay Area and from Stockton and Tracy along with Sonora and the mountains coming here looking for unique products and retailers. We have a lot of great independent shops here in our area, people like the fact that you can come here and go to a unique shop. We’re always encouraging people to shop local and encouraging people to think of shopping at other local businesses. If you shop online, your local community gets nothing. When you shop local, money comes back to your community!

Prime Shine Car Wash is proud to present The Land of Opportunity. Each month this series provides a forum in which to showcase the entrepreneurial achievements of a Stanislaus County business owner. Prime Shine Car Wash is proud to recognize the entrepreneurʼs ability to overcome obstacles and to honor their successes in their industry and in the community.

Celebrating Over 50 Years Of Quality Care * Registered Nurses 24/7 * Long Term and Short Term Quality Care * 175 Bed Skilled Nursing Facility * Pleasant Environment * Inviting and Stimulating Social Activities * Inpatient & Outpatient Physical Therapy * Inpatient & Outpatient Occupational Therapy * Speech Therapy * Respiratory Therapy

* Specialty Dining Menus * Pharmaceutical Services * Intravenous Therapy * Incontinence Service * Wound and Skin Care * Medicare Part A & B * Medi-Cal * Other Insurances Welcome * Family Owned & Operated for over 50 Years

Engaged in your Care & your Life 209.577.1055 2030 Evergreen Ave. Modesto, CA 95350 www.evergreencare.com Fax: 209. 550. 3615

June

23

{ A sks T he exper t }

Oak Valley COmmunity Bank We mean business

REstoring your classic car

By Burnside Body Shop Do you have a classic car that you want to supe up for the Graffiti Parade, but you don’t know where to start? Follow these steps and you’re sure to have the hottest rod cruising the strip in no time!

Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group officers, flanked by Oak Valley’s Ron Davenport, Area Manager, 343-7627 and Patrick Burda, Commercial Loan Officer, 579-3385

“When it came time to grow our business, Oak Valley was a true business partner and made financing our new project easy. We enjoy having a great relationship with a locally owned bank that helps make us more successful.”

– Chris Murphy, Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group

Experience business banking the way it should be – the perfect blend of oldfashioned personal service and modern technology to meet your every need.

First things first, set a budget! Make sure you budget for sound mechanics first, then focus on looks. You don’t want to risk damaging a nice paint job. The engine is one of the most important factors of any restored classic or muscle car. If you plan on entering your car into competitions and parades, your engine compartment should look factory-new. Order a catalog of parts that focuses on the particular make, model and year of your classic car. This will ensure that your car is as original as possible! Once you have the engine up and running, see about repairing or replacing the transmission and drivetrain as well.

Next, your car needs to sound the part! Everyone loves a classic car with an exhaust that rumbles when it cruises down the street. Make sure your ride’s exhaust tips and mufflers have been replaced to help you sound your best.

Let us make your banking, our business.

Last but not least, paint and detailing are the finishing touches you need to make your classic car really shine in the Graffiti Parade. Your car’s signature emblem should stand out among the crowd, so you’ll want the chrome to be shined and detailed with fresh paint. Same goes for your car as a whole. A fresh coat of high-gloss paint and detailing can make all the difference between a hunk of junk and a righteous roadster.

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

www.ovcb.com Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock Patterson • Ripon • Escalon • Stockton • Manteca

And of course, don’t forget to always consult your favorite body shop for all of your car repair needs! P

Stan and the Alliance

We can help your business expand, grow & thrive

Taking Care of Business!

WORKFORCE

209-567-4985 Whether existing or expanding the Alliance is an experience your business won’t find anywhere else. We work with companies of all sizes and provide local businesses with resources and assistance to help them become more competitive and profitable!

BUSINESS

We will help you find the right applicant for the job

ENTREPRENEURS We can help get your business get off the ground

RESEARCH We can find the information you need to stay competitive

ENTERPRISE ZONE

lliance

stanislaus economic development & workforce alliance

We will determine your eligibility for business tax incentives

WORK IN The Light at the End of the Tunnel: American Chevrolet Finds Business Solutions in the Down Economy When the bottom fell out of the economy a few

So what we did is cut a few people at a time and

years ago, the local automotive market was deeply

let it settle out a couple months to see where

affected. According to David Halvorson, owner of

we were. Over the course of a year, we ended up

American Chevrolet, the long-standing dealer’s

cutting about 26 people. And I have to tell you it

business dropped 65% overnight. “We went from

was hard to let those people go. My employees

selling 180 vehicles a month to 54. It was like a

are family.”

runaway train and there was nothing we could do to slow it down.” But luckily for American Chevrolet, a

By the time the economy started to turn around

drop, which could have been a business killer, was

in 2009, Halvorson said American Chevrolet was

survivable due to solid boom time planning.

down to a trim 83 employees. In the four years

Service when you need it (Courtesy of Never Boring) When business is booming, advertising is the last thing on your mind. But when times get tough, an aggressive ad campaign becomes the last thing you want to spend money on. By maintaining an advertising presence through thick and thin, you can keep your business rolling, stay at the top of your customers’ minds and keep slowdowns to a minimum. Never Boring Design is an industry expert at creating unique, effective and affordable advertising. Find out how we can keep your business moving forward, visit us today at neverboring.com

since, the auto industry learn

has gained a little more

your lessons in life,” said

traction every year, but

you

Halvorson. “When we first opened in 1990, we almost went

broke

early.

That

According to David Halvorson, owner of

scared me. So when things

American Chevrolet, the

were good, I was paying off

long-standing dealer’s

debt. When the crunch hit, even though we were losing money in buckets, we were in

business dropped 65% overnight.

Halvorson suggested that he anticipates it will still be 2016 before we see a full recovery in the industry.

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.

Until then, he said that the down economy has taught him to make even

a position where our balance

more

sheets still looked good.”

in

careful

choices

managing

finances.

From minimizing debts to

Even while the business

MODESTO MEANs BUSINESS

managing

growth,

Halvorson and American Chevrolet are taking it slow

necessitated difficult cuts in staffing. “There are

and keeping up the cautious optimism that helped

people who would say I wasn’t very smart, that

the business survive the downturn.

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.

•

was staying afloat, Halvorson said that the drop

You can find new and current members online at www.ModChamber.org, or through our 2012 directory at www.villageprofile.com/california/modesto.

neverboring.com

“Sometimes

my dad always told me: the day I’m not sick to

“At this point we know that the light at the end of the

my stomach when I have to let somebody go is

tunnel isn’t a train,” laughed Halvorson. “And that’s

the day I need to get into a different line of work.

a good thing.” P

© Never Boring

I should have cut 25 people the first month. But

June

25

n e t w ork i ng & referrals

c om m u n i t y de v e l op m e n t

Chamber Calendar

New Chamber Members Crown Designs - T’s & Tops

JUNE 2013

Jenn Parmon 1101 Kansas Avenue Modesto, CA 95351 (209) 575-1492 www.crowndesigns.net Screen Printing

Janitorial Inc.

7

Official Kiwanis Graffiti

Classic Car Parade

Location: Downtown, 10th and I Street, Modesto Time: 7:00 p.m.

Cheryl Sensenbaugh 2937 Veneman Avenue, Suite C125 Modesto, CA 95359 (559) 681-8433 csensenbaugh@janitorialinc.com www.janitorialinc.com Janitorial Service

13

Business Before Hours:

IT Solutions|Currie Location: 1801 Tully Road, Suite E Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

20

Stanislaus Green

McCoy’s Industrial Tire

Team Meeting

Sandra McCoy 3005 Central Ave. Ceres, CA 95307 (209) 537-4881 (209) 537-7388 sandra@mccoysindustrialtire.com mccoysindustrial.com Tire Dealers & Distributors

Modesto Web & Host Wil Hatfield Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 846-2255 (866) 232-1280 wil@modestowebhost.com www.modestowebhost.com Website Design & Development

Recoupon

Location: Kirk Lindsey Center, 1020 10th Street Plaza Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

20

9th Annual Business to

Business Trade Show

and business after hours:

Location: Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L Street Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

28

Microsoft Small Business

Technology Summit

Location: Martin Petersen Center 720 12th Street Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Alex Ewell (209) 499-0767 alex@getrecoupon.com www.getrecoupon.com Fund Raising

Standiford Place Gracious Retirement Living Barbara Arrington 3420 Shawnee Drive Modesto, CA 95350 (209) 521-7000 (209) 527-3531 barbara.arrington@holidaytouch.com www.holidaytouch.com Retirement Housing & Living

Woodruff - Sawyer & Co. Bruce Coughlin 7005 Del Rio Drive Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 606-9543 (916) 922-1732 bcoughlin@wsandco.com www.wsandco.com Insurance

JULY 2013

11

Business Before Hours:

AVAILABILITY Professional Staffing Location: 2813 Coffee Road, Bldg A Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

18

Stanislaus Green

“Bowled Over” by suppor t for boys & girls club of stanislaus county

By David Gianelli, Gianelli & Associates In a previous issue, I introduced the Boys & Girls Club of Stanislaus County. The founding of a local Boys and Girls Club has been met with overwhelming support, and “Benefit Bowl” is one recent example of the community’s generosity.

On Saturday, May 18, 2013, our Mayor, Garrard Marsh and his wife, Dallas, david gianelli hosted the 13th Annual Benefit Bowl at Chairman - Elect McHenry Bowl. Each year the event selects a charitable organization to benefit f rom the event and this year the newly formed Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County was chosen as beneficiary. McHenry Bowl generously covers the entire cost of the event, which includes tremendous food, an incredible silent auction, a prize raffle and of course, lanes and lanes of bowling! This year, over $30,000 was raised at Benefit Bowl and 100% of the funds raised went to the Boys & Girls Club of Stanislaus County! The Modesto Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the Marsh’s for supporting the Boys & Girls Club and for all they do to generously give back to our community!

In addition to the huge boost in funding made possible by McHenry Bowl and the Marsh’s, the Boys and Girls Club of Stanislaus County has even more good news to share. At a recent meeting, Sylvan School District voted to approve a contract with the Boys and Girls Club, giving after school Club activities a home on two of the District’s school campuses. I am also excited to announce that the Boys and Girls Club of Stanislaus County has recently been joined by their new leader Lincoln Ellis. Mr. Ellis grew up as a participant of Boys and Girls Club programs in Stockton, California. He has since helped guide and grow Boys and Girls Clubs in many different states. We are thrilled to bring him back to the Central Valley to lead our new Club. To get involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Stanislaus County, please contact them at bgcstanislaus@gmail.com. P

Team Meeting

Location: Kirk Lindsey Center, 1020 10th Street Plaza Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

18

LIC. 872913

Business After Hours:

Solid Networks

Location: 5686 Pirrone Road, Salida

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Keeping Modesto Cool Since 1957 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

26

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

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