Progress October 2014 by Modesto Chamber of Commerce

October 2014 Vol. 34 Issue 10 ModChamber.org

49 YEARS

OF LOCAL SUCCESS JERRY WARDEN & JENNIFER VISS

Support Local

Elections

ADA Lawsuits

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Mission Statement

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area, regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy collaboration, success to leaders economic development, connectivity and business education.

Executive Committee Chairman David Gianelli, Gianelli & Associates Chairman-Elect Eric Tobias, F&M Bank Past Chairman Ralph Curtis, Curtis Legal Group Vice Chairman, Internal Operations Patricia Gillum, Patricia Gillum, CPA Vice Chairman, External Operations Craig Lewis, Prudential California Realty Vice Chairman, Member Relations William Moreno, Fire2Wire Vice Chairman, Marketing & Events Laura Ward, Ward Promotional Marketing Solutions Directors Kristi Ah You, Franklin & Downs Funeral Homes Jeffrey Burda, Wells Fargo Mid-Valley Commercial Banking Daniel Garcia, Tri Counties Bank David Gingerich, TD Gingerich Insurance Solutions, Inc. David Halvorson, American Chevrolet Brad Hawn, CHG Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Stephen Madison, STANCO Nate Miller, Grimbleby Coleman CPAs Inc. Steven Rank, Rank Investigations and Protection, Inc. Kole Siefken, DoubleTree Hotel Ruben Villalobos, The Villalobos Legal Group Lucy Virgen, Bank of the West Jeremiah Williams, Oak Crafts by Jeremiah

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: Parks Printing (209) 576-2568 • miken@parksprinting.com Distribution: Parks Printing (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

CONTENTS OCTOBER 2014

LEADERSHIP

Message from CEO

COVER STORY

40 Years of Local Sucess

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Water Bond Shows How Goverment should

by run

EDITORIAL

2014 Candidates

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Lemonade Day

EDUCATION

Farm to School Grant

NETWORKING & REFERRALS

Calander

Welcome Corner

Ex-Officio Keith Boggs, Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office George Boodrookas, Modesto Junior College David Boring, Never Boring Kristopher Helton, Leadership Modesto David White, The Alliance Cecil Russell, President/CEO Modesto Chamber of Commerce CRussell@ModChamber.org

MICHAEL HOWELL

Few have inspired me in my life more than Major Richard “Dick” Winters, who served in WW2 as the commander and leader of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. A true American hero and leader, here are just a few of his success principles: (1) Be a leader of character, competence, and courage. (2) Always lead from the front. (3) Remain humble and learn to self-reflect. (4) Earn respect by being a leader of character. (5) Hang Tough! – Never, ever, give up. Major Winters passed away in 2011, but was a man of great courage and wisdom and lived a life worth emulating. I believe we can apply each of his success principles to the business world as well. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, you are an essential leader in your business and in our community. Start leading from the front today by taking advantage of all the Chamber has to offer. The Welcome Team provides an opportunity for you to make new connections, build relationships, and be of service to those in your community. Let’s face it: Building a business can be tough. However, the best way for people to learn about the great work you do is through other people. Remember that your success is our communities’ success, so consider becoming an Ambassador or Welcome Team Member and let’s grow this wonderful community together! P Michael Howell is a Registered Representative with LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. He can be reached at (209) 526-9426. Email: michael@blomandswain.com. Website: www.blomandswain.com OCTOBER

LEA DERS H IP

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO By Chamber President and CEO Cecil Russell We have just celebrated our 53rd Annual Harvest Luncheon which draws attention to our agricultural heritage and all of the economic bounty that we enjoy in our community. I personally want to thank all of the hard working people that have been the power behind this event. Many have served for years to help with the success of this event. Dr. Mark Bender from California State University has retired from teaching and is leaving the committee to spend more time enjoying retirement. Keri Layne with Yosemite CECIL RUSSELL CHAMBER PRESIDENT Farm Credit has been Chairperson and is AND CEO leaving the committee after this year. We thank both of these great committee members and wish them success in their other endeavors. Mike Henderson has been the Chairperson this year and we thank him and all of the rest of the committee for their commitment to Harvest Luncheon. We would not be able to donate scholarship funds to Modesto Chamber of Commerce Voss/Berryhill Modesto Junior College Agricultural students without the generosity of our many sponsors. A special thank you to Del Monte for their many years of sponsorship, also to Mape’s Ranch for providing tritip and to all of the other sponsors. As this edition of Progress arrives we will have just finished with our 31st Annual Oktoberfest event. This has historically been a great event offering sampling of different beers and wines, great brats and other traditional German food. We wish to thank all of our sponsors, especially Central Valley Automotive, Rank Security, Boyett Petroleum, Cumulus Media and the many volunteers that make this event successful. We reported in last month’s issue of Progress the challenges facing our businesses due to the threat of ADA lawsuits. We have joined forces with other Chambers in the area and with Stanislaus Business Alliance to hold sessions to help better inform our businesses on how to comply with the law and how to mitigate / avoid the entanglements of these potential lawsuits. Thank you to the Modesto Bee for helping to shed light on this threat to our local businesses.

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

Our annual State of the Region event will take place on October 22nd. This year’s event promises information on economic development and how to grow/bring jobs to our community. David White from the Stanislaus Business Alliance will discuss the results from the data his organization has gathered on over 200 businesses in our area. His presentation will shed light on a strategic approach to help these businesses grow and how we might attract more business to our area. Congressman Jeff Denham will participate in the event and explain how we may attract Federal dollars to help with job training and other types of assistance. In addition, the State of the Region event will include a panel of elected officials including, Senator’s Anthony Cannella and Cathleen Galgiani as well as Assemblymember’s Kristin Olsen and Adam Gray, who will share their plans to help our area attract jobs. The backbone of jobs in our community comes from local owned and operated businesses. We are highlighting some of these businesses in this issue of Progress. Companies like Warden’s that have been not only a great employer, but have also been a company that has given back to our community, for over 49 years. They are one of many local businesses that have thrived and continue to deserve our support. Others local businesses who have greatly impacted our community include Slaters Home Furnishing, Save Mart Supermarkets, Crystal Creamery, Foster Farms, and Sciabica Olive Oil to name a few. The Economic Development Committee has had a busy summer of meetings including speakers covering important subjects. We have heard from our Interim City Manager Jim Holgersson, updating us on city of Modesto issues, Dr. Joe Sheley, President of California State University, Stanislaus, speaking on the importance of business and education working together, and Wayne Zipser, Director of the Stanislaus Farm Bureau, speaking on issues facing our agriculture community. Our Government Relations Committee has interviewed all of the candidates running for our State Senate, our two Assembly seats, and our Congressional seat. The interview questions and their answers are included in this issue of Progress. Please review and VOTE for the candidate that you think will best represent our business community and help provide a better quality of life for all. P

CHAMBER AT WORK A UN IFIED EFFORT TO H EL P B USI N ESSES CO M PLY WITH THE AMERI CAN S W I TH D I SAB I L I TI ES A C T

By David White

I called my good friend Cecil Russell, and together we contemplated on what should be done. We met with Stanislaus County staff, including County Assistant CEO Keith Boggs. We all determined that we should first prepare a primer that would alert companies to what was happening around the state and also educate them on what they could do to avoid potential law suits and most importantly come into compliance. We decided that we shouldn't stop there. A primer is a great tool, but we shouldn't be satisfied until every Stanislaus County business had been informed and educated. We contacted all the local Chambers of Commerce. We brought them together with all our legislative offices, along with Stanislaus County staff, Business Alliance staff and others to determine a course for how we wanted to reach all businesses. We reached out to the Latino Community Roundtable, El Concilio and the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

WE FOCUS ON THE LAW SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON LIFE . Business

Estate

Litigation

Family Law

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DAVID L. WHITE CEO STANISLAUS BUSINESS ALLIANCE

A couple of months ago, I got a call from County Supervisor Bill O'Brien to see what the Stanislaus Business Alliance was doing to help make local companies aware of issues related to ADA noncompliance. He told me certain law firms had contacted several small businesses that were ADA noncompliant. In fact, in some cases attorneys had exacted financial settlements out of these companies rather than to take them to court. I was somewhat aware at that time, but I was so glad that Supervisor O'Brien was taking leadership on the issue.

GIANELLI - LAW . COM info @gianelli-law.com | (209) 521.6260 | 1014 16th St., Modesto

What has resulted is a wonderful coalition of organizations working together to help business. Our first planned event, an ADA Workshop, is taking place on September 25 at 7 a.m. at the Brenden Theater in Modesto. Many other workshops are being planned throughout the county under the direction of the chambers and legislative offices. It is very important for all businesses to understand the Americans With Disabilities Act and what they need to do to be compliant. Of course, we don't want our companies to face expensive law suits and settlements, but more importantly, we would like to see all of our businesses become more accessible to those with need. What I have learned from this whole effort is how collaborative our leadership can be to help business. We are blessed with legislators in this county who work together on important issues. I would like to give kudos to the following organizations that have stepped up to make a difference on the ADA issue: Ceres Chamber, Modesto Chamber, Oakdale Chamber, Riverbank Chamber, Turlock Chamber, Waterford Chamber, Congressman Denham's office, Senator Cannella's office, Senator Galgiani's office, Assemblymember Gray's office, Assemblymember Olsen's office, Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, El Concilio, Latino Community Roundtable, and Stanislaus County. Special kudos and thanks to County Supervisor Bill O'Brien P

OCTOBER

49 YEARS { CO VER STO R Y }

OF LOCAL SUCCESS:

WARDEN’S OFFICE CELEBRATES TWO GENERATIONS AS DRIVER OF LOCAL ECONOMY By Jacqui D. Sinarle Longtime family-owned and operated companies are part of the heart and soul of Modesto, providing stable jobs for residents, contributing to the local economy and supporting other businesses and organizations that enhance our community. And there are few family-owned companies with the name recognition—or the legacy of local support—that Modesto-based Warden’s Office enjoys. Warden’s local success story began in 1965 when Jerry Warden borrowed money from his parents so that he and his brother-in-law could embark on a business of selling and delivering office products to local businesses. It wasn’t easy. Jerry was a California State University Stanislaus student and had a wife nine months pregnant with their first daughter. He made time for sales calls for Warden’s between classes and sold Tupperware at night to make ends meet. But from the very beginning, Warden stayed focused on delivering the personalized customer service that has become one of the many Warden’s trademarks. Warden’s Office has come a long way from those lean times, growing to the largest independently owned office products dealership in the Central Valley. The business is still led by Warden as chief executive officer, along with his daughter Jennifer Warden Viss as chief operating officer and Joe Cunningham as president for the firm’s two locations in Modesto. From its two locations in Modesto, the company offers a huge selection of office supplies and new and used office furniture as well as a wide range of services including managed print services and relocation. Even after all of these years, the business is still focused tightly on delivering on its relationships, whether to long time clients or to other local businesses. Supporting the local community is in the company’s DNA, says Jerry Warden. “We purchase locally, we support worthy causes in the community and we provide a service level that is second to none.” “Warden’s thrives because of our relationships with our customers and the local community,” says Jennifer Warden Viss. “Our business is about the personal touch. We strive to provide the best possible service to our customers whether it be in delivering supplies; delivering, installing, or moving office furniture; taking orders; or space planning and designing services.” “Warden’s supports other local businesses whenever possible,” Viss adds, indicating that Warden’s long history of cooperation with other local business (Banking, Insurance, Finances, Advertising, Printing, Accounting) has helped the Modesto community flourish, even during hard times.

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

“When businesses support one another, growth is perpetuated in the community,” says Viss. Warden’s Office is a strong supporter of local organizations and activities including Sierra Vista Child and Family Services, Pacific Southwest Container’s Snowflake Event, Boyett Petroleum’s Make Dreams Real Fund, City of Hope, Emmanuel Medical Center’s Festival of Trees, Haven Women’s Center, Dale Carnegie Training and Modesto’s own chamber led Leadership Modesto Program. A History of Community Support Warden’s isn’t the only business to have found success in strong ties to the local community. Slater’s Home Furnishings is a family operation that traces its roots back to 1912. Today, Slater’s showrooms in Modesto and Merced offer the largest selection of fine furnishings, accessories and décor in the Central Valley, and the business is run in partnership by the founder’s grandsons, Tom and Ed Slater, and their brother-in-law, Dennis McKim. Slater’s is a longtime supporter of local organizations including Community Hospice, United Way, Townsend Opera Players, State Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts and Children’s Crisis Center, among others. “As a family business we work hard together to continue what we have learned about our industry and to provide the local area with great home furnishings choices,” says Tom Slater. Crystal Creamery is one of the oldest family-owned business in the area, as well as one of the largest at more than 400 local workers. According to Frank Otis, president and CEO of Crystal Creamery, “The community provides us with a stable and dedicated workforce with most of our employees staying with us for 20 years or more,” Crystal joined the Foster family of companies in 2007 and continues to be privately owned by the Foster family, who founded Foster Dairy in 1941. “The Foster family has supported the community for more than seven decades, and the community reciprocates in their patronage of the products we make and by providing good services for the business,” Otis adds. The family-run Sciabica’s California Olive Oil also embraces the community that has helped it succeed.

“Our community has been amazingly supportive for decades,” says Jonathan Sciabica, vice president. “I remember being fearful that people would stop using our olive oil during the 2008 economic recession. Instead, we found that many of our customers actually used more olive oil. That is a true testament to our community’s dedication to local products.” Nicola Sciabica and his son Joseph began cold pressing olive oil in 1936 and today the company is operated by Nicola’s grandsons, Nick and Daniel, and great-grandson, Jonathan. The family is a dedicated supporter of many local causes including St. Stanislaus Church and the annual Memorial Hospital and Children’s Crisis Center golf tournaments. “You’ve got a good chance of bidding on a gift pack donated by Sciabica’s at nearly every charity auction in the area,” Jonathan Sciabica notes. Giving back to the community can also come with the pride of customer service, as it has throughout Gowans Printing Company’s 95 year history. “As a family-run business we have a lot of pride in our products and we make sure all of our customers leave here happy,” says Bruce Gowans, whose grandfather founded the business and who currently operates it in partnership with his cousin, Terry Gowans. “Terry and I were born and raised in Modesto and we love our town,” Bruce Gowans says. “We are grateful for the support that the people in Modesto have given us all these years.” The business gives back by supporting the “Make Dreams Real” fund created by Carol and Carl Boyett as well as 4-H clubs and other local organizations, charities and fundraisers. For information about the businesses featured in this article, visit: Warden’s Office — www.wardensworks.com Slater’s Home Furnishings — www.slatershome.com Crystal Creamery — www.crystalcreamery.com Sciabica’s California Olive Oil — www.sunshineinabottle.com Gowans Printing Company — www.gowansprintingcompany.com

G O VER NMENT RELATIO NS

WATER BOND SHOWS HOW GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE RUN By Senator Anthony Cannella

Water – it’s easy to take it for granted. We take our showers, use it to make our cup of coffee, wash our hands, water our lawns, and of course, drink it.

ANTHONY CANNELLA SENATOR

What’s more, our state depends on water for economics, with our agricultural communities creating thousands of jobs for our friends and neighbors, creating millions of dollars in revenues and producing food resources not only for California, but our nation and the world.

Bottom-line, we expect and need water to be available at all times and when we don’t have it, the realization hits that we really do, in fact, depend on it. And in the midst of the worst drought in California history – with no signs of relief in sight – if we don’t act immediately, we will learn a very hard lesson sooner than later how much we depend on water as individuals, communities, cities, and ultimately, a state.

The important part, though, was that all parties were engaged in this process of crafting a new water bond that recognized the need for storage, Delta restoration, and clean water. Because we held firm, we were able to get $2.7 billion for new storage – a piece of the water puzzle that is absolutely essential to not only rebuilding our archaic water system built 50 years ago, but ensuring we continue to receive this increasingly precious resource now and for years to come. This bond retains 90% of the funding for storage that was contained in the 2009 bond. Storage was just 27% of the original $11.1 billion bond. Because of the cuts to other areas, it is now 36%. This bond’s allocation will allow us to build new infrastructure for the future. We have kept the necessary funding to bring more water into our water system through surface storage, groundwater sustainability, and clean water. There is $725 million for water recycling and $200 million for stormwater capture projects. There is $520 million to clean up our drinking water and $750 million to prevent and reduce groundwater contamination.

In August, the Legislature and the Governor came together to craft a new $7.5 billion water bond for the November ballot. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and only had 2 no votes in the Assembly. It’s rare that we can all agree on an issue so controversial.

For our region, this is very crucial. We have seen levels of subsidence in the Central Valley that are far too great. In the Salinas Valley, we are battling saltwater intrusion. In both regions, we have communities that cannot drink the water out of their taps. For the richest state in the richest country in the world, this is unacceptable.

This new bond was a long time coming. In March, I joined the Senate working group to renegotiate the 2009 $11.1 billion bond. It seemed that it was a bond that everyone had come to hate. It had billions in pork projects and the media had largely turned against it. The Assembly also had proposals, but neither side was able to come to an agreement.

This bond also eliminates the pork that did not provide additional water to the system and would have made it much harder to convince voters to pass the bond. If we would have kept the original bond, we would have missed a window to do what is right for the entire state. I can honestly say that this is the toughest issue I have faced since joining the Senate.

Two weeks before the vote occurred, Governor Brown weighed in with a $6 billion bond. As a fiscally-responsible legislator, I understood the Governor’s apprehension in supporting a larger bond, on the other hand, I also knew the devastating consequences if we did not invest in the future. His proposal was a non-starter because it only contained $2 billion for new storage. With already record low reservoir levels, we absolutely need to concentrate on creating surface water storage reservoirs, like Temperance Flat and Sites Reservoirs.

This victory shows how government should run. The 2009 bond barely made it through the Legislature and was cobbled together in middle-of-the-night negotiations. This new bond had overwhelming bipartisan support. We all came together to represent not just our constituents but to prepare California for the future. I am proud of the work done to create this new bond, and hopefully, Californians understand the importance of this bond and will pass it in November. P

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

COMM UN ITY D EVELOPM EN T

G O V E RNMENT RELAT IONS

CALIFORNIA NEEDS JOBS NOT LAWSUITS By Jeff Denham

Towns across the Central Valley have seen a sharp rise in the number of lawsuits from out of town lawyers targeting local businesses for allegedly violating portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Many of these are small, family owned businesses who are ill equipped to afford the vast legal fees to fight a professional trial lawyer and have been forced to shut down. It is a problem that has been growing for years, especially here in the Valley and most acutely in minority JEFF DENHAM CONGRESSMAN and immigrant communities where lawyers target those who learned English as a second language or are new to this country and therefore have a limited familiarity with the American legal system. These lawsuits are driven by lawyers who often file “drive-by” lawsuits in which business owners are informed their businesses are outside of ADA compliance. The lawyers then demand a payment, often of several thousand dollars, to make the lawsuit go away. Lawyers target small businesses across the state with shakedown lawsuits, leaving businesses struggling to pay litigation costs and make the necessary changes in the allotted time. Businesses often have no idea they are in violation of the law until they are hit with a lawsuit, and anyone who has dealt with a contractor knows how expensive and complex improving a building can be. The current ADA and state laws sadly encourage these “driveby lawsuits” by unscrupulous lawyers, who are more interested in lining their pockets with cash settlements than in improving access for the disabled. Sometimes, they go so far as to use fake plaintiffs to file their suits. In the current economy, small business owners cannot afford to bear the brunt of this lawsuit abuse. I’ve co-sponsored two bills to help protect small business owners from fraudulent ADA lawsuits. The first, called the ACCESS Act, will provide potential victims of abusive ADA lawsuits a chance to fix the alleged violation before a lawsuit can move forward. For example, if a complaint is filed, the recipient will have 60 days to respond to it. If something needs to be fixed, the recipient will have 120 more days to fix it. The second, the ADA Notification Act of 2013, provides business owners sufficient time to evaluate and correct potential ADA violations before costly litigation starts. It gives them at least 90 days from the time they receive notification of possible ADA violations to make the necessary improvements to their facilities before legal action can begin.

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Casey G. Johnson, CPA, MBA Earns Cer tif ied Valuation Analyst (CVA) Designation. Casey has successfully earned his designation of Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). Requirements to earn the CVA designation include being a licensed Certified Public CASEY G. JOHNSON Accountant, completing intensive training programs, and successfully completing the association’s comprehensive examination and case study analysis. Certified Valuation Analysts provide Business Valuation and Litigation Consulting Services. They are uniquely qualified by virtue of the knowledge they’ve gained earning their CPA and CVA designations.

Modesto Administrator Chosen as Future Long Term Care Leader MODESTO – The California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF) announced today that Deanna Hill, Administrator at English Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center has been chosen by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a Future Leader in long-term and post-acute care. “AHCA/NCAL is dedicated to offering skilled nursing professionals who are providing high quality care the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills,” said Mark Parkinson, president & CEO of AHCA/NCAL. We look forward to seeing Deanna and the entire Future Leaders class apply these newly-acquired skills to improve the well-being of individuals within long-term and post-acute care.”

“For the fourth year in a row, Data Path, Inc., has been named by Inc. Magazine as of the 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Data Path, an IT consulting firm in Modesto, earned the position of #2436 on the prestigious list. The company, founded by childhood friends David Darmstandler and James, Bates, started in 2005 and now employs 34 people.” P

I believe every small business should at least be given the opportunity to follow the law and fix any problems before a lawsuit can move forward. I will continue to work with concerned groups like Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) to educate the public and push through needed reforms at the state and federal level. In the coming months I will also be holding workshops in partnership with CALA to share response tactics with small business owners facing these kinds of lawsuits. Our state needs to create jobs, not lawsuits, and reforming our ADA laws to protect small business owners from these types of shakedown lawsuits will do just that. P

OCTOBER

2014

CA N DID AT E S

D ESCRIBE WAY S IN WHI CH YOU AS AN EL ECTED OFFICI AL WOULD

EN COURAGE A COL L AB ORATI V E AN D COOP ERATIVE RELATI ONSHI P WITH OTH ER UN ITS OF GOVERN MEN T. MOD ESTO N EED S JOBS . AS AN

CHAMBER’S GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COUNCIL

EL ECTED OFFICIAL , H OW WI LL YOU CON TRIBUTE TO IMP ROV I NG THE AVAIL ABIL ITY OF L OCA L J OB S?

EVALUATES CANDIDATES & BALLOT MEASURES FOR NOVEMBER 4, 2014 GENERAL ELECTION For the past several weeks a subcommittee of the Governmental Relations Council has been interviewing candidates for state and local office. At stake is the Chamber’s nod in potentially recommending a candidate in each race. The evaluation process is not limited to interviews alone. Each candidate is requested to prepare a written response to questions posed to each candidate in a particular race. The interview process provides the opportunity for a candidate to expand on their response to a particular question or in some cases, to defend a position they have taken. Separate from candidate interviews, the GRC will evaluate various ballot measures for the upcoming general election and pass their recommendation to the board as to which ballot measures should receive the support of Chamber members. Following interviews and the review of survey responses, the candidate subcommittee and GRC will forward recommendations to the Chamber board of directors for their consideration. The Chamber Board makes the ultimate decision as to whether the Chamber will recommend members support a candidate or ballot measure. The October edition of Progress Magazine will feature unedited versions of each candidate’s survey response posted side-byside for members to review. Feedback indicates that this presentation of information provides our members an objective which to evaluate candidates. P

IF Y OU ARE EL ECTED OR

REEL ECTED TO OFFICE, WHAT WI LL BE Y OUR TOP ISSUE? DESCRI B E TH E MEASURES Y OU WI LL TAKE TO AD D RESS TH IS N UMB ER ONE P RIORITY.

IN Y OUR OWN WORD S, DESCRI B E TH E ROL E AN D RESP ONSI B I LI TY OF TH E OFFICE Y OU SEEK .

H OW D O Y OU EVAL UATE THE

IMPACT TO BUSIN ESS WHEN MAK IN G VOTIN G D ECISI ONS?

WH AT IS Y OUR REL ATIONSHI P WITH OTH ER L OCAL LY ELECTED

OFFICIAL S? WH EN D ID YO U LAST MEET OR CORRESP ON D WI TH ONE OF OUR L OCAL LY EL EC TED STATE OF FED ERAL OFFICIAL S ?

P L EASE D ESCRIBE Y OU R PO SI TI ON ON CEN TRAL VAL L EY WATER

7 Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

CH AL L EN GES. MORE STORAG E? GROUN D WATER P UMP ING MON ITORIN G?

STATE SENATE DI S TR I CT 1 2 : A NT HO NY C A NNE L L A

As a member of the Joint Committee on Legislative Audit, I’ve worked to increase transparency within government agencies. The legislature passed a bill that I authored, SB 898, which will increase accountability by requiring each state agency, department and entity to provide the treasurer with its employer identification number, as well as authorizing the treasurer to use these numbers to monitor state bank accounts and state money that are outside of the treasury system.

After Governor Brown decided to close local redevelopment authorities, I worked with him on replacement programs, which now include hiring credits, manufacturing sales tax exemptions, and incentive credits that are designed for areas like the Central Valley. In a broader sense, there is much more the state can do to create jobs. I supported the Local Control Funding formula, which will increase funding for schools in our region; I also support vocational education and apprenticeship

programs that prepare students for the good jobs we do have here now. I also worked to pass the legislation that placed a new water bond on the November ballot, and I am now campaigning for passage of that bond. Our region needs new water storage and conveyance systems, and it also needs new transportation infrastructure, including an extension of commuter rail lines from the Bay Area.

The economy will remain my top priority. Our regional economy depends on reliable water resources, so the implementation of the water bond and related policies will be a priority. I’ve mentioned education funding and infrastructure development- those will continue to be priorities that are closely related to economic activity.

4: It is my responsibility to represent the interests of communities in our region. I have done my best to include many groups and points of view in m decision-making, and I believe that’s reflected in

the broad support I’ve received over the course of this reelection campaign. It is also my duty to help consituents resolve issues they encounter with state agencies or programs.

5: I own a local engineering company in Modesto,

so I have practical experience with many of the issues we discuss in the legislature. On business issues, I seek advice from business owners and consultants who have expertise in a given field or area of legislative or regulatory differences affect business and commerce. I also consider studies and reports produce by nonpartisan groups, mainly te Legislative Analysts Office.

I have close working relationship with the other elected officials who represent our region. I have met with local, state and federal officials this week.

Refer to questions #2

S TATE S ENATE DI S TR I C T 1 2 : S HAW N B A G L E Y

It is very important to me that I get input from the elected and non-elected officials from the area. On any policy matter of great importance, I will be the first to reach out to them, and I will encourage them to do the same. Your leadership will have my cell phone number while I direct my staff to connect with those officials as often as possible. I want to bring in a 21st Century web-based communication network that connects with every citizen using social media. That way I can feel the pulse of the district. 2: I will work with my colleagues in the Legislature to combat the bureaucratic bloat that hurts our small business owners. I will also work to provide incentives like tax credits to encourage large businesses to open in our area. Now that Tesla made the decision to put its Gig factory in Nevada, there should be no question about whether we get its new assembly plant that it has planned in its future.

When the Water Bond passes and Governor Brown approves increased groundwater regulation and reform, both of which I support,

water will continue to be my top priority. Water is the lifeblood of our district. Agriculture is our number one industry. We feed the world. I have been working in the agricultural industry for 30 years as a produce broker and a small business owner. My goal will be to ensure that every Valley resident and farmer has the water they need to thrive. I will work with the MID and TID to ensure they get as much help as possible to meet the groundwater regulation standards by the 2020 deadline.

The responsibility of the office is to guarantee that the people’s will is carried out. That means creating a business-friendly community so people can create good paying jobs for people to go to. It means making sure we have clean drinking water for our families. And it means making the education of our children a priority.

As a small business owner, I have seen the red tape thrown around over the years, and I have seen how it’s impacted my business. Those are real-world lessons I have taken with me into every venture I have pursued.

Over the years I have worked with local elected officials to help them navigate the election process.

7: As I stated before, we can provide tax credits and other incentives to businesses that are looking at making our area their home. In addition to that, we can work on widening Highway 132 to give us a more direct line to the Bay Area. The larger Bay Area market can help our businesses expand so we can hire more employees at better wages. Also, I will facilitate collaboration between the local high schools and business owners so we can get students who are better trained to enter the job market directly upon graduation. Finally, I will encourage my colleagues in the Legislature to make computer programming an option to meet the Foreign Language component for graduation. Doing so will make students better able to start their own businesses and help established business owners lower their overhead through technology.

STATE ASSEMBLY DI S TR I CT 1 2 : KR I S T E N O L S E N

Politics requires collaboration. Successfully implementing a policy that is cohesive, effective, and beneficial to the community is a feat that can only be accomplished by working with all necessary stakeholders. When I served on the Modesto City Council, I was committed to involving as many actors as I could in a given decision. I carried this commitment to democratic participation with me to the State Assembly

when I was elected in 2010. California is too big and too diverse to rely on the knowledge and expertise of 120 legislators in Sacramento. As an Assemblywoman for the Central Valley, I have maintained an open door policy, remained active in my community, and welcomed any and all input from the city, county, and community leaders in my district. I will continue to encourage open dialogue over my next term.

For too long, state government officials have been extracting tax dollars from our local communities to fund their special interests. When high-powered lobbyists secure special favors in Sacramento for corporations, small business suffers. We must ease regulations and streamline approval processes, so business owners can focus on their core mission of growing their businesses and hiring more employees. The last thing on the mind of an OCTOBER

entrepreneurial business owner should be worrying about lawsuits or government regulators. As your Assemblywoman, I will fight to ensure that funding flows into the pockets of small businesses and families, rather than special interests. I’ve always believed that actions speak louder than words, and I am more than happy to share with you an example of how I have tangibly fought for the strength of our local economy. Recently, I co-authored a bill addressing California’s severe drought and joined with my colleagues in the Central Valley delegation in order to ensure that our unique agricultural interests were represented. Water is not only a precious resource throughout all of California, but a requirement and driver of economic prosperity here in the Central Valley . 3: Returning jobs to our state will continue to be my top priority and at the forefront of every decision I make as a legislator. From the Gold Rush on, California was seen as a place full of opportunity. But our reputation for prosperity and opportunity has rapidly deteriorated over the past several decades due to poorly planned policies that have crushed small businesses and California’s entrepreneurial spirit. As a State Assemblywoman, I will continue to work on policies that will restore California’s reputation as the birthplace of dreams and individual opportunity. We must cut regulatory tape and nonsense policies, improve educational opportunities, require more efficient

and transparent government agencies, improve water reliability and supply, and lower costs on small businesses so they can grow and create more jobs.

and California’s hardworking middle class. These are the drivers of our economy, not government spending.

Sacramento was constantly intervening with our local affairs and raiding our tax dollars. This resulted in major cutbacks and reductions to public safety services, and I was often frustrated by the lack of discretion we were given to make decisions about how to best run our cities. Since being elected to the State Assembly, I have made a conscious effort to prioritize local control. I pride myself in maintaining solid and steady relationships with local elected officials in my district, as I know that it is only through cooperation that we are able to achieve progress for Central Valley residents.

Whether we like it or not, Sacramento wields significant influence over the Central Valley and its hardworking residents. Unfortunately, many of the decisions legislators make inhibit our ability to run successful businesses, provide jobs for the community, and raise our families. When I was first elected to the State Assembly in 2010, it was my goal to be as effective in crafting policy in Sacramento as I demonstrated while on the Modesto City Council. I believe that I lived up to that promise and worked day in and day out on behalf of the people I represent to further commonsense solutions and drive bipartisan agreements. I am running for re-election in order to bring honest representation for the Central Valley.

Creating good-paying jobs with ample opportunities for career advancement is the only way our state is going to recover from our stagnant economic slump. As such, I weigh the impact to California business and our state’s economy prior to voting for any measure. I will continue this practice throughout my next term, and will use my position as the Assembly Republican Leaderelect to advance bills that support small business

6: While serving on the Modesto City Council,

As I have stressed throughout this questionnaire, I am both a proponent and fierce advocate for local control and low taxes and regulations that will lead to good jobs, great schools, and a more transparent, efficient, and accountable government. High taxes and stringent regulations have crushed small businesses, the only proven drivers of job growth. We must work to reverse this trend and aggressively pursue tax relief for California’s hardworking, middle-income individuals, families, and employers. To this end, I have maintained a consistent record of supporting small business owners and will continue to do so

S TATE AS S EMBLY D I S TR I CT 1 2 : HA R I N DE R G R E WA L

I am running for the Assembly to continue the work that I have done on the local level for over two decades- work with the business community, create jobs, improve schools and reduce crime. I have held the following leadership positions: Trustee - Turlock Unified School District, Council Member, Municipal Advisory Council, Director - Community Service District, and Director of the Stanislaus County Fair Board. In those positions of elected office and community leadership I have been known for ability to work well as a member of a team to accomplish important tasks by building consensus. In the Assembly I will seek to tone down partisan rancor and develop a project-oriented and more cohesive approach. In the context of this campaign, the voters will see that I have a real track record as a pragmatic problem-solver. My record shows that party ideology is of no importance to me, just getting the job done.

First off, I take tax breaks on a case by case basis, and my focus is always on the bottom line. But if a tax break creates local jobs in Modesto and pays for itself in economic growth, I would take a favorable position on that issue. Secondly, new taxes cannot be the answer. California as whole suffers from a boom and bust budgeting cycle that citizens and businesses alike cannot rely

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

upon. Finally, I support a rainy day fund first- that means setting aside resources before investing them – in otherwise valuable programs--so that our state’s budget isn’t trapped in a schizophrenic up and down cycle that provides no consistency to investors, small businesses, and rating agencies.

Running for the Assembly is my chance to take the lessons learned in my professional career and community involvement and apply them to issues of statewide consequence. In my campaign for the Assembly I will emphasize the need to fully fund higher-education, build a growing economy, and helping small businesses in the Central Valley grow. My expertise as an agricultural economist is of particular importance in this advocating on behalf of my constituents’ need for an economy that works for everyone. I also lecture at CSU Stanislaus in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Markets and Pricing as well as Farm Management. My experience in the classroom and as a Trustee of the Turlock Unified School District give me a healthy appreciation of the needs and challenges of our public school system. In the area of education I want to ensure that the local control funding formula and common core standards are sensibly implemented and work for all local districts while protecting students with the greatest needs for special attention. In the area of jobs growth, I want

to expand access to the middle-class by preparing students for either college or a career with goodpaying wages, particularly in the Central Valley where the need is so great.

As an Assembly Member I will fight for the needs of our region not one particular party or ideology. My love for our community is evident in my participation in civic life here for over 23 years. I see the need for an Assemblymember from our region who understands the need to build growing economy, good-paying jobs, and helping small businesses grow. My expertise as an agricultural economist is of particular importance in that I can effectively advocate on behalf of the needs of the farming community, as a member of the majority Democratic Party.

I have always sought the views of the owners of local businesses in regards to issues that come before me. I will continue this open door approach in the assembly.

6: I have strong relationships with our local, state and federal officials and meet with them regularly. 7:

We have a duty to help expand our middle class by engaging in a thoughtful and meaningful economic development program. I believe in a OCTOBER

bottom-up approach to invest in the people of California to help California businesses compete, expand, and grow our economy and middle-class while at the same time ending government subsidies for corporate interests that are not in the best interests of California. Finally, we need to put California first by investing in our basic infrastructure in ways that help prepare California for tremendous growth over the next 100 years.

S TATE AS S EMBLY DI S TR I CT 2 1 : A DA M G R E Y

I believe one of my responsibilities and obligations is maintaining ongoing dialogue with government officials. My Modesto office is located in the city/county building at 1010 Tenth Street providing immediate access to city and county officials. My staff and I frequently meet with local government officials in both counties and I am often meeting with local elected on issues such as water and economic development. I want to impress this is not simply reacting to issues brought to me by local leaders, although that occurs often. I have reached out to local officials to put together economic development packages to aide in the consideration of their location on their behalf. Tesla is an example of these. I asked both Merced and Stanislaus County to prepare supplemental packages for Tesla because the end game with that company is the six additional facilities they plan to complement their Nevada facility.

We need to do 2 things. 1) We need to remove bureaucratic and regulatory obstacles which

constrain business without any public benefit. 2) We need to aggressively pursue all opportunities to give Modesto a diverse and thriving economy. I support issues such as regional self help gas tax for Stanislaus County. At the same time, I oppose the gas tax increase the California Air Resource Board has approved. The CARB action is the latest example of the valley unique challenges being ignored by other parts of California

Water, jobs and economic development (They are all inter-related). My work on the water bond and continued efforts to address the flow issue are good examples of my work. 4: I am the Valley’s advocate. My job isn’t to enforce political correctness; my job is to help the people who live here. That is voting on bills, asking for regulatory change and to make our case not only to each other but to other areas in the state. I work across party lines to a degree unseen in a long time.

You have to weigh the benefit against the cost. I am not anti government, but I do not believe that

the government is the only answer. We will not have jobs without a thriving business community. Without such a community we will not have the resources for the services we all want. You as a group do a nice job of providing advice. I can tell you every legislator in both parties pay more attention to businesses from the district than other parts of the state.

6: Excellent.

I work closely with Assm. Olson, Senators Berryhill, Cannella and Galgiani and Congressman Denham. I spoke to each of these members within the last few days. I met with Congressman Denham and Supervisor DeMartini on Sunday when in Newman for the Fall Festival Parade and we discussed several issues including the ADA lawsuits facing our communities. I also regularly communicate with our local irrigation district board members such as Michael Frantz as we discussed water policy.

7: We have to keep shooting at every opportunity. Not every bullet hits the target but one day we will and we have to be ready to take advantage of it.

S TATE AS S EMBLY DI S TR I CT 2 1 : J A C K M O B L E Y

1: Open and honest communication is the key. Once the election is past it won’t matter whether a legislator has a D or an R after their name. We have to talk and work together with an understanding both sides have legitimate concerns and opinions which need to be taken into consideration. It will be important to take the timing and costs of legislation into account and how it will affect other levels of government. 2:

Government does not create jobs. It can only create an environment which destroys jobs or encourages their creation by the private sector. In the Central Valley water is essential to agriculture which is the hub of our economy. We have to do whatever it takes to improve the availability of water. More surface storage, more ground water recharging, more conservation and education on using water, and investigation about the use of desalination plants are key to ensuring the stability of our economy. We also must reduce taxes through better use of the funds entrusted to us and to reduce the regulations choking our businesses.

3: Everything hangs on building a better economy

and in order to have the economy we need we must

have more dependable sources of water. Schools, better jobs, police and fire protection all depend on being able to adequately fund these ventures and that means an economy which will support them. We don’t have that now as evidenced by our failing schools, our crumbling infrastructure and businesses leaving the state and taking well paying jobs with them. We have to invest in more above and in ground storage, more conservation, more desalination and we have to come to grips with the EPA and the strangle hold they have on water.

legislation and decisions by elected officials should be evaluated as to their effects on the economy and the legislation’s adherence to the Constitution of the United States and the state of California.

An Assembly seat in California is more important that a Congressional seat in any other state. We will make decisions affecting the 8th largest economy in the world giving our decisions immense influence beyond the borders of our country let alone our own state. Most certainly the decisions made in California will affect our country to strengthen it or to its detriment.

As a business owner I am acutely aware of the effect of legislation on business. We need to discuss proposed legislation with experts and small business owners and operators to get their input and not just listen to lobbyists who are shoveling cash into the coffers of the office holders. All

I have personal relationships with most of the elected officials. Some are personal friends and others friendly acquaintances but all know I am vitally interested in what is going on in the district. I meet many of them on a weekly basis in my role as a county planning commissioner. Government errs when it sees itself as a job creating entity. It can destroy jobs with regulations and taxes but it can only create an environment where the private sector can create jobs. Adverse regulations and confiscatory taxes will destroy a vibwrant business environment as we are currently seeing in California. We must lessen the tax burden and reduce the confusing and often conflicting regulations across the board. Targeted tax reductions for specific industries or companies are unfair to other businesses.

OCTOBER

CO NGRESSMAN DI S TR I C T 1 0 : J E F F DE NHA M

Having a collaborative and cooperative relationship with local government is extremely important to me. The best way to ensure that we are working closely together is to be proactive in meeting with local elected officials and government agencies. I am very clear with our staff that our mission is one of service to the district and that includes other units of government. Both my staff in D.C. and in the Central Valley have consistent and scheduled engagements with their counterparts in local government. This ensures that I can be an effective advocate on the federal level, keeps me aware of relevant grant opportunities and ensures that myself and my staff understand of the impact of pending or established legislation on our community. Additionally both myself and my staff make it a point to be present at as many community and civic events as possible, including both regular business meeti ngs and public occasions.

There is no question that we need jobs here in Modesto and across the Central Valley where unemployment remains mired in double digits despite a broader recovery throughout the nation. This means reforming the federal government’s tax and regulatory policies that hamper economic growth and are especially harmful to small businesses and farmers, who provide most of the jobs in the Central Valley. To bring jobs back to the

Valley I will focus on representing the long-term interests of our agricultural community, finding a solution to the struggle over water storage and conveyance and improving our transportation systems and infrastructure.

My number one issue will remain bringing jobs and economic growth to the Valley. That means we need stable federal policies that promote rather than hinder job creation. To ensure economic growth and job creation, we have to put policies in place that help business owners and job creators succeed. I think this means tackling tax reform, fixing our broken immigration system with top-to-bottom reform and improving our water and transportation infrastructure. This also requires investing in our future through an innovative, affordable education system so that our country can continue producing some of the best and brightest minds across the globe.

First and foremost it is the Oath I take, to “..support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.” However I also take seriously the role of public servant. Whether it is ensuring that a veteran receives the benefits they earned or a senior gets their Social Security when they need it, I am privileged to work every day on behalf of my constituents.

As a businessman and farmer myself, I think about how each piece of legislation would affect my operations. I face the same challenges with an overcomplicated tax code, increasing healthcare costs and an uncertain regulatory environment. My personal experience, especially with burdensome regulation and government overreach, helps guide my decisions.

I speak almost daily with one of our local elected officials. This week I will be meeting with local supervisors, several mayors, law enforcement officials and city councilmen who all have issues and concerns that intersect with my federal responsibilities

I want a future for the Valley that creates opportunity for our children to stay and raise families here, rather than forcing them to leave to find available jobs. This means stable federal policies, fiscal prudence in our spending and a government that gets out of the way of job creation. We cannot dictate the future of our economy, but we can unleash the natural dynamism and creativity of Central Valley entrepreneurs, farmers, students and community leaders to build a better future. I intend to continue spending each day of my time in office helping to support this vision through the legislation I support and the casework my staff and I perform on behalf of my constituents.

CO NGRESSMAN D I S TR I C T 1 0 : M I C HA E L E G G M A N

1: I intend to run an office that is open and

accessible to my constituents, local businesses and organizations and, of course, local and state level officials. I believe that we need elected officials to do more at the federal level to engage and aid local and state elected officials. I will have staff present at all local city council and Board of Supervisor meetings to remain engaged with local needs. In these current economic times, I believe that there are resources at the federal level that can be used to supplement local and state governments that are, unfortunately, currently being sent to other areas of our country and state. We need a Congressman who will standup for the Central Valley.

As a local farmer and small businessman, I know much can and must be done at the federal level to help spark local job creation. We are a local ag economy and one of our biggest priority at the moment is water. I will vote for federal grants to support local water storage projects, as well as new water reclamation programs and water desalination of brackish water to help meet our water needs. On my farm I’ve also had the unpleasantness to deal with out of control and duplicative regulation and paperwork. To create a more hospitable environment for businesses,

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

we must cut red tape and streamline regulations. And of course, we need to create an environment where our community can compete with other areas throughout the state. Unfortunately when it comes to joblessness, crime, education and infrastructure, you can compare us to Appalachia. And nobody wants to open a business in an area with out of control crime, an uneducated workforce or crumbling infrastructure. We need the federal government to assist us with grants for public safety – starting with the SAFER Grant for improved fire safety and resources to put new cops on the street and combat gang and meth violence. And we need a Congressman who will fight to make our education and infrastructure improvements on parity with the rest of the country. And we can do that without raising taxes. As Californians, we only receive back 74 cents back for every dollar we send to the federal government. I’ll sponsor legislation and always fight to make sure we get more of our tax dollars back in our state to grow our own economy and take care of the neediest parts of our states before subsidizing other areas of the country.I also support tax credits to help new businesses get started and existing businesses expand.

Jobs and water. Please see previous answer.

I believe that the first and foremost responsibility of being a US Congressman is to be an advocate for the people of the Central Valley. It’s not to get involved in partisan debacles or engage in political theater. Nor is it to serve the interests of one political party. My primary role will be to create a more hospitable economic climate for my constituents and to fight for the needs of the Valley in Congress.

As a business owner, I know that business does what government cannot – in offering many services and helping folks move out of poverty. The needs of businesses will factor into every vote I take.

As a candidate, I don’t have the ability to meet with elected in an official/government capacity, but I regularly meet with and seek the counsel of elected officials including mayors and Supervisors on the campaign trail and look forward to working with them closely in Congress.

Economic development and job creation is my most important task. See answer 2 above for my plan to create jobs and spark economic development.

N ETW ORKIN G & REFERRALS

MO DES TO CHAMBER OF COMME RCE G O VERN ME NTA L R E L AT I O NS CO U NC I L

N O VE M BE R 4 , 2 0 1 4 GE N E R AL E L E CT I ON

U.S HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 10 JEFF DENHAM – REP

Congressman Denham has a very good command of the issues. After serving this district in the California Senate, Denham is attuned to our issues, particularly water and local economic issues.

MICHAEL EGGMAN – DEM

Mr. Eggman was not fluent on business or economic issues. He did not have a plan for dealing with water issues.

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STATE SENATE – DISTRICT 12 ANTHONY CANNELLA – REP

Senator Cannella remains connected locally and focuses his efforts on paring-back burdensome regulations and impediments to economic development. Cannella is the co-sponsor of prevailing wage legislation which eliminated the rights of Charter cities to manage their own finances, however this is offset by his bipartisan effort on passing a water bond demonstrates his ability to work across the aisle to seek solutions.

SHAWN K. BAGLEY – DEM

Mr. Bagley did not provide an adequate explanation as to why he would be a better representative for the central valley than Anthony Cannella. His proposed economic policies are out of synch with the needs for this area and he has no specific plan to address water issues.

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STATE ASSEMBLY – DISTRICT 12 KRISTIN OLSEN – REP

Assemblywoman Olsen demonstrates a keen knowledge of local issues. She understands that due to the supermajority in the legislature, her efforts must be bipartisan where possible in order to win support for legislation which benefits her district.

meeting you where you are

HARINDER GREWAL – DEM

Dr. Grewal is an accomplished man who enjoys community service. Grewal was not able to make the case as to why he would be a better legislator than Kristin Olsen.

STATE ASSEMBLY – DISTRICT 21 ADAM GRAY – DEM

Assemblyman Gray demonstrated a good command of the issues confronting the central valley. His understanding of water issues and bipartisan cooperation on the water bond and other water related legislation show his ability to reach across the aisle on local issues. However, his voting record on legislation that adversely impact business such as mandatory sick leave is concerning.

JACK MOBLEY – REP

Mr. Mobley, a retired USAF Lt. Colonel and pilot is the owner of a successful janitorial franchise which has enjoyed consistent growth. He currently is a planning commissioner for the County of Merced. Mobley stressed the importance of changing the dynamic in Sacramento by adding legislators who will better protect business owners and taxpayers from heavier regulation and fees or taxes.

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NE T W ORK I NG & REFERRALS

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CO M M U NI TY DEVELO PMENT

LEMONADE DAY

PEOPLE ON THE M OVE

By Tammie Webb

•

With our Kick-Off event behind us, we can now really start to focus on supporters in our community. Who is that you might ask? Anyone and everyone that lives in our community can support Lemonade Day in one way or another.

Sponsorship is always important because the funds raised for Lemonade Day go to help our youth in our community apply for and receive scholarship funds for educational things they would like to do: projects, schooling, educational travel, etc.

•

Volunteer your time to serve on the LD Advisory Board or Lemonhead Committee and work within the program to help give new ideas and ways to reach youth in our community.

•

Advertise LD at your place of business, encourage employees to register their kids and participate as a group on LD by hosting a stand.

•

Provide In-Kind donations: marketing, advertising, printing, media, catering, graphics, social media, etc.

•

Sponsor or donate your time to one of our main events: Best Tasting Contest, Best Stand Contest, Best Business Contest, Best Photo Contest & Best Story. (all TBA)

•

And remember, purchasing Lemonade from a stand on May 16th, 2015 from our young entrepreneurs is most important!

Each month I will have a “Note of Thanks” to recognize individuals and companies that support Lemonade Day, this month I want to give a Shout Out to: SCOE – The Stanislaus County Office played an enormous role in helping to get our LD materials revised to get them out electronically to our youth in the school districts. Tom Changnon and Cindy Young have made LD a priority event to help us reach as many youth as we can. Dan Costa & the Costa Family Foundation, Huff & DKI Construction, O’Brien’s Market & Gallo Family Winery for being Presenting Sponsors our first 2 years. Pacific Southwest Container for creating over 1,000 adorable “pop-up” lemonade stands and letting us give them out for free to kids and letting them get creative and decorate them to match their business theme.

I would love to set up a time to personally meet with you, do a presentation for your company or simply answer any questions you may have about getting involved with Lemonade Day. I can be reached at modesto @lemonadeday.org and I look forward to hearing from you! Attend our Lemonade Day Happy Hour on October 28, 2014 at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce at 5:30pm to learn more about Lemonade Day and see how you and your business or organization can get involved. We will have light appetizers, refreshing beverages and fun raffle prizes P

Sponsored : by

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

NAI Benchmark is proud to announce the addition of two new team members, Sarah Spencer and Nicole Surber.

Sarah Spencer, Client Services Coordinator, is our newest addition to the Property Management Division. Sarah is responsible for handling demand and preventative maintenance services, as well as lease administration and compliance. Sarah brings nearly 4 years of Commercial Real Estate and Property Management experience and has managed nearly 1.5 million square feet of SARAH SPENCER commercial real estate, primarily office and retail space. She takes pride in building positive relationships with owners and tenants. Prior to joining the Benchmark team, Sarah was the client services coordinator for NAI Ruhl Commercial in Davenport, Iowa. During her time there, she was awarded the 2013 Quad Cities Employee of the Year, due to her great attitude and diligent work ethic. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Nicole Surber joins our brokerage team as our newest Associate. As a resident of Oakdale, Nicole will be focusing her attention on the underserved Oakdale and Riverbank commercial real estate markets. Prior to joining NAI Benchmark, Nicole consulted with top executives and business owners to provide products and services to help grow their business, managing over 100 accounts worldwide and regularly exceeding sales goals of $360k a month.

NICOLE SURBER

Nicole holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from CSU Stanislaus. NAI Benchmark was founded in 2009 and has grown to 17 employees. It opened a second office in Stockton in November of 2013. P

NEW MEMBER PROFILES American Tax Credits Group Inc.'s mission is to serve its local

business owners in capturing the many federal and state tax credit programs available.  Our sole purpose is to help companies and business owners alleviate their income tax by providing them with all of the eligible tax credits available to them. We plan on doing several presentations for business owners and executives over the coming months in downtown Modesto in advance of the coming 2015 tax season.  Feel free to contact us to determine if your business qualifies for any tax savings at (559) 322-4645 or through our website at www.amtcg.com P

Prime Shine Car Wash presents:

LAND OF OPPORTUNITY ...a series spotlighting entrepreneurial achievement

Dick Imfeld Owner, I.C. Refrigeration I.C. Refrigeration has been a valley mainstay since its foundation in 1940 by Bill Imfeld Today, the 45-person company provides Commercial and Residential HVAC, Refrigeration, Custom Fabrication (Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Galvanized, Steel, Copper and even Bronze) as well as specializing in all aspects of Fire Protection. Since 1985, the company has been run by Dick Imfeld. What have you done in your professional career that has led you to where you are now? I’ve basically worked here all my life. When I was in high school, I used to be a helper in the field. I went away to college to Cal Poly Pomona and studied business. I’m not an engineer by trade on purpose. I figured I could use business wherever I went. Within a couple years after I came back from college, my Dad started winding down out of the business. When he died, my wife Shirley and I inherited the business, which was basically no business. We kept going and worked hard and got it going in the right direction by expanding into commercial air conditioning, design-build... the kind of stuff we do today. What challenges have you had to overcome in your professional life and how did you achieve that? In the 51 years that I’ve been in the business, I’ve been through three economic cycles. The first two, I didn’t know I was in them so I never maximized what we got out of them. I made up my mind that the next time the economy went up, we would maximize on it. And we did. We evolved from that and have been in a profitable position ever since. What are some of the accomplishments of which you are particularly proud? Survival. A lot of people in our industry don’t get to say that. A lot of my competitiors now are not the people that were in business when we were starting out. And most of them don’t do what we do. We have evolved and diversified, and that’s really paid off.

When you were younger what goals did you set for yourself and why? When we started out, I didn’t really know what direction we were going to go. The goal I set midstream was to take advantage of the upsurge in the economy, and we did meet that. When it tailed off, because we diversified we kept going. Our volume has increased every year with the same amount of people. We do that by being multitrained. None of us do just one job, we do anything and everything we can. What do you like about your job? I like the challenge of it. Learning something new all the time. I’m not an engineer, but I do a lot of design work and practical engineering. I’ve learned some valuable lessons and we’ve expanded our ability to do different kinds of work. What are your plans for the future? Hopefully, just to the business continuing. The key to it is just getting good people and having guys who are getting older focus on training up the younger people. What advice do you have for business people when it comes to achieving their goals? Change is inevitable, so you’d better be able to change with it. There are some things you don’t like to see change, but you know it’s going to happen over time. People leave and business goes in a different direction. We’ve seen a lot of changes over the years in business and the only thing you can do is roll with it. What do you like about doing business in the Modesto community and why do you think this is the Land of Opportunity? This is the biggest small town in the world. Everybody knows everybody. And I like that. Even though I.C. Refrigeration has grown, we still have roots and connections. Plus, we’re in a central part of the state. Our radius used to be 50 miles but now we go way over 100 miles in each direction, and being in the Central Valley lets us reach a lot of customers every day.

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

OCTOBER

EDU CA TIO N

FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT CULTIVATES BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS By Patricia Logan, Farm to School Consultant, Modesto City Schools

The Farm to School movement recently received a significant boost when Modesto City Schools received a two-year U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm to School (F2S) grant that funds school gardens at eleven (11) K-12 sites. The goal of the Farm to School grant is to promote an understanding and appreciation of agriculture through experiential garden-based education, form partnerships with local businesses to enhance and sustain the Farm to School movement, and form partnerships with local farms to procure foods for school meals. School gardens produce beautiful, bountiful crops and teach children to plan, plant, and harvest vegetables grown without the use of herbicides and pesticides while increasing student consumption of locally-grown fresh fruits and produce; and educate students about making healthy eating choices. Installing new school gardens is not as easy as flicking on a light switch; it takes time to plan the garden area, level the land, remove sod, install irrigation systems, build and install raised beds, and be compliant with school district standards. This is a total team effort among the students, school staff, and local business partners. Farm to School efforts resulted in the formation of numerous collaborative partnerships, both between schools and local business partners, and between younger and older students throughout the district. Some of the school business partnerships currently formed include: AgLink partnered with Modesto City Schools Nutrition Services to obtain fruits and vegetables from local resources. AgLink informs Nutrition Services staff regarding the availability of fruits and vegetables from local and regional farmers. American Lumber Company partnered with Mark Twain Junior High School and Orville Wright Elementary School to build raised beds that will be planted with vegetables and herbs this fall. Duarte Nursery provided soil for James C. Enochs and Thomas Downey High Schools. Hollandia Nursery provided soil, containers, plant material, and seeds for Joseph A. Gregori High School. Modesto Garden Club provided a $200.00 grant to five of the schools included in the Modesto City Schools Farm to School movement and eleven other schools in Modesto. Modesto Garden Club members volunteer at several schools and consult with school staff to help them create and sustain viable school gardens. Modesto Steel Company has partnered with Joseph A. Gregori High School to build metal raised beds that will be completed this fall. Morris Nursery provided soil and seeds for Thomas Downey High School and Fred C. Beyer High School.

Orchard Supply Hardware partnered with Grace M. Davis High School to provide a $2,000 grant through the Modesto Garden Club that will refurbish the current raised beds, restore the Davis greenhouse, and purchase much needed gardening supplies. Stanislaus UC Davis Ag Extension staff donated raised beds for Alberta Martone and Catherine Everett Elementary Schools, as well as seeds and composters for several schools included in the F2S grant. Ag Extension staff provided teacher training and curriculum for schools with gardens. West Modesto King-Kennedy Center staff trained Mark Twain students to work in the Specialty Crop garden adjacent to the center. A Seeds of Change Grant enhanced the efforts at Catherine Everett Elementary School. A Stanislaus County Office of Education and Delta Kappa Gamma â&#x20AC;&#x153;Helen Going Greenâ&#x20AC;? grant provided additional support for John Muir Elementary gardens. In addition to business and organizational partners, high school Ag teachers and students partnered with elementary school teachers and students to help students prepare and plant their gardens: Fred C. Beyer High School partnered with Orville Wright Elementary School; Grace M. Davis High School partnered with Alberta Martone and Catherine Everett Elementary Schools; and Thomas Downey High School partnered with John Muir Elementary School. Modesto City Schools Nutrition Services staff has been a large part of the Farm to School movement as well. A new dietitian now oversees school meals to ensure compliance with new federal and state regulations and that food served at the schools includes produce grown at local farms. Food served to students now includes a nutritional analysis of the calories, sodium, fat, and sugar content. Taste tests at several of the schools have been successful, allowing students to sample foods they may not have otherwise tried. The Thomas Downey High School culinary arts program incorporates vegetables raised at the school into recipes prepared by the students. Modesto City Schools is always looking for additional business partners and volunteers who would like to participate in the Farm to School movement. Schools involved in the grant include: Fred C. Beyer, Grace M. Davis, Thomas Downey, James C. Enochs, and Joseph A. Gregori High Schools; Robert T. Elliott Alternative Education Center; Mark Twain Junior High School; and Catherine Everett, Alberta Martone, John Muir, and Orville Wright Elementary Schools. If your business is interested in participating in the Farm to School Movement, and would like to help teach our students healthy eating choices through garden-based education, please contact Becky Fortuna, Public Information Officer, Modesto City Schools at fortuna.b@mcs4kids.com. P

WORK IN

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Modesto favorite has reopened in Roseburg Square more than a year since its previous location was destroyed by fire in February 2013. Owners Te Lung Li and Chong Yih Li, their employees, and hungry loyal customers couldn’t be happier. “We’re putting our hearts into it and with our family, friends and customers encouraging us, we’re really happy and we think we made the right choice to relocate and reopen,” says Chong Yih Li. “We love the new location and have great parking and wonderful neighbors.” The Orient House was Modesto’s first combination Chinese and Japanese food restaurant when Te Lung Li’s parents opened the eatery in 1983. The restaurant has enjoyed more than 30 years of success because customers appreciate its tasty and affordable menu, wide selection of dishes and friendly service. It’s also a five-time Modesto Bee Readers’ Choice award winner.

“After more than a year of being closed I thought my old customers might have forgotten us or found somewhere else, but they didn’t,” Chong Yih Li says. “We feel very blessed and fortunate that they have come back to us.” The new restaurant seats about 50 people, features a stylish and casual dining room and takeout service, and has expanded business hours Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The menu includes customer favorites like garlic chicken, sushi, sashimi, spicy noodle soup and bento boxes, as well as Korean dishes. The Lis are happy to be back where they belong, serving customers who are like family to them. “Starting over is not easy but we are really looking forward to our journey,” says Chong Yih Li. “Our goal is to be here another 30 years or more and make the new restaurant even better.” P

B r a n d i n g . S t r a t e g y. D e s i g n . MODESTO MEANS BUSINESS The Chamber stands by this statement. We practice it on a daily basis. As an organization, we use Chamber Members exclusively. We hope we can ‘count on you’ to practice using Chamber Members to meet all of your business needs. You can find new and current members online at www.ModChamber.org. 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

The Orient House Restaurant is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever.

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SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT (Courtesy of Never Boring)

Orient House Restaurant Rises Again

OCTOBER

G U ES T CO L U M N

THE DOWNTOWN MODESTO PAR TNERSHIP By: Josh Bridegroom

Downtowns have historically been the center of civics, culture and commerce in America, and they will become increasingly important in our future. Demographic trends show a resurgence of interest in urban lifestyles from the largest two generations in American history - Baby Boomers, who are moving into their retirement years, and Millennials, who are coming into their careers as young professionals and beginning to have families. The influence of this latter generation in civics, culture and commerce is already taking hold and will be profound as the future unfolds. Networking and the social exchange of ideas and intellectual capital is becoming increasingly integral to the success and growth of businesses, and there's no urban environment more conducive to social interaction than downtown. For this reason among others, cities across the nation are experiencing unprecedented demand for job growth in their downtown areas, and the trend is projected to grow. Downtown Modesto is already an economic powerhouse: with about 10,000 existing jobs, it has the highest concentration of employment anywhere in Stanislaus County. And downtown has the capacity to add tens of thousands more jobs under existing development codes. These are not low-paying jobs: the average worker downtown earns $45,000 per year, 10% higher than the average-wage for the Modesto area as a whole. And as downtown is built up, it is projected that wage levels will rise. Downtown is also the cultural, dining, and entertainment center for our region – providing the social environment that has helped foster job growth in other cities. However, in order for downtown to fully realize its growth potential, some systemic issues need to be addressed; chronic homelessness and vagrancy, safety and security, maintenance and upkeep, parking and image problems all function as hindrances to reinvestment. These issues affect us all, but they are beyond the scope and purview of any single organization to manage on its own. The Downtown Modesto Partnership was formed in order to tackle these larger issues and strategically position downtown Modesto for success. The Partnership is a collaborative organization representing a broad crosssection of the community, including the Chamber, the City, the Downtown Improvement District, the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, the Stanislaus Alliance, the education, arts & entertainment and faith-based communities, and downtown property owners. Since its inception less than a year ago, the Partnership has been working on many programmatic improvements to downtown. To date, it has:

• Developed an economic development incentive program for businesses and residential development that includes cash, fee exemptions, and tax rebates (expected to be launched in October) • Created a plan for improvements to 10th Street, between J and I Streets, and collaborated with the Chamber's Leadership Modesto Class on fundraising • Commissioned a downtown parking study and began work on its implementation • Worked to coordinate businesses, property owners, and the City regarding operational issues in the downtown • Constructed the first parklets in the Northern San Joaquin Valley at the corner of 10th and J Streets • Constructed the first bike corral in the Northern San Joaquin Valley at the corner of 11th and J Street These efforts have been made possible by the generous contribution of time and resources of approximately 40 great community volunteers, who continue to show steadfast commitment to improving downtown. The Partnership is currently working with NextStep on strategic planning for its future, to ensure it is as effective as possible. The future health of our community will rely on a healthy downtown and a healthy downtown will rely on the Downtown Modesto Partnership! For more information about the Downtown Modesto Partnership, the Downtown Economic Development Incentive Program, or how you can get involved, email Josh Bridegroom at jbridegroom@modestogov.com. P COM MUN ITY D EVELOPMEN T

ANNOUNCEMENTS 17th Annual Ag Hall of Fame Dinner to honor Save Mart Supermarkets. For nearly two decades the National Ag S cience C enter has b e en recognizing the accomplishments of the individuals, families and companies who have contributed to Stanislaus County’s role as one of the nation’s leading agricultural counties. This year Save Mart Supermarkets will be honored as the 2014 Hall of Fame recipient. Proceeds from November 13 event support the National Ag Science Center and its educational programs. Contact Michele Laverty at 521-2902 for sponsorship information. P

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

CO M M U N I TY D E V E L OP M E N T

ANNOUNCEMENTS The “Jumpstart Stanislaus” campaign is in full swing with the second component of the campaign starting September 1st and focusing on the Subsidized Employment Program. Administered through the Alliance Worknet, the Subsidized Employment Program (Sub E) is a Welfare to Work government funded program. During the first 90 days on the job, 100% of the employee’s wages are paid through the Alliance Worknet as well as worker’s comp costs. Alliance Worknet staff recruits and pre-screens qualified applicants and processes all necessary paperwork. Any pre-employment background checks and drug screens are also paid through Alliance Worknet.

SHOW CASE Your BUSINESS Have a new location or renovation to show off? Host a “Show Off Your Business” and let the community see your new digs! For more information call Natalie Nielsen at 209-577-5757 ext. 102.

Currently, there are 200 Sub E employees working at both non-profit and private sector businesses in Stanislaus County. With the added outreach efforts of the “Jumpstart Stanislaus” campaign, more local businesses will become aware of the Subsidized Employment Program and the excellent opportunity to hire a Sub E employee and get 100% of their wages paid. Welfare to work job seeker skill levels range from entry level to proficient. Job seekers are looking for a variety of positions including but not limited to clerical, medical office, warehouse, childcare, food service, drivers, landscape, retail, maintenance, janitorial and CNA. To find out if your business qualifies for the Subsidized Employment Program please contact our Recruitment Specialists at (209) 558-3960. P

The Girl Scouts mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts provides a leadership experience to girls in grades K-12. Girl Scout troops are formed and led by remarkable volunteers who give of their time and talents to be a role model and guide to over 18,000 girls. Outreach programs are also held and led by staff to provide the leadership experience to 8,000 girls. Their Vision is to be the premier leadership development organization for girls. P

OCTOBER

C O MMUNI TY DEVELOP MENT

LEADERSHIP MODESTO BASS LAKE RETREAT In the beginning of September, twenty-five relative strangers met at the Park and Ride in Modesto to depart for the Leadership Modesto Retreat in Bass Lake, Ca. As is tradition, this year’s Leadership Modesto Class started their trip with LeMo Kitchen, an exercise in team building that requires various groups to serve different courses of a 4 course meal while riding in a moving bus. With each course, the LeMo Class of 2014-2015 showed off their culinary expertise and we also got to enjoy some local flavors from Preservation Coffee and Tea and Frost Bakery. The rest of our weekend at Bass Lake was full of sharing, team building, leadership reflection, visioning for the year ahead, and tons of great food. The Retreat Planning Committee considers it an honor to have the opportunity to get to know the class so early in the year. This class taught us a lot over our 3 days together and the Retreat Planning Committee is thankful to them. One thing we know for sure, this Leadership Modesto Class is exceptional. We expect great things.

Retreat Planning Committee Kate Trompetter, Kris Helton, Melissa “Mo” Gascon, Tim Harms

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leadership- Modesto/1495625977362882

CHAMBER BOARD PERSPECTIVE By Patricia Gillum, CPA Vice Chairman, Internal Operations The Modesto Chamber of Commerce has great opportunities for the businesses and their employees in the Greater Modesto Area. DO YOU HAVE DESIRE TO MAKE MODESTO A VIBRANT COMMUNITY? DO YOU HAVE PASSION FOR A CERTAIN SEGMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY?

DRIVE AND PERSISTENCE TO MAKE A POSITIVE DO YOU HAVE THE

CONTRIBUTION TO OUR CITY?

DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH ENTHUSIASM TO SEE A GOAL THROUGH? DO YOU HAVE EXPERTISE TO SHARE WITH YOUR FELLOW BUSINESS COMMUNITY? DO YOU HAVE

IDEAS TO SHARE ?

We challenge you to bring that desire and drive to become an active member of the community through the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Don’t wait – pick up the phone and add your name and passion to the list of volunteers making a positive impact on the City of Modesto. This community needs your leadership! Committees such as the Economic Development Committee, Government Relations Council, The Stanislaus Green Team or the Ambassador & Welcome team. Events including: Ag Aware, Harvest Luncheon, State of Business & Education, Oktoberfest & State of the Region / Business Expo. Take it a step further and become a part of the Board of Directors. The Chamber provides you this opportunity to showcase your business at the same time make a positive contribution to our City. How? Volunteer for one of the many opportunities made available by the Chamber. P

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

A&A Portables proudly serving the

Central Valley since 1960. We are now offering Luxury VIP Restrooms!

Restrooms • Fence • Storage • Containers

201 Roscoe Rd. Modesto 95357 • 209-524-0401 • www. aaportables.com

BE RECOGNIZED BE ENTERTAINING BE COMFORTABLE BELONG. FIND OUT WHAT SENIOR LIVING WAS MEANT TO BE

Dale Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community

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

OCTOBER

STAN ISLAUS G REEN TEAM

3RD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 10AM-11AM KIRK LINDSEY CENTER 1020 10TH STREET MODESTO Contact Rikki Keenan for more information 209-577-5757 or RKeenan@ModChamber.org REACON Team Investors

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Customized Gifts as Unique as You and Your Customers! Provide us with your special promotional items and Stewart & Jasper employees will combine them with our gourmet almond products to put together the perfect gift for your employees, customers and partners. Options include: • company logos on bows and ribbons • add branded items like hats, shirts, gift cards, etc.

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To place an order, please call one of our associates at 1-877-ALMOND-8 28

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

NETW O R KI N G & RE F E RRA L S

CHAMBER CALENDAR OCTOBER 2014 3 OKTOBERFEST

Location: John Thurman Field 601 Neece Drive, Modesto Time: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM

NOVEMBER 2014 ,

5 SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS

Location: Wells Fargo Financial Advisors 1549 McHenry Ave, Modesto Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

9 BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

Location: Toni & Guy Hair Dressing Academy 3600 Sisk Road Time: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM

13 BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

Location: Bank of the West & I.J Larsen Pumps, Inc. 3600 McHenry Avenue Time: 7:30 AM to 8:30AM

16 STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM 20 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Location: SOS Club 819 Sunset Ave, Modesto Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Location: Kirk Lindsey Center 1020 10th Street Modesto Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM 22 STATE OF THE REGION

Economic Development / Business Expo Location: Modesto Centre Plaza Time: 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM 23 SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS

Location: Creekside Golf Course 701 Lincoln Ave, Modesto Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

20 STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

Location: Kirk Lindsey Center 1020 10th Street Modesto Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

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

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OCTOBER

N E T W OR K I NG & REFERRALS

PRESIDENT’S CLUB CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE PLATINUM LEVEL

SILVER LEVEL

Delta Sierra Beverage

Papa John’s

E. & J. Gallo Winery

AT&T

DirectLine Technologies, Inc.

Pepsi Bottling Group

Kaiser Permanente

Acme Construction Company, Inc.

The Eberhardt School of Business

Prompt Staffing D.B.A Courtesy

Walmart

American Chevrolet

English Oaks Nursing &

Walmart Neighborhood Market

American Medical Response

Aramark Uniform Services

F & M Bank

Prime Shine Car Wash

DIAMOND LEVEL

Atherton & Associates, LLP

Gabriel Fine Jewelers

Rabobank

Bank of the West

Audio Pros of Modesto

Galletto Ristorante

Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

Beard Land and Investment Co.

BIAlytics

Georgia-Pacific

Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Gianelli & Associates

Rocha Transportation

Brandman University, Chapman

Gilton Solid Waste Management, Inc.

Rogers Jewelry Company

Greater Modesto Medical

San Joaquin Valley College

Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc. Doctors Behavioral Health CenterDMC Doctors Medical Center-DMC

University System

California State University, Stanislaus

Surgical Associates

Staffing Post Foods, LLC

Siemens

Central Valley Ag Grinding

Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc.

Smile Shine Family Dental

Central Valley Autism Project Inc

Grover Landscape Services, Inc.

Seven Up Bottling Corporation

Central Valley Automotive

Harris Moran Seed Company

Solecon Industrial Contractors

Central Valley Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge

Heald College

Solid Networks, Inc.

Central Valley Nissan

I.J. Larsen Pumps, Inc.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai

Infiniti of Modesto

Stanislaus Distributing

Central Valley Medical Group

Institute of Technology

Stanislaus Food Products Company

Central Valley Specialty Hospital

International Paper Company

Stanislaus Surgical Hospital

Children’s Hospital Central California

JS West & Company

Storer Coachways

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

Kaplan College

SunOpta Aseptic, Inc.

Citibank

Lion Fusion Express

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

Clark Pest Control

Mercer Foods

Turlock Irrigation District

COIT Services Inc.

Mike's Knock Out Burger & Rays

Union Bank

Collins Electrical

Bar-B-Que

US Bank

Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball

Comcast

Mocse Credit Union

Uno Chicago Grill

RACOR, Division of Parker

Concordia Claims Managers

Modesto Commerce Bank

Valley First Credit Union

Construction Management

Modesto Toyota

Valley Lexus-BMW

Corporation

Mraz, Amerine & Associates

W.H. Breshears, Inc.

Seneca Foods, LLC

Costco Wholesale

Oak Valley Community Bank

Warden’s Office Products Center

Sysco Food Services of

Covanta Stanislaus, Inc.

O’Brien’s Market

Warden’s Office Furniture Outlet

Curtis Legal Group

OLAM Spices & Vegetables, Inc.

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios,

Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Panelized Structures Inc.

Yosemite Meat Company, Inc.

Frito-Lay Company, Inc. MedAmerica Billing Services, Inc. Pacific Southwest Container

GOLD LEVEL 5.11, Inc. Crystal Creamery DoubleTree Hotel Evergreen Nursing & Rehabilitation

Care Center

Memorial Medical Center The Modesto Bee Modesto Irrigation District

Hannifin Corporation

Save Mart Supermarkets

Central California

Taco Bell

Pacher & Silva

Del Monte Foods

Rehabilitation Hospital

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

Park Inn by Radisson

Insurance Agency

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