Progress Sep 14 by Modesto Chamber of Commerce

September 2014 Vol. 35 Issue 9 ModChamber.org

THE EMERGENCY BUSINESS

AMR

Jobs

Water

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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

© 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

Message from the CEO

COVER STORY The Emergency Business

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Chamber Board Perspective

EDITORIAL Lemonade Day

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Ditch the smartphone this summer and go exploring instead

NETWORKING & REFERRALS

Water, Our most Precious commodity

Ambassador Corner

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

Advertising Sales: Kristin Bowker Never Boring (209) 526-9136 • progress@neverboring.com

LEADERSHIP

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

Distribution: Parks Printing (209) 576-2568

FROM THE EXPERTS

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

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

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2014

18 New Chamber members 25 Calendar

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

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

RIKKI KEENAN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM DIRECTOR

The opportunity to become an Ambassador of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce is one of highest membership values offered to our members. Ambassadors are highly visible and prestigious volunteers who serve as a Chamber’s primary liaison to new and current Chamber members. They are well educated on the Chamber and provide membership mentoring to assure that members are receiving the full value and benefits from their membership investment. Ambassadors help educate current members about all of the resources, savings and marketing exposure that can be utilized as a Modesto Chamber member. Ambassadors play an essential role in member communications and retention. Building business through connections as an Ambassador is a great way to get engaged with the business community. Ambassadors enjoy the reward of making new contacts, building and strengthening relationships and accessing a wealth of information and resources that will lead the way to greatly enhancing any business or organization’s success. If you are interested in joining our Ambassador program email Rikki Keenan at RKeenan@ModChamber.org or by phone at 209-5775757 Ext.103. P

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

SEPTEMBER

LEA DERS H IP

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO By Chamber President and CEO Cecil Russell

We have just completed the Modesto Chamber’s State of Business & Education Forum. Superintendent of Stanislaus County Schools, Tom Changnon addressed the meeting with an update on the county’s initiative “Destination Graduation." This initiative is important for our area to attract new businesses and educated, employable community members are critical to achieving that goal. This multi-year CECIL RUSSELL program focuses on five pillars: mentoring CHAMBER PRESIDENT programs, summer learning programs for AND CEO at risk students, sharing of best practices, parental awareness programs and joining the National 3rd Grade Reading Campaign. You can find more information about this initiative by going to Stanislaus County Office of Education’s website: www.stancoe.org. There was a presentation by Rick Bartkowski, Stanislaus County Office of Education, on Common Core with teachers and students discussing their views. This major shift in curriculum and teaching practices for our students is intended to increase critical thinking as the students progress in their education. Many of you may not be aware that in the past year there have been a large number of lawsuits brought against small business owners throughout the Valley in regard to the American Disabilities Act. There are several lawyers and three to four law firms from across the state that have sued small companies, alleging noncompliance to ADA regulations. These firms have already canvassed larger counties and are now focusing on medium sized counties such as Stanislaus. Demand letters reference injuries, and seek monetary sum to settle these cases. Most of the noncompliance issues deal with lack of proper access ramps, parking lot compliance, proper signage, improper bathroom fixtures, and door handles. There are a number of measures that companies can take to avoid lawsuits and come into ADA compliance. Businesses should not cave into pressure to settle for noncompliance, but rather seek help from experts. The following list of websites are available to provide more information: http://www.ccda.ca.gov/Reports.htm http://www.sickoflawsuits.org/california/home https://www.apps.dgs.ca.gov/casp/casp_certified_list.aspx http://www.drail.org/ http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/Programs/programCert/casp/ consumerfaq.aspx http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/smallbusiness/ smallbusprimer2010.htm Businesses in threat of one of these lawsuits are also encouraged to contact our elected Representatives: Jeff Denham, Kristen Olsen, Cathleen Galgiani, Anthony Cannella, Adam Gray and Tom Berryhill, to notify their officies of the frequency of these cases and the firms raising to allegations. The Modesto Grand Prix sponsored by local supermarket, Save Mart, occurred in downtown Modesto the first weekend of August.

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

This event featured about 260 SuperKarts! USA drivers racing on our downtown streets that were magically turned into a highspeed racetrack. We congratulate the city for stepping up to bring this event to our community, we also thank the North Modesto Kiwanis for all of the guidance and support they provided for this event. It was a great first year with about 10,000 to 12,000 spectators coming downtown to view this unique race. We received a number of great comments from visitors who enjoyed our hospitality, some of whom had never been to our city. This was a great family event a very reasonable cost. It was heartwarming to see so many families enjoying the excitement that this event generated. There were many learning opportunities that will help this event improve as we hopefully will have the race return for many encores. Our Stanislaus Green Team honored two major manufactures with their Green Team Certification this past month. We are proud to announce that both Frito Lay and Crystal Creamery received their certificates during events that included recognition from our Congressman, Jeff Denham, State Senators Tom Berryhill and Anthony Cannella, State Assembly Member Kristin Olsen and our Mayor, Garrad Marsh. We are very pleased that these two great companies are here in Modesto. They employ over 1,000 people and are great partners in our community. Thank You Frito Lay and Crystal Creamery. The City of Modesto honored the Mayor’s Top Teens August 12th at the City Council Meeting. The Top Teens Program is a unified, community collaboration to commend and honor everyday good acts and accomplishments. Thirty-three local teenagers have demonstrated extraordinary efforts and commitment to serving others, overcoming adversity in their lives, achieving significant accomplishments, and are the epitome of a positive role model for their peers. We are very proud of this year’s top teens. There is no doubt that they are the future leaders of our community. In this issue of Progress we are featuring a local business that has grown throughout its 55 years of service to Modesto and surrounding cities. This business was managed by our former Mayor Jim Ridenour and grew under his leadership to become American Medical Response. We are very proud to have a professional company of their caliber in our community. Please mark your calendar for this year’s Oktoberfest.We will again be at John Thurman Field on Friday October 3rd, celebrating our 31st year of live music, beer & wine tasting, enjoying German Food and great friendship. We will also be holding our State of the Region Economic Development Conference/Business Expo on October 22nd at Modesto Centre Plaza. This promises to be a great event that will focus on economic development. Dave White from the Stanislaus Alliance and our top elected officials will discuss economic opportunities and job development that can help bring economic prosperity to our region and contribute to further improving the quality of life in our community. P

{ CH A I R M E N'S CO R NER }

CHAMB ER’ S N E W MIS S IO N V IS IO N & GO A LS ECONO MIC DE V E LO P ME NT By Chairman David Gianellil The Modesto Chamber of Commerce recently updated its Mission Statement and listed a new set of goals. The mission and goals of the Chamber are envisioned, designed and executed around a single, simple and direct vision: Through business leadership, build a vibrant and prosperous community. MISSION The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicated DAVID GIANELLI to serving the greater Modesto Area, regional CHAIRMAN businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity and business education. Towards this mission, your Chamber has four goals: PROVIDE MEMBER SERVICES Our members will have access to unique networking and promotional opportunities, educational programs, business services and special events - all designed to help their business succeed.

BE THE VOICE OF BUSINESS The Chamber is the voice of business and the guardians of the business climate. We will advocate on issues that affect the business environment and work to ensure Modesto is recognized as an ideal city in which to live, learn, play and do business. DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY VISION The Chamber will take a lead in shaping a powerful community vision – stimulating dialogue and building a balanced community with an emphasis on quality of life and quality of business. You Chamber has been hard at work fulfilling each of these goals. In this issue of Progress the focus is on Economic Development. This issue highlights the work that the Chamber, Alliance, our City and County are working on towards economic development. We have many dedicated volunteers working hard and selflessly in our economic development committee and subcommittee, on many fronts: water, transportation and infrastructure, redevelopment, downtown issue, land use and workforce development. Recent meetings have had presentations around water, the ACE Train, the North County Corridor, the Downtown Partnership, the General Plan Update, and more. We encourage our members to become involved in our Economic Development Committee or one of its subcommittees. P

PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Chamber is and will continue to be an active partner in assisting our local business to be successful, expand and remain in our community; and an

active partner dealing with transportation, redevelopment, land use, workforce education, and recruitment and retention of talent.

Lighting rebates

HVAC rebates

High efficiency Refrigerator motor rebates recycling program

SEPTEMBER

{ CO VER STO R Y }

THE EMERGENCY BUSINESS

55 YEARS OF AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE By Steve Madison

THE EARLY DAYS OF AMR

Imagine that you have a business model where you immediately grant your customers thousands of dollars in credit answer your phone in less than 5 rings and deliver your services in less than eight minutes over 90 percent of the time. That may sound like a very risky business model, but it is a model of proven success for American Medical Response in Stanislaus County. What follows is a success story AMR celebrates in now its 55th consecutive year of operation in Stanislaus County.

NUMBER OF EMERGENCY RESPONSES PER YEAR: 45,500 Beginning in 1959 AMR’s predecessor company Modesto/Ceres Ambulance began operations in Modesto and Ceres. In those days the ambulance calls came into an answering service which located the ambulance crews by phone and sent them on their way to calls, monitoring activities through two-way radio service which, at the time was considered state of the art. Today dispatching of ambulances is provided by a lightning-fast computer aided dispatch system which uses global positioning satellite technology to route the closest ambulance to the call. Clinical care and technology have improved dramatically and AMR’s field medicine is highly ranked by research universities and ambulance industry accreditation organizations. The general manager in the early days of AMR was Jim Ridenour. Ridenour and many of his family members worked the ambulance ser vice, doing ever ything from repairing the ambulances to delivering babies in the back of the ambulance. Jim ultimately advanced through the ranks of AMR, having retired after 40 years of service in 1999 as the top operations executive for AMR’s Central Valley operations. Jim Ridenour “Back then we really couldn’t do much for the patients”, said Ridenour. “We focused on looking sharp, provided good customer service and got patients to the hospital as quickly as we could. We had competition, so the promptness of our service and our image is what made us successful.” While Ridenour heralds the clinical advances, caregiver training and improvements in technology in the ambulance industry, he feels it is AMR’s continued focus on service and their

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

track record of performance that has sustained AMR in Stanislaus County for 55 years.

AMBULANCE OPERATIONS

In Stanislaus County AMR is contracted to provide emergency ambulance and advanced life support services. The service area AMR handles includes the cities of Modesto, Ceres and Turlock and portions of the surrounding unincorporated areas. AMR employs 180 emergency medical technicians and paramedics who are deployed from their operations facility at 4846 Stratos Way in Modesto and a substation in Turlock.

PEAK AMBULANCE / RESPONSE VEHICLE DEPLOYMENT : 25 UNITS AMR staffs ambulances primarily on 12 hour shifts around the clock. Each advanced life support ambulance is staffed with an EMT and paramedic though some units are staffed by 2 paramedics. At peak deployment AMR operates 21 ambulances and a quick response vehicle. The quick response vehicle is a SUV staffed by a paramedic. The QRV is located in areas to overlap the coverage of ambulances by providing rapid response and care. AMR also provides medics on bicycles for special events and has a specialized response team in a uniquely outfitted modular ambulance to respond to SWAT callouts and other law enforcement incidents. AMR is required to meet very rigid response times for emergency ambulance service. In fact, only two counties in California have more rigorous response times than does Stanislaus County. Here, AMR must achieve response times of 7 minutes and 30 seconds no less than 90 percent of the time, whereas the national standard is 8 minutes or less 90 percent of the time. AMR achieves this response time standard consistently by better than 92-93 percent compliance. AMR does not report its response time compliance; the data are extracted by a third party entity which reports to the raw data directly to the Mountain Valley Emergency Medical Services Agency which regulates local ambulance service through a joint powers agreement with Stanislaus County.

AVERAGE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TIME: 6 MINUTES AMR is able to achieve one of the most stringent response time criteria in the nation because of a proprietary call modeling

software application which aids system status management. System status management is a data-drive process which matches call data within a geographic area to response requirements. Using historical data, analysts are able to accurately forecast ambulance needs by hour of day and day of week and match available resources to meet response times. Rather than being assigned to stations, ambulance units are constantly repositioned throughout AMR’s service area. At its operational facility AMR stocks, cleans and maintains a fleet of 50 ambulances, support vehicles and a disaster medical response unit assigned to Stanislaus County by the State of California. The operations facility has a complete vehicle repair shop staffed by two full time mechanics. AMR’s general manager is Cindy Woolston. Cindy, a graduate of Leadership Modesto has worked for AMR for 34 years and has been the general manager in Stanislaus County since 1997. She is assisted by four field supervisors, administrative and clinical managers, a physician medical director and 5 support staff. Accounting, financial, human resources and risk management services are provided regionally or through the AMR National Support Center.

PATIENT BILLING SERVICES

AMR operates the Western States Billing Center which provides ambulance billing services for AMR operations west of the Mississippi River. The billing center located at 4701 Stoddard Road in Salida is staffed by 339 employees. The center processes approximately 990,000 ambulance claims per year.

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN STANISLAUS COUNTY: 580 AMR utilizes its own comprehensive billing software system, a considerable investment by AMR to maximize reimbursement for services provided. The billing process starts with mobile computers installed in ambulances and response vehicles to gather patient data and signatures required for payment of the bill. Billing technology includes the ability to scan paper patient documents in the field.

While some billing claims may take 50-80 macro steps to properly process a clean claim, this technology reduces some of the steps so that the billing process flows more smoothly. The field software application interfaces information with the computer-aideddispatch system and blends all field care information in the billing system.

DISPATCH SERVICES

AMR operates the Valley Regional Emergency Communications Center at 4701 Stoddard Road in Salida. VRECC is one of only 133 Accredited Centers of Excellence in the world. AMR received this designation through a rigorous accreditation process administered by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. The dispatch center employs 47 emergency medical dispatchers and call takers.

NUMBER OF CITIZENS TRAINED IN HANDS-ONLY CPR IN 2014: 1,366 Newly constructed in 2006, the dispatch center is a public private partnership between several San Joaquin County fire departments and AMR. The dispatch center serves over 1.2 million residents in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, dispatching over 155,000 responses per year to fires, vehicle accidents and emergency medical calls. The dispatch center provides emergency medical dispatch instructions for all 9-1-1 calls in Stanislaus County. Certified dispatchers follow medical protocols and algorithms to both interview callers and instruct them on how to provide interventional care such as controlling bleeding, opening an air passage or performing CPR. AMR’s dispatch center utilizes the most current technology available for fire and ambulance dispatching. This includes the most recent iteration of computer-aided-dispatch software, global positioning satellite technology, a bio-terrorism and medical incident trending monitoring program and other enhancements. The dispatch center has two sources of redundant power and in the event of catastrophic failure the dispatch center can be immediately replicated at any one of two offsite locations. P

EDI TORIAL

DO WE WANT JOBS HERE? By Craig Lewis, Prudential California Reality

CRAIGLEWIS LEWIS CRAIG PRUDENTIAL CALIFORNIA BOARD MEMBER REALTY

Gallup Polls went on a worldwide search of what brings happiness and peace to the 7 Billion people on the earth. Six years into their global data collection effort they found the single most searing, clarifying, helpful and world-altering fact: What the whole world wants is a GOOD JOB! Gallup found out that it not only brings families together, it reduces crime big time and brings sense to the word “community.”

VICE CHAIR, EXTERNAL OPERATIONS

Many years ago we went on a family vacation to see the North Coast and the Avenue of the Americas (Trees) and along our way we went to a company lumber town by the name of Scotia, California. Virtually everyone in the town has a job, otherwise they wouldn’t be there. Interestingly, the yards all looked nice and tidy and we found out the crime rate was very low. Yeah, it was a company town but you know what, they all had a job and chose to live in this small town because they could find a job! What is our situation here? Let’s see, we have historic double digit unemployment, rated one of the higher crime areas of the country especially as it relates to car theft, have a low education level and show up on lists of the worst places to live. Now you and I know that is not the case but the outsiders just look at our stats and that is what they determine. At the end of the day, do you think it has anything to do with the amount of jobs we have here for our population? We don’t have to look too far to see that right here in Northern California that communities that have jobs and a low unemployment rate also have low crime rates and high level of education. You know there is always a lot of discussion in our business circles about what is first, the jobs or higher education? As a parent of eight children that have gone to public schools here in Modesto, had them receive a very good education, receive many scholarships, go off to college, I wonder why they don’t come back. As I ask them they tell me it is because there are not jobs and careers here for them. They are all over the West Coast, but not here! Now if there were jobs here for them they would in turn have their children (our grandchildren) receive a good public education and stay here also. Eventually that good education they are receiving here would create more jobs and a better education. So I am ready to settle the job vs. education question. It is all about the job!!! That is what needs to come first. BTW, guess where my wife wants to move…. Where the children and grandchildren are!!! So how are we going to change this direction that has seemed to be in place for the last 40 to 50 years? In fact, it is almost like there is an undercurrent in this community to make sure that this same pattern stays in place. There are many people that say “I want it to stay the same as it was in the past”. Heck, I would like to get our town back to where it was in the past! WE HAVE REGRESSED

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NOT PROGRESSED! When we moved here as newlyweds in the late 70’s, Modesto was a very progressive town. Planning for its future and trying to decide what it wanted to be when it grows up. It is not now. It is barely hanging on to what the core is along with becoming a bedroom community for Counties to the north and west. I do not want a bedroom community, I want a community that is self-sustaining, a family town that can spend more time with their children than they can with their car. One where neighbors know each other by their first name not by the kind of car they drive. If we want our education level to be higher we need more parents spending time with their children helping them with their homework and reading to them not one where they come home, eat, watching a little TV and go to bed just to do it all over again the next day and the next month and the next year…. We need to plan for jobs now and in the long term future. It has to be priority ONE! Not the helter-skelter planning we have had over the past 40 years. Do you realize that the last comprehensive general plan was done in 1995. Yes, we are finally doing one now and we congratulate the City Council and Planning Staff for doing so. What were we doing the past 20 years? This undercurrent has to change or else we will continue to slide as compared to the Cities and the Counties to the north, south and west of us. If you are not progressing your are regressing. Status Quo does not exist. The quicker we figure that out, the better we will be!!! We are in control of our destiny! We are the ones that can determine our future. Do you want a future of progression or regression? It is one or the other. If we are standing still we are losing ground. Let’s come together Modesto, determine what we have in common, figure out a solution to what we don’t have in common and move forward. Together we can create jobs for ourselves and for our children too. Let’s capture the qualities we have and make it better. It is within our power and reach!!! It is up to us!! P

G OVERN M EN T RELATION S

DITCH THE SMARTPHONE AND GO EXPLORING INSTEAD: CELEBRATING THE 150TH CALIFORNIA STATE PARK SYSTEM ANNIVERSARY

By Senator Anthony Cannella

Today, it’s not uncommon for both children and adults to spend hours upon hours with their heads buried in sleek, addictive electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets. We’ve replaced social interaction, and traditional play and entertainment with these little gadgets that constantly beep and ring, keeping us informed about what Jane ANTHONY CANNELLA had for lunch, an appointment we can’t SENATOR miss, an email we must respond to immediately, or even who has the highest score on Angry Birds and Candy Crush Saga. In short, technology has taken over our lives in such a way that many of us – me included – simply can’t live without it by our side. According to the media measurement firm Nielsen, Americans spent 34 hours and 21 minutes using mobile devices last December, which was an increase of 8 hours from the same time the year before. And while there is no doubt technology and the advent of mobile devices has opened the doors to so many great opportunities and different ways to communicate – from increasing work productivity via email to finding lost childhood friends on social media sites to learning new and exciting things you never thought you’d have the chance to learn – we must not forget the value of “unplugging” from time to time.

who served as stewards for Yosemite Park and Andrew P. Hill, who established the Sempervirens Club in 1899, an organization aimed to protect the majestic redwood trees. Today, the California State Park system has grown to be the largest state park system in the nation, with almost 70 million visitors annually that come from all over the world – and in a world consumed with technology – this speaks volumes to how many people want to “unplug” and enjoy the social interaction of yesteryear. And I can say by experience, there’s no better feeling in the world than hiking under a canopy of trees, and appreciating the beauty and abundance nature offers. There’s also something very comforting when you cross paths with a fellow hiker or camper, and instead of seeing a head of hair looking down at a smartphone, being greeted by a smile and “hello.” So, in honor of this sesquicentennial celebration, I urge you to ditch the cell phone, updating social media statuses and playing Angry Birds, and trade them for something much more worthwhile – exploring and appreciating our many diverse parks located across our beautiful state. For more information on our California Park System, go to www.parks.ca.gov. P

This revelation of sorts struck me like a ton of bricks this past week while camping with my children. With no cell phone reception for miles, I traded the technological bond for a true social bond with both my sons and nature – and I have to admit, at first, it was hard for me and the children. Not being able to grab my phone to check emails, constituent and staff messages – even Facebook and Twitter – was a daunting task. Nature became our entertainment and playground, and I was able to take in all the majestic trees, rocks, plants and other native California vegetation that makes our state so unique. And I must admit it’s a much better experience to see California’s beauty firsthand, as opposed to looking at a picture on Instagram. That said, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of our California State Park System, there isn’t a better time to untether that little device attached to your hip, go exploring and experience California in its most regal and natural state. And the good news is many of these parks are located not too far from our own backyards. With more than 280 state parks located across California, a person can experience the awe-inspiring giant redwood tree forests to the never-ending sandy beaches, all while learning about how our state park system came to be. Take, for example, the Buffalo Soldiers SEPTEMBER

G O V E RNMENT RELAT IONS

STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR THE VALLEY KEY TO REAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY By Assemblymember Kristin Olsen

Last month, I was elected by my peers to serve as the next Assembly Republican Leader. I am truly honored by my colleague’s confidence in my ability to unite our party and help put California back on the right path – a path that will energize California and help make our state Golden again. D espite overa l l e conomic re cover y, California’s onerous regulatory environment is still suffocating small businesses and families across the state. Businesses continue to flee – taking good paying jobs with them – because they are at a competitive disadvantage in our state. Meanwhile, the rising cost of living and job scarcity make it difficult for families to stay afloat. KRISTIN OLSEN ASSEMBLYMEMBER

setting priorities and getting back to basics. At the same time, we cannot be effective unless we express a healthy willingness to work toward negotiated agreement with other leaders. I am looking forward to taking on this role as Leader so that I can unify the Assembly Republican Caucus toward our common, core principles of low taxes, job growth, educational excellence and government efficiency. In order for us to be successful moving forward, we must refine and articulate our message in a way that makes all Californians feel valued, empowered, and respected. We must show people that we care about their daily struggles and that we are just like them - moms, dads, grandparents, workers, small business owners… who want to be able to prosper in this state.

There is no doubt that regulations have spun out of control in California. Vexatious litigation is at an all-time high, as some laws have simply become tools for organizations to put a stop to projects that stand in the way of their own personal agendas.

Pulling the reins on regulation and reducing the tax burden will help foster a vibrant marketplace and send a message to industry that our state is ready to help them expand and flourish. At the same time, we must continue to substantively reform our educational system to better prepare our kids for the jobs of the future. And as always, we must continue to strive to make government work for people in an efficient manner.

Families in the San Joaquin Valley find themselves hit the hardest when small businesses are targeted as prey to the high fines of big government. With unemployment still in the double digits here, and roughly one in four people living in poverty, we can’t afford to lose jobs by treating employers unfairly.

You can help us accomplish these goals by sharing your stories of success and struggle. I will use them to continue advocating for our district from my new statewide platform. As always, do not hesitate to contact my office at (209) 576-6425 if you have any questions or concerns. P

Sacramento has to get serious about making government accountable, transparent, efficient, and business-friendly so that we can make California worthy of investment once again. We need leaders who will focus on getting results by building bridges,

To find your state representatives, please go to this web address: findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov Governor Jerry Brown State Capitol, Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 445-2841

California Air Resources Board P.O. Box 2815 Sacramento, CA 95812 Phone: (916) 322-7072

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G OVERN MEN T RELATION S

TIME TO ELIMINATE THE SKILLS GAP By Congressman Jeff Denham

JEFF DENHAM CONGRESSMAN

There are hard-working families across the Central Valley right now struggling to make ends meet. Prices remain high at the grocery store, the gas pump, and in hospitals and doctors’ offices across the country. Our state’s unemployment rate means too many people are still searching for good-paying jobs, college students are graduating with no idea where they’ll find work, and many are losing sleep worried about how they’ll provide for their children.

More than 10.5 million people are looking for work nationwide and estimates show that four million job openings remain unfilled due to a “skills gap” among workers. The “skills gap” is the result of the fast-changing demands of the 21st century job market and the needs of many businesses for high-skilled employees.

to help our economy grow and create jobs with my support. One of these bills, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, was signed into law last month in an example of the kind of results that can be achieved through bipartisanship. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act does away with 15 ineffective and duplicative federal programs and removes the layers of bureaucracy surrounding workforce training. It’s designed to help put people back to work with the skills they need. The bill improves outreach to disconnected youth and enables businesses to identify in-demand skills while connecting workers with the opportunities to build those skills. It also provides important training and resources for seasonal and farmworkers who are a vital part of our Valley economy. I’m committed to finding ways to close the skills gap and will continue to support crucial legislation that can help our economy grow. P

Over the last year and a half, the House has passed dozens of bills

WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN OVERCOME ALL OBSTACLES by David L. White, CEO, Stanislaus Business Alliance A wise man once said that the best way to lift a piano is to get a lot of people around the piano and to have everyone lift where he or she stands. One or two people lifting won’t get the job done. But many people together can carry a heavy load. In the past month the Business Alliance in cooperation with our many partners had the opportunity to host several prospects DAVID L. WHITE who are considering expanding their CEO STANISLAUS operations in Stanislaus County. Many BUSINESS ALLIANCE of these are local companies looking to expand. Others come from other states, other locations in California and even a couple from foreign countries. While hosting these companies we set in motion our standard of excellence for prospect hosting which is a white paper we authored to show the best way to treat someone who is considering investing in our county. This paper outlines all the things we should do to ensure that visitors have a great experience here. Recently, we entertained two foreign clients, both of whom are considering locating a manufacturing facility in Stanislaus County. We placed a gift basket in their hotel rooms full of products made in Stanislaus County. We all signed a card to thank them for considering our county. We also held a community partners meeting with each company. The idea behind a community partners meeting is to bring all the

service providers together – folks who can help out the company – and share what we will all do to support their expansion plans. The following were in attendance: city representatives, representatives from MID and TID, Business Alliance board members, Chamber representatives, and of course Business Alliance staff. Both prospects were extremely impressed with how unified and service-oriented our county partners are. When the company executives asked questions or requested additional information, our partners were prompt and professional in their response. We had the opportunity to hold a cocktail reception for one of the companies at Green’s on 10th Street in Downtown Modesto. This particular firm had specified interest in Modesto and Turlock. Two city managers (Roy Wasden and Jim Holgersson), city staffers, Mayor Garrad Marsh from Modesto, County Supervisor Bill O’Brien, and several local business leaders attended the reception to help us promote the county as a great place to do business. Again, the company CEO was very impressed. There used to be a thought that economic development had to be done behind closed doors. That is an old paradigm. Today, economic development is truly a team sport, and it does take us all lifting where we stand to be successful. Of course, we need to honor confidentiality, but we can do so while still extending the warm hand of friendship to companies we are trying to serve. P

SEPTEMBER

S T A NI S LA U S GREEN T EAM

RIKKI KEENAN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM DIRECTOR

The Stanislaus Green Team wants to congratulate Frito Lay and Crystal Creamery for certifying as a green sustainable company through the Stanislaus Green Team program. Each company completed a checklist of tasks that incorporate green sustainable practices that helps contribute to the improvement of the environment and healthy air living. Combined, the two companies have provided over 1,000 jobs in the Modesto area and are committed to manufacturing high quality products and fostering economic development through green sustainability. We here at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce value your contribution to Modesto and are honored to have you as members of the chamber. P

COM MUN ITY D EVELOPMEN T

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Community for Every Woman. This Fall, Modesto will host the first Northern California Women’s Music Festival on October 18th, 2014 from 5:00pm-11:30 pm at the Prospect Theater on K Street. This festival is a collaborative effort among women musicians, poets, artists, and entrepreneurs. Born out of the need to advocate opportunities for local women, the festival sets to provide a backdrop for women to create and share sustainable projects that enrich and enliven the lives of women of all ages. The non-profit NCWMF encourages support from the public at large. By participating, people have a chance to influence the building of a foundation for the future of women leaders in our community. Become a supporter today and make a lasting difference! Tickets for the festival are currently available online at www.northerncaliforniawomensmusicfestival.com and will be sold at the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Modesto as well as the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds benefit Haven’s Women’s Center.

Howard Training Centers 21st Annual CR ABFEST! Howard Training Center invites you to our 21st Annual CrabFest February 6 & 7, 2015. Doors open at 5:30 pm, dinner served at 7:00 pm. All you can eat crab! Our famous HTC cookies & crabby cookies will be on hand as well! Dance to the sounds of LIVIN’ from 9 - Midnight. 2 rooms filled with raffle prizes. This event sells out early....get your tickets now! To go orders available for $ 30. Sponsorships available. All proceeds benefit the programs provided by HTC. Tickets available at www.howardtrainingcenter.com. Friday, February 6, 2015 5:30 p.m to 12:00 a.m & Saturday, February 7, 2015 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m at Howard Training Center 1424 Stonum Road, Modesto, CA 95351 Price: $45.00 Phone: (209) 593-5618 Tickets available at - www.howardtrainingcenter.com

A Proud Modesto Chamber Member’s Nostalgic Plan From its inception Peer Recovery Art Project has implemented new strategies to improve downtown Modesto’s core business district. Modesto’s downtown business owners/patrons have told us on multiple gallery visits and by their positive comments on our satisfaction surveys that we are welcomed to be on the corner of 13th and J. "Welcomed!" Now that’s a great feeling! We believe in order to maintain our reputation as a first class community service arts organization, we must try harder. We must continue to stretch the limits of innovation and find new ways to connect our service team to the community. Thus, the Good Neighbor Squad (GNS) was born. The GNS is a group whose members are committed to providing service work to our community while offering job training opportunities for the under- or unemployed in our county. We have an idea. In fact, we take a big city nostalgic step back in time with our new community service: The shoe shine stand. Yes, the shoe shine stand! By providing complimentary shines to downtown business owners we believe the emotional health and well-being of our downtown core district and of the shiners themselves will be improved. The conversations that take place thereafter will increase the positive opinion of Peer Recovery Art Project. “Working for a Brighter Day, One Shine at a Time” Shoe Shine Stand is available for downtown functions, or drop by 1222 J Street (M-W, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Th-Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to see what we are all about. For more information, call 209 985-0467

Modesto Gospel Mission is pleased to present an evening with David Garibaldi on October 16, 2014 at Gallo Center for the Arts. David is a 2012 Semi-Finalist on America’s Got Talent (www.garibaldiarts.com). As a world-renowned performance painter, Garibaldi creates images through his body movement and brushes while communicating via music to an amazed audience.Pre-Show Reception will include: appetizers from Top Chefs of Modesto, silent auction featuring local artists, live music, and a red carpet photo opportunity. Proceeds from this Gala will benefit the new Women and Children’s Building at Modesto Gospel Mission. There is a huge need in Stanislaus County to house women and children, many leaving domestic abuse situations. Our current building is too small for the need, making it necessary to turn away many women and children in desperate need of our services. All donations are tax-deductible. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.galloarts.org or at their location at 1000 I Street, Modesto. Tickets are $25-$35. For more information, call Anastasia at 209-225-2908 SEPTEMBER

CO M MU NI TY DE VELOP MENT

ANNOUNCEMENTS Soroptimist International of Modesto 39th annual Pancake Breakfast and Craft Fair Sunday, October 19, 7:30AM-12:30PM Masonic Center, 800 Rose Ave Modesto Tickets $6.00. Available at the door or call 209 521 0609. Proceeds benefit Community Service projects and local Scholarships and Awards.

Data Path, Inc., on Friday, September 12, 2014 will be hosting its 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at Spring Creek Golf and Country Club located in Ripon, CA. All proceeds will benefit Youth for Christ, an awesome organization that reaches and changes the lives of youth in need through ministry. Please come join us

NE T W ORK I NG & REFERRALS

{ AUGUST } BUS INE S S RIBBON CUTTINGS

Crystal Creamery 529 Kansas Ave Modesto, CA 95351 (209) 576-3400

BE F OR E H O U R S

Business Before Hours hosted by: Union Bank

Union Bank

www.unionbank.com

1124 J Street Modesto, CA 95354 or 3601 Pelandale Ave Modesto,CA 95356. With more than 420 offices, MUFG Union Bank, N.A., is a full-service bank that provides corporate, commercial, retail banking and wealth management solutions to meet the needs of customers. Union Bank was ranked #1 for reputation among its customers in a 2013 American Banker Magazine and the Reputation Institute survey.

Frito-Lay Co., Inc 600 Garner Road Modesto, CA 95357 (209) 544-5400 14

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

This year marks the bank’s 150th anniversary since its founding in 1864, and its long-standing commitment to responsible banking practices and its dedication to supporting communities. Through the Union Bank Foundation, the bank invests in the communities it serves. In 2013, Union Bank’s charitable investment in local communities totaled $13 million, which included grants, contributions, and sponsorships. The bank’s investments focus on four areas: community economic development, affordable housing, education, and the environment.

E C O NOMI C DEVELOP MENT

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

meeting you where you are

Simile Construction Services, Inc. proud to announce

two additions to executive leadership team.

JOE SIMILE, GUY SIMILE & ROBERT BECKER

Two men with a long track record of success have been promoted to executive positions by Simile Construction Service, Inc. (SCSI) of Modesto.

Joe Simile and Robert Becker assumed day-to-day management of the business July 1, company founder and President Guy Simile announced. He still will be involved in long-term strategic development and client relationships. Joe Simile became vice president of operations, with responsibility to plan, direct and oversee all construction operations. Becker took over as vice president of business development, with responsibility for marketing, estimates and all contract negotiations. SCSI began 1999 and has grown to 65 employees. It opened a second office in Palmdale in 2013.

Growing is your business. Accounting is ours. Our specialists have over 40 years experience meeting agricultural clients where they are. Contact us today at 209-527-4220 or gccpas.net. it’s the people behind the numbers.

SCSI built the new Modesto Toyota facility and the Scenic Oaks business park, was the general contractor for renovations at the State Theatre, and currently is constructing the Modesto Infiniti auto dealership.

Jeff Burda brings years of community banking

JEFF BURDA WELLS FARGO MID-VALLEY COMMERCIAL BANKING

experience to Wells Fargo as the new regional vice president for the Mid-Valley Commercial Banking office. Jeff ’s team of commercial banking professionals understands the local economy and business environment, and has the authority to make lending decisions locally. It’s the best of both worlds – community banking backed by national resounces.

DIRECTOR

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

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

Trinity Renovation, Inc. is excited to

announce Bryan Harden has joined their organization as Sales Director for the kitchenCRATE and bathCRATE brands. Bryan will cover the Central Valley and Tri-Valley regions. Bryan's experience in retail sales and project management will add great value to this growing residential remodel concept.

BRYAN HARDEN

As a 2009 graduate of the University of the Pacific Marketing Department, Bryan will also have his hand in developing social media strategies for the organization. P

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

COMM UN ITY D EVELOPM EN T

CAN WIRELESS DATA HELP FARMERS AVOID OVER-PUMPING DURING THE WORST DROUGHT IN HISTORY? By: Heidi Flato

• F R I D AY O C T O B E R 1 0 2 0 1 4 6 : 0 0 P M • the ultimate ping pong tournament beneﬁtting local youth Modesto Centre Plaza | Modesto, CA

FOR ONE SPECIAL NIGHT, WE’RE UNLEASHING A LEVEL OF GAMEROOM FUN TYPICALLY RESERVED FOR OUR CLUB MEMBERS.

SEE FOR YOURSELF.

Purchase tickets at bgcstan.org

422 McHenry Avenue Modesto, CA 95350

bgcstan.org

Complimentary Employment Law Seminar For Employers & Human Resources Professionals:

“Reasonable Accommodation and the ADA” For details and registration, visit: www.berliner.com/events

Home-grown lawyers ● Born here Educated here ● Love living here Berliner Cohen’s attorneys serve your legal needs in corporate and tax, real estate, estate planning, probate and trust administration, employment, hospitality, land use, public agency representation, bankruptcy, and business litigation.

209.576.1197 1130 12th Street, Suite B ● Modesto, CA 95354 Modesto ● Merced ● San Jose ● www.berliner.com

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

For the 300 farmers in the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, real-time wireless transmission of ultra-precise data from field-placed probes has become even more of a highly prized tool, as groundwater pumping reaches record levels and wells run dry. Mounting pressure to sustain the hundreds of crops grown in the county suggests that investments in water may need to be offset by further investments in technology. In a recent Modesto Bee article, writer J.N. Sbranti reported that Californians statewide have turned their attention to groundwater protection, which could curtail the county’s traditional safety net. To cope with the drought, Verizon Wireless is helping Stanislaus County Farm Bureau members through its partnership with Western Weather Group, a Chico-based agricultural meteorological consulting firm. Using data logger technology – devices that collects data over time – and Verizon Wireless’ fast and reliable wireless network, farmers monitor soil moisture and evapotranspiration to maximize and efficiently use available water. Real-time environmental measurements such as rainfall, air temperature and wind speed found in the crops are stored in the field data logger and accessible to farmers using any wireless device. Whether out in the field or at home, anytime, anywhere access to this data enables farmers to make quick decisions that could ultimately impact the livelihood of their crops. For long-term planning, historical data in tabular and graphical formats is also available for the user. “Verizon Wireless and Western Weather Group are giving our farmers the intelligence needed to help them use water wisely,” said Wayne Zipser, executive manager of Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. “The state is dealing with one of the worst droughts in history, so it’s important that we adopt solutions that promote efficient farming practices and ultimately help preserve land and resources for future generations.” For more information about how this service or other wireless services might help you, please feel free to contact either Neil Kelly at neil.kelly@ verizonwireless.com, (209) 402-6000, or Terri Tillman at terri.tillman@ verizonwireless.com, (209) 409-4885. At Verizon Wireless, Neil and Terri specialize in wireless technology solutions for more efficient and productive farming. P

C O M MUNI TY DEVELOP MENT

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Michael Loschke and IMC Consulting received the 2013 All Star Award from Constant Contact®, Inc.,. IMC Consulting is being recognized for its success achieved on behalf of its clients including the Stanislaus County Office of Education,Tenney A. Norquist, Merced MICHAEL LOSCHKE College, and the Society for Handicapped. IMC campaign results ranked among the top 10% of Constant Contact’s international customer base. “Our strategy is simple - maximize value for our clients. We are grateful to be recognized again this year as a Certified Platinum Expert and more importantly for the results we help our clients achieve. Our commitment to innovation and relationships helps us drive engagement and results. We simply couldn’t manage over 200 accounts in 40 different cities without integrating successful cloud-based technologies,” said Michael Loschke, Principal of IMC Consulting P

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.

KemperSports took over management in the fall of last year, now managing 19 courses in the state of California. They are honored to work with the city of Modesto to manage their two, 18-hole golf courses, Creekside Golf Course & Dryden Park Golf Course. Delivering dynamic and exceptional golf experiences while generating peak performance at the courses they operate remains the company’s passion. KemperSports has a rich, deep-rooted service culture, with special attention paid to guest experience and service. P SEPTEMBER

N E T WORK I NG & REFERRALS

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS Aaron Brothers

Los Amigos Tire Pros

3801 Pelandale Ave.

Francisco Chavez

Modesto, CA 95356

1700 Crows Landing Road

Phone: (209) 545-9267

Modesto, CA 95358

Fax: (209) 545-9259

Phone: (209) 531-1479

mcgarryc@aaronbrothers.com

losamigostirepros@yahoo.com

www.aaronbrothers.com

www.losamigostirewheel.com

Art & Framing

Automotive

Commonwealth

O’Dell Engineering

Blake Humble

Yushin Imura

1022 11th Street

1165 Scenic Drive, Suite B

Modesto, CA 95356

Modesto, CA 95350

Phone: (209) 248-7451

Phone: (209) 571-1765

inquiry@commonwealthmodesto.com

Fax: (209) 571-2466

www.Commonwealthmodesto.com

info@odellengineering.com

Restaurant

www.odellengineering.com

Dunkin’ Donuts

Engineering

Lezlie Parker

Stearns Lending, LLC

1300 Standiford Ave.

Brad Wheeler

Modesto, CA 95350

1700 Standiford Ave, Suite 215

Phone: 209-342-6798

Modesto, CA 95350

Lezlie.parker@splat.com

Phone: (209) 248-695

www.mydunkin.com

Fax: (866) 411-5986

Restaurant

bwheeler@stearns.com

Garcia’s Market Guillermo Ochoa

www.stearns.com Mortgage

Empire, CA 95319

Vocational Coaching& Development Institute, INC.

Phone: (209) 544-0525

Zachary Wyse

gochoa@garciasmarket.com

1217 J Street

www.garciasmarket.com

Modesto, CA 95354

Grocers-Retail

Phone: (209) 342-6707

5013 Yosemite Blvd.

LeavittWeaver, Inc

Fax: (209) 342-6701 zwyse@vcdi.org

Nic Padilla

www.vcdi.com

1994 Rockefeller Drive

Non-Profit

Ceres, CA 95307 Phone: (209) 521-5125 ext.17 Fax: (209) 571-8340 npadilla@leavittweaver.com www.leavitt-weaver.com

Interior Design/Furniture Dealer

Cindy McGarry

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

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

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

Rehabilitation Hospital

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

Insurance Agency

Park Inn by Radisson

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

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

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

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

Prime Shine Car Wash presents:

LAND OF OPPORTUNITY ...a series spotlighting entrepreneurial achievement

John Mensinger American Lumber Company American Lumber is a full service supplier of quality lumber, windows, building materials and hardware. It was founded way back in 1923 by my grandfather, William R. Mensinger. It’s been in our family since then. My father was the Manager and President and he made a career here. I’ve worked here since 1986. What have you done in your professional career that has led you to where you are now? I have an MBA from Harvard Business School and I worked in Marketing for Shearing Corporation and for the E&J Gallo Winery. I was working for Gallo when I thought I’d take a chance by joining American Lumber in 1986. Three or four years after I joined, we had a huge crisis and lost a lot of money. We had to reorganize the company but we were able to turn things around and make it successful. At that time, my father, brother, sister and I became the majority owners. I’ve been running it since 1990. Do you have any particular history that has contributed to helping you achieve your goals? I’m blessed to have been able to go to Harvard. It’s a great educational background, and you can’t help but pick up a lot of detailed knowledge about business there, as well as get a framework for solving issues and problems and for thinking about organizations. All that has been very helpful over the years. What challenges have you had to overcome in your professional life and how did you achieve that? In the lumber business, things change all the time. That makes it a very interesting business but also constantly challenging. The first key to overcoming challenges is just having good information. For example, we have a system in place that gives us access to a detailed sales history for each item we sell. The system gives us the information we need so that we can anticipate demand and order the right amount of each product at any given time. But it requires real constant attention. Things are always changing in this industry and you need the information to stay ahead of it.

What is the single biggest reason that you have achieved the level of success you have? We have good people. In the lumber business, you need people who know the industry very very well and can help customers figure out what they want and need. We have some very experienced people here who have been in the industry a long time. That’s a huge benefit. What are some of the accomplishments of which you are particularly proud? Around 1989, we were almost out of business. We’d lost a huge amount of money. One major accomplishment was just turning the business around and making it profitable. I’m very proud of that. During that time, other lumberyards in Modesto went out of business. I’m very proud of the fact that we’ve been able to thrive and survive. What do you like about your job? It’s very diverse. I have a lot of personal freedom in how I want to schedule each day. Do you participate in any community outreach efforts or clubs? I’ve been a Rotarian for 27 years and am a Past President of the Modesto Rotary Club. I’ve also been active with the Chamber of Commerce for a lot of years and with Modesto’s sister city program. What advice do you have for business people when it comes to achieving their goals? You have to try to understand and analyze your situation. It’s important to consult with others. That understanding and outside perspective is essential. In this sort of economic climate, I believe you have to be very careful. But if you’re careful and informed, you can be ready to make decisions that can help create a better future for your business. What do you like about doing business in the Modesto community and why do you think this is the Land of Opportunity? I was born and raised In Modesto and my family has always been active in the community. I appreciate the fact that Modesto is a city small enough that it’s possible to know people and to feel like you have a role to fill that can contribute to the general wellbeing. I’m proud and happy that I can be a positive force in my hometown.

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.

SEPTEMBER

EDI TORIAL

LEMONADE DAY By Tammie Webb As we get ready to kick off for Lemonade Day 2015 we first need to give some shout outs to some people that helped to make 2012 and 2013 amazing! First up, UCP (United Cerebral Palsy), without your support we would have never made it off the ground! DAN COSTA & TAMMIE WEBB CITY CHAMPION

Next, Dan Costa. Thank you so much for being our City Champion for the first 2 years and aiding in our tremendous success. Your letter of guidance will live on forever in our first 2 issues of the Entrepreneur Guides. Kids and parents from all of the county thank you for your support, speeches and lessons along the way. We think you have handed off your title to 2 great people and thank you again! Our City Champion is supposed to be someone that fits the entrepreneurial role, does community work and supports kids in helping them grow their life skills. As we did with Dan Costa, we have chosen, well 2 not 1 - City Champion(s) that we feel fit this role perfectly! First for our Adult City Champion we have David Darmstandler, Co-Founder of Data Path, Inc. David is active in helping local community and nonprofit organizations and currently serves as a VP board member for the Learning Quest Literacy Centers of Stanislaus, advisory board member for UC DAVID DARMSTANDLER ADULT CITY CHAMPION

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

Merced/SBDC, and as a board member for the Stanislaus-Merced Angel Investors. David currently manages finance, business development, and marketing Data Path. We look forward to seeing the new connections, guidance and lessons that David can bring to Lemonade Day 2015. And this year we decided to add a Youth City Champion. Kiana Engel has shown since she was first introduced to Lemonade Day (and way before that) that she has amazing entrepreneurial skills. She won our Best Tasting Contest in 2012 with her “Kiana’s Cool Cucumber Lemonade” and has been successful with her lemonade stands for 2 years. Using the KIANA ENGEL Spend Some, Save and Share Some concept she has YOUTH CITY CHAMPION each year given 100% of her earnings as a donation to a charity. Her Girl Scout Troop for 2014 won 5th place in the Nation with Future Cities and she is going to be a Freshman at Gregori High School this year. We look forward to seeing where she helps lead Lemonade Day 2015. And last but definitely not least we want to give a huge shout to the Modesto Chamber of Commerce and CEO Cecil Russell, for giving Lemonade Day a new home! Without your support and commitment to the youth in our community, Lemonade Day would not have been able to go on. We look forward to new entrepreneurial classes and events as Lemonade Day 2015 gets under way with our Kick Off event on September 25th at Data Path, Inc. P

WORK IN Valley First Credit Union puts members first By Jacqui D. Sinarle

IIf you’re reading this article you’re probably eligible for membership with Valley First Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by members in the communities it serves, including Calaveras, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Tuolumne Counties. While banks pay earnings to their stockholders, credit unions like Valley First

" It’s all about taking care of our members and helping them achieve their financial goals and objectives."

return profits to members in the form of higher dividends on savings and lower interest rates on loans.

The credit union’s local roots and dedication to its customers have helped it ride through economic ups and downs and thrive while other financial institutions have floundered. “Our losses during the economic downturn were nowhere near what commercial banks experienced because of our focus on core values, our loyalty to our customers and their loyalty to us,” explains Barrett. “When the market went to stated income and 100 percent financing on home loans, we didn’t; we stayed with traditional loans.” The latest benefit for Valley First members is the new Kasasa checking account, which pays members for having a checking account rather than charging them. To be eligible for membership with Valley First Credit Union you must live, regularly work, regularly worship or attend school in Calaveras, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, or Tuolumne County; be employed with one of Valley First’s many Select Employer Groups (SEG) specifically listed in the credit union’s field of membership; or be an immediate family member of a Valley First Credit Union member. For information on Valley First, visit www. valleyfirstcu.org. P

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

B r a n 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.

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neverboring.com

“We are 100 percent focused on the benefit of our membership,” says Hank Barrett, president and CEO. “It’s all about taking care of our members and helping them achieve their financial goals and objectives.” Valley First serves 64,000 members with 12 branches and total assets of $530 million, and employs about 165 people.

SEPTEMBER

{ F R O M THE EXPER TS }

WATER, OUR MOST PRECIOUS COMMODITY By Roger Vanhoy,General Manager Modesto Irrigation District

The founding fathers of the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) had the foresight to construct a reservoir to store water, a conveyance system to provide irrigation water to farmers and develop a powerhouse to help supply our community with electricity. Now, more than 125 years later we still rely on this foresight. MID continues to look for ways to enhance our water and power service, work to protect our senior water rights, diversify our power resources and monitor and respond accordingly to upward regulatory pressures of the water and power industries. At MID, providing these services is based on cost of service, not to make a profit. A comparison to an investor owned utility shows that MID saves customers roughly $79 million a year. MID has recently compiled our 2015 budget and is wrapping up our review in a series of public workshops. The MID Board and staff search for every feasible way to manage and cut costs. Each project receives scrutiny for need, timing and cost-effectiveness. Our electric resources plan, staffing levels and other various policies get thorough reviews. This budget process lays the foundation for electric and water rates for the coming year. We also factor in the economic and regulatory challenges ahead. This year marks the third consecutive dry year for California. According to the California Farm Water Coalition, the drought could translate into an $11 billion loss in annual state agricultural revenue. MID has felt the effect of this drought both operationally and economically. Not only has MID reduced our water allocation for this irrigation season by approximately 40%, but an increased water rate and an additional drought surcharge were implemented to cover the costs associated with routine operational and maintenance expenses, as well as additional groundwater pumping and increased staffing costs associated with enforcement. Continued communication, cooperation and coordination between MID and our customers has proven to be key in weathering this third consecutive dry year. The ongoing drought is not the only challenge that MID has been faced with this year. The State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) has proposed that the Merced, Tuolumne and Stanislaus Rivers dedicate 35% to 40% of unimpaired flow each year for fish and wildlife beneficial uses. MID, together with our Tuolumne River partner Turlock Irrigation District (TID), have always been good environmental stewards of the River; participating in habitat restoration, as well as river flow experiments. However, with the proposed increased unimpaired flow criteria our community is looking at significant impacts with no evidence that the additional water will get where it needs to go or achieve the fishery goals identified by the State. The SWRCB has not yet voted on this proposal, but if it passes there will be several negative impacts on both MID irrigation and electric customers, including potential increased water and power rates, lost crop production, lost farms, lost jobs equating to a downturn to an already struggling economy and lastly a loss in surface water which will only serve to put added reliance on our groundwater resources. The economic impacts of the SWRCB’s flow proposal to our community alone are estimated at more than $15 million per year.

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

MID has fervently shared our concerns of the impacts of this proposal with the SWRCB. We encourage our customers to do the same. Another economically impactful process that MID, and our partner TID, is in the midst of is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing of the Don Pedro Project – dam, reservoir and powerhouse. Don Pedro offers a collection of benefits – water storage, flood control, recreation, clean, efficient and affordable power – that will continue to be of great value to us all. MID and TID’s current license to operate Don Pedro will expire in 2016. The FERC relicensing process involves a comprehensive analysis of the various benefits and impacts – environmental, economic and recreational – of the Don Pedro Project and an evaluation of how the project will be operated in the future. Through their established relicensing process, FERC examines all the uses of the water and the needs of the public. This process is estimated to cost MID and TID more than $50 million. MID’s Board and staff are staying closely engaged in water and power issues such as these on your behalf. We are always striving to better serve our community. As our mission states, MID will continue to deliver the highest value at the lowest cost possible through teamwork, technology, innovation and commitment. P

C O M MUNI TY DEVELOP MENT

INNOVATIVE BUSINESSES LEAD THE WORLD By David Boring, President Never Boring

"There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder." - Ronald Reagan, Actor and 40th President of the United States Imagine a world without forward thinking, inventive and visionary businesses. In this world, the assembly line automobile pioneered by Henry Ford would never have given us the ability to easily explore every DAVID BORING corner of our world. Steve Jobs’ vision of the smart PRESIDENT phone (let’s be honest, the computer) in your pocket NEVER BORING would never have come to be, meaning we never would have had the opportunity to experience the instant access to information that we all rely on today. Whether the result is an automobile, a smart phone or a neighborhood car wash, visionary businesses solve needs for everyone, across every walk of life, almost every moment of the day. Innovation is formative and it’s transformative. Business innovation makes the world a better place. The Stanislaus County area is teaming with these kind of forward thinking businesses. From E. & J. Gallo Winery to JS West, Kitchen Crate to DataPath and Prime Shine, our region’s businesses are true innovators that improve the quality of life for the Stanislaus County community. And in part, these businesses create this impact through their effect on the economic development of the region. Yes, these businesses create jobs, but they do more than that. Every job created means a purpose for a community member, it means security for families, it means less crime and more money in the local pool. I believe that every person wants a job they can be proud of. Everyone wants to work for a company they believe in, everyone wants to make the world a better place through their effort. At Never Boring, we are fortunate to have been able to work with many visionary companies and institutions over the last 31 years in business. We’ve seen first hand that when innovators grow, we all prosper. And it’s not just the big players. Mom and Pop businesses are innovators too. They also make a difference with every job they create, every niche they fill, every problem for which they find a solution. Hey, take it from me, even a local dry cleaner can solve some big problems. So what does economic growth mean to your business? If it's like we experience it at Never Boring, a growing economy means more sales in your balance sheet. It means more opportunities to partner with local innovative companies that help our area economically. It means the ability to create even more jobs for our neighbors and community members. When we are all focused on economic development, great things can happen. Our Modesto Chamber of Commerce, our municipalities, our Stanislaus Business Alliance and many more tireless business and community volunteers are out there working hard at creating economic development that benefits us all. I hope that every business and every person can pledge to take up the call. Whether you are moved to improve Stanislaus County’s downtowns, to help elevate those small businesses that are incubating innovation at the grassroots level, or simply to support as a consumer those businesses that are right here--we can all make a difference in economic development. All boats rise.

There’s a big and easy way to help: shopping local. When you shop local, the money stays here and it multiplies. Shopping local creates jobs, adds to our tax base and increases much-needed funding for schools and safety. It even help local non profits, because local businesses support the area nonprofits in a big way. The more businesses prosper, the more our community prospers. It's just that simple. Every effort to increase economic development is for the greater good. So when business creates innovative and imaginative solutions, it creates growth. So today, go for it, be innovative--and help create more economic growth! P

N E T WORK I N G & RE F E RRA L S

CHAMBER CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2014 11

Location: Intrinsic Elements 1214 J Street Time: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM

Location: Graceada Park 401 Needham Street Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

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

Location: Solid Networks 5685 Pirrone Road Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Location: Girl Scouts Heart of Central California 5172 Kiernan Court, Suite D. Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

HARVEST LUNCHEON

OCTOBER 2014 03

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

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

Location: Evergreen Nursing and Rehabilitation Care Center 2030 Evergreen Avenue Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

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

OKTOBERFEST

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

STATE OF THE REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

/ BUSINEES EXPO

Location: Modesto Centre Plaza Time: 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM

SEPTEMBER

C O MMUNI TY DEVELO PMENT

THE STEERING COMMITTEE & MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOULD LIKE TO W E L COM E THE L E AD E RSHI P M OD E S T O

Class of 2014-2015

Trever Balzer PMZ Elliot Begoun The Intertwine Group John Campbell Stanislaus County Sheriff ’s Department Kevin Carroll Modesto Gospel Mission Jeff Dirske Stanislaus County Sheriff ’s Department Elizabeth Escalante Stanislaus County Office of Education Derek Ford Modesto Irrigation District Doris Foster Stanislaus County Elizabeth Greenlee-Harrison Inter-Faith Ministries Mirabai Jantz Mira Bridal Steve Junqueiro Jr. Stanislaus County Sheriff ’s Department Susan Kincade Modesto Junior College Micheal King Doctors Medical Center – DMC Maria Lopez Center for Human Services Gina Macias Heald College

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

Melissa Malone E. & J. Gallo Winery Jeff Mangar Stanislaus County District Attorney Office Diane McDonnell Stanislaus County Free Library Marcia Parcaut Kaiser Permanente Andrew Rodgers COIT Services Inc. David Rogers Express Employment Professionals Christina Postma Wells Fargo Advisors Jessica Trompetter Modesto Subaru Jackie Valencia Bank of the West Marissa Williams Atherton & Associates, LLP Samantha Wookey Modesto Irrigation District

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