Progress April 2014 by Modesto Chamber of Commerce

April 2014 Vol. 35 Issue 4 ModChamber.org

Destination Graduation

Ride for Mom

Leadership Modesto

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CONTENTS APRIL 2014 4 5

Mission Statement

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

Executive Committee Chairman 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 David Gingerich, TD Gingerich Insurance Solutions, Inc. Daniel Garcia, Tri Counties Bank David Halvorson, American Chevrolet Brad Hawn, CHG Doug Johnson, Reach Juice Plus + 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 • frankp@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

Chairman's Corner

COVER STORY Stanislaus Green Team Makes A Difference

GUEST COLUMNS Ride for Mom

10 13

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Leadership Modesto Chamber Board Perspective

11 26

NETWORKING & REFERRALS New Chamber Members Calendar

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Prepare Kids for California's Economy

EDUCATION Destination Graduation

Welcome Corner

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

LEADERSHIP Message from the CEO

JOHN VILLINES

My name is John Villines, and I am the new Director of Membership & Operational Services at the Chamber. One of my key responsibilities is to assist and serve the Welcome Team members. The Welcome Team visits new Chamber members and attends Chamber ribbon cuttings for members who have recently joined, remodeled, relocated or expanded their business presence in Modesto. These ribbon cuttings are often a new member’s first experience with the Chamber, which is why I believe the Welcome Team has one of the most important jobs in membership services. So far this year, many Chamber businesses have already expressed their excitement about the turnout of the Welcome Team crowd at their ribbon cuttings. I have been impressed with the positive energy, enthusiasm, and participation of our Welcome Team members and our local representatives for elected officials at these events. These friendly and dedicated Welcome Team members make the Chamber look good, and it is my honor to serve alongside this committee. The ribbon cutting calendar is filling up quickly, with several major business remodels and key anniversaries in the upcoming months. We are off to a great start in 2014. If you are interested in joining in on the excitement, please contact me at the Chamber, (209) 577-5757 ext. 123. P John Villines Director of Membership & Operational Services Modesto Chamber of Commerce JVillines@ModChamber.org (209) 577-5757 ext. 123 MARCH

LEA DERS H IP

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO By Chamber CEO Cecil Russell

CECIL RUSSELL CHAMBER CEO

In this issue of Progress Magazine we will report on many important issues for our community. The Modesto Chamber is consistently working on economic development. We will continue to promote the need for shovel ready land that will attract manufacturing and industrial business to provide the much needed jobs to help with our chronic unemployment. Our hope is that after the city solves the issues surrounding the Wood Colony area, they will follow up with a comprehensive general plan update.

Important opportunities that set the future direction of our community take place virtually every day at some level of local or state government. If you believe, as we do, that a healthy business environment is an essential component of our quality of life, then a constructive business voice that contributes to these discussions is imperative. Craig Lewis, chairman of our Economic Development Committee has written an article in this issue that speaks to the importance of the transportation tax that is currently being supported by our Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. This tax is proposed to be on the ballot in November of two thousand and sixteen, will create the necessary revenue to move our county forward with much needed transportation projects that will be the catalyst for economic growth. One of the key transportation opportunities in our county is the proposed ACE Train connection to the Bay Area. This would be an extension from

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

Stockton to Modesto, and then on to Turlock and Merced. Thomas Reeves, Manager of Public Affairs and Community Relations for San Joaquin Regional Rail, has contributed an article to this issue explaining the benefits of this opportunity. Other exciting plans for Modesto include the Modesto Grand Prix, a professional kart race staged by SuperKarts USA. The city of Modesto has teamed up with SuperKarts USA to produce a three day event in the heart of downtown Modesto this coming August. Professional go-kart drivers from all over the country will compete during the 5th annual SKUSA Pro Tour Summer Nationals. This is a Pro Tour event. There will be over 300 professional racers competing to qualify for the SuperNationals in Las Vegas. There will be three big screen televisions, with pedestrian bridges over the race area and over 15,000 expected spectators. So mark your calendar for August 1st through the 3rd for exciting racing in downtown Modesto! Your Chamber of Commerce is also supporting the new initiative by Tom Changnon, Superintendent of Stanislaus County Schools, entitled “Destination Graduation”. Susan Rich has constructed an article in this issue explaining the program, the program’s goals and how you as a business operator can support this important effort that will raise the overall impact of education in our community by increasing the area’s low graduation rates. Graduating more of our young people, preparing them for the next level of their education – be that college, vocational studies or on-the-job training – will create a more educated workforce across the board and will help create a better quality of life for our entire community. P

LEAD ERSH IP

CHAIRMAN'S CORNER D OWNTOW N M OD E STO PARTN E RSHI P By Chamber Chairman David Gianelli, Gianelli & Associates The vision of your Chamber of Commerce is to continuously strive to build a more vibrant and prosperous communit y through business leadership. Your Chamber has been and will continue to be focused on the need to provide more jobs and opportunities for Modesto citizens. The Chamber has been working towards this goal by advocating for shovel ready business parks, encouraging and DAVID GIANELLI promoting partnerships between business CHAIRMAN and education, and by providing direct assistance to small business through networking, advisory services and education. Another very important step towards having a vibrant and prosperous community is the continuous improvement of our City's downtown. Downtown is the heart of our community. It should reflect the personality of Modesto and be a visual representation of our community’s heritage. Downtown is an ideal location for small, independent businesses, but could also be a great spot for larger employers - even corporate headquarters. It represents a significant portion of our community’s tax base. Recognizing all of this, Josh Bridegroom of the City of Modesto began working with Chamber CEO, Cecil Russell, Downtown Improvement Director, Nancy Young, and Convention and Visitor's Bureau Director, Jennifer Mullen, approximately two years ago to find ways of making downtown more attractive and hospitable to businesses and investors. The Downtown Modesto Partnership was born from this, an organization comprised of a broad cross-section of the community, including the City of Modesto, Downtown Improvement District, Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Stanislaus County Alliance, local business owners, property owners, developers, the arts and entertainment industry, non-profits, faith based organizations, educational institutions and others. They come together not only as representatives of their organizations, but as

a diverse group of citizens of Modesto who truly care about our community and its downtown. The partners have found a common agenda - a common vision. They seek to build a vibrant and prosperous downtown that is an economic powerhouse and the center of civic life in the region. They have cut through their differences to come up with a holistic downtown management model, including a viable promotions and marketing program, operations and management program, and an economic restructuring program that provides a number of incentives for locating businesses downtown. Energy and excitement abounds within this partnership. There are others in our community embarking to collaborate. Catalyst Modesto, the Stanislaus Community Foundation, Community Bridge Builders and Advancing Vibrant Communities are just a few. O ur community needs to support these collaborative efforts. The positive energy that is built around collaborative impact can move mountains. We need to listen to the voices of those who are willing to set aside their own agendas and seek to work with others for the good of the community - for the common good. We encourage Chamber members to attend “Connecting For Good: Building Collaboration in Stanislaus County” being presented by the Stanislaus County Community Foundation on April 17, 2014. You can register for this event at: www.connecting-for-good.eventbrite.com Learn about how collaborative efforts have helped other communities and how they can positively impact our community. We also encourage any Chamber members who are interested in joining the effort to revitalize downtown Modesto to connect with Josh Bridegroom by sending him an email at jbridegroom@modestogov.com. P

MARCH

{ CO VER STO R Y }

By Justin Souza Do you want to be green, or do you want to be profitable? For many years, it seemed like every business had to make this choice. But not anymore. As public awareness of the importance of green operation grows, so too do opportunities for environmentallyfriendly business practices that also boost bottom lines. That’s where the Stanislaus Green Team comes in. The Stanislaus Green Team is a program of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce intended to foster collaborative effort between private businesses, municipal and county solid waste divisions, economic development professionals and the community of Stanislaus County to create a nexus between commerce and environment, also to enhance services that address economic, environmental and quality of life issues in Modesto and Stanislaus County

solutions and resource options specified to their industry. Each business that schedules a free visit from the REACON Team is given a Stanislaus Green Team binder that includes checklists designed to help them evaluate current practices and streamline their operation based on categories from Solid Waste and Energy Usage to Water Reduction and Air Quality Impact. “Once they have completed the checklists and documented their proof, the REACON Team reviews it and does an evaluation to see if there’s anything else the business can do to improve,” said Keenan. So far, three local businesses have completed the extensive program and been certified as “Green Sustainable Businesses.”

Stanislaus Green Team Coordinator Rikki Keenan was brought on board at the program’s inception in November 2012 to help spearhead this revolution in business-friendly green thinking. According to Keenan, the Green Team is all about spreading the message of environmental stewardship while reducing the cost of doing business.

Better Business Through Collaboration As the Stanislaus Green Team’s Coordinator, Keenan organizes free monthly educational meetings that are open to the public. These meetings are regularly attended by representatives from entities including Stanislaus Council of Governments, San Joaquin Council of Governments, City of Modesto, MID, PG&E, San Joaquin Valley Air District, Alliance, Covanta and other Stanislaus County businesses and organizations concerned about their role in sustaining a healthier environment and quality of life. By pooling knowledge and resources at these meetings, these businesses pave the way toward a greener future for Stanislaus County while helping the local business community manage costs. Outside of the monthly meetings, Keenan has also brought together a panel of experts into a REACON (Recycling, Energy and Air CONser vation) Team that visits the operational facilities of Chamber members and provides personalized advice on ways the businesses can reduce costs and increase energy efficiency in their operation, said Keenan. In the past year, this REACON Team—made up of representatives from American Recycling, DeHart, CalGreen Recycling, IT Solutions, JKB Energy, Schneider Electric and IBEW—have visited over 30 area businesses and organizations and provided extensive customized

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

“All it takes is human resources,” said Keenan. “It doesn’t take a lot of money, and projects often end up paying for themselves over time."

{ REA CO N TE A M M EM B E R S }

“All it takes is human resources,” said Keenan. “It doesn’t take a lot of money, and projects often end up paying for themselves over time.” Modesto-based Boyd Corporation was recently certified as a Green Sustainable Business by the REACON Team, said Keenan. In part, the certification recognizes the corporation’s efforts to enact new green policies and to fit environmentally-friendly practices into its everyday operations over the last six years. One practice that Boyd has implemented is a structured recycling program. This program alone saved Boyd Corporation over $14,220 last year and has totaled nearly $74,000 in savings since 2008. “You would be surprised at what you can recycle,” stated Adriana Mora, Quality Assurance Manager at Boyd. Through concurrent initiatives with solar power, lighting, water and more, the corporation’s total savings have ended up being even larger over this time period. “It is crystal clear that programs like the Stanislaus Green Team work and are highly effective at promoting the message that all of the human efforts behind implementing healthier and green sustainable practices are well worth the time and monetary investment,” said Keenan. “I wouldn’t have accepted this position if it was just about tree hugging,” she added. “I took it because I knew I could help businesses save money. I’ve been a business owner and I relate to how hard it can be to stay focused on the bottom line, especially in a down economy. It’s really gratifying to see that people are saving money through Stanislaus Green Team.”

In The Footsteps of Green Team San Joaquin

is incredibly active and influential in the program. He’s our spokesman, he helps run the meetings and get speakers and so much more. He’s been there every step of the way, from the first meeting until today. They’re continually helping because they believe in the cause and the message.”

How To Get Involved The Stanislaus Green Team is a non-profit program operated on a budget solely dependent on the funds from investors and sponsors. According to Keenan, the nonprofit submitted a Program/Grant application to the Valley Can organization this past March and is hopeful that Valley Can recognizes the hard work and efforts of the Stanislaus Green Team. Any businesses or individuals interested in learning more about the Stanislaus Green Team’s mission can contact Rikki Keenan by phone at 209.577.5757 Ext.103 or can visit the Stanislaus Green Team website at StanislausGreenTeam.com.

{ CE R TI FI ED GR E E N SU STA I N A B L E }

NESTLE USA, 736 Garner Road Modesto, CA 95357 (209) 574-2055

The Stanislaus Green Team follows in the footsteps of the Green Team San Joaquin, an initiative spearheaded in 2006 by the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. “Their model is the foundation, but every county is different in how they function and look at the economy,” said Keenan. Keenan credits Modesto-based business American Recycling— which had seen the benefits of Green Team San Joaquin firsthand—with the idea of establishing a local Stanislaus County program. “American Recyling has been a huge help in creating this program and is really the core of why this got started,” said Keenan. “They’re faithful investors, not just monetarily but also with their time. Linden Coffee is our Board Chair and

BOYD CORP. 600 S. McClure Road Modesto, CA 95357 (209) 491-1470

MARCH

S T A NI S LA U S GREEN T EAM

THE STANISLAU S GREEN TEAM COMMENDED BIGGER G RE E N THI N G S TO COM E By Rikki Keenan, Stanislaus Green Team Coordinator March 12, 2014 at the 10th annual REXPO Exposition, the Stanislaus Green Team and the Modesto Chamber of Commerce was awarded and recognized for their leadership in advocating, educating and assisting businesses to reduce the cost of doing business through environmental stewardship throughout the Central Valley.

REACON Team Investors

The REXPO Exposition is organized by the Stockton Chamber of Commerce and the Valley Green Team in an effort to unify Central Valley businesses and organizations to collaborate to the tune of a common themed message, “Environmental Stewardship does and will continue to reduce the cost of doing business”. RIKKI KEENAN SGT COORDINATOR

Green Sponsors

The registered portion of the event this year had over 300 attendees and over 1,500 attendees joining the REXPO vendor booths throughout the day. The viewing exhibits were free and open to the public before and after the morning panel discussions and a keynote speaker addressed luncheon. The Valley Green Team’s mission is to collaborate with Central Valley Chamber of Commerce’s to start up their own Green Team program so that the State of California will meet it’s goal of reducing Green House Gas Emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. There are currently 4 green teams that have been established due to this effort. They include the San Joaquin Green Team, Merced Green Team, Stanislaus Green Team and Avenal Green Team. These Green Team programs not only help reduce Green House Emissions but they improve their local economy by keeping jobs local and reducing the cost of doing business. The Stanislaus Green Team and the Modesto Chamber of Commerce are very proud to be a part of this valiant effort and we look forward to bigger green things to come.

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

{ S MA LL BUSINESS SPOT LIGHT } BATTERIES PLUS BULBS Batteries Plus Bulbs is the nations leading specialty retailer in providing battery and light bulb solutions to meet the growing demands of retail and business-to-business customers at the national and local levels. Batteries Plus Bulbs offers a comprehensive selection of over 45,000 batteries, light bulbs, and related products including those hard to find batteries and light bulbs. In addition to our vast product offering, our stores have an onsite tech center to assemble, test, condition and design custom battery packs for rechargeable household and business-to-business products. Batteries Plus Bulbs also offers battery testing and installation services for many applications and in-store recycling program using EPA-approved methods to safely recycle batteries, light bulbs, ballasts, and select portable electronic devices. Our business account programs offer customers volume discount opportunities; onsite needs analysis, energy and cost-saving programs through local utility companies, online ordering, and delivery and recycling services for batteries and light bulbs. P 3000 McHenry Avenue, Suite #1 Modesto, CA 95350 (209) 529-0604

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MARCH

CO M M U NI TY DEVELOP MENT

LEADERSHIP MODESTO

By Yamilet Valladolid, Site Director, El Concilio "Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark, you know what you're doing but no one else knows." This is how our day started with leadership Modesto at Never Boring Associates with our focus of the day: the power of media. Media ranging from print, social media, radio, television, marketing, advertising and even how to properly handle an interview, whether it's television or radio.

Our day continued, as we walked over to the Modesto Bee where we learned about what their daily budget consists of: breaking stories. We talked about how social media has changed the news. How the breaking news communications have been transferred to social media such as the web page, Facebook and Twitter for immediate distribution. When we asked if they thought that print media was still something of the future they said that they definitely feel that print media was still something that people wanted to have, feel, touch and of course read, but they needed to continue to be innovative and also follow the changing trends in media.

At our first stop at Never Boring Associates we talked about marketing and social media and the art of advertising. If you win the heart of your consumers then they will follow, but how do you do this? Branding can be extremely powerful; who hasn't called a sticky note a Post-it, how about Kleenex instead of tissue or FedEx to mail an overnight package. We also had a great presentation on Social Media and guess what? It's here to stay and never stays static. Whether it's Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, staying visible with useful information and catchy phrases or tid-bits is the key. Very useful information and our day was just starting.

Our last stop was with Clear Channel Radio which is the largest media company in the world. Radio is everywhere; it is free over the air and on websites per Jim Papas, Director of Sales, and 94% of adults listen to radio on a weekly basis. Radio has been useful in natural disasters. We learned that advertising on the radio was faster compared to television, as the radio can produce a commercial within 24 hours versus the television that requires much more production time. We also had the great opportunity to be guests on a radio show with a radio personality. Leadership Modesto has been extremely valuable; as you can see our day was packed with information, excitement and wonderful resources. Looking forward to more of our Leadership Modesto days with "The Best Class Ever." P

YAMILET VALLADOLID

We trekked over to the county offices to meet media guru David Jones, who conducted an excellent media training and challenged us to tell him our life story in 60 seconds! How do you make everything fit in 60 seconds- he was getting us ready to ensure that we learned the importance of having three simple and brief key messages with each message, no more than nine words each. He also touched on preparing news releases, the importance of having a punch line, and all the other items that are necessary to ensure that we could sell our story. David also taught us 10 tips to ensure we are able to conduct a proper interview, whether it's on television or radio. We at Leadership Modesto are very fortunate to be able to count on such wonderful and great trainings and presentations through this program.

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

N ETW ORKIN G & REFERRALS

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WOODSIDE MANAGEMENT GROUP

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Modesto, CA 95351

Patterson, CA 95363

Modesto, CA 95351

Phone: (559) 676-7668

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tstuehler@borregosolar.com

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BOYD CORP.

Filipe Barajas

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1442 Carpenter Road

Stacy Vasquez

WEDDING LOFT

600 S. McClure Road

Modesto, CA 95350

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Modesto, CA 95357

Phone: (209) 602-0958

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MARCH

NE T W ORK I NG & REFERRALS

RIBBON CUTTINGS "Thank you so much for the very professional and well received Ribbon Cutting presentation yesterday! I can't wait for the photos! You all do so much to help us members and I am so appreciative. Thank you again!" Tim Durbin, Business Development Manager, Cypress Private Security UNO CHICAGO GRILL 3250 Dale Road Modesto, CA 95350 (209) 522-8667

CYPRESS SECURITY 1015 - 12th Street, Suite #2 Modesto, CA 95354 (925) 260-6806 “I was very impressed with the professionalism and friendliness of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ambassadors and Welcome Team. I appreciate everyone’s time in making the CAA ribbon cutting a success.” Stephanie Babb, Regional Director, California Apartment Association

MNJ FOUNDATION / THE LORD'S CLOSET 1018 Suite A, McHenry Avenue Modesto, CA 95350 (209) 522-3800

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

CALIFORNIA APARTMENT ASSOCIATION 516 W. Shaw Avenue, #200 Fresno, CA 93704 (559) 221-2533

COM MUN ITY D EVELOPMEN T

CHAMBER BOARD PERSPECTIVE DO WE NEED A TRANSPORTATION TAX? By Craig Lewis, Prudential California Realty For the past 10 years citizens of Stanislaus County have been asking that question. Do we really want to tax ourselves a ½ cent for every tax dollar spent in the County for Transportation projects? As a conservative citizen and tax payer, I frankly don’t want to pay any more taxes for government use. I ask myself, “What do they do with all that money anyway”? Some have said that you can’t trust CRAIG LEWIS BOARD MEMBER the government with their money anymore. I, at times, find myself asking those same questions. So why would I be in such favor of taxing myself, and asking you to do the same? Because this is a different kind of tax!! This is like a surcharge upon ourselves for our own selfish reasons. We get to determine how and where the money is spent. And we get to have some of the taxes that we pay come back to us and spend it in the way we want to have it spent, right here in our County. What???? You mean by charging ourselves this surcharge that we get money from the State and Federal Government? YES!!! How does that work? Well, by surcharging (taxing) ourselves, the State and Federal Government will give us funds because we have matching funds (our own funds) to go along with theirs. It maximizes the total investment in the project(s). 81% of the people that live in the State of California has figured this out (we are part of the 19% that haven’t yet). Let me give you some examples of how this works in other parts of California. In Tulare County they raised (leveraged) approximately $49 Million through their self-tax surcharge and in turn received an additional $150 Million from the State and Federal Government for a total amount of $200 Million. Alameda County has self-funded $725 Million and then received matching funds in the amount of $2.2 Billion (yes Billion!!) from the State and Feds for a total of $3 Billion. In San Joaquin County they have self-funded $407 Million and received in return an additional $333 Million for a total of $740 Million. These figures are all based on what has happened in those Counties since they passed a self-help transportation only tax. If we average the ratios of these three example Counties, it comes out to over 2.5 times received back as compared to what we put in!! All of our County and City Elective Leaders (including all of the hired Executives) have thoroughly vetted this process out, and they have all collectively and individually unanimously supported this measure and it will be voted upon by the citizens of the County in November 2016. To be realized we have to receive the support of 66 2/3% of all voting citizens in the County. The next question that comes to mind is how is this money scheduled to be spent, who will make sure it is spend appropriately and can it be moved to any general funds. By law in the State of California, whenever a local municipality taxes themselves they get to determine exactly how the money is spent. Neither the Feds nor the State nor any local government can touch these funds except for approved transportation projects. Locally an organization called STANCOG

(Stanislaus Council of Government), comprised of elected officials from all nine municipalities throughout the County, serve on this Board. STANCOG has voted to have a Citizens Oversight Committee to specifically oversee the expenditure of these sacred community funds. STANCOG Board has submitted a 25 Year Expenditure Plan for $970 Million from these locally raised funds. By using the same ratio of 2.5 times as referenced above, the total amount utilized over the 25 years would be $1.655 Billion. How and where is it going to be spent? The 25 Year Expenditure Plan is available to the public on the STANCOG website. The plan outlines that it will be spent to improve goods movement, relieve congestion, strengthen the economy, increase safety and improve health throughout the County. 47% will be spend on roadway maintenance within each municipality, 47% will be spend on capital projects where matching State and Federal funds will be accessed. The major projects are the North County Corridor from Highway 99 through north Modesto, to Riverbank and Oakdale near many of the job centers of these three cities, Highway 132 West that will connect the County to the Bay Area and the World Markets, and the South County Corridor connecting Highway 99 from Turlock to Highway 5 through the job centers of Turlock and the Westside of the County (Patterson). The other 6% will be spent on Alternative Transportation, such as Senior and Disabled Mobility Management, Bicycle, Pedestrian and Regional Rail. This is a rare opportunity we have to change the future of our community with the help of our State and Federal Government. This will help us improve the quality of life within the County, have our agriculture and other locally produced products reach the Bay Area and the World through the movement of goods and services, help develop a diversity of jobs through building transportation corridors to our job centers, provide more mobility for our seniors and disabled, expand and build more bicycle and pedestrian paths and provide regional rail projects to help our environment by taking more cars off the road. Please join me and all of the elected officials throughout the County to pass this Transportation Tax in 2016. 81% of the State has this available to them. Why be left behind? Let’s bring more of our hard earned and paid taxes back to our County. If you have any questions, please contact me at 209-996-0271 or craigclewis@gmail.com. P

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MARCH

N E T W ORK I NG & REFERRALS

{ MARCH } BUSI NESS

B EFORE HO UR S

{ MARCH } BUS INE S S

A F T ER H OU R S

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40 ANNIVERSARY 14

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

Oakland Athletics win the world series!

Outrageous! Cost of a gallon of gas goes up to 0.63 cents.

Parks Printing is founded by Austin Parks.

Text “1974” to 75309

to find out who and what was cool in 1974!

G OVERN M EN T RELATION S

PREPARE KIDS FOR CALIFORNIA'S ECONOMY E NCOURAGE COMPU TE R SCI E NCE E D UCATI ON I N SCHOOL S By Kristin Olsen, Assemblymember, 12th District Computer Science drives innovation and economic growth in California and across the country. By the end of the decade, over half of all jobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the United States will require highly technical computer knowledge and experience. And these jobs aren’t just in the technology industry itself. They are in a wide variety KRISTIN OLSEN of fields, including health care, agriculture, ASSEMBLYMEMBER manufacturing and food processing, industries key to our Central Valley economy. Unfortunately, our students are not well-prepared to take advantage of these employment opportunities. California schools fall behind other states in both their use of technology in the classroom and the courses offered. At the same time, computing jobs are growing at a rate of over four times the state average. According to the Conference Board and the National Science Foundation, as of December 2013 there are 77,309 open computing jobs in California but only 4,324 computer science graduates. Anything we can do to encourage students to take courses in computer science will strengthen our economy and better prepare our children for

almost any career path they choose. That is why I have introduced AB 1764, a bill that would encourage school districts to expand computer science courses in high schools. Assemblymember Joan Buchanan, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Education and I, as Vice-Chair, will be focusing on this issue together this year. Specifically, AB 1764 would allow school districts to award students credit for one mathematics course if they successfully complete a course in computer science that has been approved by the University of California and/or the California State University as a “C” requirement. Such credit would only be offered in districts where the school district requires more than two courses in mathematics for graduation. In the 17 other states that allow computer science to count as an academic class, 50 percent more students enroll than in states where it is treated as an elective. The solution is evident: if we want California students to be prepared for California jobs, we must encourage our schools to offer more computer science courses, and our kids to take them. AB 1764 was introduced last week and will be heard in the Assembly Committee on Education this spring. To support this bill, please mail a letter to my Capitol office at P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA 94249, fax to (916) 319-2112, or email to Allison.Wescott@asm.ca.gov P

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GO VE R NMENT RELAT IONS

ASSESSOR OVER VIEW By Don Gaekle, Stanislaus County Assessor One of the first things I was required to read when I started in the Assessor’s Office in 1986 was a statement at the start of the Revenue and Taxation code, “All property is taxable…” Indeed, that used to be virtually true. Many taxpayers today would be surprised to know that their personal household furnishings and yes, even their pets were at one time assessable. The legislature did not pass an exemption for household furnishings and yes, pets, until 1968. Business inventories, DON GAEKLE including crop harvests and most livestock, were also exempted from taxation effective with the 1969 roll. The Revenue and Taxation Code is full of exemptions too numerous to mention here. However, most property not owned by government entities is still assessable. We still assess real property land and structures, mobile homes and growing improvements (trees & vines) on farms. We also assess personal property and fixtures used in business/farming operations, airplanes, boats and race horses. To avoid adding too much to the mix at one time I will address the rules as they apply to residential home values and assessments here, but the same rules apply to all real property. “Proposition 13” (Prop. 13) is the best place to start a discussion about assessment. “I still have a Prop. 13 value” is a statement I have often heard from people who have owned a particular property since 1975 or still benefit from an original “base value” determined in the summer of 1978 after the passage of Prop. 13. These people are usually enjoying the maximum benefit available under Prop. 13. The reality is that virtually all real property parcels in the state of California have a Proposition 13 base value even if they are currently assessed under some other provision of law. There are the “original” Prop. 13 values from the seventies but many others have been established since the 1975 base year as the Assessor‘s Office has reappraised property for changes in ownership and new construction as required by Prop. 13. Proposition 13 (Article XIII A of the Constitution) mandated a number of basic things:

• Section 2(b), allowed for an inflationary Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment to the Prop 13 full cash value not to exceed 2% annually. The Prop. 13 base value plus any annually added CPI is referred to as the “factored base value.” The State issued CPI has been less than 2% eight times since 1975 and was actually a negative adjustment for the 2010 roll year. To put the CPI into perspective, the assessment for an “original” Prop. 13 base value established as of 1975 will have doubled for the upcoming 2014-15 roll, but that is likely well below current market value. On the other hand, the average sale price for all homes in Modesto in the summer of 2006 was around $230/sqft. The cumulative CPI adjustment for that home for the upcoming 2014-15 roll is 9.29% making the Prop 13 “factored base value” equal to $251.37/sqft. The average sale price for all Modesto homes as of January 1, 2014 is around $125/sqft. Actual sales prices per square foot for an individual home will obviously vary greatly based on location, age, quality and other amenities, but looking at the average of all sales in Modesto illustrates the point. • One thing Proposition 13 did not do was to make any allowances for declines in value due to disaster or changing market conditions. The California State Senate rode to the rescue by placing a legislative initiative on the November 1978 ballot known as Proposition 8 (Prop. 8), which was passed easily by the voters. Prop. 8 provided mechanisms for assessment relief in cases of disaster and “other causes”. More important to most taxpayers, however, was that the “other causes” meant that it allowed for reductions for decline in market value. These provisions appear in the Revenue and Taxation code as Section 51(a) parts 1 and 2. They provide that the assessed value enrolled for any real property parcel, on the “lien date,” “shall” be the lesser of: 1) its Proposition 13 base value, adjusted by the cumulative annual CPI adjustments, or 2) its current “full cash value” on the lien date. The lien date for assessment purposes is January 1st of any given year and the provisions apply to all real property types.

• Proposition 13, Section 1(a), set the maximum “Ad Valorem” tax rate on all real property at 1% of the “full cash value” as defined in the proposition. However, it allowed for an increment to be added for payoff of bonded indebtedness. This is why the effective tax rate is typically between 1% and 1.2% for most properties. Another question often asked is, “What is the tax rate on commercial property or business property?” The answer is that the tax rate is the same for all classes of property within a given “Tax Rate Area” whether it is a single family home, a large manufacturing plant or business/farm equipment. There are nearly 1500 tax rate areas in Stanislaus County established to identify which agency, or combination of agencies, has jurisdiction there.

The laws the Assessor must follow can be confusing to taxpayers and even the media. I remember in the mid-1990’s seeing a headline in the San Francisco Chronicle stating, “Assessor Uses Obscure Law to Raise Assessments More Than 2%.” As explained above, the “Obscure Law” is the same law, Section 51(a), which the Assessor followed in lowering those assessments for decline in market value in the first place, and the same law we follow today. In the current rising market, just as we did in the declining market, we will review the market value of those properties assessed at a market value below their Prop. 13 factored base value. The market value determined for the January 1, 2014 lien date for each property will be compared to its Proposition 13 ‘factored base value” on the lien date to determine which value is the lower value to be assessed on the 2014 roll. Our market review of homes is generally completed during the month of May.

• Prop. 13, Section 2(a), established that the "full cash value" was essentially the market value as determined by the Assessor for existing parcels as of the March 1, 1975 lien date. Any change in ownership or new construction after that date would cause a reappraisal and assessment to establish a new Prop. 13 Base Value for any portion(s) of a parcel(s) subject to a change of ownership or new construction. The new value would be based on the market value as of the date of change in ownership or completion of new construction.

Today, out of just over 161,000 total parcels in Stanislaus County there are roughly 78,000 parcels (48%) that are currently assessed at a market value below their Prop. 13 factored base value which is actually down from a high of close to 60% two years ago. Most of the properties on reduced market values are residential, but certainly not all. There are 3,000 (33%) of 9,140 commercial-industrial properties also on Prop. 8 reduced values in response to the economic downturn after 2007. In rural areas, 1,220 (14.5%) of parcels have also been reduced for decline in value, mostly ranchettes.

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

G OVERN M EN T RELATION S

Residential market values have climbed steadily over the last two years and market sales are showing 20% to 30% plus increases year over year as of January 1st. Home owners with parcels assessed at market value last year due to a “Prop. 8” review, will generally see significant increases in assessed value for when the 2014 assessment roll is published on July 1st. Those increases in assessment could potentially reflect the full impact of the change in market value for some parcels, while other parcels may be restored to their Prop. 13 factored base value before seeing the full market increase and will benefit from the protections provided by Prop. 13. Property owners with parcels assessed on their Proposition 13 factored base value for the 2013-14 roll and that did not undergo a change in ownership or new construction during calendar year 2013 will generally see assessed value increases of less than 2% for the 2014-15 roll. Meanwhile, all those sales showing the large increase in value during 2013 are being worked through our direct enrollment program or processed by our appraisal staff. Of course, they are getting brand new Prop 13 base values as of the date of sale. Any new construction will also be added to the assessment roll and given a new Prop 13 base value. If you purchased property in 2013 may already have an approximate idea of your new taxes based on your assessment. It is important that existing owners should be aware of and be prepared for assessment increases resulting from current rising market. It is also important that they be aware of the legal requirements that the Assessor must follow. The 201415 assessment roll information will be available by July 1, 2014 through the Assessors on-line services at http://www.stancounty.com/assessor/ and select On-Line Services followed by Assessor Value Notice Inquiry. Taxpayers can view their assessed value by entering either their assessor parcel number or their street address. Any questions regarding assessed value should be directed to the Assessor’s Office at (209) 525-6461 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. P

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

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

MARCH

{ FR O M THE EXPER T S }

PASSENGER RAIL POTENTIALLY HEADS TO THE VALLEY By Thomas Reeves, San Joaquin Regional Rail

Community Hospice Foundation

Annual Gala May 31, 2014

To reserve tickets: Online–www.hospiceheart.org/events Call–209.578.6370

All proceeds benefit the patients and families of Community Hospice.

Sponsorships and in-kind giving opportunities available.

BE INVOLVED BE APPRECIATED BE HONORED BELONG

Saturday April 5, 2014 8:00am to 12:30pm

“Love Modesto” Community-wide Volunteer Day! Dale Commons will be serving a FREE breakfast to our local Veterans and Seniors of Modesto in appreciation for all they have contributed to our

WE OUR VETERANS! WE OUR SENIORS! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Reserve your seating by calling us today:

209.526.2053

Independent and Assisted Living Community

community.

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

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) is aiming to offer more Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) passenger rail service to our communities. It is also planning to extend ACE service to the downtowns of Manteca, Modesto, Turlock, and Merced. ACE currently operates four round-trip trains each weekday – primarily at peak commute times – from three points in San Joaquin County, through Alameda County, and into the Bay Area, helping to relieve some of the most notorious highway bottlenecks in the state. According to several studies, approximately one-fifth of Stanislaus County residents commute to jobs located at points outside of the county, and so far, nearly 16% of the ACE passenger base is made up of these commuters. An expanded ACE in Stanislaus County would provide a better mobility alternative to the automobile that would lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and further regional land use and transportation planning goals under local, regional, and state initiatives. In addition to the environmental and mobility benefits of expanded intercity rail service to downtown stations, the ACE service would support walkable communities and the revitalization of core urban areas while addressing traffic congestion issues in the Central Valley. Approximately 48% of the ACE service is funded by fare revenue; the rest is subsidized with public support. SJRRC relies significantly on San Joaquin County’s Measure-K half-cent transportation sales tax and its ability to leverage other regional, state, and federal funding sources. Similar transportation sales tax measures in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties also contribute toward the operation of the ACE service through their regions. Of the five public scoping forums SJRRC held along the existing and future ACE corridors, the forum held in Modesto in July 2013 was by far the most successful in terms of attendance and support for the extension. Emerging efforts to expand the transportation infrastructure in Stanislaus County is a great start in addressing the needs and lifestyle choices of those who are eager to get out of their cars and get into a stress-free alternative to driving. P

WORTH THE WEIGHT In 1983, Never Boring was launched in a garage with $100, a weight bench and a phone. Today, we are the Northern San Joaquin Valley’s largest full service ad agency, with three locations and a staff of 27 creatives with expertise in everything from marketing, graphic and web design, signage and film. Day after day, client after client, we focus on delivering every service our clients need to grow and succeed. All this is backed up with the kind of customer service and pricing you only get with a local firm. We may not be working from that old weight bench anymore, but trust us, we’re still worth the weight. Shouldn’t your advertising be Never Boring?

ADVERTISING I GRAPHIC DESIGN I WEB DESIGN I MARKETING I PROMOTIONAL SOLUTIONS I FILM & MULTIMEDIA I CUSTOM SIGNS & FLEET GRAPHICS

Br a n d i n g. S t r a t e gy. D e s i gn .

Modesto

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Stockton SAN JOAQUIN OFFICE 445 W. Weber Ave., Ste. 124A Stockton, CA 95203 tel 209.593.9136 800.317.9136

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

2070 MORGAN ROAD • MODESTO, CA 95358

Prime Shine Car Wash presents:

LAND OF OPPORTUNITY ...a series spotlighting entrepreneurial achievement

Jim Brennan Director of Project Development BORREGO SOLAR

JIM BRENNAN

Borrego Solar was founded in San Diego in 1980 as a residential solar company. Over time, the company has transitioned into a designer and installer of commercial solar power systems. Jim Brennan serves as the company’s Director of Project Development in the Western United States.

How many employees do you have? We have just over 100 employees nationwide and installed about 50 Megawatts of solar nationwide in 2013 and expect to exceed that this year. We can handle such a large amount of business by looking to contractors in specific areas to accomplish our jobs. We have our own project managers, site managers and superintendents but when doing a job in Modesto, for example, we will hire local subcontractors to do the work. What challenges have you had to overcome and how did you achieve that? I think that the solar industry in the last 5-6 years has been on what some call the “solar coaster.” It’s been a very high growth industry, but there have been a lot of ups and downs. We’ve had four straight years of profitable growth, but around us there’s been a lot of turn and churn in the industry as companies come and go and the supply of module has changed dramatically in where they’re coming from and how much they cost. That’s meant that we can offer better pricing to our customers, which had been very good for the industry. But combine a relatively young industry with high growth and throw in the economic chaos of 2008-2009, and that definitely hurts some parts of the industry. Borrego has made it through by keeping a steady hand on the tiller. We’re very much looking at high quality and bringing good value and a stable environment for our customers. All those things together has allowed us to grow prosperously in what has been a very tumultuous time in the solar industry. What is the single biggest reason you have achieved the level of success you have? Getting a lot of word of mouth referrals from others who like the way we do business, have had a really good experience and are really anxious to refer us to their friends and other businesses they know. Investing in a

solar system is really kind of a long term relationship. These systems can last 30 years or longer. Having a 30+ year history in the state puts us in a really good position to offer customers the security of knowing we’re not going to drop off the radar. What do you like about your job? I like the idea that every day the sun is up it’s raining down energy on us and we’re figuring out a way to capture that energy and use it. I also like that now the economics of solar are such that for many customers—particularly for customers in the Modesto area—it looks like the economics of other equipment. Meaning, the paybacks and the rates of return on investing in a solar system look very similar to investing in other capital equipment. That puts us in a good place when dealing with business customers. What are your plans for the future? We have great growth plans for 2014 and beyond. We’re going to stay on the path we’re on and continue to provide high quality systems to our customers. The adoption of solar across the country continues to pick up and we’re keeping an eye on different markets and making sure that we’ll be available in those markets when it makes sense. The California and Central Valley markets have been the leader for all 50 states. What advice do you have for business people when it comes to achieving their goals? Know your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what you’re good at and what you’re not good at is very important. Then just being passionate and believing in the project that you’re working in. To me, solar just seems to make a lot of sense for a lot of places now. It may not be perfect everywhere, but I think for those places that it works we should be using more of it. What do you like about doing business in the Modesto community and why do you think this is the Land of Opportunity Both the Central Valley’s agricultural and industrial communities have actually been great adopters of solar because they realize that it’s not only a good clean source of energy but that the economics also look good so it makes a lot of sense. We see great growth out for the next several years. P

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

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

MARCH

EDI TORIAL

RIDE FOR MOM

By Bob Fores, Fores Macko, A Professional Law Corporation

There are easy lifestyle choices that you and I can make right now to improve our quality of life. Get fit. Eat better food. And have fun in the process. On the day before Mother’s Day at Johansen High School, ride one of four cycling routes (10, 30, 72 and century routes), eat a tasty and healthy lunch, visit a lifestyle fair and enjoy being with family and friends.

“Be Active. Eat Healthy. Live Better.” The goal Ride for Mom® is to have fun participating in a healthy activity while raising awareness in our community on how to reduce cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

SHOWOFF

Your BUSINESS

BOB FORES

Over the past two years, through the outstanding support of sponsors, donors and participants, $15,000.00 has been raised and distributed locally to groups that promote this awareness.

Our first “Show Off Your Business” will be on April 23rd at TSM Insurance Services new location at 2605 Coffee Road, Suite 100 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Come see their new location, enjoy some yummy treats and network with new and old contacts.

New this year, the Organizing Team will be hosting the movie Breaking Away at the State Theatre on Thursday, May 8, 2014. While the Rotary Club of Modesto Sunrise and its foundation is the lead sponsor, the event’s organizing team is made up of individuals involved in community projects. Please visit rideformom.com. Hope to see you on your bike on May 10!

Commercial – SBA – Ag – Home

Call About Your Next Project Today!

1.866.844.7500 • www.ovcb.com

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches 22

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

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 Tammie Webb, Special Events Manager at 209-577-5757 ext. 111.

TSM Insurance Services is pleased to announce the opening of our new location! Here you will find the guidance you count on for personal insurance needs including medical, life, home & auto, etc. Long time employees Debbie Sousa, Velma Farinha & Nichole Parker are at the new location along with their team to take care of all your needs! Give us a call today at 209.524.6366 or find us on the web at www.tsminsurance.com. P

WORK IN Covanta Energy Turns Stanislaus County Trash into Treasure

The SRRF is an important part of Stanislaus County’s commitment to renewable energy. According to Barnes, for every ton of solid waste that is diverted from the landfill by the

plant, greenhouse gases are reduced by about one ton through the avoidance of methane gas production and fossil fuel savings. In addition, the plant has recently been upgraded with a nonferrous recovery system which enables Covanta Stanislaus to separate and recycle about 900 tons of nonferrous metal annually, including over 30,000 aluminum cans per year. According to Barnes, the SRRF continues to strive for greater processing volumes. Last year, the plant set a record for production and over the facility’s expected 50+ year lifespan, Covanta Energy and Stanislaus County will keep striving to turn even more trash into treasure. P

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 SRRF creates energy by taking in, sorting and then burning solid waste in order to generate steam used to turn power-generating turbines. “Emissions from the plant are then scrubbed, cleaned and filtered,” said Covanta Stanislaus Client Business Manager Matthew Barnes. “What comes out of the plant has emission levels that are at just a small fraction of what the EPA deems safe for human health. [The SRRF] is also a 0 discharge site. That means that all of the water used in the power generation process is recycled.”

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

•

Formed by a partnership between the City of Modesto, Stanislaus County and Covanta Energy—one of the world’s largest renewable energy production businesses—the Stanislaus Resource Recovery Facility (SRRF) is a 16.5 acre site that diverts about 850 tons of solid waste from Stanislaus County’s waste stream per day, then transforms it into up to 22.5 megawatts of renewable energy which is sold back into the state’s power grid. Over the last 25 years, the facility has processed nearly 5 million tons of garbage and generated over 2.4 million megawatt-hours of electricity.

Last year, the plant set a record for production and over the facility’s expected 50+ year lifespan, Covanta Energy and Stanislaus County will keep striving to turn even more trash into treasure.

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

In 1989, the United States was in the midst of a revolution in waste management. At the heart of this revolution: turning solid waste into energy, was Covanta Energy’s Stanislaus County facility founded in Crows Landing.

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT

(Courtesy of Never Boring)

MARCH

EDU CA TI ON

DESTINATION GRADUATION IMPROV ING THE FUTURE OF STANI SL AUS COUN TY By Susan Rich, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Service, Stanislaus County Off ice of Education 8,135 young men and women started high school in Stanislaus County in the fall of 2008. Four years later, 6,403 (or 78.7%) of them walked the stage, diploma in hand. What happened to the rest? Some passed the GED and left school, a few finished high school during a fifth year, and some special education students’ challenges were significant enough that SUSAN RICH high school graduation was never a goal. The vast majority of “the rest ” simply dropped out. And these students, the 1,174, what was their fate? National statistics tell us that if these drop-outs find employment, they will make 30% less than their diploma-ed compatriots. They are more likely to be unemployed, and, consequently, to be welfare recipients. They are incarcerated at a significantly higher rate. They incur higher than the average health care costs, and their children are more likely to be unhealthy. The military won’t allow a drop out to enlist. In short, their future is not bright. And the cost to the community? Adding the costs of: incarceration, lost economic productivity and tax revenues, dropouts for California total almost $46.4 billion dollars a year. This dismal picture is what the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) hopes to change. Its new initiative: Destination Graduation sets the goal of raising the graduation rate of students in this county. The logical question is “How?”

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

Destination Graduation is built on five pillars: 1) Showcasing (and replicating) Best Practices, 2) Mentoring, 3) Providing “Summer Camp” for at-risk 6th graders, 4) championing Parent Involvement and Awareness, and 5) joining the national 3rd Grade Reading Campaign. Successful innovations are in place in districts inside and outside of this county and need to be spotlighted. Marc Johnson, former superintendent of a Central Valley school district with similar demographics, boasts that 95% of his students graduated. He shared the specifics of his plan with our local board members and superintendents. Scott Kuykendall, Director of the Educational Options Division at SCOE, replicated a program entitled Come Back Kids. This new program has enabled 33 recovered students to earn their diplomas in the first five months, has over a hundred more enrolled, and can’t keep up with its impressive waiting list. SCOE staff knows that a stable, caring adult can fill a void for students who need just a little bit more. Partnering with Sierra Vista and other agencies, SCOE hosted a Mentoring Summit designed to recruit new mentors and to convince businesses to promote mentoring by their employees. SCOE staff, through the Stanislaus County Employee Mentor program, sends teams of four adults to support one student each at local elementary schools. The student is mentored twice a week, but each employee is at the school site just twice a month. A third grader has four caring adults who juggle their schedules to ensure that his appointments are kept, and not surprisingly, that third grader’s attendance is much improved.

ED UCATION

The premise of the Summer Camp is rooted in the research indicating 7th grade is pivotal. Sixth grade elementary teachers will identify their at-risk students. SCOE will host a “camp” for those students during the summer between the security of a contained classroom at the elementary site and the hormonal maze of a multi-period junior high school. The Summer Camp will debut in Summer 2015. Coupled with the other pillars is the important of involving families and parents. Attendance is critical to student success. A recent report released from the California Department of Education, “In School + On Track” is alarming. This report ’s statistics reveal that: • Over 250,000 students are chronically absent from school, missing more than 10% (or over 18 school days). • For low-income elementary students who have already missed f ive days of school, each additional school day missed decreased the student’s chance of graduation by 7%. • Stanislaus County truancy rate is estimated at 20% The last pillar focuses on marshalling forces to get more students reading at third grade level by the end of third grade. This lynchpin skill is strongly linked to graduation nine years later: students who are not reading well by the end of third grade are far more likely to join the 1,000+ students who drop out.

How can you help? If you are a parent or grandparent, send your children to school faithfully. Mentor a student: someone from church, from the neighborhood, or connect with a school nearby. Encourage your employees to do the same. And stay tuned for more opportunities to help. It takes a village to raise a graduate! P

Modesto’s

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Tax Services Audits and Financial Statement Preparation Political Reporting and Accounting Services Business Consulting and Management Advisory Services Accounting and Bookkeeping Services For more information, contact us at: Clendenin Bird & Company Address: 3501 Tully Road Suite B Modesto CA 95356 Phone: (209) 526-3091 www.cbcpas.com MARCH

E C O NOMI C DEVELO PMENT

E C ON OM I C DE V E L OP M E N T

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE AVAILABILITY Professional Staffing is pleased to announce the addition of Nicole Tyler to the firm’s Top Talent Executive Recruiting team. Nicole brings over 10 years of recruiting, training and human resource experience to the team. As an Executive Recruiter, Nicole will focus on client development and top talent recruiting candidates through proven sources and NICOLE TYLER methods. Her expertise will allow our clients to focus on what they do best—managing their businesses. P

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311 Bitritto Way Modesto, CA 95356

www.dehartinc.com facebook.com/dehartinc

N E T W ORK I NG & REFERRALS

APRIL 2014

10 17

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

Location: Modesto Sunrise Rotary SOS Club 819 Sunset Ave., Modesto Time: 7:30 am – 8:30 am

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM MEETING

Location: Kirk Lindsey Center 1020 10th Street Plaza, Suite 102, Modesto Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am 17

23 SHOW OFF YOUR BUSINESS Location: TSM Insurance Service 2605 Coffee Road, Suite 100, Modesto Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

MAY 2014

AG AWARE LUNCHEON

Location: SOS Club 819 Sunset Ave., Modesto Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Location: Greens on Tenth 1508 Tenth Street, Modesto Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

PLATINUM LEVEL

Kaiser Permanente Walmart Walmart Neighborhood Market

EMERALD LEVEL

E. & J. Gallo Winery

DIAMOND LEVEL

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

GOLD LEVEL

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

SILVER LEVEL

CHAMBER CALENDAR 10

PRESIDENT’S CLUB CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

Location: Data Path, Inc. 318 McHenry Ave., Modesto Time: 7:30 am – 8:30 am

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 14 Location: Applied Medical Technologies 4707 Greenleaf Circle, Modesto Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM 15 Location: Kirk Lindsey Center 1020 10th Street Plaza, Suite 102, Modesto Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am

AT&T Acme Construction Company, Inc. American Chevrolet American Medical Response Aramark Uniform Services Atherton & Associates, LLP Audio Pros of Modesto BIAlytics BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Brandman University, Chapman University System California State University, Stanislaus Central Valley Ag Grinding/Central Valley Ag Transport Central Valley Autism Project Inc Central Valley Automotive Central Valley Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Central Valley Nissan Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai Central Valley Medical Group Central Valley Specialty Hospital Children’s Hospital Central California Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino Citibank Clark Pest Control COIT Services Inc. Collins Electrical Comcast Concordia Claims Managers Construction Management Corporation Costco Wholesale Covanta Stanislaus, Inc. Curtis Legal Group Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios, Pacher & Silva Del Monte Foods

Delta Sierra Beverage DirectLine Technologies, Inc. The Eberhardt School of Business English Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Hospital F & M Bank Gabriel Fine Jewelers Galletto Ristorante Georgia-Pacific Gianelli & Associates Gilton Solid Waste Management, Inc. Greater Modesto Medical Surgical Associates Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc. Grover Landscape Services, Inc. Harris Moran Seed Company Heald College I.J. Larsen Pumps, Inc. Infiniti of Modesto Institute of Technology International Paper Company JS West & Company Kaplan College Lion Fusion Express Mercer Foods Mike's Knock Out Burger & Rays Bar-B-Que Mocse Credit Union Modesto Commerce Bank Modesto Toyota Mraz, Amerine & Associates Oak Valley Community Bank O’Brien’s Market OLAM Spices & Vegetables, Inc. Pacific Gas & Electric Company Panelized Structures Inc. Park Inn by Radisson Papa John’s Pepsi Bottling Group Prompt Staffing D.B.A Courtesy Staffing Post Foods, LLC Prime Shine Car Wash Rabobank Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. Rocha Transportation Rogers Jewelry Company San Joaquin Valley College Save Mart Supermarkets Siemens Smile Shine Family Dental Seven Up Bottling Corporation Solecon Industrial Contractors Solid Networks, Inc. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Stanislaus Distributing Stanislaus Food Products Company Stanislaus Surgical Hospital Storer Coachways SunOpta Aseptic, Inc. Sutter Gould Medical Foundation Turlock Irrigation District Union Bank US Bank Uno Chicago Grill Valley First Credit Union Valley Lexus-BMW W.H. Breshears, Inc. Wahid Medical Corporation Warden’s Office Products Center Warden’s Office Furniture Outlet Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency Yosemite Meat Company, Inc.

COM MUN ITY D EVELOPMEN T

I BELIEVE THIS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BELONGS TO YOU

"What a Wonderful World," Soroptimist International of Modesto's 26th Annual Fundraiser, will be held Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Charity Ballroom, 645 Charity Way, Modesto. Advance tickets are $35.00; which Includes lunch, entertainment by MJC Performing Arts Students, silent auction, opportunity drawings for fabulous prizes, and prizes for the most original hats that emphasizes different countries of the world. Contact Marilyn at (209) 577-0890.

$37 MILLION American AgCredit members earned $37 million in cash dividends for 2013, making a total of more than $215 million since 2006. Isn’t it time to start reaping the rewards of membership?

Call 800.800.4865 today or visit AgLoan.com

A part of the Farm Credit System. Equal Opportunity Lender.

AAC_ModestoChamber_Div_3.75x5.indd 1

3/10/2014 10:07:00 AM

Celebrating our 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Nine World-Renowned Leaders to Speak in Modesto Leadercast® MainStreetChamber is an exclusive one-day leadership conference broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, Ga. on May 9, 2014 to hundreds of sites around the world including Modesto. This year’s speakers include:

• Andy Stanley • Archbishop Desmond Tutu • Malcolm Gladwell • Randall Wallace • Bill McDermott • Laura Schroff • Dr. Henry Cloud • Simon Sinek • Laura Bush

“It is one of the finest single sources of proven leadership principles I have experienced,” said 2013 attendee Michael Douglass, president Advancing Vibrant Communities. For local ticketing information, visit www.LeaderStreet.org S.C.O.R.E. (Service Corps of Retired Executives) offers you an opportunity to share your success with business in our community. At the same time, you may sharpen your business skills and become a mentor with the nation’s premier small business counseling and advice organization. Whether you provide counseling, raise funds or support chapter operations, you and other volunteers help hundreds of thousands of small businesses succeed each year. We are looking for experienced business experts, professionals, owners and managers who want to help our local business succeed and grow. To apply to volunteer for S.C.O.R.E., contact Larry Dempsey at ldempsey@clearwire.net or call the Modesto Chamber at (209) 577-5757. P E C ON OM IC D EVELOPMEN T

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

The Wedding Loft is an upscale Wedding Resource Center where brides or anyone planning a special event can come and plan their entire event. Our Resource Center is free to the public, and offers a relaxed setting to plan events. We have a Concept Creator onsite during business hours to answer your phone calls or assist you. The Wedding Loft hours are Monday through Friday 10 A.M. to 7 P.M. and Saturday 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. We are located at 1321 J Street in Modesto CA 95354. We can be reached at (209) 451-2292 or www.WeddingLoftDowntown.com. P MARCH

YOU DON’T PROFIT FROM SICK EMPLOYEES. WHY DOES YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER? In an industry built on fee-for-service care, Kaiser Permanente succeeds because we’re built around prevention and the highest quality care. One Harvard Business Review article described our care as “untainted by any economic conflict of interest.”* And in an industry report by The Economist, Kaiser Permanente’s care was described as promoting economy and quality care with “no financial motive to order unnecessary procedures.”† To learn more about Kaiser Permanente, call 1-800-464-4000 or visit kp.org/choosebetter.

Discover a better way.

* Lew McCreary, “Kaiser Permanente’s Innovation on the Front Lines,” Harvard Business Review, September 2010. †

”Another American Way,” The Economist, May 1, 2010.

kp.org/choosebetter