Progress August 2014 by Modesto Chamber of Commerce

August 2014 Vol. 35 Issue 8 ModChamber.org

Lemonade Day

Your Chamber At Work

Green Team

September 20, 2014

THE RUN

Modesto Junior College, West Campus 2201 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto Rain or Shine

Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. 10K and 2-Mile Run/Walk: 8:00 a.m. Kids Fun Run: 9:45 a.m.

To register online, visit our website at memorialmedicalcenter.org. Register early for discounted pricing. For information, call (209) 569-7789.

THE RIDE Registration begins at 6:00 a.m. 61-Mile Ride: 7:00 a.m. 25-Mile Ride: 9:15 a.m. 12-Mile Ride: 10:15 a.m.

THE COMBO The Combo is offered at a discounted price for those who wish to participate in two events. (61-mile ride not available.)

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This fully-supported, family-oriented community event includes educational exhibits addressing cancer and healthy lifestyles with free activities for kids. Food and prizes are included for registered participants.

CONTENTS AUGUST 2014

LEADERSHIP

Message from the CEO

COVER STORY Destination Graduation

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

Executive Committee

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Chairman David Gianelli, Gianelli & Associates

Your Chamber At Work

EDITORIAL Lemonade Day

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.

Chairman-Elect Eric Tobias, F&M Bank Past Chairman Ralph Curtis, Curtis Legal Group Vice Chairman, Internal Operations Patricia Gillum, Patricia Gillum, CPA

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 9 Pursuing An All-Of-The-Above Energy Strategy

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

18 New Chamber Members 18 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 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

Graphic Design: Never Boring (209) 526-9136 • www.neverboring.com Printer: Parks Printing (209) 576-2568 • miken@parksprinting.com Distribution: Parks Printing (209) 576-2568 Advertising Sales: Kristin Bowker Never Boring (209) 526-9136 • progress@neverboring.com © Copyright 2014 Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Some parts of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted, however, we require that permission be obtained in writing. (209) 577-5757, Progress@ModChamber.org

YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY

Modesto Mayor's Top Teens

Welcome Corner

As the General Manager for Laser Quest, part of my job description is FUN. I use Chamber events to offer Live Action Laser Tag since we all need a little fun now and then. Got a kid’s birthday coming up? A youth group or sports team that needs somewhere fun and safe to go? Need to get your staff out of the office? How about Laser Quest?

Cecil Russell, President/CEO Modesto Chamber of Commerce CRussell@ModChamber.org Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce (209) 577-5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org

NETWORKING & REFERRALS

JEFF DENNIS

Now that you have paid your dues and become a member of the Chamber of Commerce you can attend the Chamber Functions and network, network, network! Build your business and use the Chamber to your advantage. As part of the Welcome Team I get to network with new members as soon as they join. Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” So take a shot and become an Ambassador or Welcome Team Member! If you are looking for laser tag fun for all ages, our 12,000 sq. ft. arena with swirling fog and special effect lighting creates the ultimate experience! Call us at 209-526-0000 or email at modesto@laserquest.com P

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

AUGUST

LEA DERS H IP

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO By Chamber President and CEO Cecil Russell

This issue of Progress brings us to the last half of summer, and as our agriculture business focuses on crops production and harvest we have deep concerns about everything surrounding water. Our water issues will continue to command our utmost attention as it is the lifeblood of not only our agriculture community, but also all of the businesses and citizens of our region. I recently had the opportunity to attend CECIL RUSSELL a scoping meeting of Federal Energy CHAMBER PRESIDENT Regulatory Commission (FERS) on the AND CEO subject of the relicensing of La Grange Dam. I was the only person representing business with the exception of one person each from Modesto Irrigation District and Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. The meeting was packed with environmental activists; their only concern was protecting salmon and possibly other fish. My original intention was to listen and learn about the process, however after twenty plus speakers focused entirely on protecting fish, with no mention of the importance of water for our agriculture economy and a sustainable source of water for our business and our general population, I spoke about the importance of water and its effect on our economic vitality. The next evening I attended a town hall meeting that Assembly Members Kristin Olsen and Adam Gray chaired at the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. The subject of this meeting was to raise the level of concern and to share information about the curtailment actions and regulations that are being considered by the State Water Resources Control Board. To suggest curtailment of water rights is not only short-sighted, but an egregious overreach that will do little more than pit one region of California against the other. We, ask that, instead, we focus on increasing the state’s water supply through solutions that can benefit all Californians. The agriculture industry is the lifeblood of our region. The current drought has already forced farmers to cut back operations and threatens to put up to 400,000 acres out of commission this year alone. The effect of such a loss will be evident in the increased food prices in California. We, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, other Chamber’s of Commerce in the Central Valley and other community organizations need to be in lock step with the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, MID, and TID to protect our water rights. We thank Assembly Members Kristen Olsen and Adam Gray and State Senator Anthony Cannella for the support on this important issue. I have recently read The Greening of Paradise Valley, by Dwight H Barney. This book chronicles the first one hundred years of the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) from 1887 to1987. There is valuable historical information that begins with the Spanish land grants of the early 1800’s. The area from San Joaquin County in the north to Merced County in the south is what the early settlers identified as Paradise Valley. The first ranchers in the area raised cattle. They were followed by farmers who grew wheat, which propelled California to be the leading wheat producing state in the nation. As crops of wheat and other farming became

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

profitable, it became clear that action was necessary to take control of the area's natural supply of water and to protect it from drought and floods. The original architects of Modesto Irrigation District went through many trials and tribulations before MID became a reality. Shortly after MID and Turlock Irrigation District were formed they decided to build La Grange Dam and the power project soon followed. The larger issue was determining and dividing the rights to the water and more specifically senior water rights. These water rights issues went through many legal battles before they were settled. These water rights issues still plague us today, with the State Water Resources Control Board constantly wrangling to curtail, restrict or determine flows at the expense of water rights for MID and TID. Any changes could adversely affect our agricultural economy and many other industries. I suggest that all businesses learn as much as possible about MID and TID, their history, water rights, and power supply, not only as it relates to agriculture, but as it impacts all of our businesses and local quality of life. Reading The Greening of Paradise Valley is a good place to start along with attending MID and TID board meetings and any of the FERS and State Water Resources Control Board meetings. The founding fathers of our city were very wise to choose “Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health” for our city slogan. Without water we would not have wealth, contentment or a healthy community. I have written in past editions of Progress how important it is for us to work together diversifying and creating jobs to our area to improve our economy. This will continue to be a challenge, while at the same time, and just as important is what I call “The Coming Water Wars”. The Modesto Chamber will be forming a water committee dedicated to learning more on water issues. We will reach out to a broad base to learn more so we can be better informed, as we continue to advocate protecting our water rights for our community. This will include MID, TID, City and County agencies, the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, other Chambers of Commerce and other Irrigation districts. Now is the time for collaboration. This issue of Progress is focused on education. The Modesto Chamber of Commerce will host our Annual State of Education and Business Forum on August 27th at the Martin Petersen Center. The event will begin at 7:00am with a light breakfast, followed at 7:30am with presentations on Common Core standards and an update on Stanislaus County Office of Education’s Destination Graduation. This promises to be a very informative event with presentations from Superintendent Tom Changnon, and Assistant Superintendents Susan Rich and Rick Bartkowski. There will also be presentations from teachers and students on the benefits of Common Core. Also in this issue are articles recognizing the Mayor’s Top Teens and Boys and Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County and the great work that both organizations are doing to help educate and build character in our youth. We are blessed with many volunteers that work with our youth every day throughout our community. We are committed to the principle that Education is fundamental to economic development. Please join us on August 27th where visions of the future of education will be shared. P

ED ITORIAL

TEACHERS AS INTERNS IN YOUR WORKPLACE By Paula Rafala, HR Director, Memorial Medical Center and SPIE President

PAULA RAFALA

Stanislaus Partners In Education (SPIE) offers numerous programs to teachers and schools to better prepare our youth for the workforce. A great example is our Teacher Interns program. Each year, teachers are selected to intern at area businesses to learn up-to-date competencies and requirements of the workforce. The teachers are then able to relate these skills to students via lesson plans reflecting their experience in the workplace.

When your business participates in the Teacher Intern program, you ultimately help train tomorrow’s workforce! Currently SPIE has 37 teachers interning in the following businesses: Stanislaus County, Tenney A. Norquist. SJ Valley Air Board, Alliance Worknet, Seneca Foods,Gottschalk Music Center, Stanislaus County Office of Education’s Technology, Modesto Police Department, E & J Gallo Wine & Glass, Stan. Co. DA Office, Stan. Co. Sheriff ’s Dept., Assembly Member Kristen Olsen’s Office, Gallo Center for the Arts, Stan. County Juvenile Hall Court System,City of Waterford, Kline-Cushing Organic Farms, Stan. Co. Coroner Office, Modesto Nuts,

Senator Jeff Denham’s Office, SupHerb Farms, Burchell Nursery, Alliance Worknet, Center for Human Services, Foster Farms, Stanislaus County Library, Modesto Chamber of Commerce, Flory Industries, Stewart-Jasper Farms, UC Berkeley Athletic Department, Barbosa Video, CMW Builders, Inc., P & L Concrete & Garden Center, Pacific Southwest Container, G3 Enterprises, Inc. and the Stanislaus Family Justice Center. Internship programs are a great value to the workforce. It is important that teachers see and experience the needs of today's and tomorrow workplace so they can take those earnings directly to the class room. It is so important that businesses be involved in sculpting our future workforce. It helps build confidence in our teachers and children. SPIE, a non-profit 501c3, was created in 1991 by businessmen and educators. Through business and education partnerships, SPIE encourages local businesses, public education, community service organizations and other providers of education and training to work together to develop both productive members of the workforce and responsible citizens of the community. For more information about SPIE, and its programs, please visit our website www.stanislauspartners.com or call 209.238.1776. P

AUGUST

{ CO VER STO R Y }

By Jacqui D. Sinarle

30,000 jobs, boost earnings by $4.1 billion and increase annual tax revenue by $536 million. SCOE has identified many trends in local graduation and dropout rates. According to the latest statistics:

Thanks to Destination Graduation — the Stanislaus County Office of Education’s initiative to increase the percentage of students who graduate from local high schools — the county’s overall graduation rate has improved by 3.4 percent. Rising graduation rates are good for our community and for local business. And you can help increase grad rates even further by lending your support in the form of mentoring, donations and advisory leadership. “Even though there has been an increase in the number of high school graduates from Stanislaus County, I still say we can do better,” says Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools (SCOE) Tom Changnon. “When we began this new initiative in fall 2013, the statistic for graduation in four years was 78.7 percent,” Changnon observes. “The latest number is 82.1 percent. That’s good news, but it is imperative for the future of every student and for the future of this County to move the needle even more.” A student’s career opportunities increase with a diploma in hand. In addition, better-educated citizens enhance the health of a community, and communities with educated work forces attract more businesses. While the median earnings per year for a high school dropout is $21,000, a person with a high school diploma earns $29,900. That’s a difference of 30 percent more per year. Much of this difference is because high school dropouts are statistically more likely to be unemployed, receive welfare, contribute to high health costs and have less healthy children and perpetrate crimes resulting in jail time. According to economic estimates, if the country’s 50 largest cities cut their dropout rates in half, it’s estimated that each city could increase home sales by $10.5 billion, support an additional

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

Graduation rates vary across ethnic groups, with Hispanic students having the lowest graduation rates (84.2 percent for females and 75.3 percent for males) and Asian students having the highest (91.3 percent for females and 83.8 percent for males). More male high school students drop out than females, with a total of 609 boys dropping out compared to 365 girls.

3RD GRADE: A BAROMETER OF SUCCESS Recent research has found a strong link between a student’s ability to read at the third grade level by the end of third grade and his or her graduation from high school. To address this particular issue, SCOE and the Stanislaus Community Foundation are writing an application for the National Third Grade Reading Campaign and have identified at least two pilot schools that will allow them to follow students from Head Start experiences into kindergarten and through third grade. “These students will be assessed with a common kindergarten readiness tool and have special opportunities provided to them throughout the summer, and we will support their parents and arm them with critical information, particularly about attendance,” Changnon says.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Local businesses can help increase graduation rates in our county with mentoring, donations, and advisory board leadership. Of the 108 schools that do not currently have any kind of a mentoring program for their students, 78 have stated they would like to start one. Changnon asks business owners to take the time to mentor a student and urges employers to share information about mentoring with their employees and encourage them to mentor, as well. “We know that young people need significant, stable adults in their lives to help guide the way,” Changnon says. SCOE is seeking mentors for all students, especially male adult mentors for boys.

{ CO VER STO R Y }

“We want boys to see men coming to school and talking with them about the importance of education and reading books to underscore the importance of that skill,” Changnon explains. Local residents who are interested in learning about mentor programs and mentoring are invited to attend the Mentor Summit scheduled for January 23, 2015. Registration will be available through Sierra Vista. “Keith Boggs (assistant Executive Officer for Stanislaus County) has said that if a place of business has ten interested mentors, he will set them up to support students at a school,” Changnon adds. Business owners who are interested in this opportunity may visit employeementors.com or call (209) 525-4375.

Another way that businesses and individuals can help increase graduation rates is by becoming members of the Destination Graduation Advisory Board, which meets quarterly and shares updates, solicits input and plans activities. Local businesses may also become business partners with Destination Graduation, Changnon says, promising more news on this opportunity in the future. P For information on joining the Destination Graduation Advisory Board, contact Judy Leitz at jleitz@stancoe.org or call (209) 238-1709.

Businesses can also help grad rates grow by donating funds for programs like Road Trip—Journey to Success, a summer transitional program for at-risk 6th graders (soon to be 7th graders) that is planned for summer 2015. “This experience, along with ongoing contact, reunions and continued support, is designed to inspire high school completion for students who aren’t expected to get there,” Changnon explains. “As we build a community for these students, we hope to use technology as an incentive,” Changnon says. “The plan is to provide each student with access to a hand-held device, incorporate technology training into the Road Trip content and, if attendance targets are met, send the student home with the device. Never Boring has donated time to help design a name, logo and tag line for the Road Trip, and we thank them for their generosity.” Donations and funding are being sought to supply the participants with hand-held devices. Interested parties may contact Susan Rich at (209) 238-1708 with suggestions or donations. Another way businesses can support local grads is by attending “An Evening with Woz” at the Gallo Center on August 16. “This fundraiser for Destination Graduation brings Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple Computers and the genius behind the first home computer, to Modesto,” Changnon says. Tickets for “An Evening with Woz” may be purchased from the Gallo Center at galloarts.org.

AN EVENING WITH WOZ GALLO CENTER | AUGUST 16 TH

AUGUST

EDI TOR I AL

WHY BUSINESS SHOULD EMBRACE THE COMMON CORE AND NEW STATE TESTING By Susan Rich, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Stanislaus County Off ice of Education In common core there are standards, there is testing, and then there is accountability. The three are intertwined but distinctly different. COMMON CORE STANDARDS

The Common Core is standards: statements about what students should know and be able to do. The Common Core standards replace individual statecreated standards to ensure that there is consistency of rigor and expectation across the states. Americans SUSAN RICH are mobile, and what is expected of a twelfth grader ought to be close to the same from state to state, especially with such high international standards and the global competition our businesses and students face. And the old standards? The California student content standards were introduced with the intention to be revised, refined. The developers of those first-time standards understood that expectations might change and unnoticed flaws might surface. WHAT BUSINESS NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE STANDARDS:

• The Common Core was written with the end in mind. What do we need a senior to know and be able to do? The rest of the standards were mapped back to kindergarten to ensure a smooth, continuous flow from grade level to grade level. The previous set of state standards had gaps. • The standards are designed to focus on seniors being college AND CAREER ready. There is a greater focus on technical reading and writing in the upper grades – the sort you expect from employees in the work place.

STATE TESTING

California has long been testing students. The former testing system – under the STAR program using the California Standards Tests (CST’s) – was multiple choice. That form of testing is quick, relatively inexpensive, and easy to score. But there is a negative side effect: really all you can test is recognition of the right answer from a set of four options. Students don’t create answers. WHAT BUSINESS NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW TESTING:

• Students integrate skills and apply what they know by drawing, writing, creating. Essentially, they have to solve problems and derive answers. • Students respond on a computer using keyboarding skills versus. These are modern day skills for a technical world. • Technology has opened up a whole new world of possibilities in regard to scoring. ACCOUNTABILITY

Eventually, the new State testing, derived from the collegial work of 20+ states that pooled their money and expertise to create the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), will provide data for the state and federal accountability systems. There are many political battles to be waged about what those systems will look like. But closer to home, the good news is that these new tests allow a teacher and parents to see what growth his or her students have made over the course of the year. This is accountability at its most basic level. P

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

G OVERN M EN T RELATION S

PURSUING AN ALL-OF-THE-ABOVE ENERGY STRATEGY By Congressman Jeff Denham

The United States is one of the most energy-rich countries across the globe. Over the past few years, we’ve experienced an energy boom. Crude oil and natural gas production, in particular, have both increased – but only on state and privatelyowned land. I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that will create jobs, grow our economy, and reduce our nation’s dependence on energy from hostile foreign countries. That means increasing access to and promoting the development of domestic energy and alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, nuclear, geothermal, biomass, clean coal and natural gas. JEFF DENHAM CONGRESSMAN

with new off-shore energy production in areas like the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts that contain the most oil and natural gas resources, lowering the overall cost of oil. Utilization of our home-grown resources is needed now. The red tape put in place preventing this country from taking full advantage of our own energy sources must be torn down and pieces of legislation like these are just one step in the fight towards this cause. I remain committed to an all-of-the-above energy strategy to improve our economic and natural security and make the United States a world energy superpower. P

Unfortunately, our domestic resources are going unused or being shipped elsewhere due to inefficient infrastructure and bureaucratic red tape. For countless years the United States has been reliant on foreign oil and therefore subject to price shocks due to conflict in the Middle East. Over the past month I have supported a number of bills which passed through the House to tear down the red tape and to promote American energy, starting with the bipartisan North American Infrastructure Act (H.R. 3301). This bill ensures that cross-border oil pipelines be approved within 120 days of their submission unless they are found to be counterproductive to the national security interests of the United States. This streamlined approval process creates an integrated energy infrastructure in North America and allows for a more efficient energy marketplace with Canada and Mexico. It would help prevent projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline, which would create tens of thousands of American jobs and invest billions of dollars into our economy, from getting stuck in the approval process. In addition to H.R. 3301, I supported the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act (H.R. 6), which forces the Obama administration to act on the 26 pending liquefied natural gas export applications stalled by the Department of Energy. The United States has more than enough gas to supply our domestic needs and by using these gas exports, we are further able to decrease the influence that other exporters like Russia and Iran have on our energy market. Finally, I voted for the Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America That Works Act (H.R. 4899), which would open new areas to energy exploration and development on our onshore and offshore federal lands. Earlier this month I polled my constituents through my weekly newsletter to ask them how much they’re paying for gas. Most were paying around $4 per gallon. Especially as we head into the summer, families across the country are feeling the pain at the pump. This bill can help by requiring the U.S. to move forward

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G O V E RNMENT RELAT IONS

HIDDEN GAS TAX MUST GO By Assemblymember Kristin Olsen

KRISTIN OLSEN

AB 32, which passed in 2006, gave the California Air Resources Board (CARB) the authority to develop any regulation it deems necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Toward that end, CARB has been implementing Cap and Trade through a series of regulations. The newest one, which goes into effect in January 2015, will increase the cost of transportation fuels by anywhere from 12 cents per gallon to as much as 40 cents per gallon or more.

California residents already pay 71 cents per gallon in both federal and state taxes—the highest in the nation—and yet still have the worst road conditions in the nation and poor air quality. We can’t afford to pay more – and we shouldn’t have to. CARB claims that its regulation is only meant to be imposed on fuel suppliers — that any negative impact on consumers is entirely the fault of supply companies and is not the intended result of this new directive. However, in a separate article, CARB affirms that placing a carbon tax on goods such as transportation fuel is intended to affect a behavioral change in the population. CARB believes that an increase in fuel prices will cause consumers to decrease their driving, which will ultimately cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. It is clear that any cost increase will not be the fault of the suppliers but a purposeful move on the part of CARB.

increase would be crippling to families who are struggling to get by in the current economy. Our area’s economic base will face negative impacts by this coming regulation as well. Farms are already severely handicapped by the harsh weight of the drought, and the trucking industry is struggling to compete with other states. Imposing higher fuel prices on them will exacerbate their challenges and could lead to job losses. You can bet that the costs of food, household supplies, and clothing will increase as a result, hurting the pockets of every single family in this state. I am committed to working with my colleagues to delay this regulation – at least until the economy improves. Further burdening taxpayers is not the way to go about decreasing carbon emissions. We must begin to put the needs of people first. Please contact your state legislator, the Governor, or CARB to tell them to put a stop to this hidden gas tax. P To find your state representatives, please go to this web address: findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov

Families in the San Joaquin Valley are hit the hardest by increases in the cost of gas. Workers in our region have the longest commutes, and we rely on our vehicles to get to school, doctor’s appointments, and so on — we simply don’t have other options. Moreover, low-income families, many of whom live in the Valley, are reported by Next Generation as already spending at least 19 percent of their family budgets on transportation. An additional

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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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

YO U TH I N TH E CO M M U N I T Y

Annual Harvest Luncheon September 12th, 2014

THE MODESTO MAYOR'S TOP TEENS A SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION OF GOVERNMENT, EDUCATION AND LOCAL BUSINESSES

By Loree Lee The Modesto Mayor’s Top Teens is embarking upon its 4th year of recognizing extraordinary teens enrolled in high schools in the City of Modesto. These local teens have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving others, overcome adversity or a unique obstacle in their lives, have achieved a significant accomplishment and have been positive role models for their peers. The Top Teens program aims to acknowledge those who do not routinely receive recognition for their accomplishments, and LOREE LEE the exceptional personal characteristics they possess. Developed under former Modesto Mayor Jim Ridenour and championed by Mayor Garrad Marsh, the Top Teens program was created to provide young people with confidence, support, and recognition. The program supports them and guides them towards additional opportunities within their community, to develop as leaders, and meet other successful teens in the Modesto area. The program is ongoing and teens accepted into program will receive a monetary scholarship at the conclusion of the program in August. Recognizing the teens for their contributions to our community is a priority but we also know the program could have potential long-term benefits for the teens as they apply for college and prepare to enter the workforce. Their program participation enhances their college applications and helps resumes to shine amongst their peers.

Investing in our area’s largest industry’s future is the hallmark for this annual event. The Harvest Luncheon, which feeds over 800 people every year, draws national, state and local agriculture and community leaders together. Previous keynote speakers include, Governor Ronald Reagan, former State of California Secretaries of Agriculture Bill Lyons, Jr., and A.G. Kawamura and Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The lunch features products from our Valley. Proceeds from the Harvest Luncheon are used exclusively for the Modesto Chamber of Commerce Voss/Berryhill Modesto Junior College Ag Scholarship Program. We hope to see you at Graceada Park September 12, 2014!

September 12th, 2014 | Graceda Park | Call 209.570.6480 for more info

In addition to the recognition, the program aims to provide opportunities for these teens to grow professionally by developing skills and habits that will give them an edge on their competition. This is why we encourage all of our scholarship winners to apply for internships within the City of Modesto, where they will be given a more complex set of tasks and responsibilities beyond what many teens experience at most typical summer jobs. City internships provide our teens the opportunity to learn appropriate forms of office communication and etiquette, all while developing technical knowledge that can be applied to nearly any agency, private or public. Members of the local business community have partnered with the Mayor’s Top Teens from the beginning. They have mentored the teens, provided them opportunities to participate in community events and established a forum for their recognition that would not otherwise be available to them. Their commitment to these teens has been instrumental in the program’s success and growth.

Additional information is also available at the City of Modesto website, modestogov.com/council/topteens.

This program is only possible through the generous sponsorship and contributions from local business, civic groups, and citizens alike. As this program runs year round, we are always in need of sponsors, donations and volunteers. If you would like more information about the program and the benefits of sponsorship please contact Loree Lee at (209) 577-5223 or llee@modestogov.com.

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AUGUST

S T A NI S LA U S GREEN T EAM

SIX ECONOMICAL WAYS TO GREEN YOUR BUSINESS By Rikki Keenan, Stanislaus Greent Team Coordinator Office-based businesses spend too much on paper and toners. If you must print try non-branded toners. Private-label and remanufactured toners are often 70 percent cheaper and work just as well, a savings of hundreds or thousands of dollars, with no upfront costs.

REACON Team Investors

Set a policy to make all copies doublesided, and work with suppliers to switch RIKKI KEENAN all office paper to chlorine-free, 30-100 percent post-consumer recycled. The EDF has a paper cost calculator on its website to quantify the benefits of better paper choices (PaperCalculator.org). An even better bet is to go paperless. One of the easiest ways for a small business to go green is to turn off the paper they receive from their financial institutions and shift to electronic methods of payment with customers, suppliers and billers. In addition to saving trees, going paperless also improves security. Most small-business fraud is still perpetrated using paper. A check or statement in the mail, or a discarded invoice, provides an opportunity for someone to collect your account information." Use incoming cardboard boxes and fiber-padded envelopes, as well as popcorn and shredded newspaper for outgoing mail and packages. Designate a reuse or exchange area. Encourage your employees to check this center before ordering new supplies. Urge business owners and employees to turn off all the computer equipment at night. Owners should install PC and monitor energy-management software to track the impact. Get an energy audit from a professional engineer, especially if the business is located in an older building. Professional engineers who are familiar with lighting, heating and cooling systems can optimize their energy consumption while not compromising productivity. Once all systems are running efficiently, often you will get paid for the energy reduction. Certain markets and geographies will pay energy users for smart energy management. Those payments can fund energy audits and equipment upgrades. Once sustainable measures are implemented, they can be used as leverage with current and potential clients. According to The Hartman Group's report on sustainability, more than 88 percent of consumers surveyed said they engage in what the researchers described as sustainable behavior. It shows a company is not only serious about doing the right thing for the environment, but also has the vision and innovation to realize that being green is the right thing for their business. P

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

Green Sponsors

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

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.

COM MUN ITY D EVELOPMEN T

ANNOUNCEMENTS Modesto Certified Farmer’s Market at Vintage Faire Looking for fresh, local produce, handcrafted items, cooking demonstrations, live cultural entertainment and children’s activities? Look no further than Vintage Faire Mall. The Modesto Certified Farmer’s Market in The Village at Vintage Faire is back on Sunday mornings throughout the summer. The popular market, presented by Direct Appliance, offers great deals on organic and conventional produce as well as many handmade products from local vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through October.

ECON OMIC D EVELOPM EN T

MedAmerica Billing Services, Inc. (800) 340-1326 | www.medamericabilling.com 1601 Cummins Drive, Suite D, Modesto, CA 95358 MedAmerica Billing Services, Inc. (MBSI) of Modesto has been in the physician revenue cycle business since 1975. Over the years, MBSI has expanded to a six-building campus in Modesto along with additional operations in Ontario California, Green Valley AZ and Scottsdale, AZ. Today MBSI bills for 115 contracts in Emergency Medicine, Hospitalist services, and Urgent Care locations in nine states, with billing volumes of over 4.5 million patients per year. Steady growth over the years has resulted in employing over 900 people company wide. P

NEW MEMBER PROFILES Founded in 1951, McCormick Barstow LLP is the largest and most experienced law firm in California’s Central Valley. For more than 20 years, the firm’s Modesto office has successfully represented Stanislaus County businesses as well as individual clients. Their Modesto attorneys offer experienced counsel in a broad range of practice areas including Commercial and Business Litigation, Employment Law and Family Law. In addition, their attorneys have extensive experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution including mediation and arbitration, and often serve as independent and court appointed mediators. The Modesto office of McCormick Barstow LLP recently relocated to the historic El Viejo Post Office building at 1125 I Street, Suite 1, in Modesto. The Modesto office can be reached at (209) 524-1100. P

AUGUST

NE T W ORK I NG & REFERRALS

C OM M U N I T Y DE V E L OP M E N T

RIBBON CUTTINGS

NEW BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is always looking for new ways to provide tangible benefits to our members.

RENEE'S DAY SPA AND SALON

VERIZON

1245 McHenry Ave, Modesto, CA 95350 (209) 341-0551

4260 Sisk Road, Suite A Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 402-3665

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Office Depot in Modesto to provide big discounts on supplies and ser vices for in-store and on-line purchases. The Chamber Office Depot JOHN VILLINES Program provides our members with up to 60% discounts from a list of 650 commonly purchased business, technology, and break room items; up to 70% off of copy and print services; and 5% on almost all other items. The items list can even be customized if a business hits annual thresholds. Sign up today for your savings at SaveAtOfficeDepot.com/ModestoChamber. We are excited to announce another new benefit - the Chamber is now offering notary services at our office during business hours. P

J & L COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR INC.

DALE COMMONS

3900 Dale Rd Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 315-8040

711 N. Franklin Street Modesto, CA 95351 (209) 522-0007

FARMERS

MARKET Presented by Direct Appliance

THE MODESTO CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET IN THE VILLAGE AT VINTAGE FAIRE MALL features fresh, local produce, hand-crafted items, cooking demonstrations, cultural entertainment and children’s activities, live music and more!

We’ve Got It All | DirectAppliance.com

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

GREAT STORES. EVERY DAY. ShopVintageFaireMall.com

Modestocfm.com | 209.605.8536

MACY’S, SEARS, JCPENNEY, FOREVER 21 AND MORE THAN 130 SPECIALTY STORES AND RESTAURANTS LOCATED OFF HWY 99 AT STANDIFORD/BECKWITH EXIT IN MODESTO 209.527.3401 | ShopVintageFaireMall.com

ECO N O M I C D EV E L OP M E N T

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Simile Construction Services, Inc. proud to announce two additions to executive leadership team.

JOE SIMILE, GUY SIMILE & ROBERT BECKMAN

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. 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.

Atherton & Associates, LLP is pleased to

meeting you where you are

announce Roxanne Shockey as a new audit partner of the firm. Included in her 15 years of public accounting experience is her expertise with not-for-profit agencies and entities who receive federal and state funding. She actively serves on a board and audit committee of not-for-profit organizations. Roxanne is a native of Sonoma County ROXANNE SHOCKEY and earned her degree from Arizona State University. For more information, call (209) 577-4800

JASON SUTTON

Trinity Renovation, Inc. is expanding its kitchenCRATE and bathCRATE concepts into the Reno/Sparks area of Nevada under the leadership of Jason Sutton. Jason's 17 years of residential construction experience, including senior management with KB Homes, equip him to oversee sales and project management for this exciting new division. P

Business can be a stretch but our flexible professionals are dedicated to keeping your business in shape. Contact us today at 209-527-4220 or www.gccpas.net. it’s the people behind the numbers.

AUGUST

C O M M UNI TY DEVELO PMENT

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK LESSONS LEARNING: THE P OW E R OF A M E N TOR’ S TOUCH By Keith D. Boggs, Assistant Executive Off icer, County of Stanislaus

KEITH BOGGS ASSITANT EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Each one of us, at some point in our lives had a mentor. Perhaps it was a parent, a coach, a teacher or maybe a friend of family. These people helped to shape and guide us into the adults that we have become.

A basket with a variety of assigned books at the appropriate reading level is assigned to each student; however reading is not the only conduit in all situations and at every school site. Interaction is accomplished through a variety of activities including reading, coloring or educational games, all designed to engage the student in meaningful interpersonal interaction.

With the Stanislaus Employee Mentor program rolling through its sixteenth consecutive year, I often think about all of the young lives that our mentor adults have helped to inspire.

Our participating schools monitor the results of each student and track the hours and attendance of both mentors and protégés. County departments are represented by a site coordinator who meets with fellow site coordinators quarterly to discuss program, process updates, to disseminate information about the model and to act as liaison to County departments.

WHY THIS NEED? WHY THIS IMPORTANCE? Schools throughout Stanislaus County continue to face attendance and dropout issues. Attendance is a prime indicator for predicting which students will drop out. Stanislaus County has one of the highest dropout rates in the state of California (23.6%). It is a local epidemic requiring a local, community driven solution to improve attendance. Compared to high school graduates, dropouts earn less wages, are more likely to commit crimes, more likely to be on welfare, less likely to be employed, more likely to raise children in a single parent home and are less physically and mentally healthy. Schools also struggle to improve the reading and comprehension levels of many of their students. A large percentage of students within our communities have parents who only speak Spanish or who speak English less than very well and therefore, are unable to assist their child with reading or schoolwork. Today, as of this writing, nearly 29% of English learners drop out of school in Stanislaus County. A PERFECT MENTOR SOLUTION In 1999, the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office developed the Stanislaus County Employee Mentor Program to positively impact the lives of young people in our community by engaging County employees and partner agencies and organizations who desire to give back. Mentors give up their lunch hour to spend time with a struggling child. Teachers and reading specialists from our partners at Modesto City Schools identify students, typically 3rd through 5th grade, requiring assistance with reading, and who have truancy problems, failing grades and the malaise of poor performance habits. The identified student/protégé is then assigned to an Employee Mentor Program team. It is this team-based mentoring approach, consisting of up to 3 individuals who adopt a student for the school year that has been the instrument of our continued success. The mentor team rotates meeting times, acting as back up to one another should scheduling conflicts arise. Teams develop a master schedule and meet with their student at least twice per week for 45 minutes throughout the school year. All interaction occurs on the school campus to foster a caring, learning environment. Mentors use a volunteer journal to help facilitate communication between the team members and also to track the protégé’s progress week to week.

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

The process requires nominal time commitment and delivers huge social and academic dividends to each of our student protégés. EDUCATION REALIZED: SOMETIMES IN UNIQUELY DIFFERENT WAYS The actual time one spends with a young person – either reading recreationally, playing a board game, tossing a ball around, or working on classroom related assignments, really isn’t the magic space within the mentor – protégé relationship. The real magic is in the connection. Spending time, listening – really listening, actively, and exhibiting the traits of success like timeliness, respect, civility, problem solving, caring and compassion – is the real educational gem born out of this approach. Over the years I have taken great pride and pleasure in witnessing first hand the transformation of lives that is evidenced out of this powerful, educational process. HERE ARE SOME OF THE NUMBERS THAT SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE MERIT OF YOUTH MENTORING: The Employee Mentor Program has been instrumental in improving the attendance of participants; Increasing reading and comprehension levels are reported across all ages and grade levels; • Individuals with mentors are 46% less likely to start using drugs; • 33% are less likely to hit someone; • 80% are less likely to commit a crime; • 82% are less likely to skip a day of school, and; • 27% are less likely to start drinking; • Mentored students interact more with their peers and in classroom discussion and attendance issues are drastically diminished. At John Muir Elementary School, one of our anchor sties, they have reported testing data reflecting a 62% improvement on standardized benchmarks, including an impressive 23% academic improvement beyond grade level expectation.

(Continued on next page)

{ SM A L L B U SI N E SS SPO T L I G H T } IT SOLUTIONS | CURRIE (Continued from pg. 16) Fairview Elementary School reflects 100% of students engaged in the program showing a greater interest in reading and better participation in their respective classrooms. Shackelford Elementary reports that 70% of mentored students have increased at least two reading levels over the past two performance cycles with 100% of their students having increased their personal confidence and critical self-esteem. Everett Elementary School has reported up to 80% of protégés either achieving grade-level competency or excelling beyond the standardized benchmarks. SO WHAT’S YOUR ROLE? Simple. Join our mentor army, today! Take a lunch break from your lunch break this fall and join one of our mentor teams – or better yet, create your own (up to three person) team. Honestly, it will be the very best decision you make all year. Call me and lets get started on changing the lives of our young people – one young person at a time. Surely you’d give up a lunch hour for that. P

ITSolutions|Currie is one of the largest and most experienced Information Technology (IT) service companies in the San Joaquin valley. ITSolutions|Currie has been successfully supporting clients’ technologies since 1979. We have been a proud supportive member of the Modesto Chamber since we started. Today, technology is critical for all organizations. Keeping IT running, available, and safe is what we do. ITSolutions|Currie focuses on security, reliability and the availability of vital data through customized, cost effective pro-active services. We are committed to educating our clients so they can leverage technology to improve their bottom line. We hold regular training classes with topics that include internet safety, leveraging social media tools, and getting the most out of Microsoft Office. For over 35 years, we have been providing services for the education, government, and healthcare sectors, as well as small to medium sized businesses of all kinds. If you want a stable, secure computing environment, we can help. We actively monitor the health of your systems so that you don’t have to. ITSolutions|Currie believes in giving back to the local community, actively supporting Rotary, Haven Women’s Center, Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, Howard Training Center, and the Yes Company. P ITSolutions|Currie 1801 Tully Rd. Suite E Modesto, CA 95350 (209)578-9739 | itscurrie.com

1974

HEADLINES

printing mailing

fulfillment promo items

cross media marketing

JOIN THE COUNTDOWN TO OUR

40 ANNIVERSARY

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! AUGUST

C OM M U N I T Y DE V E L OP M E N T

N E T W ORK I NG & REFERRALS

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS AUTO BODY ALTERNATIVES, LLC

OFFICE DEPOT

Jared Manship

Sharon L. Dorricott

623 Bangs Ave

2020 W. Briggsmore Ave, Suite B

Modesto, CA 95356

Modesto, CA 95350

Phone: 209-576-1848

Phone: 209-524-3000

trisha@autobodyalternatives.com

sharon.dorricott@officedepot.com

www.autobodyalternatives.com

www.businessofficedepot.com

Auto Body

Office Supplies

BEARD’S QUALITY NUT COMPANY, LLC

PERFECTO SHOP

Bruce Beard

5889 Milnes Road

3006 Yosemite Blvd.

Modesto, CA 95357

Modesto, CA 95354

Phone: 925-250-6387

Phone: 209-526-3550

info@perfectoshop.com

Fax: 209-526-8110

www.perfectoshop.com

qualitynut@gmail.com

Home & Garden

Heather Mariconi

www.qualitynut.com

SANTOS PRINTING

Food Processing

Edgar Cruz

LAW OFFICES OF ANDY I. CHEN

1761 Crows Landing Road

Andy I. Chen

Modesto, CA 95358

610 15th Street

Phone: 209-402-9985

Modesto, CA 95354

imprentasantos@hotmail.com

Phone: 209-248-8085

Printing

Andy.chen.esq@gmail.com

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

For the second year in a row, California Gold Almond s, L LC has received "Superior" ratings in both HAACP Based Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Security Programs, from SCSGlobal, Inc. Scientific Certification Systems, Inc, now known as SCSGlobal, is a trusted leader in third-party environmental, certification, auditing, testing and standards development for food quality. California Gold Almonds processes 10-12 million pounds of almonds annually. Now entering its third year, CGA has two facilities in the Beard Industrial District of Modesto. They have been members of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce since 2012. To learn more about California Gold Almonds, LLC, please visit www.goldalmonds.com

www.andychenlaw.com Attorneys

N E T WORK I NG & REFERRALS

CHAMBER CALENDAR AUGUST 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014

Location: Union Bank 1124 J Street Modesto Time: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM

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

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 18 Location: Modesto Commerce Bank 1302 J Street Modesto Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS 18 Location: Kemper Sports: Creekside Golf Course 701 Lincoln Ave Time: 5:30-7:30 30

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

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

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

The Taco Bell Foundation for Teens & The Boys and Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County have partnered in hopes to improve America’s high school graduation rate. Students were recognized at local junior high schools, where they also pledged to complete high school on time. The program is aimed to help incoming freshman to transition into high school with the tools and mindset needed to excel in high school and beyond.

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

HARVEST LUNCHEON

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

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

Location: Solid Networks 5685 Pirrone Road Time: 5:30 to 7:30 SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS

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

What came first: the chicken or the egg? The answer, to that age-old question, according to Foster Farms Poult ry is the chicken of course! With Foster Farms Poultry celebrating their 75th anniversary, I think they might know a thing or two about that. Family owned and operated since their founding days in 1939, they have been committed to providing consumers with the highest-quality & best-tasting poultry products available. Their hope is that their commitment to excellence, honesty, quality, service, and their people will shine through in everything that they do. The Modesto Chamber of Commerce congratulates you on your 75 years of business. P

Growing businesses need a full service agency. Just saying. Think Never Boring.

Choose DMC 20

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

GALLBLADDER SURGERY WITH NOTHING TO HIDE

Gallbladder removal no longer requires multiple incisions, unsightly scarring or a long recovery. The surgical robot at Doctors Medical Center Modesto enables our specially trained team of physicians to perform virtually scarless single-site surgeries, in which a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gallbladder is removed through one tiny incision in the belly button. If your doctor recommends gallbladder surgery, contact DMC. Potential benefits could mean less pain and scarring, and a faster return to everyday life, so you can enjoy your summer.

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1.866.715.6902 dmc-modesto.com

Choose DMC for EXCELLENCE in CARE and INNOVATION.

Prime Shine Car Wash presents:

LAND OF OPPORTUNITY ...a series spotlighting entrepreneurial achievement

Name: Kevin Carroll Business: Modesto Gospel Mission

doing now. People thought I was crazy when I left the Probation Department to do ministry, but it was all part of God’s plan.

For over 65 years, Modesto Gospel Mission has served as a place of refuge, recovery and restoration to the homeless population of Modesto. The institution has grown from a single soup kitchen to a wide ranging facility providing services to men, women and children, from the very young to the elderly, who would otherwise have nowhere to turn.

What challenges have you had to overcome in your professional life and how did you achieve that? Probably the biggest challenge has been flying under the radar. I was always the person who worked for the boss. I was always the faithful assistant. God has blessed that and now I am the one in charge.

When was your company founded? In 1948, after Billy Graham came through Modesto, the businessmen that financed the crusade had funds left over. They saw a need in the community and opened a soup kitchen. Over the years, it has evolved and grown. Today, Modesto Gospel Mission provides services that cover men, women and children with emergency shelters, educational services, New Life programs, outreach to the homeless in parks, a cooling center for the summer and more. We provide services to about 150 people a day. That’s 150 people who wouldn’t have food and shelter or the opportunity to turn their lives around if we weren’t here. That’s why I think we’re important to this community. What have you done in your professional career that has led you to where you are now? I went to MJC and CSU Stanislaus. Then I worked for Juvenile Hall and as a Probation officer in Stanislaus County for 6 years. I’ve also worked with people in recovery for years with Teen Challenge and then served as Director of a Men’s Homeless Shelter in PA. All this experience has led me to this position. I’m also an ordained minister. Are you originally from this area? I was originally raised in the Salinas/Monterey area of California, but I’ve lived here in Modesto for more than 20 years off and on. When you were younger what goals did you set for yourself and why? When I was a kid, I wanted to be a missionary and I was always helping, always serving. The reason I’m here today is my faith in Christ and my obedience to doing what I feel God has called me to do. Do you have any particular history that has contributed to helping you achieve your goals? The thing I attribute most to achieving my goals is obedience to follow God’s call in my life. Whether that was to serve my community as a Probation Officer or be the Director of a homeless shelter. By being obedient I have obtained all the skills that I need to do the job I am

Do you participate in any community outreach efforts or clubs? As an organization, we’re very community minded. We’re changing the focal point from the kind of compartmentalized goals that a lot of nonprofits have. We want to partner with whomever we can, work with everyone to go out and make our community better. We care about our community and want to help make a difference in Modesto. What are your plans for the future? I always want to keep looking at the future. Expanding programs. Expanding services. I don’t want to just be content with where we are now. I want to be better tomorrow than we are today. As far as projects go, we are expanding our medical clinic to be open more days, including starting a dental clinic. We actually just got a bequest of $100,000 to expand it. We’re also further expanding our case management and we’re looking to do more community partnerships with local agencies. We can do more together than we can apart, so I’m looking forward to those partnerships and helping to make a difference in the city. What advice do you have for business people when it comes to achieving their goals? Know what you want to do. Set goals that are measurable and attainable. Stay within your philosophy, stick to your mission statement and never lose sight of those goals. Develop a good system of accountability and be realistic about your business and goals and you’ll be successful. What do you like about doing business in the Modesto community and why do you think this is the Land of Opportunity? Modesto is a great community. It has big city ideas, but it’s a small city. It’s not being content with how things are. People are always branching out and bringing more business here. I love being in Modesto because it’s a great town. It has its issues, like any other town. But the whole of the town is a good place. My family and I feel safe here, we feel connected. It’s a great town with a great history and I think there’s opportunity to do business here, there’s opportunity to grow here. 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

* 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

AUGUST

E DI T ORI A L

LEMONADE DAY

BE RECOGNIZED BE ENTERTAINING BE COMFORTABLE BELONG.

By Tammie Webb

As City Director for Lemonade Day, I want to help the youth in our community gain valuable entrepreneurial skills infused with life skills such as character development, empowerment, and financial freedom which sets them on a path of financial learning and goal setting that can continue throughout their lives.

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

TAMMIE WEBB

Modesto is entering our 3rd year of Lemonade Day and we are looking forward to reaching as many youth in our community as we can.

Lemonade Day is a free program for youth K-12 and provides them with the educational tools they need to start, own, and operate their own first business, a lemonade stand. They learn how to create budgets, secure investors and repay them, set profit-making goals, open bank accounts and give back to the community. Please check out our website at www.modesto.lemonadeday.org and follow us on Facebook at Lemonade Day Modesto. With great partners, such as the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, to join us in growing this revolutionary program, there are a variety of ways that you as an individual or your company can get involved. If you would like more information, please contact me at modesto@lemonadeday.org. P

SAVE

THE DATE

LEMONADE DAY MODESTO 2015 will be hosting our Kick-Off Event on September 25, 2014 at Data Path, Inc. Event starts at 5:30pm, there will be a brief presentation on the history of Lemonade Day, our Modesto story for the past 3 years and adult and youth entrepreneur speakers. Wonderful light bites, our previous Best Tasting Contest Lemonade winning recipe will be shared along with other tasty beverages and raffle prizes!

Sponsored by:

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

WORK IN learning quest educates adults for future success By Jacqui D. Sinarle

Last year, LearningQuest served 1,500 local residents. In the 2012-13 fiscal year it assisted 158 people in getting their high school diploma equivalencies, and it helped another 99 get their GEDs between July and December 2013. Like most literacy programs in California, LearningQuest is funded through state library funds. “We have the third largest grant in the state because of the number of people we serve and the money we receive from other sources,” Williams says. “We’ve thrived for more than 25 years because we’ve sought and secured partnerships with organizations throughout the County, our staff provides quality education and has enabled us to secure multi-year contracts which have given us a stable source of funding and enabled us to expand, and we have nearly 250 volunteers who help provide tutoring, GED and literacy classes.”

Since GED prep classes disappeared from most school districts after changes in the

"Our mission is to provide a clean, affordable, safe, and fun environment for moms, dads, and kids..."

state’s educational funding, LearningQuest has been looking for ways to fill the gap. “Recently we started recruiting churches and giving them technical assistance and training to open their own programs,” Williams says. “There are so many adults in the community whose reading skills are basic or below basic and we can’t serve them all with our limited resources. If we can get churches and volunteers to open more programs, we all win.”

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.

neverboring.com

LearningQuest is one of the largest nonprofit programs of its kind in California, providing literacy, GED and English as a second language instruction in 16 locations throughout the County.

Williams notes that donations from businesses and individuals are also tremendously important, and a recent scholarship drive allowed the program to expand GED classes into the evening.

•

“LearningQuest provides foundational education for adults so they can go to work, college or vocational training and get a living wage job,” explains Executive Director Karen Williams. “We teach reading and writing, English skills and help people prepare to pass a high school diploma equivalency test, which is the minimum required by almost every job.”

(Courtesy of Never Boring)

For more information, visit LearningQuest on the web at LQSLC.com. P

An estimated 160,000 adults in Stanislaus County have reading skills that are basic or below basic. And LearningQuest wants to help nudge this number in the right direction.

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT

AUGUST

N E T W ORK I NG & REFERRALS

{ JULY } BUSI NESS

B EFORE HO UR S

{ JULY } BUS INE S S

Business Before Hours hosted by: NAI Benchmark

Business After Hours hosted by: Dale Commons

NAI Benchmark

Dale Commons

1031 15th St. #4, Modesto, CA 95354

3900 Dale Rd. Modesto, CA 95356

209-576-2240

209-315-8040

With absolute devotion, West Living delivers exceptional service and experiences by inspiring and empowering their Team Members to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve. Amenities and care provided are “Affordable luxury”, with many wonderful activities daily, trips to The Gallo Arts Center, Black Oak Casino and on occasion, the coast just for lunch. Their goal is to be the most respected and recognized Service Company in the world.

NAI Benchmark is the leading independent commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm in the Central Valley. In today’s market, success requires hard work and dedication to find opportunities. Their firm has grown in a down market because they have become experts at positioning buildings and tenants for success. They are built around the central idea that they create the greatest value for their clients by being hands-on, hardworking, and strategic. They believe in regular honest conversations with their clients to ensure they are in tune with the market and the needs of their clients

A F T E R H OU R S

Lighting rebates

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

HVAC rebates

High efficiency Refrigerator motor rebates recycling program

COM MUN ITY D EVELOPMEN T

Please welcome Michael B. Ijams Corporate & Litigation Attorney Modesto native and attorney for over 35 years, Mike looks forward to his move to Berliner Cohen where his practice focuses on business transactions as well as real estate and civil litigation cases, and creditors in bankruptcy matters. Mi ke has actively parti ci pate d i n many l ocal organizati ons, including the Modesto Rotary Club and the Modesto Quarterback Club.

Home-grown lawyers ● Born here Educated here ● Love living here

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

Registration, breakfast & Networking begins at 7:00 AM with the program beginning at 8:00 AM.

This year’s event promises to provide attendees with a clear purpose of Common Core Standards as well as, information about Smarter Balanced assessment practices and how learning addresses practical real world experiences.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2014

THE MARTIN PETERSEN EVENT CENTER 720 12TH STREET, MODESTO CA 95354

CHAMBER BOARD PERSPECTIVE By George Boodrookas, Ed.D. Dean of Advancement, Modesto Junior College The American Community Sur vey (2012) found that only 16% of Stanislaus County residents, aged twenty-five or older, possessed a bachelor’s degree while 31% of Californians and 29% of all Americans held the same degree. Additionally, according to the Economic Policy Institute (Berger and Fisher, 2013), higher educational attainment levels stimulate a state or regional GEORGE BOODROOKAS economy more than anything government can do. They also lead to higher wages and greater local spending and tax contributions. These findings beg the question if our county has an educational attainment rate roughly half that of our state, how can we expect to realize true regional prosperity? For the past 25 years as a college administrator I have spent a great deal of time working with business, government and education partners in crafting workforce training solutions for our community’s employers and residents. During these efforts, we often heard from employers about the types of skills they needed to increase the success of their operations. They included: • Critical thinking • Identifying and solving problems • Scting ethically • Changing, adapting and innovating • Recognizing and appreciating diversity • Leading when appropriate; following when appropriate • Communicating well Ironically, I borrowed these statements from the address made by Dr. Joseph Sheley, President of California State University, Stanislaus, at his investiture ceremony last November. Dr. Sheley offered these as the features of a college education. Again, these statements mirror what I often heard around the partnership table as the needs of employers from a skilled workforce. If these are the stated needs of employers and the stated features of a higher education, should we be encouraging even more of our youth to obtain a higher education? This leads to other questions. Once they obtain a higher education, will our young residents stay here or return to this region? What job opportunities and other incentives can we provide our young people to stay in this region to affect our prosperity? If they do stay, will we be even more successful in attracting and expanding business with a stronger pool of talent? Finally, what can we do, collectively, to increase the educational attainment level of our region? I challenge the Chamber and all of its partners to find answers to these questions together. P

CONTACT THE MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1114 J STREET MODESTO, CA 95354 | (209) 577-5757 AUGUST

C OM M U N I T Y DE V E L OP M E N T

{ F ROM T HE EXPERT S }

THE ALLIANCE WORKNET:

LEADERSHIP MODESTO BEGINS 33RD YEAR

DRIVING WORKFORCE SKILLS T H R OUGH ED UCATION By Jeff Rowe, Director of Alliance Worknet

By Kris Helton and Kate Trompetter, Steering Committee Chairs

One of the most important components of a strong local economy is the education and skill levels of the workforce. In a time when low-skill level jobs are being lost to automation and technology, the education and skill levels of workers need to keep pace if businesses are to succeed. This requires investment into upgrading the skills of individuals at all levels of the educational spectrum. Whether it be programs to help non-high school completers obtain their diploma or GED so they have the foundation necessary to take their first step on the career ladder, or providing college courses that prepare dislocated workers to qualify for high paying jobs in the growing industries, the Alliance works with local education and training providers to help the Stanislaus County workforce keep up with the ever-changing needs of area employers. The Alliance Worknet is the Workforce Division of the Alliance. Funding from Federal job training programs as well as Welfare to Work funding from the Stanislaus County Community Services Agency is used to provide workers with the education and training they need to compete successfully in today’s job market. Some of the agencies and programs that Worknet supports are: Learning Quest and Come Back Kids for basic skill improvement and High School Diploma/GED preparation. Central Valley Opportunity Center , Ceres Unified School District, Computer Tutor Business School, and CareerQuest to help out of school youth complete their education, then go on to college or obtain employment. Local Colleges and area technical schools for occupational training and skill development. The training being provided includes everything from Truck Drivers to Computer Engineers. One example of how these collaborations work is a program where the Alliance Worknet, in partnership with Modesto Junior College and West Hills College of Coalinga, assisted dislocated workers in receiving training to become licensed Psychiatric Technicians. Through this program, Worknet provided the financial sponsorship for the training and MJC provided the pre-requisite courses and classroom space for the students to participate in Psych Tech classes delivered via distance learning from West Hills College in Coalinga. As a result, 40 previously laid off Stanislaus County residents are on track to obtaining wellpaying jobs in the growing Health Care industry. Changes in educational and workforce skill requirements happen very quickly in today’s economy. The Alliance endeavors to stay on top of those trends through surveying local businesses to determine what their workforce needs are, then working with education partners to provide the educational and training programs that prepare workers to meet those needs. This approach helps assure that local businesses remain prosperous and continue to create jobs for our residents. P

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I PROGRESS

A new year of Leadership Modesto is upon us. Leadership Modesto, a program sponsored by Modesto Chamber of Commerce, has an outstanding 30+ year track record for inspiring, growing and uniting high quality leadership in our community. The primary objective achieved through Leadership Modesto is to identify and foster new and potential leaders through a dynamic, ten-month intensive experience that we hope will instill the requisite knowledge and understanding of our community one needs to assume leadership roles. Through Leadership Modesto, we hope to inform and empower participating class members to engage in the community and understand the many moving parts that make it work. Throughout their experience, this year’s class will be exposed to local business, arts and culture, non-profit organizations, public safety, education and more. As we bid farewell to last years graduating class, we’d like to thank them for their commitment and enthusiasm. We learned from one another and the Leadership Modesto Steering Committee celebrates them and their hard work throughout the year. We hope they feel inspired and empowered to further their impact on the world and in our community. Looking forward, The Leadership Modesto Steering Committee is pleased to announce that, after a highly competitive application and interview process, the candidates for the 33rd Leadership Modesto class have been selected. Please visit the Chamber Website for a full list of those chosen to participate in the Leadership Modesto Class of 2014-15. The L eadership Modesto Steering Committee and the supporting Day Chairs (those who volunteer to organize each Leadership Modesto experience) are thrilled with the make-up of the incoming class and expect them to achieve great things. We will start with our Welcome Reception in August and spend the rest of the year learning, growing and expanding our impact throughout Modesto. Our commitment to this year’s class, like all others, is to provide one of the finest learning and leadership experiences available. Join us in welcoming the Leadership Modesto Class of 2014-15. Wish them luck and learning in the year to come and stay tuned to Progress Magazine for monthly updates on their experience. P

ECON OM IC D EVELOPMEN T

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

Park Inn by Radisson

Insurance Agency

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