Modesto Chamber oF COMMERCE
VOL. 43 | ISSUE 06 | june 2022
AGRICULTURE & FARMLAND BLUE DIAMOND ALMONDS EL SOL RESTAURANT HAVEN
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Mission Statement
The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area, regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity and business education.
june 2022 | CONTENTS
Executive Committee Chairman
Michael Gaffney, PG&E
Past Chairman
Steve Rank, Rank Investigations and Protection, Inc.
Vice Chair, External Operations Michael Moradian Jr. Peace of Mind Pest Control
Vice Chair, Internal Operations, Treasurer
mistlin gallery
Patricia Gillum Pat Gillum CPA
Chairperson Elect
Kirstie Boyett Zacharias, Executive Director at American Leadership Forum- Great Valley Chapter
COMMUNITY
board of Directors
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Garrett Ardis- Huff Construction Company Inc. Dennis Bettencourt- Blue Diamond Growers Brad Blakeley, Edward Jones Investments Josh Cheney - F&M Bank David Halvorson Jr.- American Chevrolet Debra Hendricks - Debra Hendricks Consulting Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Rachell Le Viege - Lift-A-Hand Home Care Agency Eric Mangal, Grimbleby Coleman CPAS Inc. Brian McDermott - HMC3 Kymber Miller- Sysco Central California Inc. Peggy O'Donnell, Mid-Valley Productions Jason Pineda, Freshpoint Inc. Bill Robinson, Principal Financial Group Kari Santos - I.J. Larsen Pumps DeJeune Shelton- Modesto Junior College Madhu Singh, Bank of Stockton John Villines- Modesto Gospel Mission
6 7 people on the move
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Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce 209.577.5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org
CEO MESSAGE CALENDAR announcements
ADvocacy
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OPPORTUNITY STANISLAUS
RELATIONSHIPS
President & CEO
Trish Christensen Modesto Chamber of Commerce tchristensen@modchamber.org
glanris
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MILESTONES
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president's club
EDUCATION
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Graphic Design: 209 Magazine 209.634.9141 • www.209magazine.com
ag day
Printer: 209 Magazine
SERVICE
Distribution: 209 Magazine
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209.634.9141 • hvanderveen@209magazine.com 209.634.9141
Advertising Sales:
crogers@oakdaleleader.com 209.845.4074
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member highlight
haven
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© Copyright 2021 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
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in
this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce.
Staff:
Administrative Assistant, Hope Gyorfi Sustainability Coordinator, Jolene Camarena Events Coordinator, Felicia Lopez Membership Coordinator, Sabrinna Gonzales-Fewell Staff Accountant, Jaime Lastra
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PROGRESS MAGAZINE 1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354 209. 577.5757 • Fax 209. 577.2673 www.ModChamber.org • Progress@ModChamber.org
may 2022
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A Message From The President & CEO THE LAND AROUND US By Trish Christensen
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’ve participated in a handful of conversations lately that at some point led to mentions of our beautiful orchards, agriculture, farming, cattle, and dairies. We live in a unique county community. You often hear references about our rural towns and county seat, the City of Modesto. We are no longer small, but we are also not a large metropolis such as a Santa Clara or San Francisco. There are many things that are of value with our prized ag land. At the top of my list is the beauty of driving from town to town, and place to place. It does not take much time or distance from the center of Modesto to be surrounded by our natural resources. What a view that offers us!
COMMUNITY
Leadership Modesto spent a very immersive day visiting a few of our farms on their Agriculture and Farming Day. The classmates were a-buzz about what they witnessed with robotics and technology at the various stops. Proof that our community is advancing with modern technology to remain competitive and relevant in their unique markets. There is a summary and photos later in this edition for you to enjoy.
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The last month was full of adventure for the Chamber team. May brought our second installment of Rise & Shine with the CEO’s, the community outreach element of our Rising Professionals Network. Our speaker panel did a fabulous job sharing their history and thoughts on being leaders in their fields. Thank you to Gretchen Arbini – Crown Painting, Brent Garner – Central Valley Automotive Group, and Christine Schweininger - Valley Builders Exchange, and we can’t forget David Alonso – Papapolloni Mediterranean Bistro for putting on such an enjoyable Cinco De Mayo breakfast. May also brought our Women in Business Network’s first community engagement program – Our Next Step Conference, benefiting clients of Haven Women’s Center. Such an impactful day for both facilitators and attendees.
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
Various staff attended a few events with me that same week. The Businesswomen’s Symposium – Valley Sierra SBDC, Go Red for Women – American Heart Assoc., and the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Installation and Awards dinner. Separately, we had a few new member red ribbon cuttings, a green (certification) ribbon cutting, and two outstanding Mix and Mingle events. One hosted by The Salvation Army at their Red Shield Center, one at The Park, Senior living residence. If you have never visited either, please do. Both are very impressive! Throughout the rest of the month a mix of things took place. I was honored to be a co-chair at Love Modesto – what a great day! A few board members, with spouses, attended Ramadan Breaking Fast Dinner at the Islamic Center of Modesto with me. We received such genuinely caring hospitality at this event. The chamber team and volunteers manned the corner of 11th and J St. to support Kidz Day, an awareness fundraiser for The Salvation Army Red Shield Center. I participated in the National Asian Chamber and Entrepreneurial Business Roundtable. This collaboration was also partnered with Bay Valley Tech, Stanislaus Chinese Association, and the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I was privileged to attend a Political Action Bootcamp, tour the Stanislaus County Office of Education’s Career Inspiration Center, and I sat on a panel to meet all 5 of the candidates for Dean of the College of Business Administration at California State University, Stanislaus. Our chamber activity is clearly humming, and we are loving every minute. You are always welcome to join in any or all our various programs, committees, and events. Please let us know if you want to know more. With warm regards, Trish
Each member of the Chamber is important, no matter the size of business. We desire for local businesses and organizations to succeed and thrive. To reach this goal we provide exposure, opportunities to engage with Regional Electeds and community partners, as well as networking with businesses and organizations across industries. We work to better our community by providing up-to-date education and training, certifying qualifying businesses as Green, and providing advocacy on City, State, and Federal levels. The Chamber is a family of dedicated professionals striving to make a difference in their business and way of life. Whatever your business needs are, we invite you to join us.
To execute our adopted mission we have developed an acronym that helps keep us focused. That acronym is “CARES: Community, Advocacy, Relationships, Education and Service.” C - Community At its heart, the Modesto Chamber is a community of like-minded business owners who share the vision for enjoying a thriving economy and creating and maintaining our community as a vibrant place to live, work and play. With over 100 years of history and experience in the Greater Modesto Area, we understand what it means to be a business owner and customer in our community, with featured events such as local and regional forums, Ag Aware, Harvest Luncheon, and Family Day. Chamber members get the opportunity to actively engage in and influence the community they live and work in. A - Advocacy The Modesto Chamber supports local businesses and is an active advocate for the common interest of its members. The Chamber has an Economic Development Committee and a Government Relations Council. These advocacy committees are dedicated and proactive in representing our members and community. They work to address business initiatives and relieve the regulatory burdens businesses face may face. The Chamber is also honored to certify local businesses and organizations through our California Green Business Network Stanislaus Program. Through this we create more conscientious and sustainable ways of life while lowering the cost of doing business for our community and future generations. R - Relationships The Modesto Chamber of Commerce specializes in building relationships and serving as the nexus to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies. With over a dozen Committees, Programs, and Events in which our members can participate, the Chamber offers ample opportunity to meet and connect with other business owners in our community. As a relational organization, the Chamber works with its members to ensure the opportunity to connect and grow in every niche and industry to help build and cultivate long-lasting relationships among business owners and community partners alike. E - Education The Modesto Chamber of Commerce values education and offers members the opportunity to stay on the leading edge with new and emerging information and training that will set your business apart from the rest. In partnership with Modesto Junior College, the Chamber is pleased to offer an assortment of trainings applicable to any business or industry for credited completion through our Chamber University platform. Our Chamber also works with members to provide a platform to speak to their own industry expertise and invite other members to learn from those leading our local industries. S - Service The Modesto Chamber of Commerce offers its members a wide range of opportunities to promote and engage their business across industry and community lines. The Chamber Weekly E-Blast, Website, and our Progress Magazine provide opportunities to advertise and promote your business, keep up to date with articles about local businesses in our community, and stay in the loop about up-and-coming Chamber and community events. Our Chamber also offers indemand materials, such as Member contact list, Federal and State compliance posters, export document services, and so much more. Chamber members can also personalize their business profile within our website and have access to our Member-Only Information Center, where members can connect with other members, boost their social media presence, promote job postings, public events, and member-to-member discounts.
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CHAMBER CALENDAR june
july
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Independence Day- Office Closed
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Economic Development Committee-TBD *Register on website, in person & Zoom 11:30 A.M.
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Anniversary Ribbon Cutting & Mixer McHenry Museum & Historical Society 50th Anniversary 1402 I St. Modesto 95354 4:00PM-7:00PM
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Rising Professionals 5:30pm – 7:00pm Mixer Location TBD *In Person, Register on website
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Tech Connect *In person & Zoom 2:00 P.M. Register on website
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Ambassador & Welcome Team Meeting *In person & Zoom 8:00 A.M
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Government Relations Council Meeting *In person & Zoom 11:30 A.M. Register on website
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Women in Business 5:30pm – 7:00pm Mixer Location TBD - *In Person
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Stanislaus Green Team Meeting Serotonin Creative Casey Hogue *In person & Zoom 12:00 P.M. Register on website
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Ambassador & Welcome Team Meeting *In person & Zoom 8:00 A.M
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Government Relations Council Daniel Iniguez / Regional Director American Medical Response Topic: AMR Update * In person & Zoom 11:30 A.M. Register on website
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Economic Development Committee - TBD Lynn Dickerson & Evan Porges Topic: Downtown Ballpark *Register on website, in person & Zoom 11:30 A.M. Rising Professionals 12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch & Learn *In Person, Register on website Ribbon Cutting Cookies Modesto 1944 W. Orangeburg Ave., Modesto 95350 4:00PM Tech Connect *In person & Zoom 12:00 P.M. Register on website Member's Mix & Mingle /Green Ribbon Cutting New Bridge Management 843 E. Main St. Turlock 95380 Ribbon Ceremony: 4:00 PM Mixer: 5:30PM-7:00PM Stanislaus Green Team Meeting JD Gessin, CEO Operations West Coast Biofuel, Lunch Provided *In person & Zoom 12:00 P.M. Register on website
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Women in Business 12:00 PM-1:00 PM Lunch & Learn, Location TBD *In Person, Register on website Member’s Mix & Mingle Cookies Modesto 1944 W. Orangeburg Ave., Modesto 95350 5:30PM-7:00PM Sustainability Symposium “From the Ground up” 945 McHenry Ave, Modesto 95350 11:00AM-1:30PM Register on website
Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org
*See website for more detail. Find Zoom Registry links and more at www.modchamber.org Please note that calendar events and details are subject to change.
FUNDRAISER Proceeds Donated By
LAURA STOKES Online Gallery and Art Sales www.LAURASTOKESARTSALES.COM June 1st through August 31, 2022
For Private Viewing Contact Laura@LauraStokesArtSales.com
(206) 371-4853
COMMUNITY
Contemporary Art
(Seattle Area Code)
LAURA STOKES Online Gallery & Art Sales
JUNE 2022
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ANNOUNCEMENT People, Places and Things at Mistlin Gallery The Central California Art Association at the Mistlin Gallery, in downtown Modesto, is presenting the exhibition, People, Places, and Things. This CCAA show is a juried show which is open to the public. Looking for Stanislaus County’s best and brightest artists to showcase their unique perspective of the world around them. This exhibition will show at the Mistlin Gallery July 12 to Aug. 6. People, Places, and Things, invites the community to use any medium whether it be paint, clay, tile, paper, graphite, collage, camera, or computer. Go as far as your imagination will take you, there is no limit to the ways an artist can represent the world around them. We are looking for pieces that express a personal view of this open-ended theme. This can include landscapes, portraits, environmental portraits, still life, and even creations from your imagination. We will also be having a first ever Emerging Artist space featuring local photographer Roger Smith, a Modesto Junior College, and Sacramento State graduate. Roger uses his camera lens to tell stories. Roger’s inventive use of format, materials, and techniques provide a variety of unique and stellar images. His love of photographic art inspires him to share his knowledge and collaborate with others to gain and share new ideas with the community.
There will be six monetary prizes awarded including, People's Choice award, that will be given out at the Third Thursday Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. July 21. Unlike the other prizes which will be judged by our chosen jurors, the People's Choice award is made by the public vote. From July 12th to July 21, we will have a donation jar set out so that the community can donate for this award. Refreshment will be provided at the Art Walk, courtesy of Picasso's Deli and the Mistlin Gallery. The gallery is open to the public free of charge and parking validation is available for parking at the Eleventh Street garage between J street and K street. The Mistlin Gallery is open from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The CCAA/Mistlin Gallery is a non-profit organization that offers many programs to the community, including Youth Art Scholars, Memorial Medical Center’s Complementary Therapy classes, CLASS Art in Schools, Grace Lieberman Cabarets, Expose Yourself to Art streaming artist interviews, and much more. We have recently been designated as the Arts Council for Stanislaus County and have created the arts collaboration, Stanislaus Arts to amplifying the importance of all the Arts in our community. For more information go to www.ccaagallery.org or call the Mistlin Gallery at (209) 529-3396.
SBA Fresno District Office To Honor Local Companies During National Small Business Week The SBA Fresno District office today announced three San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast as 2022’s outstanding small businesses. These companies will be honored next month during National Small Business Week. Small Business Person of the Year
COMMUNITY
Tom Carolan, Owner, Digital Media Marketing, Inc San Luis Obispo, California
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Digital Market Media is a fully remote marketing consulting company with 140 employees full time. The SBDC has served in the area of COVID funding, Human Resource strategies, Growth strategies, and Acquisition strategies. Digital Market Media provides media buying, advertising, inbound call generation, exclusive lead generation, and live transfer calls. With insurance and financial services clients world-wide, DMM has achieved an industry leading reputation for the quality of the marketing services it delivers. DMM serves, and has retained since its' founding year, many fortune 500 companies, for example: Mutual of Omaha, Swiss Re, TransAmerica, eHealth, SelectQuote and Prudential.
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
8a Business Development JI Garcia Construction, Inc Fresno, California J.I. Garcia Construction, Inc. is a licensed (California) General Building and General Engineering Contractor founded in 1982. The company, owned by Joe Garcia, specializes in Commerical and Institutional Building construction, with an emphasis on Design Build while operating in the private and public sectors. Exporter of the Year REPSCO, Inc. Modesto, California REPSCO, Inc. is an independent manufacturer of custom-designed extruded plastic sheet products. Innovation is a tradition at REPSCO, Inc. For over 35 years the Modesto based company has focused on improving every step of the recycling process from sourcing materials to refining their processes to net the highest quality polymers in the postconsumer market. This attention to detail has allowed REPSCO Inc to continuously reduce costs in recycling and to pass those savings on to their customers around the world.
Mistlin Gallery to highlight 'Triple Take' From June 7 to July 9, the Mistlin Gallery will be presenting an exciting two-part exhibition. In Gallery “A”: Triple Take, Plein Air Artists with Three Views- This show is both entertaining and educational. Remember going to an interesting location with friends or family and each person is fascinated by something different? Artists do the same. Over the past months, award-winning artists Chella Gonsalves, Rick Ingraham, and Vince Walsh have met at various sites to paint the same subject “en plein air.” This unique exhibit showcases their individual perspectives and artistic interpretations painting at each scene. Viewers may recognize many of the locations throughout the county and beyond. You and your friends will enjoy seeing how artists differently interpret each subject. This is also a great o p p o r t u n i ty for student artists to appreciate the nature of artistic vision. In Gallery “B” The World Around Us – A collection of landscapes a n d seascapes to co m p l i m e n t the plein air exhibit.
COMMUNITY
All work is done by local and regional artists and photographers, including several watercolors by the late Dan Petersen. All work is for sale. The Mistlin Gallery is at 1015 J Street in downtown Modesto. Gallery hours are 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free to the public.
JUNE 2022
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FROM THE GROUND UP SUSTAINABILITY SYMPOSIUM
THE SEASONS EVENT CENTER 945 McHenry Ave. Modesto 95350 June 29th, 2022- 11:00AM to 1:30PM
community
Join us as we hear from Industry Specialists, celebrate with CAGBN Award Recipients, and enjoy a delicious lunch buffet.
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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org
Stanislaus County Fair July 8-17 2022 Your Favorite Community Event Is Back!
is now
community
FREE Concerts Arena Events Exhibits Midway & Fun!
2 0 9 M U LT I M E D I A . C O M
www.StanCoFair.com
#stancofair
Your local news source. Now locally-owned. JUNE 2022
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AnNOUNCEMENT People On the Move The Modesto Gospel Mission is pleased to announce the following staff members who have been hired for the following key positions at the Mission.
advocacy
Tom Matthew joined the Mission in March as the new Media Manager, overseeing the Mission’s print and digital marketing and social media. Tom was born, educated, and raised in India. He earned a degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering, and then studied graphic design, animation, and media Tom Matthew convergence, becoming an Adobe Certified Professional. Tom worked in various media companies across India, including The Times of India as its art director. Tom moved to the U.S. in 2006 and is now an American citizen. Tom worked in the Bay Area as a creative director and art director in print, publishing, and media companies, and he is especially passionate about branding. Tom’s wife Julie works as an RN at Kaiser Hospital in Modesto, and they have 3 children who attend Salida GVA Charter School.
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Mike Mosley was promoted to the Mission’s Volunteer Coordinator in March, overseeing all individual and group volunteers, corporate team-building groups, and other volunteer projects including special events. Mike was born in Denver, Colorado, and moved to California when he was a child. As a Mike Mosley teen and young adult, Mike started partying and then slowly descended into addiction and homelessness over many years. In 2019, Mike was brought to the Mission by his sponsor to join the 18-month residential New Life Program. Mike’s life was transformed through the program, and he graduated in January 2021. Mike was hired full-time by the Mission to be a case manager for the Freedom Road Day Program, working with homeless men and women to provide services. Mike was subsequently promoted to that Day Program’s coordinator in April 2021. In March 2022, Mike was promoted to his current position, and he is enjoying working with those men, women, and children who support the Mission by donating their time. If you would like to know more about how you or your company can volunteer at the Mission, you can reach Mike at mikem@mymission.org or 209-225-2907. Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org
Anna Pedroza-Garcia was hired in October 2021 to serve as the new Women’s Ministries Manager. In this role, Anna oversees and manages both the Women & Children’s emergency shelter and the 18-month residential Women’s New Life Program. Anna was born on a Anna Pedroza-Garcia Native American reservation in Washington, and endured a traumatic childhood which led to her continued drug abuse, addiction, and ultimately homelessness. After many years, Anna eventually pursued sobriety, spurred on by the desire to fight for her relationships with her children. In 2020, Anna graduated with honors from MJC with her adult daughter Alicia, earning 4 Associate degrees in Human Services, Social and Behavioral Science, Chemical Dependency, and Sociology. Last month in May, Anna and her daughter graduated from Stanislaus State. Anna again graduated with honors, with a B.A. in Sociology. Anna and her daughter are preparing to attend graduate school next year, and Anna is planning on earning her Master’s degree in Social Work. Congratulations to Anna and her daughter Alicia on their accomplishments! www.humphreys.edu
MULTIPLE SUBJECT TEACHING CREDENTIAL Now Offering
Online or On-Campus Financial Aid Available Transfer Units Accepted Intern or Student Teaching
Bachelor with Credential Credential alone Master's with Credential
New Report Details Economic Data and Lays Case for More Opportunity in Stanislaus By Catherine Larsen / Marketing and Communications Lead, Stanislaus 2030 Despite a decade of steady job growth ranking among the best nationwide, Stanislaus County’s economy and residents confront continuing challenges to shared prosperity and wealth-building. Nearly 40% of families in the County are working but still struggle to meet basic living expenses and accumulate savings that enable economic mobility. Alongside comparatively low educational attainment and a high cost of living, the region’s economic performance yields a significant gap in the number of quality jobs available to residents.
Understanding the lived experience of our community members is a critical part of the Stanislaus 2030 process. With the support of our local community engagement team Debrief, residents from across Stanislaus County have the opportunity to share their voices in many ways, including focus groups, community meetings and forums. That means the work groups will have the benefit of learning from the experiences of Stanislaus County residents, along with the data provided in the market assessment, as the strategies are being designed.
This is just one piece of the illuminating data provided by Brookings Institution, taken from the quantitative and qualitative market assessment of Stanislaus County, released publicly today.
Ultimately, this work is just the first step of a journey that extends well beyond 2030. Today, Stanislaus 2030 is releasing the Executive Summary and supporting data that informs the next phase of our initiative, the activation of our work groups. The Executive Summary provides an overview of the market assessment, a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analysis of the region’s economic performance and competitive position. This assessment offers a common evidence base and considerations for diverse stakeholders to jointly make decisions on economic and workforce priorities, strategic responses, and how to implement them.
While these dynamics are sobering, they are also not new or surprising to County leaders and residents. For years, regional strategies have raised the need for economic diversification to support more good jobs locally and reduce the numbers of residents commuting hours to better-paying jobs in the Bay Area and neighboring counties. “Stanislaus 2030 was born out of the desire to intentionally build resilient future industries aligned around our strong agricultural base, and at the same time, ensure greater financial prosperity for local families,” says Dillon Olvera, Stanislaus 2030 Co-Chair and President and CEO, Beard Land and Investment Co. Stanislaus 2030 is a collaboration among business, government, and civic stakeholders to create and deliver a joint strategy and investment plan by summer 2022, for regional economic growth and opportunity in the coming decade.
“This is our opportunity to take bold action towards a more prosperous future for Stanislaus County families,” says Yamilet Valladolid, Stanislaus 2030 Co-Chair and Director of Government and Community Affairs, Golden Valley Health Centers. Visit Stanislaus2030.com to view the Executive Summary and all reports.
ADVOCACY
“If this effort sounds like a tall order, it is. This type of work, both multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder, is often messy and not attempted often. It requires many actors to grapple with data while seeking a deep understanding of residents’ experiences and highest aspirations,” says Marian Kaanon, CEO, Stanislaus Community Foundation, and partner in the Stanislaus 2030 initiative. “But other communities across our state, and nation, have seen great results from doing this type of work, bringing in millions of dollars of government, private and philanthropic funds to their communities. We have a unique opportunity right now to do the same thing in Stanislaus County.” Crosssector, multi-stakeholder work groups will meet from late April to June, developing strategies to be included in an investment plan, published later this summer. JUNE 2022
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Glanris Working Towards Cleaner Water By Bryan Eagle, CEO Glanris manufactures a patented, sustainable, low-cost water filtration media made from rice hulls, the world's largest agricultural waste product. Over 220 billion pounds of rice hulls are generated every year. Today these hulls are either burned in the fields or dumped in landfills, neither of which are environmentally friendly. Glanris’ media can remove organic contaminants from the water like activated carbon does but can also remove dissolved metals like lead and chromium as ion exchange resins do, but at a fraction of the price. Unlike ion exchange resin beads which are a microplastic, Glanris is a carbon-negative product that reduces greenhouses gasses and sequesters carbon. Glanris is targeting the 3 major water filtration markets: industrial, municipal, and residential. Their industrial customers are either manufacturing companies that use water in their production process and need to filter contaminants in their wastewater or environmental remediation companies looking for a single media to tackle both organic and metal contaminants. They have 2 small municipal wastewater projects. In the residential market, they are working with carbon block manufacturers and on a reusable Brita filter with Glanris’ media in a filter pod. This will eliminate the disposal of the plastic housing and the use of the microplastic ion exchange resin beads that comprise 60% of a normal Brita filter.
Glanris has the following advantages over activated carbon and ion exchange resin: • Hybrid media (adsorption for organic contaminants, ion exchange for dissolved metal removal, and silica for solids) • Drop-in replacement for existing activated carbon and ion exchange • Significantly lower cost than specialized ion exchange resins • Operates in a wider pH range (4-10), whereas most others require chemical adjustment to get to a neutral pH before they can be effective. • Media doesn't foul in the presence of oils or solvents
advocacy
• Green, sustainable,
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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org
MEMBER HIGHLIGHT Blue Diamond’s Innovative Products Drive Value for Local Growers By Dennis Bettencourt / Salida Site Director, Blue Diamond Growers An agricultural cooperative, Blue Diamond Growers is owned by approximately 3,000 almond growers throughout California’s Central Valley. The majority of our members are small, multi-generational family farms, and our co-op’s mission is quite simple: To maximize the returns of each grower who entrusts Blue Diamond with their almonds. As the world’s largest almond processor, we market high-quality almonds, almond ingredients and branded products in 100 countries around the world. Our 1,800 employees collaborate to help transform our growers’ almonds into a wide range of almond-based snacks, beverages, and ingredients, including Blue Diamond Snack Almonds®, Nut-Thins® crackers, almond flour, baking mixes, and Almond Breeze® almondmilk and almondmilk creamers. Unlike other almond handlers, Blue Diamond is recognized as a dynamic global brand and that brand star power drives increased value for our growers.
I’m excited to announce that we have three new products hitting store shelves this month: NEW flavor: Elote, (eh-LO-tay) Spanish for “corn cob,” is a Mexican dish where corn on the cob is grilled, brushed in a mayonnaise cream sauce and topped with chili powder, cheese, and lime. Fun fact: The Elote flavor was developed by one of our summer interns from U.C. Davis last year – he came up with the concept, worked with our seasoning vendor, and led sensory evaluations to finalize the delicious flavor. It’s a great example of our commitment to providing meaningful work for our interns each year.
NEW flavor: Korean BBQ celebrates a style of grilling meats on a grill that is inlaid right into the dining table. The popularity of the Korean BBQ flavor is spiking - it is now one of the top 10 flavors that consumers crave. NEW product: Finally, this month we’re also rolling out a new line of snack almonds called “Mash Ups” which combine two intense flavors into an exciting snacking experience. Our initial Mash Up flavors are Cinnamon and Maple Almonds, and Dark Chocolate and Chili Pepper Almonds.
RELATIONSHIPS
Another key way we ensure sustained value is by consistently focusing on innovation – especially in creating imaginative snack nut flavors and determining unique uses for the quality almonds we receive and process through our facilities in Salida, Turlock and Sacramento.
You can find all three new products at our Blue Diamond Nut & Gift Shop, located at 4800 Sisk Road in Modesto, or online at bluediamondstore. com.
JUNE 2022
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Relationships 16
Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org
Congratulations TO THIS MONTH'S MILESTONE MEMBERSHIPS
80 + years
30 + years
10 + years
ATHERTON & ASSOCIATES, LLP
GRIMBLEBY COLEMAN CPAS, INC. STANISLAUS SURGICAL HOSPITAL SOLECON INDUSTRIAL CONTRACTORS DOUBLETREE BY HILTON MODESTO ASSOCIATED PENSION CONSULTANTS HAVEN WOMEN'S CENTER OF STANISLAUS THE FLOOR TRADER CALIFORNIA POULTRY FEDERATION
NORCAL NECA MODESTO EXECUTIVE ELECTRIC, INC. WELLS FARGO BANK CENTRAL VALLEY NISSAN CENTRAL VALLEY VOLKSWAGEN HYUNDAI CENTRAL VALLEY CHRYSLER, JEEP, DODGE MODESTO CENTRE PLAZA OAK VALLEY COMMUNITY BANK JOHNSON & ASSOCIATES CPA'S, INC. BERLINER COHEN LLP
FRED HILL MECHANICAL, INC. TSM INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES
55 + years GAGOS PROPERTIES SAFE-T-LITE OF MODESTO STEWART KRIESE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
50 + years SUTTER HEALTH VALLEY AREA NICHOLSON INSURANCE INC. EMOE, DIVISION OF PARKER HANNIFIN CORP.
40 + years THE DIEHL CO. AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE STANLEY HODGES MAPE'S RANCH/LYONS' INVESTMENTS MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE FOUNDATION
25 + years CASA DE MODESTO RETIREMENT CENTER CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, STANISLAUS ROSS F. CARROLL, INC. MERCEDES BENZ OF MODESTO
20 + years UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX SUITE 52 LIVING - PORTICO JUAREZ, ZARATE AND COMPANY, CPAS DERREL'S MINI STORAGE, INC.
15 + years SIZZLER RESTAURANT/BMW MANAGEMENT PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS LOCAL 442 SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY COLLEGE
5 + years NEW BRIDGE MANAGEMENT HOSPITAL COUNCIL OF NORTHERN & CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ACCESS PLUS CAPITAL GROCERY OUTLET DEL RIO CLEANERS NOTHING BUNDT CAKES LEWIS CAPITAL ADVISORS SQUEEZE IN
1 + years PARENTS BY CHOICE MARY KATE GRIMALDI - P. GRIMALDI CREATIVE GENESISCARE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION DONOR NETWORK WEST LOGAN SPORTS CHIROPRACTIC TOSHI HART DDS., INC. ROTARY CLUB OF MODESTO FLEX CALIFORNIA HEALTH COLLABORATIVE SD MOBILE WELDING & REPAIR, LLC
RELATIONSHIPS
75 + years
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RELATIONSHIPS
PRESIDENT’S CLUB CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE
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ELITE
ENTHUSIAST
Food Maxx
Seven-Up Bottling Co. of Modesto/Varni
E & J Gallo Winery
Alpine Protective Solutions
FreshPoint
Brothers Corporation
Kaiser Permanente
American Chevrolet
Gianelli Nielsen
Solecon Industrial Contractors
American Medical Response
Gilton Solid Waste Mgmt, Inc.
Stanislaus Food Products Co.
KEYSTONE
Astound Business Solutions Powered by
Golden Valley Health Centers
Stanislaus Surgical Hospital
Beard Land and Investment Co.
Wave
Grover Landscape Services, Inc.
Stifel Investment Services
Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc., a HUB
Atherton & Associates, LLP
Infiniti of Modesto
Storer Coachways
International Company
Audi Modesto
International Paper Co.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
Doctors Behavioral Health Center-DMC
Bank of Stockton
JS West & Companies
The Century
Doctors Medical Center-DMC
California State University, Stanislaus
Maxx Value Foods
The Farmacy
Frito-Lay Co., Inc.
Care One Home Health and Hospice, Inc.
Mister Car Wash
The Modesto Bee
Pacific Southwest Container, Inc.
Central Valley Automotive
Mocse Credit Union
The Parks Group
Physician Referral Service-DMC
Central Valley Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge
Modesto Toyota
TSM Insurance & Financial Services
Stockton Heat
Central Valley Nissan
Nine3One
Turlock Irrigation District
Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai
Oak Valley Community Bank
Union Bank
VISIONARY
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
O'Brien's Market
US Bank
Blue Diamond Growers
Clark Pest Control
Opportunity Stanislaus
Valley BMW
Crystal Creamery
COIT Services Inc.
Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
Valley Children's Healthcare
Doubletree by Hilton Modesto
Collins Electrical
Panelized Structures Inc.
Valley First Credit Union
EMOE, Division of Parker Hannifin Corp.
Comcast
Pepsi Bottling Group
Valley Lexus
Fiscalini Cheese Company
Del Monte Plant #1
PMZ Real Estate
Vintage Faire Mall/Macerich Company
IHeart Media
English Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation
Residence Inn by Marriott Modesto North
Walmart
Modesto Irrigation District
Hospital
Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc.
Warden's Office Products Center
Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball
Exceed GPR & Locating, LLC
Rose Bouquet
Wells Fargo Bank
Sutter Health Valley Area
F&M Bank
San Joaquin Valley College
Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency
Sysco Central California Inc.
Flowers Baking Co. of Modesto, LLC
Save Mart Supermarkets
Yosemite Foods Inc.
CONTACT THE CHAMBER TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRESIDENT'S CLUB LEVEL BENEFITS
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
El Sol Has New Life In Modesto Story and Photos By Virginia Still El Sol Restaurant is bringing light to a new Latin fusion menu with unique creations, craft cocktails, and a new modern design. The traditional Mexican restaurant vibes have left the building and now there is new life given to the restaurant that has been part of the Jasso family business since 2001. The team behind El Sol are Owner Mario Jasso Sr., General Manager Mario Jasso Jr., Executive Chef Manuel Avina, and General Marketing Manager Reynaldo Alfaro. They each bring something different to the table that has made this new journey a success even though it has only been a few months. Jasso Jr. has been involved in the restaurant industry all his life and recalls washing dishes at the restaurant when he was a kid. He spent four years in the Marine Corps and when his contract was up, he returned home and got back into the restaurant industry. The pandemic was a challenge for so many businesses and there were many casualties. The future was looking bleak for El Sol during that time as well, which led Jasso Jr. to invest in the business and bring in fresh ideas.
The customer favorites include the Baja Shrimp tacos, puffy tacos, Birria Egg Rolls, Ceviche, Tierra, Mar, y El Sol, and Karaage Chicken (popcorn chicken). The Baja Shrimp tacos are made with two hand made blue corn tortillas, tempura fried prawns and preserved lemon that is topped with goodness making this entrée a true mouth delight. Birria has gained popularity these days and El Sol has put their own twist on the dish serving birria Eggrolls with a
Photo Contributed salsa and a broth for dipping. This unique dish is one to try for sure. Listed on the menu as popcorn chicken is the Japanese style Karaage Chicken that has the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and all over tastiness served with a spicy mayo for dipping. Another guest favorite is the Botana de Ceviche made with shrimp, lemon, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, cucumber and a whole lot of goodness served with corn tostadas. The Tierra, Mar y El Sol is steak, chicken, jumbo prawns served with rice and beans making this delectable entrée one to share or not to share.
RELATIONSHIPS
Chef Avina has worked with the Mina Group out of San Francisco for many years and has worked in different restaurants including a Michelin star restaurant. He is Japanese trained, which has influenced the new menu a bit creating a Latin fusion type of cuisine at El Sol.
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El Sol Has New Life In Modesto (Continued from page 19) By Virginia Still The remodel includes a new bar area where they offer craft cocktails. All juices are freshly squeezed and each cocktail is hand crafted precisely with special ingredients and garnishes making them not only very tasty but eye pleasing too. “This is a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine progressive trendy eatery featuring craft cocktail program. Catering to its diverse California culinary culture,” read Chef Avina off of the cocktail menu to share what they are about these days at El Sol. The Yonaguni is a customer favorite and is made with rum, lime, coconut, and matcha which is a powdered green tea. “It (Yonaguni) is probably one of our most unique cocktails and one of the most popular for sure,” said Jasso Jr. “We just want to bring something different and standout. We want to introduce people to different things.” The Clover Club is another guest favorite that comes with gin or vodka, lemon, raspberries, and egg white foam as well as the El Mando that is made with Mezcal, pineapple, basil and citrus. They also offer the classics like the Paloma, Mai Tai, Cosmopolitan and Old Fashioned.
Relationships
Sunday brunch is hosted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
When it comes to managing your risk and maximizing your insurance coverage, you need to know your options. We take the time to understand you, your business and your unique needs. We offer the expertise that will lead to the best solution. Our partnership with HUB International gives us access to new and specialty markets while still being the area leader in self-insurance or group captive programs. Together, we can find the right option for you.
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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org
They are open for lunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and both lunch and dinner from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. El Sol is located at 500 9th St Ste. K in Modesto. For more information call (209) 526-7000 or check them out on Instagram or Facebook.
LEMO's Agriculture Day As you rip open the bag of salted almonds for a snack, or wash the leafy greens for your salad, or pour a cold cup of milk; do you think of the work that goes into making these commodities available to you? The 2022 Leadership Modesto class had the pleasure of touring four agricultural companies and farms/ranches in Stanislaus County which gave us a new perspective and reminded us of how fruitful our central valley is.
Let’s talk numbers. The Modesto plant processes approximately 70% of the almonds and then ships to Sacramento for seasoning and packaging or back to the customer. In Modesto alone, they process approximately 1.2 million pounds of almonds per day! There are seven main varieties of almonds that are stored and received at the Modesto plant. The co-op ensures that they use every part of the almonds. For example, the dust is collected and sold to be used as animal feed. They also make oil stock from the almonds that are compromised. The plant does contract to have the almond shells removed and the byproduct is returned to Blue Diamond to process and remove the meats – the byproduct can contain up to 30% of meats. Talking about delivering a quality product, after the almonds are processed and sanitized, a manual sorting process takes place. Employees sort through the almonds and remove any damaged almonds. Quality control is a serious component, and they track everything from moisture levels (which should be at less than 7%) to any insect damage to foreign materials (sticks, rocks, etc.) that may have slipped through – if necessary, the almonds can be reprocessed if they do not meet the quality control levels set by Blue Diamond.
We also saw the almond flour processing site. This started in Modesto five years ago as the need to continue to provide value added products continues to rise. In case you are wondering, the Turlock site processes the almond milk, and the Sacramento site processes butter. The Modesto site also houses a gift shop, but you can always order online. Our next stop was the Ratto Bros, Inc. Ranch where we were welcomed by Anthony Ratto, who is involved in the operations side of the business. The business started in 1905 when Antone Ratto started a vegetable business near Oakland. As the bay area developed, there was a need to move the operation, which eventually settled into 160 acres in the Modesto area in 1962. They focus on planting, growing, harvesting, cooling, and selling their own produce to other shippers or vendors. They currently farm on approximately 1,200 acres that are harvested 2.5 times per year and employ 200 to 300 individuals. Ratto Brothers grows and sells more than 30 different commodities including leafy greens, vegetables, and other specialty products, such as cilantro, cabbage, basil, beets, celery roots, parsley, bok choy, and leeks – just to name a few. In 2004, they opened a new 70,000 square foot packing and cooling house located a few feet away from their fields to cool the produce once harvested and prolong the shelf life. Once the produce is cooled and cleaned, it’s moved to a refrigerated loading area and delivered to market within hours of being harvested. The company grows a range of organic herbs and vegetables, but still has room to grow in this area to meet the demand of its customers. Aside from organic produce, Ratto Bros have committed to using green practices, such as using electric forklifts and installing a 3-acre solar farm! They use drip irrigation systems that are made up of a single use drip tape and recycled after use. They also use reusable plastic containers for harvest, cooling, or pressure washing. Our third stop was to Val Martins Dairy where we learned from owner and second-generation farmer, Danny Martins. Danny and his father run the dairy 24/7 with the support of 25 employees and newly installed robotic systems that allow for flexibility and well-being for their herd. JUNE 2022
EDUCATION
Our day started at the Modesto Blue Diamond plant where we were welcomed by Kimberly Tessier and Leticia Solis. This site sits on 42 acres, and has 350 employees that intake, process, maintain, market, and ship the almonds and value-added product all over the world. Blue Diamond prides itself on the delivery of a quality product and have perfected the craft and care that is implemented in every step of processing. In addition, they highlight their partnership with more than 3,000 growers, all of them are in California and span from Bakersfield to Chico.
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LEMO's Agriculture Day (Continued from page 21) Martins Dairy produces 80% of their dairy feed, which is made into total digestible nutrients ration for optimal milk production. There are currently 800 “girls” (as Danny refers to them) that are managed by the robot system. Each cow is tagged with an RFI collar that helps the robot determine if it’s time for the cow’s next milking. If it’s time for her, the door will open for her to enter the milking station and positions herself for the machine. The robot will wash each teat, and then connect the milking machine to the udder for milking. As she waits, she enjoys a treat. While the girls wait for their turn, they can lay down under the shade or stand up and socialize, while the fans circulate cool air in their direction. The majority of Martins Dairy herd is milked through their carousel milking parlor which puts the cows in a “merry-go-round” or rotation method for milking. It truly is fascinating to see how technology is advancing farming and how it continues evolving for increased efficiency. For example, an average, a cow using the robot rotation system can produce about 104 pounds of milk per day. But if they use the rotating system, they can produce up to 91 pounds per day. Our last stop of the day was a tour of Mapes Ranch. Our tour guide was none other than Bill Lyons. Bill was born and raised on the family ranch, as was his father Bill Lyons, Sr. His great uncle, E.T. Mape, started the ranch and raised his father. Initially, they were an all cattle ranch that morphed into row crops and then into permanent crops. They grow almonds, tomatoes, alfalfa, oats, and they still have about 1500 Angus breed cattle and 50 pure bred bulls.
It is important to highlight the relationship between Mapes Ranch and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that has led to the protection and increase of the Aleutian Goose which was considered an endangered species. Through conservation easements, almost 80 acres of ranch land was turned into interconnected ponds, which provided wildlife habitat for the goose. They also manage land owned by USFWS for habitat protection. After the tour, we were welcomed into the Mapes Ranch 100-year-old barn where our day concluded with appetizers and beverages. That’s right, the ranch will be celebrating 100 years next year. 100 years of family traditions and a legacy that will continue through many more generations. In fact, all three of the farms and ranches we visited reflected on the next generation coming to support and take over the operations. The next time you snack on some almonds, eat a green salad, or pour yourself a glass of cold milk, don’t take it for granted. Technology is making huge advances in the agriculture industry, but it still takes a lot of work, patience, and love for the industry to deliver quality products needed to feed the world.
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They grow Independence Almonds on approximately 1,600. This almond variety does not need bee pollination and has been increasing in popularity throughout California due to a national bee shortage.
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
Services Come Together Under Haven By May Rico, Executive Director
Stanislaus Women's Refuge Center, Stanislaus Rape Task Force, Women's Center, Haven Women's Center of Stanislaus and now simply HAVEN.
Over the years our scope broadened to include all survivors of domestic and sexual abuse regardless of gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation, and our name started to feel a little tight. Then it broadened again to include programming specifically geared to sex trafficking and exploitation, and stretched again to include labor trafficking. By then it felt like the name which had served us well for so long was holding us back. More importantly, our broader scope meant people who needed our services did not see themselves reflected in our name. In shortening our name we have broadened our reach, so that anyone looking for Healthy Alternatives to Violent ENvironments due to the impact of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking can know they are welcome. The name change process for a Nonprofit is not quick, and all the technical changes are still underway. While all of that happens behind the scenes we felt it was important to change our public messaging as soon as possible, so that people who might need our help would not self select out of calling us. Even through the pandemic, HAVEN has continued to serve an average of 2,000 survivors a year with services designed to address immediate safety needs and ongoing healing and empowerment at eight locations around the county.
HAVEN'S school based Youth Prevention programming was able to continue services in very creative ways with the help of upgraded technology. We were able to continue providing emergency shelter, one of our most vital services, in a way that reduced transmission risk while meeting immediate safety needs with the help of private donations, foundations, and government funding. It is our sincere hope that by using our new name right away, more people will see us as a resource to help them decide what safety looks like for them and what the path looks like to get there. All HAVEN's services can be accessed by calling our business line at (209) 524-4331 or our 24 hour crisis line at (209) 577-5980.
Local Knowledge + National Resources The Best of Both W rlds Our partnership with HUB International has made it possible to offer our clients more than ever before. The combination of our local knowledge and expertise along with the resources of one of the nation’s premier insurance companies allows us to bring you creative and cost-effective solutions that can make a world of difference to you and your business. Call us today and find out what we can do for you.
service EDUCATION
There are many names that have been associated with the organizations providing services to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in Stanislaus County since the 1970s. By the early 90s, three different organizations had merged into Haven Women's Center of Stanislaus. That name served us well and defined who we were for almost thirty years.
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SAVE ENERGY. SAVE MONEY.
Whether you're an owner or a renter, Modesto Irrigation District offers a variety of great rebates and energy saving tips for your home and business.
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