PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.stocktonchamber.org
Vol. 55 No. 12
APRIL 2010
Small Business Awards Nominations Needed
Local Business Owner’s Cleaning Services Achieve
National GS-42 Certification by Green Seal™
Spearheading History PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA
Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography
A Tall Green Stalk is Stockton’s Most Popular (and giving) Rock Star
PORT CALL
15
Spearheading History
CONTENTS Events
4
President’s Column
5
CEO Column
6
Leadership Stockton
7
Programs
10
Visitors Bureau
12
New Members
13
Cover Story
15
News Briefs
23
Calendar
25
Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography
Asparagus Festival Local Business Owner’s Cleaning Services Achieve
National GS-42 Certification by Green Seal™
22
4 10
Small Business Awards Nominations Needed
Don’t Miss! April Chamber Mixer Hosted by the Stockton Ports Baseball Club Thursday, April 1, 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Banner Island Ballpark 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, CA 95219
PORT CALL Official publication of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. Serving the Greater Stockton area business community since 1901. CHAMBER OFFICERS PRESIDENT Rick Goucher, CB Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate SR. VICE PRESIDENT Dick McClure, Woodwork Institute FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Debbie Armstrong, Old Republic Title Company VICE PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers VICE PRESIDENT Stephen Barney, F&M Bank IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Dennis Goldstrand, Goldstrand Planning Group CHAMBER DIRECTORS Phil Acosta, Delights Waterfront Eatery Blaine Bibb, ServiceMaster Melvin Boles, ATM R US Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications Steven Crabtree, Herum Crabtree Dan Keyser, Grupe Commercial Company Dan Durst, Durst Contract Interiors Bill Harr, Hormel Foods Corporation George Kaplanis, Hilton Stockton Kenneth Levy, Wells Fargo Advisors Terry Lightfoot, Kaiser Permanente Mike Long, Bekins/ Pacific Storage Co. Brian Martucci, Berberian European Motors Knute Momberg, Momberg Consulting Fred Walkover, Comcast CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.
209.547.2766
PROGRAM & PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR/ BEA Frank Ferral 209.547.2763
Stockton Mailing & Printing Service, Inc. Full Service Commercial Printing and Mailing Facility
Save time! Complete all your printing and mailing needs in one place.
SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR Heidi Altamirano
209.547.2764
OPERATIONS/FINANCE DIRECTOR Sandy Dwyer
209.547.2770
VISITORS BUREAU DIRECTOR Wes Rhea
209.547.2770
VISITORS BUREAU/ GROUP SALES Monica Slingerman
209.547.2770
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Michelle Flores
209.547.2770
MEMBERSHIP SALES CONSULTANT Teri Manley
209.337.2723
SCAP COORDINATOR Carmen Lamas
209.337.2718
SCAP COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mikki Gilbert 209.337.2730
• We can print most anything - from postcards to publications and everything in between! • Full Color and High Quality • Automated Folding, Inserting, and Tabbing available • Let us take care of your direct mailing • Ink-Jet addressing and barcoding • Standard, Periodical, and First-Class Mail • We can provide mailing lists for your direct mail project!
SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD. Timm Quinn 209.547.2960 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FINANCE DEPARTMENT Lia Her 209.547.2770 RECEPTIONIST/ CUSTOMER SERVICE Alyssa McConnell 209.547.2770 PUBLISHER Stockton Chamber of Commerce
209.547.2770
GRAPHIC DESIGN Never Boring Design Associates
209.526.9136
ADVERTISING Amanda Boyer
209.988.5800
PRINTING Snyder Lithograph
209.466.9026
MAILING Stockton Mailing & Printing Inc.
209.466.6741
Greater
4133 Postal Avenue Stockton, CA 95204 Serving the Central Valley since 1956
Photo by: Arturo Vera Photography/Tidewater Gallery
GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 445 W. Weber Avenue, Suite 220, Stockton, CA 95203 209.547.2770 fax 209.466.5271 schamber@stocktonchamber.org
Events
Carpet Cleaning
by: Heidi Altamirano
2010 Asparagus Festival Volunteers Needed There is still time to join Tortellini Timm or Angel Hair Heidi as a volunteer in the Chamber’s Pasta Booth at the famous, worldrenowned Stockton Asparagus Festival April 23, 24 and 25! If you’re into having some weekend fun with some great people, while raising
It’s more than just carpet
funds for our Chamber programs, then you will love preparing pasta
r thei . . . . it’osg park d
with some like-minded folks. Only a few time slots open so act fast. To add your name to the volunteer list please call or e-mail Timm Quinn, 209-547-2960 or TQuinn@stocktonchamber.org.
2010 Golf Tournament The good news is that our 29th Annual Golf Tournament is not yet sold out! However, we suggest you sign up your foursome before it is. Elkhorn Country Club will host our day on the greens April 12, beginning with registration at 10:00 a.m., lunch at 11:00
schedule online at www.stanleysteemer.com or call 209-474-7771
15% Off Commercial Cleaning OR Tile & Grout Cleaning
SAVE $40 (Reg. Price $139) 2 Rooms and a Hallway OR a sofa cleaned for $99
Some restrictions may apply. Call for more details.
Some restrictions may apply. Call for more details.
www.stanleysteemer.com
www.stanleysteemer.com
209-474-7771 or 1-800-STEEMER
209-474-7771 or 1-800-STEEMER
ⓒ2009 Stanley Steemer International, Inc.
a.m. and a shotgun start at noon. After the tournament, we’ll have an awards reception honoring the top players of the day. If you’re looking for an easy way to highlight your business products or services, consider donating a prize for our posttournament raffle. It’s an ideal way to market your business to other high-profile business people supporting and participating in our tournament. So make at least one of your Mondays in April a fun one by joining us at Elkhorn Country Club. Just give Timm a call at 547-2960, and he’ll be happy to sign you up.
continued on page 22
Golf Tournament Sponsors Annika Sorenstam Sponsor: Food 4 Less/ Rancho San Miguel Fred Couples Sponsors: National University Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 442 Ricky Barnes Sponsor: Builders Exchange of Stockton
@
Beverage Sponsor: Delta Sierra Beverage Hole-In-One Sponsors: Gary J Long Jewelers Roger Dunn Golf Shops Special Thanks to: SJC Economic Development Association
Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764
As of 3/4/10 www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
APR2010
4
From Your President... by: Rick Goucher
From the desk of……..The “King of the Wok”
Come Saturday April 24th, I will be stationed at my usual post next to Frank Ferral making the best
As many of you may have heard I will be serving as your Chamber President again next
year marks the 25th anniversary of the Asparagus
year, as my successor changed careers and wouldn’t
Festival and is sure to be fun for all. So whether
be able to make the commitment next year. I
you like the pasta (and who doesn’t), the deep-fried
am humbled and honored that the Executive
asparagus, or the spirits make sure you come out to
Committee and Board of Directors voted to allow
the event.
me to serve this second term. I look forward to
tournament, so make sure you get your foursome
economic times.
together and sign up. Remember an “Event a
As noted in the opening line, yours truly was dubbed “King of the Wok” by Chef Martin Yan, of Yan Can Cook, at last year’s Asparagus Festival.
PORT CALL
April is also the month of the Chamber golf
helping our members work through these tough April is great month to be a Chamber member.
5
Asparagus Pasta known to man (or woman). This
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Week” is all I ask. See you at the Golf Tournament and the Asparagus Festival.
From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit
Homer lived in the 8th century and I think there were folks around then like the authors of the Forbes senseless “ranking lists”, and someone like Mr. David Mori whose letter to the editor ran in The Record on March 6. Mr. Mori referred to the Forbes ranking of Stockton as the “Most Miserable City” in which he described in part as, “nothing to do”, “cultural dead zone”, “no entertainment”, “no independent cinema”, etc. He went on to say, “There’s nothing for young people to do, because the malls and the movie theaters aren’t affordable every day.” He also added that he “will be looking elsewhere as soon as [he] can afford to leave.” Certainly he is a product of the sad state of affairs within our society today—a generation living off “entitlements” in which personal responsibility is not taught nor practiced. He must not have ever heard that
Delta College Tillie Lewis Theatre. Wow, did he miss something
“nothing in life is free.”
very, very special. Congratulations to all the students, Director
I think Homer had Forbes and/or Mr. Mori in mind when he wrote three things. 1) “Young men’s minds are always changeable, but when an old man is concerned in a matter, he looks both before and after”
Kevin Costello, parents, sponsors, and Delta College for allowing we “miserable Stocktonians” to witness a performance that was just a exciting on the Tillie Lewis Stage as it has been on Broadway and cities around the country.
2) “Miserable mortals who, like leaves, at one moment flame
For Forbes and Mr. Mori I will list JUST A FEW (space will not
with life, eating the produce of the land, and at the other moment
allow me to list them all) of the cultural opportunities available to all
weakly perish”
if they only took the time to explore and educate themselves: Alan
3) “It is equally wrong to speed a guest who does not want to
Short Gallery, Ballet San Joaquin, performances and entertainment
go, and to keep one back who is eager. You ought to make welcome
of all types at the Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre, Cambodian Buddhist
the present guest, and send forth the one who wishes to go.”
Temple, Children’s Museum of Stockton, Pacific’s Brubeck Institute
It has been my experience that one who thinks the “grass is greener” elsewhere soon finds out that is not always the case! After the letter appeared, Wes Rhea, the outstanding director
and Festival, Conservatory of Music and Reynolds Gallery at Pacific and Pacific Long Theatre, Delta Center for the Arts, Friends of Chamber Music, Haggin Museum, Stockton Opera, 86th Season
of the Chamber’s Conference and Visitors Bureau, wrote a response
of Stockton Symphony Orchestra, LH Horton Jr. Gallery at San
and I hope it is in The Record prior to this April issue of Port O Call
Joaquin Delta College, Goodwin Gallery, Stockton Chorale,
hitting the streets. He did a great job responding to Mr. Mori and
Stockton Civic Theatre, Stockton Empire Theatre (always packed
Forbes regarding subjects they addressed.
with young people), Delta Center for the Arts, Tidewater Art
I bet you lunch at Stockton Golf and Country Club the
Center and Gallery, and there are many more. But here is one real
“miserable” and “nothing to do” Mr. Mori who stated we are a
special one for Forbes and Mr. Mori replying to his comment of “no
“cultural dead zone” did not take the time to attend the wonderful
independent cinema”, The San Joaquin Film Society, home of the
St. Mary’s High School Theatre Department presentation of Les
International Film Festival.
Miserables, held February 25-March 7, 2010 at the San Joaquin
If anyone reading this knows Mr. Mori I am www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
continued on page 17
APR2010
6
Leadership Stockton
“We Do Windows”
A Q W
by: Timm Quinn
by Chitwood Construction
Over 30 years of quality service
466-3881
Evening Appts • Free In-Home Consultations
Community Serving Community Session
Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty © Never Boring Design • neverboring.com
Storefront Commercial Residential
Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union
Window Replacement Patio Doors Glass Replacement
Lunch Sponsor: F.J. Dietrich & Co.
Also specializing in custom remodels & new construction
Visit Our Showroom… 2233 Cherokee Rd. Stockton
Community-based organizations have always been essential Senior & Veteran Discounts
Cal. Lic 284101 Bonded & Insured
to our local community. Charitable, nonprofit groups play an important role in our lives, extending help to our community in many ways. That is why each year we devote an entire day exploring some of Stockton’s finest community-based organizations. For the participants the day began like no other. The class was divided into six teams, each assigned to a different communitybased organization. The six organizations were: Women’s Center of San Joaquin, St. Mary’s Interfaith Community Services, Stockton Shelter for the Homeless, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin, and Gospel Center Rescue Mission.
LOCAL # (209) 465-2616
Once the teams arrived at their host locations each were
ON CALL 24 HOURS SEVEN DAYS A WEEK
given tours, an information session, and got right to work. After
FOR EMERGENCY PLUMBING, DRAIN CLEANING, HYDRO JETTING, CAMERA LINE INSPECTIONS, GREASE AND SEPTIC PUMPING, TRENCHLESS SEWER REPLACEMENT
working hard all morning the class met at the Yosemite Club for a great lunch sponsored by F.J. Dietrich & Co. The mayor joined the class for lunch and applauded the class for their choice to join the Leadership Stockton program and stressed the importance of volunteering in the community. After lunch, the teams walked to the offices of United Way of San Joaquin County. There, President and CEO Andy Prokop introduced the wonderful staff of United Way, and thanked the class for their commitment to the community and their participation in Leadership Stockton. Andy spoke about United Way and how Leadership Stockton participants are already well on their way to being the future of Stockton. Each team then had the opportunity to share their experience with the other members of the class. They used words such as “eyeopening”, “deep respect”, “life changing”, “better understanding”, “amazing”, and “extremely impressed” when speaking about their time spent at the various non-profit agencies serving our
7
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
@
Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960
community. Most participants felt it was one of their favorite sessions this year. I would like to thank the following people for their
.
contributions to the success of this session: Andy Prokop and the
.
.
.
United Way team for all of their help and for the generous use of
Retail Shopping Centers Senior Housing Medical Offices Industrial Facilities
their facility, and to each hosting non-profit director who helped
Office Buildings Private Schools Churches Restaurants Hospitality
.
.
.
.
make the day so special: Lindy Turner (LS ’01), Uyen Do (LS ’08), Tim Viall (LS ’93), Edward Figueroa, John Reynolds and Joelle Gomez (LS ’95)—Thank you for opening your doors!
Leadership Stockton Accepting Applications for the 2010-2011 Class Leadership Stockton, California’s oldest adult community
4917 Stoddard Road, Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 545-7505 • www.huffcon.com
leadership program, is accepting applications for the Class of 2011. Tuition for the 11-month program is $900. Applications and class schedule can be found at www.leadershipstockton.com or by calling 209.547.2770. Deadline is June 18, 2010. The selection process involves a written application and personal interview. Approximately 26 applicants will be chosen to attend the program, representing a cross-section of the greater Stockton community. For information or an application, visit www.leadershipstockton.com, call Timm Quinn at 547-2960 or email tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.
www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
APR2010
8
Nominate an Outstanding Business for Community Recognition! 3
P Stewardship Award P3 Stewardship stands for Policies, Practices and Purchasing Stewardship. This award was created by the Green Team San Joaquin's REACON Team to draw attention to distinguished businesses that implement green procedures that helps the environment and reduces their cost of doing business in Stockton and San Joaquin County. For a business to be eligible for the P 3 Stewardship, they must demonstrate best practices: What procedures are being utilized for recycling? What steps are taken to conserve energy? How are they reducing air pollution? What are they purchasing that is green? What cost-savings have been realized with going green? The award will be given at the 2010 Chamber Business Awards Luncheon held at noon on June 3rd, 2010 at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. in Stockton.
P 3 Stewardship Award nomination forms can be found at www.stocktonchamber.org
Green Team San Joaquin Sponsors:
REACON Sponsors:
Green.edu Sponsors:
Buy Local, Buy Green Sponsors:
www.greenteamsanjoaquin.com
Programs Department by: Frank Ferral
(GTSJ), in which he serves as the Chairman of this trailblazing and successful program, and on the Board of Directors for the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. It seemed a natural fit to first test and use the Green Seal cleaning standards at the Chamber’s facility. The auditor of the program inspected their location and we could not have accomplished this without their cooperation. ServiceMaster Building Maintenance became a leader in the
Local Business Owner’s Cleaning Services Achieve
green cleaning movement by using the proprietary and patent-
National GS-42 Certification by Green Seal™
pending Capture and Removal Cleaning® system, a highly effective,
Stockton, CA (February 19th, 2010) – ServiceMaster Building
environmentally-friendly cleaning system which reduces toxins and
Maintenance is pleased to announce that we have achieved the GS-42
improves indoor air quality—contributing to a healthier workplace.
certification for our cleaning services. As a proud Stockton business
ServiceMaster Clean partnered with Green Seal to implement GS-42
for 3 years, our team worked closely with Green Seal, a respected U.S.
certifications of local businesses because we determined that the
environmental leadership eco-label. In order to attain the coveted
guidelines established by Green Seal and 3rd party verification of our
GS-42 certification - the environmental standard for green cleaning
cleaning program would set us apart in the industry.
services - our team completed a rigorous certification and audit of our
Our Green For® cleaning products are free of surfactants and wetting agents, and contain no ingredients that are considered
cleaning services. Located in Stockton, CA, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance
corrosive, alkaline or acidic. They have no VOCs (volatile organic
started green cleaning in 2007. Since then we have seen our business
compounds). ServiceMaster Building Maintenance is committed to a
grow at double-digit rates in this tough economy. As a local business
core value of environmental stewardship.
owner, Blaine Bibb is also a member of the Green Team San Joaquin
• • • •
Business Records Storage Media/Vital Records Vault Certified Document Destruction Document Imaging Services
Mike Long, Director of Marketing
209-320-6618
www.pacific-records.com
@
For more info, contact Frank Ferral at fferral@stocktonchamber.org
www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
APR2010 10
R&S Erection of Stockton, Inc. ®
Rolling Steel and Sectional Doors • High Performance Environmental Doors Gate Systems and Access Controls • Automated Equipment Entrance Systems & Storefronts • Loading Dock Equipment & Material Handling Security Cameras & DVR Recorders • SQF 2000 Food Service Compliance General Building Maintenance & Service
Do the Math: Largest service fleet in the valley + Consistently the fastest response time + Most reliable service + Strongest warranties + Best trained technicians + Most current diagnostic equipment + Largest parts inventory + 24 hour emergency service
The BEST Value in the Industry! When you want the BEST...
CALL R&S
209-465-2213 Lic.#745947
www.myrsdoors.com Look for the Red Truck
Conference & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea
Be sure to become a fan on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Stockton.Restaurant.Week
The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out! Don’t forget that from April 1-11 Stockton will celebrate locally grown asparagus during the Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out. The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out invites Stocktonarea foodies and families to enjoy delicious dishes prepared with fresh, locally grown asparagus at participating restaurants. These restaurants will be featuring asparagus-related menu items , from Asparagus Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus Ravioli to Rice and Asparagus Pudding and Asparagus Margaritas. Check out the participating restaurants and menu offerings at www.DineOutStockton.com.
JOE Three Generations Strong
Joe Bryson Plumbing, Heating & Air, Air Duct Cleaning
ALL YOUR FURNACE & AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE & REPAIR NEEDS Get California Travel Info The mobile California Welcome Center (CWC), a Californiabranded Airstream trailer will return to the Stockton Asparagus Festival, April 23-25. The trailer will have travel information on California and specific regions within the state. Sponsored by the California Travel & Tourism Commission, the Airstream visits the largest festivals and events in California, including the Amgen Tour of California bike race. Be sure to stop by and take a picture with Joe Tourist! By the
. . . . . . . .
Forced Air Units Emergency Service Wall & Floor Furnaces Residential & Commercial Fully Trained Technicians Estimates Cheerfully Given Service All Makes & Models Duct Cleaning
HONESTY - INTEGRITY - DEPENDABILITY
You’ve Come to Count On!
Call Today! 941-2841 State Contractor’s Lic. #783227
way, California travel info is available year-round at the Visitors Bureau here at the Chamber offices.
@
Wes Rhea: wes@stocktonchamber.org 209.337.2721
TING
HEA
CO.
www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
APR2010 12
New Members
For more information on becoming a new member, please contact Teri Manley at 209.337.2723 or email tmanley@stocktonchamber.org. Please allow up to 90 days for your listing to show.
Social Media Marketing
Animal Shelters
Insurance - Agents & Brokers
Advanced Networking Group
Delta Humane Society
Medina Insurance Agency
1110 W. Kettleman Ln., #24 Lodi, CA www.advancenetworkinggroup.com
4590 S. Highway 99 Stockton, CA www.deltahumanesociety.com
7488 Shoreline Dr. Suite B-4 Stockton, CA www.medinainsuranceagency.com
Construction - Consultants
Coffeehouse
Mortgage Bankers
Associated Builders and Contractors Golden Gate Chapter 2433 Tejon St. Lodi, CA
www.abcggc.org
Empresso Coffeehouse
Metlife Bank - Reverse Mortgage
1825 Pacific Ave . Stockton, CA www.empressocoffeehouse.com
PO Box 2236 Murphys, CA
Distribution Center
Locksmiths Big Valley Lock & Key 3706 E. Hammer Lane #102 Stockton, CA
Hotels Clarion Inn & Suites 4219 E. Waterloo Rd. Stockton, CA www.clarionhotel.com/hotel/cac18
www.mlbreversemortgage.com
Night Club/ Restaurant
GBM Manufacturing
Taste Ultra Lounge
620 North Monroe St. Stockton, CA
510 E. Main St. Stockton, CA
www.gbmceramics.com
Economic Development
www.tasteultralounge.com
Cosmetics & Perfumes - Retail
Humanists Development Foundation , CA
Mary Kay Costmetics
1459 Venice Cir. Stockton, CA
110 W. Fremont St. Stockton, CA
www.hdf4u.org
www.marykay.com/nalferez
Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel 110 W. Fremont St. Stockton, CA
www.lexingtonhotels.com
For additional member info, go to www.stocktonchamber.org
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1.800.NAT.UNIV (628.8648) getinfo.nu.edu 13 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
The University of Values Š 2009 National University
Ribbon Cuttings
For additional member info, go to www.stocktonchamber.org
March 2010
Cash and Carry Smart Foodservice
Creekside Care Center
6502 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA
Attending Ambassadors * Liaison of the month John Paval WSB Mortgage Services
* Honorable Mention - Liaison Kamie Long Mainstay Staffing
Ana Golden
* Welcome Squad of the Month Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan Gourmet Gifts
Ana Golden Insurance Services
Tracee Bucio BodyBliss Holistic Wellness Center
Skip Benz Innovative Merchant Solutions
Quick Connect Sprint Outlet
9107 N. Davis Rd., Stockton, CA
Bama Thompson BodyBliss Holistic Wellness Center
Blair Hake Ameriprise Financial
Bob Hurst Educational Psychology
Bruce Wert ACN Telecommunication
Carol Clemons Angel’s Caring Helpers
Ella Holman Omega Funding
4343 Pacific Ave Ste. A1, Stockton, CA
Geri Blas Stockton Post Office.
Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan Gourmet Gifts
Janice Herechski Sunflower Presents
Jeannie Compton Camlu Assisted Living
Marshallistic Saulsbury Dazzlin’ Cleaning Service
Matthew Grizzle The Record
Pattie Gulick New Image Sign Co.
Richard Valenzuela Wadell & Reed
Josie Martinez Merrill Gardens
Kamie Long Mainstay Staffing
Linda Stockton Entravision Radio
www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
APR2010 14
COVER STORY
Spearheading History A Tall Green Stalk is Stockton’s Most Popular (and Giving) Rock Star by: Patricia Kutza
Name recognition. For many Californians,
By the Numbers
converted when they saw the long lines of cars
The 25th Annual Stockton Asparagus Festival
the city of Gilroy is synonymous with garlic.
queued up on I-5, on their way to that initial
And likewise, Stockton is inextricably
Asparagus Festival.
5,500: Volunteers who run the festival 100+: Non-profit groups benefiting from the Festival’s profits 100,000: Average number of people who attend 40,000: Pounds of homegrown fresh asparagus that will be served 11-20: No. of spears in 1 lb. of large asparagus 4: Calories in 1 spear of asparagus 2.2: Grams of protein in 3.5 oz. of boiled and drained asparagus 2: Cups that equate to 1 lb. of trimmed asparagus 1852: First year asparagus was grown in California 7lbs 5.81oz.: Amount of asparagus eaten by the 2009 winner of the Deep-Friend Asparagus Eating Championship, Patrick Bertoletti 1: Stockton Asparagus Festival is the largest charitable food festival in CA 4,700,000: Dollars distributed to 100+ local non-profits since the Festival started
connected with asparagus. Matches made in
Stats compiled from the 25th
Stockton. Doubters who questioned whether
Annual Stockton Asparagus Festival Cookbook, 2010 Edition
15 PORT CALL
“We debuted Asparagus Alley that very
heaven? Truth be told, they were actually
first year,” Post—now the Festival’s Executive
made right here on earth.
Director—recalls. The Festival’s signature
In Stockton’s case, it hearkens back to
dish, deep-fried asparagus spears, was also
1985 when a bunch of San Joaquin County
introduced then. “And to this day it remains
promotional gurus descended on Gilroy’s
our best-seller,” Post adds. Since that time, a
Garlic Festival to see what all the fuss was
host of chefs have had great fun concocting
about. This group included Kate Post who
a series of additional asparagus-inspired
was then co-founder of GAMUT Promotions
favorites, such as asparagus pasta, burritos,
and Advertising and then Supervisor, Doug
steak sandwiches, and ice cream.
Wilhoit, they recall that this exploratory group came back from that event wondering what other single crop could attain the same kind
Lovely but Limited With a lake in the middle of the Park,
of rock star status that garlic had established
Oak Grove was a lovely location for the
in Gilroy. And a consensus emerged: Why not
Festival for its first 18 years, Post remembers.
audition asparagus in the San Joaquin County?
But the Festival needed industrial-grade infrastructure that could accommodate its
Started With a Thousand Pounds It must have been quite a scene in 1985:
rapid growth. “With attendance growing by leaps and bounds, we had to think about
Trucks laden with a thousand pounds of
capacity - like more parking and better access
asparagus, picked fresh from neighboring
to utilities,” she says. For many reasons,
farms, hauling down Eight Mile Road en route
downtown Stockton was the perfect place to
to the site of the first Stockton Asparagus
migrate the Festival. Move it did to Stockton
Festival – Oak Grove Regional Park, north of
in 2004 where it remains today. When the Festival opens on April 23, the
asparagus could pull in the size of crowds
biggest challenge, says Post, will be managing
that garlic was pulling in Gilroy quickly were
the ‘normal chaos’ that happens when nearly
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
In a faltering economy, a number of fundraising festivals have gone away. We are delighted that we are still around and still able to give back so much to so many.
100,000 visitors negotiate through the maze of food and arts/
There is also the immense pride that comes with knowing
crafts booths, entertainment, and all the other activities
the Stockton Asparagus Festival is now the largest charitable
planned for three days. It’s a big anniversary - 25 years - and
food festival in California. “Many of the non-profits that
the historical value is not lost on Post.
volunteered at our very first festival are still with us,” says Post. “In a faltering economy, a number of fundraising festivals have
A Big Twenty-Five To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Stockton
gone away. We are delighted that we are still around and still able to give back so much to so many.”
Asparagus Festival, there are some exciting features. There is a commemorative Festival cookbook dedicated to the Festival’s founders: Bill DePaoli of the California Asparagus Commission, Joe Travale of the Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Gordon Medlin of the Bank of Stockton. Also featured are the presence of such perennially popular celebrity chefs like the host of Yan Can Cook, Chef Martin Yan and marquee talent names like Pete Escovedo, Blue Oyster Cult, and Sha Na Na.
Photo by: Arturo Vera Photography
www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
APR2010 16
CEO
Cont’d from pg. 6
sure he can use a computer for more than playing games, so
this is the 25th anniversary! It promises to be one of the best.
direct him (and you too) towards www.VisitStockton.org to
Volunteers and attendees alike always have a great time and
see what is really happening here in Stockton and around the
feel good that they are helping those in need. Volunteer at the
region. It takes more than just looking up the website, it takes
Stockton Chamber booth will be serving asparagus pasta and
experiencing what is available to residents and visitors of all
this year we have added Asparagus Ice Cream (featured on this
ages.
month’s cover), a treat concocted by Wes Rhea and Gleason’s Ice With that said, it is the month of the Chamber Golf
Tournament held at the Elkhorn Country Club on Monday, April 12. Hopefully you have already signed up your foursome
Cream. Contact Timm Quinn here at the Chamber for available volunteer hours. Also from April 1-11 enjoy the Great Stockton Asparagus
because they go fast. If not, you can go to our website www.
Dine Out, featuring many Stockton restaurants showcasing
StocktonChamber.org for a sign-up form. Always a great event!
locally grown asparagus in delicious dishes. Please go to
Hey, Mr. Mori: April means Asparagus Festival! How
www.DineOutStockton.com to find which restaurants are
about volunteering to help over 100 non-profits continue to
participating and a list of their special menu items celebrating
provide much needed services to your fellow citizens and at the
San Joaquin-grown asparagus and kicking off the 25th
same time have a great time to sooth your boredom?
anniversary Asparagus Festival.
The Festival is April 23-25 in Downtown Stockton and
Stockton Scavengers Working to Meet Your Needs
Waste Disposal, Recycling, and Portable Sanitation Solutions for:
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• Industry & Manufacturing • Commercial Businesses • Construction • Special Events • Agriculture
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Portable Sanitation 209.538.2210
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• Portable Toilets • Trailer Units • Handicap Units • Handwashing Units • Prompt Delivery
Containers up to 40 cubic yards. We’ll help you manage a wide variety of waste and recyclable items in an efficient and cost effective manner.
Waste Management - Committed to Customer Service Give us a call. We’ll tailor a program to meet your specific needs.
17 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Room with a View
Introducing our new Patient Pavilion Step through the doors of St. Joseph’s new Patient Pavilion and you’ll be impressed. From its innovative architectural design, the modern two-story foyer, soothing colors, and the original works of art, you might think you are entering a 5-star hotel, but even better . . . you’re entering a 5-star hospital. While you won’t find Egyptian cotton linens or chocolate truffles on the bed, you will find highly trained and compassionate staff, state-of-the-art technology, and a healing environment designed with you, the patient, in mind. And yes, all of our spacious, private rooms have a window – because although we want to give you the ultimate patient experience, we know that you want to be out living life to the fullest . . . and we want that, too. The new Patient Pavilion includes: Women & Infants Center • Neonatal Intensive Care • Adult Intensive Care Oncology Care • Medical/Surgical Care • Healing Gardens Meditation Room • Expanded Parking • All Private Patient Rooms
1800 North California Street Stockton, CA 95204 - StJosephsCares.org
March 4 Mixer Photos @ Residence Inn by Marriott
REXPO - March 11
From left to right: Lloyd Evans, Michelle Sherlock, Debbie Mason
1st Floor
From left to right: Rick Goucher, Andrew Ysiano, Gary Anderson, Guillermo Perez
From left to right: Lynn Quijada-Splan, Pati Delahunty, Warden’s
From left to right: Randy Howard, Heidi Moorefield, Gary Torre
Shelley K. Burcham, San Joaquin Partnership
From left to right: Margaret Morrison, Toni Taboada
From left to right: Connie Rill, Ed Wanket San Joaquin County Enterprise Zone www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
APR2010 20
Events Cont’d from pg. 4
Small Business Awards Nominations Needed This year our 2010 Small Business Awards ceremony will
or concerns you may have. At noon, lunch will be catered by Outback Steakhouse followed by speaker presentations. After the
take place at the Hilton Stockton on June 3rd at noon. This is your
presentations, exhibits will stay open until 2:30 p.m. Invite your
chance to nominate those businesses, managers, and employees
clients, friends and neighbors to join you so you’ll all be in on the
that you consider to be exceptional in their field. Awards will
reasons we’re so proud of our great city.
be presented in each of the following categories: Small Business
Sponsorships are still available, so take advantage of this
Person of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Business Manager
high-profile marketing opportunity for your business. For more
of the Year, Business Employee of the Year, and the P3 Stewardship
information, call Heidi Altamirano at 547-2764 or email to
Award. Nomination forms can be found on the front page of the
heidi@stocktonchamber.org.
Chamber website, www.StocktonChamber.org We look forward to you joining the Chamber in recognizing the top honoree in each category. The deadline for nominations is April 9th. You may also nominate your own business, as well as your employees. For more information, visit the website or call the Chamber at 547-2770.
June Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer Sign up now for the June 3 Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. Expose your products and services to over 300 business attendees, meet some new people, and grow your business. Tables are just $250 for Chamber Members. Table space is going fast, so sign up now! To sign up or receive more information please call Timm Quinn at 547-2960 or e-mail him at tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.
State of the City 2010 Is Just Around the Corner! If you’re ever in doubt that we live in a great community, just attend our annual State of the City 2010! This year the State of the City will be held May 13th at the Port of Stockton. Sponsored by the City of Stockton and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, this event features exhibits showcasing the critical and inspiring
State of the City 2010 Sponsors Platinum: A.G. Spanos Companies Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Bekins/Pacific Storage Company Big Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury Builders Exchange of Stockton City of Stockton Delta Sierra Beverage - Bud Light Lime Financial Center Credit Union Food 4 Less/Rancho San Miguel Green Team San Joaquin Grupe Commercial Company Herum Crabtree Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin Humphreys College J.R. Simplot Company Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel Metro PCS National University Neumiller & Beardslee Oak Valley Community Bank Park West Place/Pacifica Retail Management
Port of Stockton San Joaquin Delta College San Joaquin Magazine San Joaquin Partnership, Inc. San Joaquin Regional Transit District St. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton Conference & Visitors Bureau Stockton East Water District Stockton Ports Baseball Club The Record/San Joaquin Media Group United Way of San Joaquin County University of Phoenix University of the Pacific University Advancement Wells Fargo Advisors
Gold:
Great Valley Center/ UC Merced
Silver: Arturo Vera Photography Devcon Construction, Inc. R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc.
services available to you, your loved ones, and neighbors—all in the
As of 3/4/10
interest of maintaining a wholesome community. Mayor Ann Johnston will hold her second State of the City and will share the many exciting ideas and visions she has to better our great city. The day begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Port of Stockton, allowing you to get an early start visiting the exhibits, as well as with exhibitors ready to answer any questions www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
APR2010 22
News Briefs
Submission Guidelines: News Briefs must be submitted before the 1st of each month to schamber@stocktonchamber.org. Please put “PORT O CALL” in the subject line. Submissions must be no longer than 50 words total and should include contact information. News Briefs will be included on a space available basis and may be edited for content.
Opening Day of Yachting Season! On April 24, Stockton Yacht
Network. Ms. August will share the top 3 mistakes that most
Club is sponsoring its annual opening day parade and celebrating
businesswomen make which leads to burnout. Networking begins
its 80th anniversary. Weber Point Events Center is the location of
at 11:30 a.m. at Elkhorn Country Club (1050 Elkhorn Drive). Visit
judging at 2pm and will return to Stockton Yacht Club after. For
www.StocktonWomensNetwork.com for more information.
information email drienhart@comcast.net. $10 entry fee will be donated to the Red Cross for Haitian disaster relief.
Romanian-born Pianist Peter Takacs will be featured at Stockton Symphony’s “Fantastic Finale” Concert in Schumann’s Piano
The Stockton Opera Guild is pleased to announce its 35th
Concerto. The two concerts will take place at Delta College’s
Emerald Anniversary Gala to be held 6 p.m., Sunday April
Atherton Auditorium on Thursday, April 15 at 8pm and on Saturday,
11th at the Stockton Golf & Country Club. Fine wine, hors
April 17 at 6pm. Tickets range from $20 to $55 and can be purchased
d’oeuvres, dinner and live music for $85 per person. For
by calling 951-0196 or visiting www.StocktonSymphony.org.
reservations or information visit www.StocktonOperaGuild.org or call Chairperson Betsy Erhardt at 954-0219. Greater Stockton Employer Advisory Council (GSEAC) is meeting April 16, 2010. Keynote Speaker is Vida Thomas from Carlsen Thomas LLP on Preventing and Responding to Workplace Violence. 7:15 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Buffet Breakfast/Raffle included. RSVP: Colleen Martin 825-2723 or cmartin2@edd.ca.gov. Jenn August, C.H., a certified hypnotherapist, will speak at the April 7th luncheon meeting of the Stockton Women’s
23 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Romanian-born Pianist Peter Takacs
lose sight. RISE TO THE OCCASION. We始re all aiming for peak performance, but when caught in an economic blizzard, it may be time to hold fast to your position and reach for a lifeline. Even the most skilled climbers need a Sherpa; let us help you keep advancing with a fresh marketing strategy.
Calendar
April 2010 Highlights 4/1 - Chamber Mixer - 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. @ Stockton Ports - Banner Island Ballpark 404 W. Fremont St. 4/23 - 4/25 - Asparagus Festival
1
UNIVERSAL SERVICE RECYCLING BUYER OF ALL SCRAP METALS WE PAY THE HIGHEST PRICES FOR: -
STEEL, COPPER, BRASS, ALUMINUM, ETC.
-
E-WASTE SUCH AS TV’S, COMPUTER MONITORS, COMPUTER TOWERS (guaranteed destruction of hard drives), FAXES, PRINTERS, ETC.
-
New Member Meeting - 10:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room Chamber Networking Mixer - 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. @ Stockton Ports Great Stockton Asparagus Dine-Out
8
MIDR - 7:30 a.m. @ TBA
9
GRC - 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room Leadership Stockton Economy Session - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. @ Hilton Stockton
12
29th Chamber Golf Tournament @ Elhorn Country Club - 10 a.m.
14
Green Team San Joaquin - 9 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room Chamber Executive Committee - 7 a.m. @ Stockton Golf & Country Club
19
Liasion Meeting - 12 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
23
GRC - 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room Asparagus Festival Begins
28
Business Education Alliance - 3:30 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
29
Chamber Board Meeting - 4 p.m. @ Chamber Board Room
Coming Up: May Mixer
May 6 @ F&M Bank, 4612 McGaw Street, Stockton
CRV ALUMINUM CANS, PLASTIC, AND GLASS BOTTLES
BINS AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL SCRAP CUSTOMERS OPEN Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:15pm Sat. 8:00am-2:15pm 3200 South El Dorado Street Stockton, CA 95206 209-944-9555 Fax 209-944-5552 www.usrscrap.com
25 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
*
Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info
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