PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Vol. 59 No.9
www.stocktonchamber.org
JANUARY 2014
GOOD FOR STOCKTON: THE CHANGING STORY OF THE STOCKTON ARENA
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA
Cover Photograph by Fritz Chin Photography
Jim Johnson, SMG; Brian Sandy, Stockton Thunder; Michael Cera, SMG; Rich Kromm, Stockton Thunder
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PORT CALL Good for Stockton: The Changing Story of The Stockton Arena
CONTENTS
14
DON’T MISS!
From Your President
5
From Your CEO
6
News Briefs
7
Come for the Mixer, Stay for the Basketball Game!
Ribbon Cuttings
7
Mixer 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Basketball Game 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Convention & Visitors Bureau
8
@ University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos Center
Leadership Stockton
10
Programs and Public Policy Department
12
Cover Story
14
Events
16
New Members
18
Calendar
18
December Mixer
19
JANUARY NETWORKING MIXER University of the Pacific Athletics
JAN
9
Mixer will be held on the South Concourse inside the Spanos Center. Free tickets will be given out at check in to that evening’s game against the University of San Francisco Dons.
FEBRUARY NETWORKING MIXER CBRE, Inc. 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. 6 S. El Dorado St., Stockton, CA Mixer will be held in the In-Shape Building on El Dorado St.
Grow it, make it & ship it! @ San Joaquin, USA
• Northern California's center of commerce serving the western US and Asia. The best location solution for expanding manufacturers and supply chain providers • The San Joaquin Partnership provides centralized confidential information and connection to key business and community decision makers
Connect with the San Joaquin Partnership. Call Mike at 800-570-5627 • sjpnet.org • mammann@sjpnet.org
FEB
6
San Joaquin County Office of Education Prepares All San Joaquin County Kids for College and Careers!
San Joaquin County Office of Education provides educational leadership, resources, and services to support San Joaquin County schools. With its highly regarded programs, innovative staff, and
January 11: San Joaquin County High School Honors Concert
January 25: San Joaquin County Academic Decathlon
community partnerships, SJCOE ensures that every student in San Joaquin has the opportunity of a quality education. All Year Long:
All-Year Long:
Career Academy of Cosmetology
San Joaquin Regional Conservation Corps (SJRCC) provides young adults, ages 18-25, with academic instruction, employment, green job training, and life skills.
offers convenient day and night classes allowing students to attend full or parttime to fit in your schedule.
Find out more information about programs by visiting www.sjcoe.org/wherekidscomefirst
PORT CALL
FROM YOUR PRESIDENT BY: STEVEN CRABTREE
Official publication of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. Serving the Greater Stockton area business community since 1901.
With the New Year, we wanted to
CHAMBER OFFICERS
bring everyone’s attention to one of
PRESIDENT Steven Crabtree, Herum/Crabtree
the gems of our community lest it be
SR. VICE PRESIDENT Blain Bibb, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance
forgotten—the Stockton Arena. The
FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications
Stockton Arena is not just the home of our Stockton Thunder, but it is an
VICE PRESIDENT Bakul Patel, Dorfman Pacific Co.
important economic driver providing
VICE PRESIDENT Diane Vigil, Dameron Hospital Foundation
a venue for various events that come to
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers
Stockton. These events generate needed
CHAMBER DIRECTORS Michael Cera, SMG /Stockton Arena/Bob Hope Theatre Donna DeMartino, San Joaquin Regional Transit District Doug Dinjian, Change DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Agency, Inc. Pat Filippone, Stockton Ports Baseball Club Dr. Lewis Gale, University of the Pacific - Eberhardt School of Business Rick Goucher, CBRE, Inc. Clint Harless, Stockton Auto Glass/Quick’s Glass Service Mikey Kamienski, Charterhouse for Families Deitra R. Kenoly, The Record/San Joaquin Media Group Robert Melrose, Brookside Optometric Group Darryle Oakman, San Joaquin County Rental Property Association Justin Redman, Central Valley Community Bank Joey Steelman, Lord’s Gym Joy Sweger, California Nuggets Robert Young, Stockton Golf & Country Club
dollars in this community and enrich
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.
209.547.2766
PROGRAM & PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR Frank Ferral 209.547.2763 SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR Heidi Altamirano 209.547.2764 STAFF ACCOUNTANT Lia Her 209.547.2768 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Suzie Bowers 209.337.2723 SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORDINATOR 209.547.2960 SCAP COORDINATOR Dylan Bacon 209.337.2730 SCAP-SE COORDINATORS Michael Morales 209.337.2716 Gabrielle Almanza 209.337.2715 Malissa Luvianos 209.337.2726 BEA COORDINATOR Frances Richardson
209.547.2770
RECEPTIONIST/ CUSTOMER SERVICE Mai Vang 209.547.2770 PUBLISHER Stockton Chamber of Commerce 209.547.2770 GRAPHIC DESIGN Never Boring 209.526.9136 ADVERTISING Victor Randolph
209.988.5800
PRINTING Parks Printing 209.466.9026 MAILING Parks Printing 209.466.9026
Greater
GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
445 W. Weber Avenue, Suite 220, Stockton, CA 95203 209.547.2770 fax 209.466.5271 schamber@stocktonchamber.org
STEVEN CRABTREE
the lives of our citizens. All of us should support the Arena, so when given the
opportunity attend a concert or go to a hockey game. What better way to showcase Stockton and what it has to offer than the Stockton Arena! Everyone should take some time to attend the Chamber mixer at UOP on January 9th and get in some hoop action to boot. Free tickets are provided to those who attend and who want to stay for the basketball game after the mixer. You can support the Chamber and cheer for the Tigers at virtually the same time. See you all there!
FROM YOUR CEO BY: DOUG WILHOIT Stockton) pulling big fish out of the water.
Congratulations to Jane Butterfield for
It is fun to watch them and the seagulls
becoming the newest Stocktonian of the
that fly around getting the scraps left by
Year! It is a well deserved recognition of
these wonderful creatures of nature. This,
Jane’s love for this community and the
along with so many good people/things
continuation of her mother, Gerry Roach
about our hometown Stockton, makes all
Dunlap’s, example to us all of giving back
my days here at the Chamber a joy and I
to a community that gives so much to all
have much to be thankful for as we enter a
of us. Also, a thank you to the committee
new year and era in Stockton.
made up of the Central Valley Board of
If you missed the Annual Diversity Mixer
Realtors, Chamber Board members and
at the Haggin Museum, another wonderful
past Stocktonians of the year for their
Stockton attribute, make sure you plan on
deliberations in choosing Jane from a large
next year for it is always a wonderful event
list of fine nominees. Just for the record,
hope your Christmas and holiday season
and shows how wonderfully diverse this
I make it a practice not to know who
with family and friends was wonderful
community is. It also shows that with us all
the nominees are, nor do I take part in
and joyous!
working together, and in this case socializing
the selection meeting, so nobody can
together, we will get to know each other
say, though some have in the past, that I
column for January 2014 (wow, where did
much better, allowing us to work toward a
directed the outcome. It is done on merit
2013 go?), I am thinking of all the things
common goal of a better community. Many
and merit alone as determined by the
that are so good about our community. If
thanks to all those who worked with Heidi
independent selection committee.
we resolve in this New Year to all be one
and Timm on this event and the other
community and not little conclaves of
Chambers and CVB for being great partners.
DOUG WILHOIT A very Happy New Year to you all and I
As I sit here at my desk writing this
The 32nd Leadership Stockton Class under the direction of Chamber Staffer
Another shout out to Frank Ferral and
Timm Quinn is stepping right up to
citizens, we shall make it even better
his team that make up the Chamber Green
the plate in not only learning about
and have a wonderful 2014 and beyond.
Team San Joaquin for a very successful
the community, but also taking on a
“Refreshments With the Recyclers” held
leadership role with a great project at
the Downtown Marina where the Port of
at the Stockton Hilton on December 11th.
Fremont Park. They are following many
Stockton, Rick Hatton and others worked so
Close to 180 attendees learned how to do
other classes from the historic program
hard to clean up the hyacinth mess so one
more to improve both the environment
and I thank them for keeping the tradition
of our greatest attributes, the waterfront,
and their bottom line with good business
going and look to see many of them join
could shine during the Annual Boat Parade.
practices. I am very proud of Frank, the
LS graduates in the future to lead the way
This along with the lighting of the Weber
Chamber staff and the Green Team of
to a prosperous and better Stockton!
Point Christmas Tree by the Mayor and
San Joaquin Committee under the co-
three Council Members should shine on as
chairmanship of our Chamber Senior
we all resolve to work as one in the bright
a symbol of working together all year long
VP Blain Bibb and Eddie Tolentino
light as we move this community forward
for the betterment of all in this wonderful
(Newark Recycled Paper Solutions) for
with one strong voice and not a clamoring of
community. As I look outside onto the
making this Chamber program known
whispers, plotting in dank and dark places
“wide open and hyacinth free water,” there
around the Valley as an innovative
or minds that do no one any good at all!
are three sea lions (yes, there are several
and positive program for business and
who live under the docks at the Port of
government alike.
political, personal, self-serving or selfish
Looking out my office window, I see
6
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Again, a very Happy New Year and may
NEWS BRIEFS Submission Guidelines: News Briefs must be submitted before the first 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.
Author Minnick to speak, sign copies of new memoir at Haggin Museum
lifelong learners, enjoy a light lunch and discover what’s new
Author Sylvia Sun Minnick will talk about her new memoir, Never
209.946.7658. For more information, visit www.go.pacific.edu/olli.
a Burnt Bridge, at The Haggin Museum on Thursday, January 16 at
about the spring semester of lectures, classes and tours. RSVP to
occupied Malaya during World War II, Minnick’s inauspicious
It’s with great pleasure that we announce the 60th Stocktonian of the Year 2013, Jane Butterfield. Jane was
beginnings honed her will to survive. Complimentary wine
the CEO and President of Community Bank of San Joaquin,
and snacks will be available as part of the museum’s 1st & 3rd
which she recently retired from. She has served on several local
Thursdays series. For more information, call 209.940.6312 or visit
nonprofit boards, including Goodwill Industries, Children’s
www.hagginmuseum.org.
Home Foundation, Haggin Museum and many more. She was also
7 p.m. Abandoned as an infant and raised as a refugee in Japanese-
honored with the ATHENA Award by the Stockton Chamber in
OLLI@Pacific at University of the Pacific is hosting a Welcome Reception and Art Show on Thursday, January 16 at
2005. We will honor Jane at a dinner on February 5, 2014 at the
11:30 a.m. in the DeRosa University Center. Meet other
by calling Central ValleyAssociation of Realtors at 209.858.1700.
Stockton Golf & Country Club. Tickets are $60 and can be reserved continued on page 8
RIBBON CUTTINGS For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org. For more ribbon cutting photos, visit www.facebook.com/stockton.chamber.of.commerce.
Community Hospice
Haven of Peace
2105 W. March Lane, Suite 2, Stockton
7070 S. Harlan Road, French Camp
Attending Ambassadors Matt Anderson Pacific Records Management Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan Joel Carignan Edward Jones Investments Alan Freeman Servpro of Stockton Blair Hake Stockton Host Lions Club Ella Hoffman Collins Realty Inc. Loretta Lee Stockton Women’s Network Jen Lewis Hilton Stockton Chester Lum ABC Wallace Teri Manley Stop the Presses Bryan Meadows Stockton Ports Lisa Peterson Stockton Ports Victor Randolph Never Boring Justin Redman Central Valley Community Bank Annie
Health Net
Wilson Allied Waste
678 N. Wilson Way, Suite 16, Stockton www.stocktonchamber.org
JAN 2014
7
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU BY: WES RHEA • 87% of diners are likely to return to a RW restaurant they tried
Stockton Restaurant Week Returns for Fifth Year Restaurants across Stockton’s dining scene will come together for
during the event.
what has become one of Stockton’s most anticipated annual culinary
• 52% of diners participate (dine out) more than once per event.
events, Stockton Restaurant Week, January 17-26, 2014. The 10-
• 74% of diners participate (dine out) in order to try a new restaurant.
day event was moved to January to correspond with California
Participating restaurants for 2014 (as of 12/9/2014): America
Restaurant Month.
Waffles, Angelina’s Spaghetti House, AVE on the Mile, Bud’s Seafood
During Stockton’s fifth annual Restaurant Week event,
Grille, Canal Street Bar & Grill at the Hilton Stockton, Casa Flores -
participating restaurants will offer special fixed-price meals that
Marina, Ciao Bella, Delta Bistro at the University Plaza Waterfront
showcase some of the region’s most talented chefs and the culinary
Hotel, De Vega Brothers, French 25, Masa Contemporary Japanese
diversity of Stockton. The three-course menus will be priced at
Lounge, Mezzo, Midtown Creperie & Café, Mile Wine Company,
$15, $20 or $25 per person for dinner, exclusive of
Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar, Seoul Soon Dubu, Stockton
beverages, tax and gratuity. Some restaurants will also
Joe’s, Valley Brewing Company and Whirlow’s Tossed
be offering $10 two-course lunch menus as well.
and Grilled.
Stockton Restaurant Week was created in 2009 to
The official Stockton Restaurant Week
highlight Stockton as a diverse dining destination
website StocktonRestaurantWeek.com will
and allow our many local foodies and families the
list participating restaurants and menus. Find
opportunity to enjoy fixed-price menus from a diverse selection of
additional promotions and giveaways on the Stockton
participating local restaurants. Stockton Restaurant Week will allow
Restaurant Week Facebook page.
diners to discover new restaurants and support their favorites while
Visit Stockton/the Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau
enjoying their meals at a reduced price. With these special prices,
(SCVB) coordinates Stockton Restaurant Week annually,
we hope Stocktonians may take the opportunity to dine out more
along with the Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out scheduled
than once during the event.
for the spring and Stockton Beer Week in late summer.
A 2012 national Open Table survey related to restaurant weeks (RW) showed that: • 90% of diners are likely to recommend a RW restaurant they tried
For general information about Stockton Restaurant Week, please contact Heather Duffett at 209.938.1553 or heather@visitstockton.org.
to a friend or family member.
NEWS BRIEFS continued from page 8
Attorney Joins Local Law Firm
Stockton Symphony takes on the role of
Bill Carlson has joined the Stockton law firm of Herum\Crabtree as
presenter when pianist Jon Nakamatsu, 1997
an associate attorney. Bill holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with
Van Cliburn Competition winner and Stockton
a specialization in Business Administration from UCLA and earned
favorite, returns for a special solo piano recital!
his law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law
Nakamatsu delivers a program of Romantic
where he graduated Cum Laude in the top 10% of his class. Carlson
period masterpieces on Saturday, January 25th,
lives in Stockton with his wife and two sons and practices in the areas
6:00 p.m. at Atherton Auditorium, Delta College.
of civil and business litigation. Bill is a member of the Chamber’s current Leadership Stockton class.
@
Wes Rhea: wes@visitstockton.org 209.938.1555
Be sure to become a fan on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/CelebrateStockton
Successful Companies Have NEVER BORING Websites.
NAOMI LAYLAND Huff Construction Company Marketing Director
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SAN JOAQUIN OFFICE
1016 Fourteenth St. Modesto, CA 95354 tel 209.526.9136 neverboring.com
1025 Needham St. Modesto, CA 95354 tel 209.593.5844 neverboringsigns.com
445 W. Weber Ave., Ste. 124A Stockton, CA 95203 tel 209.593.9136 800.317.9136
LEADERSHIP STOCKTON BY:TIMM QUINN Leadership Stockton Economy Session
After lunch, the class heard from Katie Patterson, Deputy County
Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union
Administrator with San Joaquin County. Katie spoke with the class
Stockton’s economy is influenced by many factors. During
about all the things San Joaquin County is doing to make our area
Leadership Stockton’s annual Economy Session, the class got
an attractive place for business and some of the projects already
a glimpse of a few of those factors and learned about what lies
in the works. She shared her passion for our area and the County’s
ahead in Stockton’s future.
strategies for selling this area to perspective businesses.
The day began at the newly remodeled Financial Center
Mark Tollini, Deputy Port Director with Port of Stockton,
Credit Union on Center Street, and after a welcome from
stopped by and gave the class information on the new M-580
Doug Wilhoit and a brief overview of the day, it was time to
Marine Superhighway. What a great project and addition to
start the information-filled day.
help better the local economy. He was followed by Michael
The first presenters of the day, Phil Brumley, LS Class of
Duffy, President/CEO of Financial Center Credit Union, LS
1991, and Bruce Blodgett, with the San Joaquin Farm Bureau
Class of ’95, and the host for the day, who gave the class a
Federation (SJFB), shared why agriculture is so important to
brief lesson about the state of the current economy.
our local economy. They addressed current issues and recent
The class finished the day with a presentation on Tourism
successes and provided a glimpse of what lies ahead. Phil also
in Stockton, by none other than former Leadership Stockton
gave great insight on what challenges local growers are facing.
Program Coordinator and LS Class of ‘04 Grad, Wes Rhea,
We look forward to continuing and expanding our relationship
Director of Visit Stockton. Wes spoke of the impact of
with the Farm Bureau in the future.
tourism and all the new and exciting things Stockton is doing
Following agriculture on the agenda was Frank Ferral with the Stockton Chamber and Green Team San Joaquin/Valley Green Team. Frank shared great info on the new and expanding green economy and explained how businesses can save money and the environment by going green. Next on the agenda was Nate McBride, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Nate shared how small business makes up a big part of the economy and detailed all of the great services the SBDC offers to the small businessperson to help them succeed. The class then had a fantastic lunch catered by Outback Steakhouse. The food was great!
to attract tourists and more importantly tourist dollars. It was a great day and the class learned a lot about what drives the Stockton economy.
@
Chairman Stephen Griffen, Vice-Chairman Victor Mow, Commissioners R. Jay Allen, Elizabeth Blanchard, Gary Christopherson, Patrick Duffy, Sam L. “Butch� Toccoli and Port Director Richard Aschieris. Visit us online at portofstockton.com. Timm Michael Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960
PROGRAMS AND PUBLIC POLICY DEPARTMENT BY: FRANK FERRAL $12.5 Million in Low Interest Loans Available for Recycled-Content Product Manufacturers in San Joaquin County The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery
What is the interest rate? The interest rate is equal to the State’s Surplus Money Investment Fund (SMIF) rate, but no less than 4.00%. CalRecycle will announce the interest rates semiannually in February and
(CalRecycle) administers a Recycling Market Development
August, after public announcement by the State Controller’s Office.
Zone Loan Program to encourage California-based
The rate will be fixed for the term of each loan.
recycling businesses to site new manufacturing facilities
Examples of eligible projects:
and expand existing operations. This program provides
• Manufacturing plastic pallets or lumber
low-interest loans for the purchase of equipment and other
• Producing mulch or compost
relevant business costs. The intent of the Recycling Market
• Projects using anaerobic digestion to convert
Development Zone Loan Program is to help California
biodegradable feedstock, such as food waste, green waste and
manufacturers increase their processing capabilities and
agricultural residuals into high-value products, including
create additional markets for recycled-content products.
but not limited to soil amendments, fertilizers, renewable
What can the funds be used for? Businesses and non-profit
natural gas or hydrogen and electricity • Manufacturing colorful glass tableware, trophies and gift
organizations can use the funds for: • Machinery and equipment
• Working capital
items from recycled glass • Making rubberized asphalt and molded rubber products
• Real estate purchase (maximum of $1,000,000)
• Real estate improvements
from crumb rubber • Converting rolls of recycled paper into such products as
• Refinancing of onerous debt that results in increased diversion
Funds can also be used for financing loan-closing points. RMDZ loan recipients are required to agree that when
boxes, kitchen towels, table napkins and facial tissue For more information, e-mail Frank Ferral at
fferral@stocktonchamber.org.
purchasing products with loan funds in the 11 SABRC categories, the borrower agrees to purchase recycled-content products when available and fitness and quality are equal to that of non-recycled products.
American Recycling
Granite Construction Co.
San Joaquin County Public Works
Big Valley Ford
Healthy Air Living
San Joaquin RTD
Carpenters Local Union 152
Newark Recycled Paperboard Solutions
SAWS
CBC Steel Building
Onsite Electronics Recycling
ServiceMaster Clean
City of Stockton
Optony
Sims Metal Management
CRResourceContracting, Inc.
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Surtec
DART Container
Queirolo’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Universal Service Recycling
Diamond Foods, Inc.
RGS Energy/Real Goods Solar
Valley CAN
Dorfman Pacific
San Joaquin Council of Governments
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 12 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
1974
HEADLINES
printing mailing
fulfillment promo items
cross media marketing
The “Post-It” Note Invented It became widely used and available in 1980
Cost of a SuperBowl Ad was raised to $103,000
First U.P.C Barcode
was placed on a pack of Wrigley’s gum
JOIN THE COUNTDOWN TO OUR
40 ANNIVERSARY
Text “1974” to 75309
to find out who and what was cool in 1974!
Year-round Quality Service • 30 Years Experience
SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION & REPAIR HONEST, FAIR & THRUSTWORTHY!
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931-5900
Also Servicing Refrigeration & Air Dryer Equipment
All Makes & Models www.AirTechHeatingAndAC.com
Walt & Kim Prato Owners License #661572
www.stocktonchamber.org
JAN 2014 13
JIM JOHNSON, SMG
MICHAEL CERA, SMG
it opened in 2005, the Stockton Arena has garnered some Sbadince press for San Joaquin County. But take a closer look and it’s
Underwood, Vicente Fernandez and Cirque du Soleil speak to
clear that today’s Stockton Arena doesn’t fit the popular conception.
Stockton’s profile as an in-demand location for entertainers that
In fact, over the last three years under management by SMG
audiences are anxious to see.
Stockton, the local venue has made a tremendous recovery. The
the efficacy of SMG Stockton’s rejuvenation efforts and help raise
In addition to these public acts, SMG Stockton has been able to
recent success of the Arena and its related venues have helped
attract many large corporations that utilize the Arena as a meeting
transform a popular story of failure into a redemption tale for the
destination. “These are events that go unnoticed among the general
benefit of the Stockton community.
public, but we routinely bring in corporate meetings that draw
Getting a Foothold
up to 1,000 people to Downtown Stockton,” said SMG Stockton
According to Mike Cera, General Manager for SMG Stockton Venues including the Arena, Bob Hope Theater and the Banner
Marketing Manager Chris Kay. “My staff and I hear more about the positive aspects of the
Island Ballpark, some of the bad press that the entertainment
Arena than we do the negatives,” added Cera. “It’s certainly been
venues have gathered in the last few years has been based on
a challenge but we’re at the point where it’s definitely a much
outdated information. “When we first took over [from former
more positive message that we get back. Our efforts are getting
management company IFG] about three years ago, we needed
recognized by the public.”
to overcome a negative stigma surrounding the Arena in the
Bringing the Thunder
community,” said Cera, who has led this effort with his staff by
But bookings at the Arena only tell part of the story. The venue
focusing on interfacing with the community’s needs as well as
is also home to one of the area’s most popular sports teams: the
working to draw high profile entertainment acts to the venues.
Stockton Thunder. According to Brian Sandy, General Manger of
“Our first step was to bring events in to town and then to ensure that people in the area knew about the events and were aware— even when we were hosting private or corporate events—that the building was actively being utilized,” added Cera. This effort to increase utilization of the Arena has been a
the Thunder, one of the things that drew him to join the team was Stockton’s base of passionate fans. “We are lucky to have an incredibly passionate fan base in both the local and regional market,” said Sandy. “The people of Stockton are very supportive of the team so it’s incumbent on us to support
tremendous success. Over the last three years, SMG Stockton has
and grow the fan base for them. And until we’re selling out every
been able to increase event activity at the Arena by over 27%. As the
game, we still have room to grow.”
profile of the Arena grows, so too do its booking prospects. Recent sell out shows by high profile artists including Carrie
Growing the fan base also means growing community connections, said Sandy. “Scientific evidence shows that fans of
BRIAN SANDY, STOCKTON THUNDER
RICH KROMM, STOCKTON THUNDER
teams have a much higher affinity to purchase from sponsors, so
monetary returns. Cera indicated that SMG Stockton is committed
we’re always trying to be great community partners and a friend to
to utilizing the Arena to help the community.
local business.” “At the end of the day, this isn’t about winning and losing hockey
One recent example of this commitment was November’s first annual Stockton Cares Coat, Blanket & Sock Drive, which saw
games,” added Sandy. “It’s about ensuring that our fans have
the Arena partnering with The Record, United Way, The Stockton
access to affordable family fun in the region and creating unique,
Ports and St. Mary’s Dining Room in collecting over 6,000
compelling opportunities to engage local business.”
coats, blankets and socks which were then distributed to needy
An Economic Engine for Downtown
individuals within the Stockton community.
According to Cera, an evaluation completed last year shows that the true economic impact of the Arena is overwhelmingly positive. “One of the biggest challenges we face is making sure people
According to Jim Johnson, Director of Booking and Business Development with SMG Stockton, “what struck me about this effort was that all the items were donated within the Stockton
realize the Arena is an economic engine to Downtown Stockton,”
community and were given to people in the community, as well.
said Cera. Not counting the impact brought to the community by
It really showed how much tremendous local support there is
the Stockton Thunder or the Ports, the venues bring at least $17
in Stockton.”
million in economic impact to the community. Approximately 60% of SMG Stockton’s patrons visit from outside
“We put a lot of emphasis on helping the community,” said Cera. “My staff and I are all out in the community on a daily
the Stockton/Modesto area, with around 20% of crowds coming
basis finding out how we can help. We continually look for new
in from the East Bay Area. “These patrons are filling up their gas
community involvement opportunities.”
tanks in Stockton, eating in our restaurants, staying overnight in
Good for Stockton
our hotels and paying sales tax,” said Kay. “In addition, marketing
According to Cera, the largest hurdle remains simply
for these shows has brought $400,000 in revenue to local radio,
changing the minds of those in Stockton and across the country
print and TV advertising venues in 2013 alone.”
who believe the bad press.
“I think that message gets lost,” added Cera. “People hear about
“We’ve been showing through our results that the City of
the Arena running at a deficit and don’t realize that the return is in
Stockton’s financial difficulties don’t change that we have a great
the form of a net-positive economic impact for Stockton.”
ticket-buying public,” added Cera.
Community Impact The Arena’s benefit to San Joaquin County doesn’t end at
“We want folks to know that we’re still here, we’re still local, we’re going to be here for a long time and we will continue to improve.”
THE CHANGING STORY OF THE STOCKTON ARENA
EVENTS BY: HEIDI ALTAMIRANO New Golf Committee Members Needed The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is hosting
2014 Golf Tournament Reserve Monday, April 14th on your calendar and prepare
its 33rd Annual Golf Tournament on April 14th at Elkhorn
yourself for a day of good times and good friends at Elkhorn Golf
Golf Club. We are looking for new members to join the
Club. Now in its 33rd year, the Golf Tournament always fills up fast.
Golf Tournament Committee. Golf Committee members are
Don’t miss your chance to play! Call the Chamber to reserve your
required to:
space today!
• Be a Stockton Chamber member in good standing, or be employed by a company who is a Stockton Chamber
member in good standing.
business sponsor. Business sponsorship includes signage on a tee or green and registration for a foursome of players. Single
• Actively solicit sponsorship from local businesses. • Bring in at least 2 foursomes of golfers for the tournament.
You can also join us as a tee sponsor, a green sponsor or a
registration is also available. Donating a prize to our post-tournament raffle is a great
• Get raff le prizes donated from local businesses.
way to highlight your business. Many high-profile business
• Attend golf committee meetings every other Wednesday,
people participate in our tournament and donating a prize
sometimes every Wednesday as the tournament nears.
gets their attention!
This is a great way to advertise your business while showing
For more information about the Chamber’s 33rd Annual Golf
support for the Chamber, as well as the business community as
Tournament or to volunteer, call Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or
a whole. The Chamber will use tournament proceeds to support
e-mail him at tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.
its ongoing business retention and development programs. Should you have any questions or would like to join, please call or e-mail Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.
Fred Couples Sponsors:
Builders Exchange of Stockton
Neumiller & Beardslee
Beverage Sponsor:
F&M Bank
Collins Electrical Company, Inc. - Stockton Branch
R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc.
DBI Beverage
Oak Valley Community Bank
Dorfman Pacific Co., Inc.
San Joaquin Delta College
Tee Sponsors:
Lincoln Center
The Record/San Joaquin Media Group
Bank of Agriculture & Commerce
Moss Adams, LLP
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 16 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
We've made a habit out of giving! Supporting community by giving of our time and talents!
www.stocktonchamber.org
JAN 2014 17
NEW MEMBERS
CALENDAR JANUARY 2014
Bail Bonds
9
All Pro Bail Bonds 223 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton
Hypnosis California Hypnosis and Herbal Center 1625 W. March Lane, #101, Stockton www.suziebowers.com
10
Builder & Developer Caresco Homes 3350 Deer Park Drive, #C, Stockton www.carescohomes.com
Financial Planning Hank Klor & Associates 7330 West Lane, #5, Stockton www.hankklorandassociates.com
Hotels Howard Johnson Inn 33 N. Center Street, Stockton
Jhamat Insurance Agency/Nationwide 1743 Grand Canal Boulevard, #2, Stockton www.nationwide.com/jhamat
Leadership Stockton Law Enforcement Session 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. @ San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office
22 30
Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 a.m. @ Stockton Golf & Country Club
FEB
February Networking Mixer CBRE, Inc. 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. 6 S. El Dorado St. Stockton, CA 95202 Mixer will be held in the In-Shape Building on El Dorado St.
6
Insurance - Agents & Brokers
January Mixer hosted by University of the Pacific Athletics 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Mixer 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Basketball Game @ University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos Center Come for the Mixer, Stay for the Basketball Game! Mixer will be held on the South Concourse inside the Spanos Center. Free tickets will be given out at check-in to that evening’s game against the University of San Francisco Dons.
Chamber Board Meeting 4:00 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
www.bankbac.com
BAC
Bank of Agriculture & Commerce
Why not pay yourself when paying others?
REGIST ER TODAY! IT’S FRE E!
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Stockton 2001 W. March Ln. (209) 473-6832
18 PORT CALL
Lodi 1610 W. Kettleman Ln. (209) 367-9400
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Stockton Cal-Weber 517 E. Weber Ave. (209) 944-1807
@
Modesto 2605 Coffee Rd. (209) 544-2227
Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info
BUSINESS DIVERSITY MIXER Haggin Museum
•
1201 N. Pershing Avenue, Stockton
•
hagginmuseum.org
www.stocktonchamber.org
JAN 2014 19