PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.stocktonchamber.org
Vol. 58 No. 12
april 2013
The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out 2013
Stockton Tourism on the Rise PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA
Cover Photograph by: Fritz Chin Photography, Inc.
On the cover: Allison Morse, Room Division Manager, Hilton Stockton
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PORT CALL
Stockton Tourism on the Rise
CONTENTS Icons of Stockton
5
From Your President
6
From Your CEO
7
Events
8
Leadership Stockton
10
Convention & Visitors Bureau 11
The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out 2013
14 11
Don’t Miss! Networking Mixer 4/4 - Neumiller & Beardslee, Professional Corp. 5:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m. @ 509 W. Weber Avenue, 5th Floor
New Members
12
Ribbon Cuttings
12
also don’t miss..
Programs and Public Policy Department
13
Cover Story
14
5/2 - May Networking Mixer 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Delta Protective Services @ 141 E. Acacia Street
News Briefs
17
Calendar
18
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PORT CALL Official publication of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. Serving the Greater Stockton area business community since 1901. CHAMBER OFFICERS PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers SR. VICE PRESIDENT Steven Crabtree, Herum Crabtree
N
o matter where you were
According to Reiff, the establishment
raised, chances are you grew
of the Banner Island Ballpark has “really
up familiar with Stockton’s
gone a long way to build opportunities
iconic baseball team. If this seems
for professionals here in Stockton and
like a far-fetched assertion, rediscover
to draw people who may not have
E.L. Thayer’s legendary 1888 poem
even considered moving here. We’re
“Casey at the Bat.” After 125 years at
a successful organization because of
bat, Casey is one of Stockton’s most
the support of the community and the
famous (if fictional) residents, and
work that our ownership has done over
CHAMBER DIRECTORS Michael Cera, SMG/Stockton Arena/Bob Hope Theatre Donna DeMartino, San Joaquin Regional Transit District Pat Filippone, Stockton Ports Baseball Club Lewis Gale, Eberhardt School of Business Rick Goucher, CB Richard Ellis Clint Harless, Stockton Auto Glass/Quick’s Glass Service Mikey Kamienski, Charterhouse Center for Families Dan Keyser, Grupe Commercial Company Robert Melrose, Brookside Optometric Group Darryle Oakman, San Joaquin County Rental Property Association Bakul Patel, Dorfman Pacific Justin Redman, Central Valley Community Bank Tina Williams, Pacific Gas & Electric Company Diane Vigil, Dameron Hospital Foundation Bob Young, Stockton Golf & Country Club
the poem’s Mudville Nine plays on
the years.”
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.
FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Blain Bibb, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance VICE PRESIDENT Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications VICE PRESIDENT Dan Durst, Durst Contract Interiors IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Debbie Armstrong, Old Republic Title Co.
209.547.2766
PROGRAM & PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR/ BEA Frank Ferral 209.547.2763 SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR Heidi Altamirano
209.547.2764
STAFF ACCOUNTANT Lia Her
209.547.2768
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Margaret Sacchet 209.337.2723 SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD. Timm Quinn 209.547.2960 SCAP COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mikki Gilbert 209.337.2730 SCAP-SE COORDINATOR Michael Morales
that same Banner Island today as the Stockton Ports. The Stockton Ports have officially
In addition to being a tremendous tourism draw for the community, the Ports have actively given back to the
played in Stockton since the team
Greater Stockton community through its
became a founding member of the
Anchor Fund since 2007. “The Anchor
California League in 1941. Since 2005,
Fund is built around giving back to local
the Stockton team has been a Single
youth sports,” said Reiff. “We feel strongly
A feeder team for the Oakland A’s, and
that youth involvement and recreation in
in its 61 seasons has sent 240 Ports
the community is our most fertile ground
players into the major leagues and four
here at the ballpark. The Anchor Fund is
players into the Olympics.
meant to give back to youth sports and
Since 2005, the Ports have played at
throughout the year we give money to
the luxurious Banner Island Ballpark in
other causes as well. Our pink night for
Stockton. The field, which was part of the
breast cancer awareness is a big night
city’s downtown revitalization, has not
for us with St Joseph’s. We also do a
only given San Joaquin County residents
blue night for prostate cancer awareness
and visitors a great place to watch a
among many other causes. We’re very
game, it has helped Stockton continue to
excited and proud to be able to support
grow over the last eight years, said Ports
these causes.”
209.337.2716
General Manager Luke Reiff. “I grew up
BEA/ SCAP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Dylan Bacon 209.547.2770
in Indiana, and like a lot of my staff and
4, 2013. For more on the Ports, visit
players, I came to Stockton and stay here
Stocktonports.com.
RECEPTIONIST/ CUSTOMER SERVICE Mai Vang 209.547.2770
The Stockton Ports season starts April
because of this ballpark.”
PUBLISHER Stockton Chamber of Commerce 209.547.2770 GRAPHIC DESIGN Never Boring Design Associates 209.526.9136 ADVERTISING Victor Randolph
209.988.5800
PRINTING Snyder Parks
209.466.9026
MAILING Snyder Parks
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
5
From Your President... by: Gary J. Long
residents and visitors alike would be missing had not the venues been built by visionary leaders 8 plus years ago. That is a great lead into the theme for this month’s Port O Call cover story on tourism, which is a huge industry both in our community and county. I, along with your board and staff, are very proud of the great work being done by Wes Rhea, former Chamber employee who served you as BEA coordinator, then Leadership Stockton Coordinator and from 2007 to 2011, our Chamber Conference What a great time of the year we are
and Visitors Bureau Director. He truly did
Don’t forget that the biggest
entering with spring upon us! Stockton and
a great job moving the Bureau into the 21st
San Joaquin County are ablaze with trees,
century and has continued to do so since
event of the year,
both residential and agricultural, showing
the CVB became a standalone successful
the Asparagus
the rainbow of colors that brighten our
organization. He and his team do a great
Festival, is April
spirits and make the phrase “Hope Springs
job in letting the world know of all the
Eternal” a reality.
great things that we have to offer in our
26-28 in the
entire area, and I would hope that our own
great downtown
challenging, and at times frustrating,
residents would get out and really see what
venue that
days in our wonderful city, but I have
we have. If they do so for the first time, I
full faith that we shall come out a better
think they will be pleasantly surprised.
As we all know we are in very
highlights the
community. Generations to come will look
Don’t forget that the biggest event of
at these difficult times as days that made our
the year, the Asparagus Festival, is April
gem of the city, our waterfront
community and citizens stronger and better.
26-28 in the great downtown venue that
and surrounding
It has been very gratifying to see all
highlights the gem of the city, our waterfront
the folks out shopping locally in our
and surrounding improvements. The
neighborhood shopping centers and
festival not only helps to support so many
businesses. Also, prior to events at the
wonderful non-profits, but it also allows the
Arena, Bob Hope/Fox Theatre, Stockton
city to shine, raises tax dollars and generates
Ballpark and other venues in Stockton,
positive press that money can’t buy. Hope to
dining had increased at many of our
see you all there!
wonderful restaurants that offer a plethora
And, remember to SHOP LOCAL
of cuisine choices. Just think of the first class
because $.70 of every sales tax dollar
events, concerts and sporting events our
stays here!
6
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
improvements.
From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit
On the local level, I am seeing a divide that will not bode well for Stockton if it is not quickly ratcheted back a great deal as we deal with serious issues. French General and President Charles De Gaulle once said, “History does not teach fatalism. These are moments when the will of a handful of free men breaks through determinism and opens up new roads. People get the history they deserve.” It is also important to note that any and all public personal attacks or “stealth of the night attempts to get someone” serves nobody and only creates further problems. That is what we are seeing now at so many levels of our government and society, and if those who are engaged in that type of behavior think that history will treat them well they had better take a second look at what they are doing if making a good future for all and a positive remembrance in history for themselves is “truly” their end game. Each day, we are bombarded by many forms of public or social media that make us wonder, “What the h*** is going on around us locally, statewide, nationally and internationally?” It seems that the “me generation” has fully
Now with that said, I am truly, as President Long noted in his article, so ready for the 2013 edition (28th Annual) Stockton Asparagus Festival! I have had the good fortune of being with the festival since the
taken over and forgotten that we are all one people, no matter where we are,
inception back in 1986 and it has been so exciting to watch it grow to the
our circumstances and/or station in life. It also appears that people at all
Best Food Fest in the West due to the hard work of so many dedicated
levels of the public and government have forgotten manners, civility, decency,
folks who are just the opposite from the ones I talked about in previous
common sense and just plain “do onto others as you would have them do
paragraphs. They work hard as a team and with the goal of helping
unto you!” Yes, I have no problem using Golden Rules to make a point.
so many people with the proceeds from the Festival. Each year, my
Recently, we have seen outbreaks of personal attacks and public displays of the “it is my way or the highway mentality,” and that is not the way to get things done. Working as one, yes, with honest and logical disagreements
excitement level for the Festival continues to grow and that’s not bad for an old guy (that’s for you, Mr. Long and Mr. Goucher)! Location, Location and Location is a much used declaration, but it
being perfectly acceptable and necessary, is the only way to come close to
is so true, and downtown Stockton only took the Festival to a higher
solving the problems and issues facing all of us at this point in time.
level. I was thinking about that on Saturday, March 9 on a road trip to
Public displays of “negativism” or “one up-person ship” has a downer
Kingsburg (just south of Fresno). As we passed the towns of Highway
effect on a whole community, state and nation, and we are seeing too much
99, I could just imagine what they would give to have the attributes
of it to the detriment of all. Please keep in mind that for every one negative
that Stockton has in the waterfront, venues, working, shopping, living
comment there are hundreds of positive comments that can be made about
and playing areas, the Delta, the arts, etc., etc., etc. Not only does the
our community, state and nation, but it is sad to see that the negative gets the
Festival do so much for the non-profits it supports, but it also brings
attention and not the positive. Hence that is why I refuse to do interviews
needed tax revenue to the City and yes, worldwide positive attention
with outside of San Joaquin County media, as I did the other day when I
to Stockton, California.
got a request from a reporter from Japan, because as I have found out, along
Hope to see you all at the Festival and out and about at all the
with your Chamber President Gary Long, after a very bad experience with
areas of our great community that we, the CVB and most of you are
a visual media team that no matter how they say they “really are not
very proud of and also proud to call YOUR HOME, Stockton and San
looking for negative,” they really are.
Joaquin County!
www.stocktonchamber.org
apr2013
7
Events
by: Heidi Altamirano
2013 Asparagus Festival Volunteers Needed
of the City are only $35 per person. The luncheon is sure to please everyone with great food provided by Outback Steakhouse.
There is still time to join
As always, this event is sure to sell out quickly. Tickets for the
Tortellini Timm or
15th Annual State of the City are going fast! This event always sells
Angel Hair Heidi
out so reserve your tickets today. To purchase tickets or for more
as a volunteer in
information, call the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce at
the Chamber’s
209.547.2770. We hope you can join us at this important celebration
Pasta, Ice Cream,
of our City and our community!
and Aspara-
Thank you
Berry Shortcake
to our Sponsors:
Booth at the ever famous,
Platinum:
San Joaquin Partnership
world renowned
A.G. Spanos Companies
San Joaquin RTD
Bank of Agriculture &
Sims Metal Management
Stockton Asparagus Festival April 26, 27 and 28th! If you’re into
Commerce
having some weekend fun with some great people, while raising
Bank of the West
funds for our Chamber programs, then you will love preparing
California Water Service Co.
pasta and scooping ice cream with some like-minded folks. Only
City of Stockton
a few time slots open, so act fast!
Dameron Occupational Health Delta Sierra Beverage
To add your name to the volunteer list, please call or e-mail
Dorfman Pacific Co., Inc.
Timm Quinn, 209.547.2960 or tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.
EZ Network Systems, Inc. F&M Bank
2013 State of the City Come share in the excitement surrounding the Chamber’s 15th Annual State of the City! Mayor Anthony Silva will be delivering his first State of the City Address and laying out his plans for the future of Stockton.
Financial Center Credit Union Grupe Commercial Company GSEAC - Employer Advisory Council Heald College Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin
The Annual State of the City is co-sponsored by the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Port of Stockton and City
Humphreys College Kaiser Permanente
St. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Sutter Gould Medical Foundation The Record/San Joaquin Media Group United Way of San Joaquin County University of the Pacific Visionary Home Builders of California Gold Herum/Crabtree San Joaquin Delta Community College
Lincoln Center
Stockton East Water District
Metro PCS
Silver
information which is useful for businesses of any size. The
Moss Adams, LLP
Atria Bayside Landing
Chamber guarantees attendees will walk away with pride in the
Neumiller & Beardslee
Devcon Construction, Inc
Pacific Records Management/
Table
of Stockton. Exhibits by local and state programs will provide
City of Stockton while discovering valuable sources of information and expertise. The biggest local public event of the year will be held on Thursday, May 16th! This year the Port of Stockton, Shed 20, will provide the setting for our State of the City. Exhibits will be
Pacific Shredding
California Water Service Co.
Port of Stockton
Capital Feed
R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc.
San Joaquin County Office of
Robert Half International San Joaquin County WorkNet
Education as of 3.19.13
open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the Annual State 8
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
@
Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764
Mixer Photos March 7- Sherwood Executive Center
Business Awards nominations needed! Nominations are now being accepted for our June 6th Business Awards Luncheon. We are seeking nominations in the categories of: • Small Business Person of the Year • Business Employee of the Year • Business Manager of the Year • Business Person of the Year • P3 Stewardship Award To learn the nomination criteria and download the nomination forms, please visit the Chamber website, www.stocktonchamber.org, and click on the “Chamber Message” tab or call 209.547.2770. Nomination deadline is April 19, 2013.
June Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer Sign up Now for the June 6th 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.
Trusted Advisor to Successful Business Owners and Families Since 1976.
Dennis J. Goldstrand
2800 W. March Lane, Suite 326 Stockton, CA 95219-8202
www.goldstrand.com
@
ChFC
AEP
209-472-7000 | 800-507-9911 209-472-1551 fax
dennis@goldstrand.com
Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960
Never Boring•neverboring.com
CLU
www.stocktonchamber.org
apr2013
9
Become a Certified Green Business!
Leadership Stockton Save money & gain customers by:
Reducing waste
by: Timm Quinn Conserving water and energy
Protecting public health Using recycled-content in your products
Stockton participants are already well on
Leadership Stockton
www.GreenTeamSanJoaquin.com there way to being the future of Stockton. Community Serving Community Session SMALL BUSINESS Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center
Then it was across the street to the United
HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL * Offices for a quick tour and the class was Way Credit Union Affordable Hazardous Waste Management for Your Business to play in the pile of thousands of stuffed A Program of San Joaquin County Publicable Works Community Based Organizations www.SJCrecycle.org
(209) 468-3066
animals that were collected at the Thunder have always been essential to our local i Low cost way to safely dispose of hazardous materials. (Costs depend on your waste types.) Teddy Bear toss night. community. Charitable, non-profit groups i Documentation that you properly manage hazardous waste. Each team then had the opportunity to play an importantthat role our lives, i Assurance theinmaterial will be disposed of properly. *Conditionally
Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG)
extending help to our community in many
share with the other members of the class
ways. That is why each year we devote an
their experience at each community based
organization. They used words such as “eyeentire day exploring some of Stockton’s We also accept universal and electronic waste. finest community-based organizations. Green Your Bottom Lineopening,” “deep respect,” “life changing,”
with Product Stewardship! For the participants, the day began like no “better understanding,” “amazing,” and
Economic benefits abound: reduced operating energy savings, other. The classcosts, was divided into seven teams, reduced disposal costs, the creation of green jobs.
extremely impressed” when speaking about
organization. The seven organizations were:
agencies serving our community. Then Peter
Women’s Center of San Joaquin, St. Mary’s
Johnson (LS ’02), Director, University of the
Interfaith Community Services, Stockton
Pacific Westgate Center for Leadership and
Shelter for the Homeless, Child Abuse
Management Development, talked with the
Prevention Council, Emergency Food Bank of
class about being an impact board member
Stockton, Family Resource & Referral Center/
and leaving your legacy. The day ended at the
Podesto Teen Impact Center and Gospel
Women’s Center with a nice mixer for the
Center Rescue Mission.
class. Most participants felt it was one of their
each assigned to a different community-based www.CalPSC.org
their time spent at the various non-profit
Design it Green | Make it Clean | Conserve Resources | Reduce | Reuse | Eliminate Toxics | Take it Back!
Once the teams arrived at their host locations, each were given tours, an
favorite sessions this year. I would like to thank the following
information session, and got right to
people for their contribution to the success
work. After working hard all morning, the
of this session: Andy Prokop and Donna
class met for a group lunch in downtown
Ng from the United Way team for all of
Stockton! After lunch, President and CEO
their help, Peter Johnson (LS ’02), and to
of the United Way of San Joaquin County,
each hosting non-profit who helped make
Andy Prokop, talked to the class about his
the day so special: Lindy Turner (LS ’01),
journey into the world of non-profits and
Uyen Do (LS ’08), Rebecca Knodt, Edward
thanked the class for their commitment
Figueroa, John Reynolds, Kay Ruhstaller,
to the community and their participation
Leslie Reese, Kim Miller (LS ’09), and Joelle
in Leadership Stockton. Andy then spoke
Gomez (LS ’95)—thank you for opening
about all the great things United Way does
your doors!
They used words such as “eye-opening,”
“deep respect,” “life changing,” “better understanding,” “amazing,” and extremely impressed” when speaking about their time spent at the various non-profit agencies serving our community.
for our community and how Leadership
10 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
@
Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960
Convention & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea
The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out 2013 Returns Local restaurants, featuring locally grown asparagus, will be showcased during the first part of April during the Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out, taking place April 1-14. Restaurants will serve locally grown asparagus in a variety of dishes in celebration of our most famous spear and the Stockton Asparagus Festival (April 2628, 2013). Over 20 restaurants are expected to participate. “The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out was created by the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau, following the successful autumn-time Stockton Restaurant Week, to showcase locally grown asparagus and its use in local cuisine,” noted Wes Rhea, CEO of the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The trend of focusing on local cuisine that utilizes locally grown and sourced ingredients is growing nationwide. The Dine Out is here to remind locals of the rich bounty of locally grown asparagus available fresh only during this time of year. Look for our famous locally grown spear, which will be featured in appetizers, entrées, desserts and drinks throughout participating Stockton restaurants!” Past years’ featured dishes have included: Asparagus Pasta, Asparagus and Baby Clam Linguini, Asparagus Pizza, Asparagus Ravioli, Deep Fried Asparagus, Asparagus Risotto, Asparagus Sauté, Asparagus Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus Enchiladas, Grilled Asparagus, Asparagus Parmesano, Asparagus & Beef Short Ribs, Tempura Asparagus Roll, Asparagus Crepes, Asparagus Soup/Chowder, Asparagus Quiche, and Asparagus Margaritas. Participating Restaurants as of 3/21/13: Angelina’s, AVE on the Mile, Bud’s Seafood Grille, Casa Flores-Downtown, Casa FloresMarina Center, Centrale Kitchen & Bar, Ciao Bella, Commercial Exchange Club, Delta Bistro at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, DeVega Brothers, Masa Contemporary Japanese Lounge, Mezzo, Midtown Creperie & Café, Misaki Sushi & Bar, Orchard Grill at the Hilton, Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar, Seoul Soon Dubu, Stockton Joe’s and Valley Brewing Company. Explore the restaurants and their menus at dineoutstockton.com!
@
Wes Rhea: wes@visitstockton.org 209.938.1555
Be sure to become a fan on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/CelebrateStockton
www.visitstockton.org
apr2013 11
New Members
For more information on becoming a new member, please call Margaret Sacchet at 209.337.2723 or margaret@stocktonchamber.org. Please allow up to 90 days for your listing to show.
Logistics All American Logistics, LLC
Grocers Wholesale Smart & Final
Stockton
Youth Organizations Boy Scouts of American Greater Yosemite Coun.
147 N. Wilson Way Stockton www.smartandfinal.com
Tutoring
1545 St. Mark’s Plaza, #7 Stockton www.yosemitescouting.org
Sylvan Learning Center
Restaurants Midtown Creperie & Café
878 W. Benjamin Holt Drive Stockton www.stockton.sylvancenter.com
Uniforms – Sales or Rentals
2319 Pacific Avenue Stockton www.midtowncreperie.com
Unifirst Corporation
Aircraft Service & Maintenance
819 N. Hunter Street Stockton www.unifirst.com
new Welcome members The Plane Exchange
6364 S. Lindbergh St. #101 Stockton www.ThePlaneExchange.com Aircraft
Ribbon Cuttings For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org
Creative Vision Printing & Signs
South Bay Auto Auction
4 Wheel Parts
2232 Stewart Street,
Stockton
6622 Sampson Road,
12 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Stockton
4101 South Airport Way,
Stockton
Programs and Public Policy Department by: Frank Ferral Bea Helps You “Spring” Into The Classroom As we get ready to move into spring with the longer days and the warmer weather, there are many opportunities for our members to get involved with the Business Education Alliance (BEA). Although the reasons why a business gets involved may vary, there is one common objective-our students, our “future workforce.” You may
Grow it, make it & ship it! @ San Joaquin, USA
wonder how your business can make a difference, how one intern
• Northern California's center of commerce serving the western US and Asia. The best location solution for expanding manufacturers and supply chain providers
in your business or one presentation in a classroom can change the thinking and lives of so many students in our community. Here are just a few ways your outreach to our students makes an
• The San Joaquin Partnership provides centralized confidential information and connection to key business and community decision makers
impact on their future: • Teaches the student the basics of career development • Helps identify prospective employees in various careers • Outlines the basic skills and characteristics employers want • Provides a networking opportunity to students outside of their
family and friends
Connect with the San Joaquin Partnership. Call Mike at 800-570-5627 • sjpnet.org • mammann@sjpnet.org
The variety of programs that the Business Education Alliance offers can be tailored to meet both the needs of the business and the students. Don’t hesitate to give us a call and find out how your business can change the future of our students and help them on a career path that can be beneficial to you, the students and our community. One event that is always a delicious experience and provides
C.Y.A.*
Auto • Home • Business • Life • Health
Insurance Solutions with over 50 different insurance companies and programs.
*Cover your Assets!
scholarships for our graduating seniors is the Outback
*aka, call your agent
Steakhouse Semi-Annual Scholarship Luncheon scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2013. Held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Outback Steakhouse, this event gives our local business community an opportunity to dine on great food for only $15.00 and all proceeds go toward the scholarships. To purchase your ticket in advance, checks may be sent to Outback Scholarship Luncheon, GSCC, 4455 W. Weber Avenue #220, Stockton, CA 95203. Please specify your meal choice (steak, chicken or pasta). If purchasing by MC/Visa, call our office at 209.547.2770. If you have any additional questions about the scholarship luncheon or any of our other programs If you have any additional questions about the scholarship luncheon or any
MODESTO: 209.338.5500 1165 Scenic Drive, Ste A
of our other programs please contact Dylan Bacon, BEA
STOCKTON: 209.451.9010
Coordinator at 547-2770 or bea@stocktonchamber.org.
877.75.omega (66342) www.trustomega.com
@
For more info, contact Frank Ferral at fferral@stocktonchamber.org
445 West Weber Avenue, Ste 140
www.stocktonchamber.org
lic# of74463
apr2013 13
Stockton Tourism on the Rise by: Justin Souza Photo by: Fritz Chin Photography, Inc.
Allison Morse, Room Division Manager, Hilton Stockton
W
hen you think of California
trip planners and sports team managers,
travelers. Wes Rhea, CEO of the Stockton
tourism destinations, what
the destination of choice has become the
Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB),
do you picture?
sunny vistas and thriving sports scene of
said that Stockton has long been poised
Stockton, California.
for a rebirth and the growth of tourism in
If you’re like most people, you probably conjure up an image of Santa Monica’s
Stockton’s growth as a tourism
the area is simply the first major sign of
sun-drenched beaches, the Hollywood sign
destination reflects a shift in the way
the city’s resurgence taking hold. “With
glistening in the hills above Los Angeles
the city—and San Joaquin County in
all that Stockton has to offer, it’s only
or the Golden Gate peeking through San
general—presents itself to the world.
surprising that it took this long to see
Francisco’s foggy shores. But over the last
Instead of a beleaguered city on the brink
these increases.”
few years, a revolution has been brewing
of bankruptcy, Stockton is becoming
in California’s tourism industry. For an
known as an area with a promising future
indicators of Stockton’s growth in tourism
increasingly large number of tourists,
and a vibrant selection of offerings for
is found in the room occupancy for
14 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
According to Rhea, one of the largest
Stockton’s hotels in 2012. Last year, San Joaquin County outpaced
launch of the Stockton Tourism Ambassador Program this May.
California’s overall growth in this category by almost 300%,
With this introduction, Stockton becomes an affiliate of the major
bringing in an explosive 9.8% year over year growth in occupancy
nationwide Certified Tourism Ambassador Program (CTA).
compared to the state’s 3.6% average. This figure, which provides
According to Rhea, the Stockton Tourism Ambassador
an overall outlook on the proportion of hotel rooms rented
Program “is a national certification and a respected professional
throughout the year, brings Stockton closer to pre-recession
achievement. The program is aimed at empowering and equipping
levels and is projected to show continued growth across 2013,
locals to be ambassadors for the Stockton experience visitors
said Rhea. As a result, Stockton’s hotel industry showed strong
receive. Through the program, frontline employees, ambassadors
RevPAR (revenue per available room) growth of 13.4% last year,
and volunteers can improve their knowledge of the region, craft
far outpacing the California average of 9.6%, and had a boost in
answers to frequently asked visitor questions, interact with peers,
overall hotel revenue of 15.4% over 2011’s returns. Rhea added
share best practices and develop a better understanding of their
that while these numbers are relegated to hotels, they are simply
role in increasing tourism.” The goal of the program, which has
the first indicators of Stockton’s rebirth as an area that offers great
previously improved the visitor experience in myriad cities across
things for tourists.
the country, is to enhance the experience of everyone who visits
Over the last few years, Rhea and the rest of the SCVB
so that a single negative customer service experience doesn’t cast
team have moved to more aggressively promote the city as a
a pall over a tourist’s entire trip and ultimately harm the area’s
great destination. “In 2012, we took an aggressive approach
image through negative word of mouth.
by investing more into marketing, meetings and sports sales
Here in Stockton, the Stockton Tourism Ambassador Program
than in past years.” According to Rhea, these trends reflect
will require a certification process in which individual residents
Stockton’s strong selling points. The area’s temperate climate,
complete required reading and learning assignments, attend
prime location and the growth of entertainment options
a half-day classroom session, pass an open-book examination
in Stockton itself provide the city many advantages in the
and pay a $25 enrollment fee. “When they complete the course,
search for valuable tourist traffic, as does the city’s overall
participants will be a Certified Tourism Ambassador and will
revitalization—including the huge efforts at the downtown
have all the tools and knowledge to create a memorable visitor
waterfront and the Banner Island Ballpark.
experience,” said Rhea.
Over the last few years, these selling points have been the bread
Stockton’s Ambassadors will be required to renew their
and butter of the SCVB’s approach as the organization lobbies
certification annually, which Rhea said he hopes will encourage
sports teams, corporations and individuals to make Stockton their
residents to continually grow their skills and expand their knowledge
destination of choice. “We are extremely happy with these results,”
of all the wonderful benefits that Stockton offers tourists from year to
noted Rhea. “We are fortunate to have great hotels to partner with
year. “The Stockton Tourism Ambassadors will come from a diverse
as we continue to work to bring more group and leisure business
group of front-line hospitality employees, volunteers and general
to Stockton. We have put extra efforts into the leisure, meetings
public with an interest in enhancing the visitor experience,” added
and sports markets this year and it appears this has paid off.
Rhea. Nationwide, over 8,000 workers and volunteers have earned
While these numbers show great growth for hotels, we also know
the Certified Tourism Ambassador designation to date and the SCVB
that there is a positive impact on shopping, dining and general
hopes to add 200 Stockton Ambassadors who are ready to enhance
sales tax revenue citywide.”
the visitor experience by the end of 2013.
Stockton Tourism Ambassador Program In the push to establish Stockton as a tourism destination, the SCVB has recently made another major step forward in the local
For more information about the Stockton Tourism Ambassador Program, including the curriculum and enrollment information, visit the SCVB website at Stocktonambassadors.com.
www.stocktonchamber.org
apr2013 15
HEALTH PLAN OF SAN JOAQUIN MEANS... - Hundreds of primary care physicians and specialists - Easy access to your personal doctor - Choice of hospitals and pharmacies - Local and nationwide emergency care - Free 24/7 advice nurse - Serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties Eligibility guidelines apply and may be based in part on household income. Plan availability varies by county.
16 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
I
1-888-936-PLAN (7526) www.hpsj.com
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.
2013 Golf Tournament Sponsors:
“Blissful Living by Reducing or Eliminating Stress” is the topic of
A rock band once professed “You can’t always get what you
guest speaker Rochele Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS at the Stockton
want…” But if you want an evening of fun and great music,
Women’s Network luncheon on Wednesday, April 3. Lawson is the
you can get exactly that on Saturday, April 27, at the Stockton
President of The Health, Healing and Wellness Company bringing
Symphony’s Pops & Picnic concert! Spanos Center, UOP. Tickets
holistic health and wellness into the lives of individuals. A
$22-$60. StocktonSymphony.org or 209.951.0196.
successful entrepreneur and author, she also has a weekly syndicated radio show “Blissful Living” helping individuals live well and stress free. The luncheon is at 11:30 a.m. at Stockton Golf and Country Club. For reservations, call 209.472.0359. April 11, 5-8 p.m. Brookside Country Club fundraiser introducing “Let’s Face It Together” a nonprofit foundation committed to families in our community despite healthcare challenges, sponsored by Kimberly Cockerham MD, Zeiter Eye and SWN. Enjoy wine, cheese and olive oil tasting. Mingle, network, win raffle prizes and bid on silent auction items! Questions? Contact aleshialerine@hotmail.com. The Haggin Museum invites families to the “Art All Around Family Festival” on Saturday, April 13, 1:30-3:00 p.m. In celebration of the 82nd Annual McKee Student Art Exhibition, there will be hands-on art activities and a
FIREWORKS NIght
ApRIl 20th
performance by the Don Riggio String Orchestra. For more information, call 209.940.6315 or visit www.hagginmuseum.org.
For Tickets Call 644-1900 www.stocktonchamber.org
apr2013 17
ESTATE PlAnning
Presenting...
Keeping the Gold in your Gold en Years Planning Information Sunrise Series 2013 Brookside Country Club
Social Security
3603 St. Andrews Drive 7:30 a.m. ~ 9:00 a.m.
$10 donation recommended to Hospice of San Joaquin
Light Breakfast
Series No. 1
Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013
Estate Planning: Are your legal affairs in order? Seth Shapiro, Attorney - Herum/Crabtree
Long Term Care heaLTh Care CosTs
Series No. 2
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Advanced Social Security Strategies Gail Buckner, CFP - Franklin Templeton
Series No. 3
April Networking Mixer - 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. 4 @ Neumiller & Beardslee, Professional Corp.
509 W. Weber Avenue, 5th Floor, Stockton, CA 95203
New Member Meeting – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 4 @ Chamber Conference Room Stockton Chamber Golf Tournament – 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. 8 @ The Reserve at Spanos Park
10
Green Team San Joaquin – 9:00 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
10
Outback Scholarship Luncheon – 11:30 a.m. @ Outback Steakhouse Industrial Distribution Roundtable – 7:30 a.m. 11 Manufacturers @ TBA Relations Council – 7:30 a.m. 12 Government@ Chamber Conference Room
12
Leadership Stockton Health Care Session – 8:00 a.m . – 5:00 p.m. @ Health Plan of San Joaquin Effective Strategies Group – 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. 16 @ Chamber Conference Room Executive Committee Meeting – 7:00 a.m. 17 @ SGCC
Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013
Business Education Alliance – 3:30 p.m. 24 @ Chamber Conference Room
Hilary Miller, RN, BSN, Education Coordinator Hospice of San Joaquin
Chamber Board Meeting – 4:00 p.m. 25 @ Chamber Conference Room
End of Life Issues & Care Giving
Series No. 4
Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013
Saving for Health Care in Retirement Long Term Care (Living options) END OF LIFE ISSUES CarE GIvING
Calendar April 2013
Nationwide Insurance/Karen Jimison, Genworth
Asparagus Festival – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 26 @ Weber Point
thru
28
For information: (209) 473-4045 fpaofsanjoaquin@aol.com fpaofsanjoaquin.wordpress.com
Proceeds benefit Hospice of 18 PORT CALL
San Joaquin
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
*
Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info
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