PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.stocktonchamber.org
Vol. 57 No. 12
APRIL2012
June Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer 2012 Celebrate! Awards Winners Announced
Together in Spear-It Volunteerism Keeps the Stockton Asparagus Festival Growing PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA
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PORT CALL
Volunteerism Keeps the Stockton Asparagus Festival Growing
CONTENTS From Your President
4
From Your CEO
5
Events
6
Leadership Stockton
7
June Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer
Convention & Visitors Bureau 8 Programs and Public Policy Department
10
New Members
11
Cover Story
13
Ribbon Cuttings
15
Calendar
17
13
8
6
2012 Celebrate! Awards Winners Announced
Don’t Miss! Networking Mixer Hosted by: CSU Stanislaus, Grupe Commercial Company and Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
University Park 612 East Magnolia Street April 5, 5:15-7:15 p.m.
The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce understands the importance of improving the quality of life in our community. They know exactly how to reach out to the right people and connect the right businesses to accomplish a common goal, which is to make Stockton a great place to live and work.
Tina Williams, Director Pacific Gas & Electric
PORT CALL Official publication of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. Serving the Greater Stockton area business community since 1901. CHAMBER OFFICERS PRESIDENT Debbie Armstrong, Old Republic Title Company SR. VICE PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Steven Crabtree, Herum Crabtree VICE PRESIDENT Blain Bibb, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance VICE PRESIDENT Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Rick Goucher, C B Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate CHAMBER DIRECTORS Stephen Barney, F&M Bank Michael Cera, SMG/Stockton Arena/Bob Hope Theatre Donna DeMartino, San Joaquin Regional Transit District Dan Durst, Durst Contract Interiors Pat Filippone, Stockton Ports Baseball Club Lewis Gale, Eberhardt School of Business Clint Harless, Stockton Auto Glass/Quick’s Glass Service Dan Keyser, Grupe Commercial Company Kenneth Levy, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Sonya Morgan, External Resources, Inc. Darryle Oakman, San Joaquin County Rental Property Association Bakul Patel, Dorfman Pacific Tina Williams, Pacific Gas & Electric Company Diane Vigil, Dameron Hospital Foundation Bob Young, Stockton Golf & Country Club CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.
209.547.2766
PROGRAM & PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR/ BEA Frank Ferral 209.547.2763 SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR Heidi Altamirano
209.547.2764
OPERATIONS/FINANCE DIRECTOR Sandy Dwyer 209.547.2770 MEMBERSHIP SALES Matt Anderson
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SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD. Timm Quinn 209.547.2960 SCAP COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mikki Gilbert 209.337.2730 SCAP-SE COORDINATOR Michael Morales
209.337.2716
BEA/ SCAP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Karla Gonzalez 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 Kristin Bowker
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PRINTING Snyder Parks
209.466.9026
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GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 445 W. Weber Avenue, Suite 220, Stockton, CA 95203 209.547.2770 fax 209.466.5271 schamber@stocktonchamber.org
From Your President... by: Debbie Armstrong
Happy April! This month, I look forward to seeing all of you at the Asparagus Festival enjoying good
who come to our great city for this “Best of the West Food Fest!” A very big thank you to all of you who sponsor and volunteer hours of work for this great event. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever! This
family, community fun while
is a great way to love and support our community and have a great
providing much-needed
time doing it!
assistance to our many non-
Also, don’t forget the Great Asparagus Dine Out is April 1-15!
profits who do so much good
You can find a list of participating restaurants at
all year long.
www.visitstockton.org
Did you know in the past 26 years over $5.5 million has been contributed back to local charities directly from The Stockton Asparagus Festival?
Remember, living in and loving Stockton means shopping local and keeping our money here so businesses can thrive! I look forward to a great April and seeing many of you at the Festival… God bless you all!
This would not be possible without the continued help of the community and the large amount of folks from outside Stockton
www.stocktonchamber.org
APRIL2012
4
From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit
the positive side and confront the problem with courage, conviction, common sense and an open mind. As I was growing up, he often quoted many of his heroes in life! Here are just a few he believed in: General Douglas MacArthur, “Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind. Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old by deserting their ideals. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair.” “In the central place of every heart there is a recording chamber. So long as it receives a message of beauty, hope, cheer and courage – so long are you young. When the wires are all down and our heart is covered with the snow of pessimism and the ice of cynicism then, and only then, are you grown old.” George Washington, “the father of our country,” WHAT DOES THE APPROXIMATE NUMBER: TEN
who said: “Associate yourself with men of good quality if you
MILLION NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND PEOPLE (10.9
esteem your own reputation, for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad
MILLION) MEAN TO YOU? Please think about it while you read
company.” And finally, the legendary Alabama coach Paul “Bear”
this article for there will be a test at the end!
Bryant who said: “There are three types of individuals who play
With your leave, may I start off my April Port O Call article by
the game: First, there are those who are winners, and know they
thanking many of you, and others who may not read this, with the
are winners. Then there are losers who know they are losers. Then
Wilhoit family’s profound gratitude and thanks for the many, many
there are those who are not winners, but don’t know it. They’re the
acts of kindness and generosity since the passing of my father on
ones for me. They never quit trying. They’re the soul of our game.”
February 23, 2012! His wife of 70 years, my sisters, his grandchildren,
Thanks Dad for everything, and I hope those that read this
great-grandchildren and I were comforted by all of you and may God
article will think long and hard about what those who have gone
bless you. Again, our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.
before us have said, done and sacrificed to make sure we enjoy life
As I sit here on Sunday, March 11 (first day of daylight savings), it is bittersweet. Each month as I prepared my article, my Dad
to its fullest, as you did! Also in today’s (March 11) Record there were some folks who
would ask what I was going to write about and sometimes I had a
surely can relate to the quotes above: Pete Smith, Stockton PD
basic idea and would run it by him. He would give me some input,
PIO, who answered the question “your two cents worth about
especially if it was about the trials and tribulations we are going
Stockton.” His answer: “This is a great city. It’s tough and has a
through in the City of Stockton he loved so dearly. He reminded me
great heart. It will rise again, and be greater than ever.” This is
of the days gone by (the 40’s, 50’s and early 60’s) when Stockton had
what we should all be thinking! Columnist Tony Sauro, who wrote
the largest “skid row” West of the Mississippi, or as former Chief of
a great positive story on the Rebirth of show business city venues,
Police Rex Parker—our neighbor when I was born—told Dad in the
Mike Cera, Arena manager and Chamber Board member, who
40’s and me in 1967, that good law enforcement and politics are bad
said, “We’re looking at every single thing that comes to Northern
bedfellows, or how the decline of Downtown created new issues we
California. There isn’t anything we aren’t looking at.” Larry Richter,
still see today. He always reminded me that we should always look at
founder and owner of Richter Entertainment
5
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
continued on page 10
Events
by: Heidi Altamarino June Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer Sign up now for the June 7 Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. Expose
your loved ones and neighbors, all in the interest of maintaining a wholesome community. Sponsorships are still available, so take advantage of this
your products and services to over 300 business attendees, meet
high profile marketing opportunity for your business. For more
some new people and grow your business. Tables are just $250 for
information, call Heidi Altamirano at 209.547.2764 or email to
Chamber Members. Table space is going fast, so sign up now!
heidi@stocktonchamber.org. Tickets are $35 per person and are
To sign up or receive more information please call Timm Quinn
not available at the door. To purchase tickets, go to the Events tab
at 209.547.2960 or email him at tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.
at www.stocktonchamber.org and download the faxable form.
State of the City 2012 to be Held on May 17!
Business Awards Nominations Needed!
If you’re ever in doubt that we live in a great community, just
Nominations are now being accepted for our June 7 Business
attend our annual State of the City 2012! This year the State of the
Awards Luncheon. We are seeking nominations in the
City will be held May 17 at the Port of Stockton. Co-Sponsored
categories of:
by the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, the City of
• Small Business Person of the Year
Stockton and the Port of Stockton, this event features exhibits
• Business Employee of the Year
showcasing the critical and inspiring services available to you,
• Business Manager of the Year • Business Person of the Year
State of the City 2012 Sponsors (as of 3/2/12)
Platinum A.G. Spanos Companies American Medical Response, Inc. Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Big Valley Ford Lincoln California Water Service Co. City of Stockton Dameron Hospital Association Delta Sierra Beverage Financial Center Credit Union Grupe Commercial Company Hensel Phelps Construction Company Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin Humphreys College Kaiser Permanente Lincoln Center metroPCS Neumiller & Beardslee Pacific Records Management Port of Stockton Rabobank, N.A. Robert Half International San Joaquin Building & Construction Trades Council San Joaquin County WorkNet San Joaquin Delta College
@
San Joaquin Partnership, Inc. San Joaquin RTD Sims Metal Management St. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau Stockton Ports Baseball Club The Record/San Joaquin Media Group United Way of San Joaquin County University of the Pacific Waste Management
Gold Builders Exchange of Stockton Clark / McCarthy Oak Valley Community Bank R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc. Stockton East Water District Sutter Gould Medical Foundation Yara North America, Inc.
Silver DEVCON Construction, Inc. Dorfman Pacific Co., Inc.
Table California Water Service Co. Health Plan of San Joaquin
Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764
• 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 6, 2012.
2012 Asparagus Festival Volunteers Needed! There is still time to join Tortellini Timm and Angel Hair Heidi as a volunteer in the Chamber’s Pasta and Ice Cream Booth at the ever famous, world renowned Stockton Asparagus Festival April 27, 28 and 29! If you’re into having some weekend fun with some great people while raising funds for our Chamber programs, then you will love preparing pasta and scooping ice cream with some likeminded folks. Only a few timeslots open, act fast. To add your name to the volunteer list please contact Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or tquinn@stocktonchamber.org. www.stocktonchamber.org
APRIL2012
6
Become a Certified Green Business! Leadership Stockton Save money & gain customers by:
by: Timm Quinn
Reducing waste Conserving water and energy Protecting public health Using recycled-content in your products
Community Serving Community Session Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union
www.GreenTeamSanJoaquin.com Charitable, nonprofit groups have always played an important SMALL BUSINESS role in our lives, extending essential help D to ISPOSAL our local community HAZARDOUS WASTE *
Each team then had the opportunity to share their experiences at each community-based organization with other members of the class. They used words such as “eye-opening�, “deep respect�, “life changing�, “better understanding�, “amazing�, and “extremely
Affordable Management forentire Your day Business in many ways. Hazardous That is whyWaste each year we devote an to A Program of San Joaquin County Public Works exploring some of Stockton’s finest community-based www.SJCrecycle.org (209) 468-3066 organizations. i Low cost way to safely dispose of hazardous That day, the class was divided into seven teams,materials. each assigned
impressed� when speaking about their time spent at the various
i Documentation you properly manage hazardous waste. to one of seven differentthat community-based organizations: i Assurance that the material will be disposed of properly. ConditionallySt. Exempt SmallInterfaith Quantity Generators (CESQG) Women’s Center of San*Joaquin, Mary’s Community
Management Development, talked with the class about being
Services, Stockton Shelter for the Homeless, Child Abuse
participants felt the session was one of their favorites this year.
(Costs depend on your waste types.)
Prevention Council, Emergency Food Bank of Stockton, Family We also accept universal and electronic waste. Resource & Referral Center/Podesto Teen Impact Center and
Green Your Bottom Line Gospel Center Rescue Mission. Stewardship! with Product
Economic benefits abound: At theiroperating host locations, each team was given a tour, an reduced costs, energy savings, reduced disposal costs, the creation of green jobs.
non-profit agencies. Then Peter Johnson (LS ’02), Director, University of the Pacific Westgate Center for Leadership and an impactful board member and leaving your legacy. Most I would like to thank the following people for their contribution to the success of this session: Andy Prokop and Donna Ng from the United Way for their help, Peter Johnson and to each hosting nonprofit director who helped make the day so special: Lindy Turner
information session and got right to work. After working hard all
(LS ’01), Uyen Do (LS ’08), Tim Viall (LS ’93), Edward Figueroa,
morning, the class met| Conserve for a great BBQ lunch enjoyToxics the |outdoor Design it Green | Make it Clean Resources | Reduce | Reuseto | Eliminate Take it Back!
John Reynolds, Kim Miller (LS ’09), Tony Washington (LS ’98) and
barbecue and pergola the LS Class of 2011 built at the Emergency
Joelle Gomez (LS ’95)—Thank you for opening your doors!
www.CalPSC.org
Food Bank. After lunch, Andy Prokop, President and CEO of the United Way of San Joaquin County, talked to the class about his journey into the world of nonprofits and thanked the class for their commitment to the community and participation in Leadership Stockton. Andy then spoke about the great things United Way does for our community and how Leadership Stockton participants are already well on their way to being the future of Stockton.
Grow it, make it & ship it! ! 4BO +PBRVJO 64"
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Connect with the San Joaquin Partnership. $BMM .JLF BU t TKQOFU PSH t NBNNBOO!TKQOFU PSH
7
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
@
Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960
Convention & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea
2012 Celebrate! Awards Winners Announced
www.DineOutStockton.com. Be sure to “like” our Facebook page
The Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced the
at www.facebook.com/Stockton.Restaurant.Week to win great
2012 Celebrate! Awards honorees to be recognized at the upcoming
prizes and for the latest information.
2012 Celebrate! Awards & Tourism Luncheon on April 4, 2012. The 2012 Celebrate! Awards will recognize the contributions and efforts of the following: • Industry Professional of the Year: David Crawford - Assistant
Operations Manager, SMG Stockton - Stockton Arena,
Stockton Ballpark & Bob Hope Theatre • Industry Partner of the Year: The Downtown
Stockton Alliance • Sports Partner of the Year: California Grapettes Girls
Fastpitch Softball The event will take place on April 4 at the Hilton Stockton and
will address the current state of travel, tourism & hospitality in Stockton and the Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau’s efforts to promote and market our city. “At our luncheon we’ll share the importance of travel and tourism in our region and
PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS
its impact on our local economy,” noted Wes Rhea, Executive
HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL FOR
Director of the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau, “We
SMALL BUSINESSES
are also looking forward to celebrating some great people and organizations that make our job a little easier by making a difference in our industry.” Doors open at 11 a.m. with the program beginning at 11:30 a.m. Lunch, program and awards will finish about 1 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and tables of 8 are available for $200. Tickets are available now at www.CelebrateAwards.com. For event or ticket information regarding the 2012 Celebrate! Awards and Tourism Luncheon please call 209.938.1555 or email
√ √ √
Affordable, safe disposal of hazardous materials. Proof of proper management of hazardous waste. Universal and electronic waste accepted.
megan@visitstockton.org.
The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out is Here! Stockton will celebrate locally grown asparagus during the 3rd annual Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out – April 1 through 15, with over 25 restaurant locations throughout Stockton serving up delicious asparagus entrées, appetizers and cocktails!
For details and prices, call (209) 468-3066
Participating restaurants and their menus are featured at
@
Wes Rhea: wes@visitstockton.org 209.938.1555
Be sure to become a fan on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Stockton.CVB
www.visitstockton.org
APRIL2012
8
9
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Programs and Public Policy Department by: Frank Ferral Adopt Your Own Environmental Policy… Your Chamber Has In 2007, the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce adopted its Environmental Purchasing Policy to not only reduce our costs in doing business, but to lead by example on what businesses can do to better the environment. Statement of Policy This policy, known as the “Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) Responsible Purchasing Policy”, supports a triple bottom line – economic, environmental and social. The Chamber supports sustainable practices that: • Reduce waste by increasing product efficiency and effectiveness • Purchase products that minimize environmental impacts, toxins, pollution and hazards to work and community safety, to the greatest extent practicable • Purchase products that include recycled content, are durable and long-lasting, conserve energy and water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use unbleached or chlorine-free manufacturing processes and use wood from sustainably harvested forests. 2. Purpose 1.1 This policy is adopted in order to: • conserve natural resources, preserve air, soil and water quality • minimize environmental impacts such as pollution and use of water and energy • eliminate or reduce toxins that create hazards to workers and our community • strengthen and support strong local recycling markets by encouraging Chamber members to use such products whenever practicable • reduce materials that are landfilled • increase the use and availability of environmentally preferable products • identify environmentally preferable products and distribution systems • create a model for successfully purchasing recycled products that encourages other purchasers in our community to adopt similar goals 3. Specifications
CEO
3.1 Source Reduction 3.1.1 Chamber shall institute best management practices that reduce waste and result in the purchase of fewer products whenever practicable and cost-effective, but without reducing safety or workplace quality. 3.1.2 Chamber shall purchase remanufactured products such as laser toner cartridges, furniture and equipment whenever practicable, but without reducing safety, quality or effectiveness. 3.1.3 Chamber shall require all equipment bought after the adoption of this policy to be compatible with source reduction goals as referred to in this section (3.1), when practicable. 3.1.4 All buyers shall consider short term and long term costs in comparing product alternatives, when feasible. This includes evaluation of total costs expected during the time a product is owned, including, but not limited to, acquisition, extended warranties, operation, supplies, maintenance, disposal costs and expected lifetime compared to other alternatives. 3.1.5 Products that are durable, long-lasting, reusable or refillable are preferred whenever feasible. 3.1.6 Chamber requests vendors to eliminate packaging or use the minimum amount necessary for product protection, to the greatest extent possible. 3.1.7 Packaging that is reusable or recyclable is preferred, when suitable uses and programs exist. 3.1.8 Vendors shall be encouraged to take back and reuse pallets and packaging materials. 3.1.9 Suppliers of electronic equipment, including but not limited to computers, monitors, printers and copiers, shall be required to take back equipment for reuse or environmentally safe recycling when Chamber discards or replaces such equipment, whenever possible. 3.1.10 Print and photocopy on both sides of paper; default copy machines to double-sided printing. 3.2 Recycled Content Products 3.2.1 All products for which the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.EPA) has established minimum recycled content standard guidelines, such as those for printing paper, office paper, janitorial paper, construction, landscaping, parks and recreation, transportation, vehicles miscellaneous and non paper products, shall contain the highest post consumer content practicable, but no less than the minimum recycled content standards established by the U.S. EPA Guidelines. 3.2.2 Copiers and printers bought shall be compatible with the use of recycled content products. 3.2.3 All pre-printed recycled content papers intended for distribution that are purchased or produced shall contain a statement that the paper is made of recycled content. 100% post-consumer content is preferred.
For a full copy of our policy, please visit www.greenteamsanjoaquin.com and click on “resources.”
Cont’d from pg. 5
Group, who said, “We plan on being a force. We plan on putting
NOW: Back to the 10.9 Million PEOPLE at the beginning
these buildings on the map and making them successful.” And
of this missive: The first person who can tell me by 5 p.m. on
a very special shout out to Ms. Georgia Brownlee, President of
Monday April 9, 2012 -by FAX ONLY (209.466.5271)- what
the Sierra Vista Residence Council, who organized a community
the significance of that number is to our community AND as
meeting at the Dorothy L. Jones (one of my heroes) Community
completely as possible who, what, where, when, why, and how
and Health Center. Ms. Brownlee is correct when she states, “We
(old police department training) I arrived at that number, will be
need to stop the violence plaguing our community.” She and all
my guest at a Chamber Member restaurant of their choice for a
those who participated are to be congratulated and their example
meal which will include appetizers, main course and dessert (no
replicated all around the City of Stockton. As many wise folks have
alcohol beverages –sorry), two tickets to State of the City, two
said for years and I have stated often before, “IF YOU ARE NOT
Comcast Section tickets to a Port’s game of their choice and a copy
PART OF THE SOLUTION, THEN YOU ARE PART OF THE
of our Chamber’s publication of the book; “Stockton. Renewed,
PROBLEM!” Thank you to the Record for the positive stories and
Revitalized and Redefined” written by Annie Gonzales. Put on
those stand up folks (Stocktonians) in the articles!
your positive thinking caps and good luck!
@
For more info, contact Frank Ferral at fferral@stocktonchamber.org
www.stocktonchamber.org
APRIL2012 10
New Members
For more information on becoming a new member, please call Matt Anderson at 209.547.2770. Please allow up to 90 days for your listing to show.
Beauty Salons
Janitorial Supplies
Training Programs
Beauty Garden Salon & Spa
Merit Supply Inc.
LifeSaver CPR
4103 E. Morado Lane #140 430 Schmidt Court Stockton www.beautygardensalonspa.com
540 N. Hunter Street Stockton www.meritjanitorialsupply.com
1478 Dunigan Place Manteca
Education / Colleges & Universities UEI College 4994 Claremont Avenue Stockton
Tammy’s Janitorial Services PO Box 117 Stockton
www.tammysjanitorial.com
Mediation Services
www.uei.edu
Education / Veteran Training Services
Mediation Center San Joaquin County 829 Rose Marie Lane, #D Stockton
Troops to Teachers
Recycling
5021 Bayview Circle Stockton
www.mpttt.org
Insurance - Agents & Brokers
ECS Refining 2222 South Sinclair Avenue Stockton
USI Insurance Services of Northern CA Inc. 2021 W. March Lane, 3rd Floor Stockton
www.usi.biz
www.ecsrefining.com
Service Organizations March of Dimes 1729 Tully Road, #6 Modesto
11 PORT CALL
www.mediatorsrus.org
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
www.marchofdimes.com
www.lifesavercpr.net
www.stocktonchamber.org
APRIL2012 12
COVER STORY
Together in Spear-It Volunteerism Keeps the Stockton Asparagus Festival Growing By Justin Souza
whole premise of the Festival is to support
to determine everything required to make
Asparagus Festival closes its gates on
nonprofits in San Joaquin County.
the event a reality. All tasks are assigned
another successful year this April, it will
Most nonprofits don’t do special event
a certain number of hours needed to
have an army of volunteers to thank for it.
fundraising anymore, but the Asparagus
accomplish them, then each is assigned
Festival has proven to be a tried and
to one of over 100 San Joaquin County
Festival has thrilled over 100,000 people
true method and many of our nonprofit
nonprofit groups. The nonprofits are
a year with great food, fun activities
partners count on the money they earn
responsible for handing out assignments
and three full days of celebration of our
here for their yearly budgets.”
to individual volunteers.
When the 27th annual Stockton
Since 1986, the Stockton Asparagus
According to Post, the event drew over
favorite local spear, all through the hard work of a volunteer labor force who have pitched in to raise over $5.5 million to support San Joaquin County nonprofit organizations. According to Kate Post, Executive Director of the event, the Stockton Asparagus Festival has become the largest
Since 1986, the Stockton Asparagus Festival has raised over $5.5 million for local nonprofits.
to man booths, take tickets or do any of
them manning grills, ovens or counters in Asparagus Alley. “It’s an interesting study in organization,” said Post. “We communicate with the heads of the nonprofit organizations and their job is to communicate with and structure their own people. The more
charitable festival in California, donating all profit to the groups that send workers
5,000 volunteer workers last year, many of
A Slice of the Spear The Asparagus Festival works
enthusiastic and organized we are, the better volunteer experience we give to our nonprofits.”
hundreds of other jobs that make the
through partnerships with local nonprofits
popular annual event possible. “We give
to staff the Festival’s attractions as well as
away more than anybody,” said Post.
to set up and tear down the facilities and
volunteers get to work figuring out what
“When you’re here, every bite you take
provide background support. “Some of
the Festival took in and what costs it
goes to nonprofits!”
these groups work their tails off, but they
incurred. The net profit earned is then
still manage to have fun, too,” said Leslie
divided by the number of hours worked
a major center of local volunteerism,
Snyder, who has served as Volunteer
by all the volunteers and an hourly
growing from 8,000 volunteer hours in
Committee Chair for the Asparagus
dividend is decided which determines
1986 to more than 32,000 at last year’s
Festival for the last 15 years. “We couldn’t
how much each nonprofit group receives.
event. The Festival provides nonprofits
do this without them!”
The Stockton Asparagus Festival is
a reliable funding source founded on
Each year, long before the first spear
After the Festival ends, yet more
Under last year’s dividend of $10.97, a nonprofit whose volunteer workforce
the steady popularity of the “Best of the
is battered and fried, the Festival’s
put in a total of 100 hours would receive
West” Food Festival, added Post. “The
activities are broken down and analyzed
a check for around $1,100 dollars from
13 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
the Festival. Dividends from the Festival
It Celebration for our groups,” added
substitutes that I can send out to fill
have reached as high as $15.95 and have
Snyder. “We unveil a big check with the
any gaps.”
generally remained well above minimum
total amount earned for our nonprofits
wage during the Festival’s 27 years.
during the Festival and then present each
a shift of around 5 hours, said Snyder.
Since 1986, over $5.5 million has been
group with individual checks. It’s exciting!
“Five hours isn’t bad when you’re having
donated to local nonprofits through these
None of the groups know what amount
a good time as a volunteer.” In addition to
dividends, including $351,457 from last
they’ve earned until that day!”
the dividend earned for their nonprofit,
year’s event alone.
Making the Festival a Success
every volunteer receives a free meal for
Snyder added that
With yearly attendance
Volunteer workers are generally assigned
every shift worked, a wristband that
her challenge is to
of over 100,000 people
allows entry to the Festival throughout
balance the hours
per year, the Stockton
the weekend and free transportation
needed to keep the
Asparagus Festival could
from Delta College, which saves them the
Festival operating
be a logistical challenge.
hassle of locating parking downtown.
while also keeping
But the innovative
an eye on the
organizational structure
hard to include as many groups as possible,
bottom line. “I try
of the Festival—its
there is still a waitlist of interested groups
to keep the hours
focus on distributing
going all the way back to 2007. “Last year,
in check because
the managerial load to
I took 6 or 7 groups from the waiting list
that helps us give
individual nonprofit
because of some new functions. When I
a higher dividend
groups—means that no
have an opening, I go to the waiting list. I
in the end.” This
one person is in charge
have gotten groups that sent letters in years
can mean that
of keeping everything
ago who were still interested and so excited
volunteers are
running smoothly.
to be part of this.” Snyder added that while
sometimes swamped
When the Festival is
she doesn’t place individual volunteers, only
during the Festival’s
open, Snyder can be
groups, those individuals who are interested
busiest times, but
found at the Volunteer
in volunteering can contact groups
minimizing staff
Information Booth. “I
(including the Greater Stockton Chamber
maximizes the size of
always have my feelers
of Commerce!) to find a spot to help out.
the check the Festival
out there to make sure
can hand over. “After we know what we’re able to give to each group, we hold the Spear-
that everything is going
Snyder said that while she has worked
This year’s Asparagus Festival is scheduled for April 27-29 from 10 a.m. to
smoothly and we have adequate staff. I
7 p.m. Visit www.asparagusfest.com for
have a little backup group of
more information. www.stocktonchamber.org
APRIL2012 14
Ribbon Cuttings
For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org
Attending Ambassadors Annie Randazzo Allied Waste
Blair Hake Ameriprise Financial Services Inc.
Bryan Meadows Stockton Ports Baseball Club
Carol Clemons Angel’s Caring Helpers
Cindy Ward Xango
Diane Reyes St. Joseph’s EAP
Dr Eunice Green Green’s Nutrition
Ella Holman Collins Reality
Gary Ghan Brookfalls Water Co.
Geri Blas Stockton Post Office
Glenn Jose H.O.P.E.
Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan & Gourmet Gifts
Greg Walther Press F1 Computers
Griffin Shibley Stockton Ports Baseball Club
Henry Peralta Stockton Auto Glass
Jennifer Lewis Hilton Stockton
Joel Carignan Edward Jones
John Paval Kansas City Life
Justin Redman Central Valley Community Bank
Keith Burgad Burgad Imaging
Linda Stockton Entravision Radio
Loretta Lee California State Department of Rehabilitation
Luke Reiff Stockton Ports Baseball Club
Mark McDonald Legalshield
Networking Mixer March 1, The Reserve at Spanos Park
15 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Marsha Saulsbury Dazzlin’ Cleaning
Max Vargas Senator Wolk’s Office
Memri Johnson Sport Clips
Michele Sherlock Optimal Hospice Care
Nick Harbot Eco Chic Salon Naturally
Patricia DeSoto Patricia V DeSoto CPA
Patti Gulick New Image Signs
Peter Lopez Stockton Ports Baseball Club
Phyllis Klein Klein Insurance
Rebecca Deal Rabobank
Ross Moerman Doctor Data
Sam Ward Xango
Shannon Ding Assemblymember Bill Berryhill’s Office
Tim Aragon TNT Quik Connect
Vince Rosato New Image Signs
Wes Rhea Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Calendar
April 2012 Highlights 4/5 - Networking Mixer – 5:15 - 7:15 p.m. @ University Park 612 East Magnolia Street
HE REALLY TATTOOED THAT ONE!
2
Stockton Chamber Golf Tournament – 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. @ Stockton Golf & Country Club
5
Stockton Chamber April Mixer – 5:15 - 7:15 p.m. Hosted by California State University, Stanislaus, Grupe Commercial Company and Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences @ University Park
11
Green Team San Joaquin – 9:00 a.m.
11
Outback Steakhouse Down Under Scholarship Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ Outback Steakhouse, March Lane
12
Manufacturers Industrial Distribution Roundtable – 7:30 a.m. @ TBA
13
Leadership Stockton Education Session – 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. @ Health Plan of San Joaquin
13
Government Relations Council – 3:30 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
18
Chamber Executive Committee Meeting – 7 a.m. @ Stockton Golf & Country Club
24
Effective Strategies Group: How to Effectively Use E-Mail Marketing, Karen Rice, Constant Contact 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
25
Business Education Alliance – 3:30 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
26
Chamber Board Meeting – 4 p.m. @ Prison Hospital
OPENING DAY: THURSDAY, APRIL 12th Home – April 12-18 & April 23-26
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17 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
@ Chamber Conference Room
also don’t miss...
*
5/3 - Networking Mixer @ Pacific Records Management/Bekins Wilshire Ave., Stockton
Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info