PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.stocktonchamber.org
Vol. 57 No. 4
AUGUST2011
Let the Chamber Help You Give Back to the Community! Leadership Stockton Class of 2011
Port City Promotion Stockton and the New CVB PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA
Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography
On the cover: Wes Rhea, Executive Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and George Kaplanis, CVB Board President
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PORT CALL
15
Port City Promotion
CONTENTS Events
4
From Your President
5
From Your CEO
6
Leadership Stockton
7
Programs and Public Policy Department
10
Convention & Visitors Bureau 12 New Members
13
Ribbon Cuttings
14
Cover Story
15
News Briefs
19
Calendar
21
10
Leadership Stockton Class of 2011
7
Let the Chamber Help You Give Back to the Community!
Don’t Miss!
Networking Mixer
Rabobank, N.A., West March Lane Branch Thursday, August 4, 5:15-7:15 p.m. 1889 West March Lane, Stockton
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 Dick McClure, Woodwork Institute IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Rick Goucher, CB Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate
8.31.11
CHAMBER DIRECTORS Stephen Barney, F&M Bank Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications Michael Cera, SMG/Stockton Arena/Bob Hope Theatre Donna DeMartino, San Joaquin Regional Transit District Dan Durst, Durst Contract Interiors Pat Filippone, Stockton Port Baseball Club Clint Harless, Stockton Auto Glass/Quick’s Glass Service Dan Keyser, Grupe Commercial Company Kenneth Levy, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Rich McDonald, Class One Safety Sonya Morgan, External Resources, Inc. Ren Nosky, Downey Brand Darryle Oakman, San Joaquin County Rental Property Association Tina Williams, Pacific Gas & Electric Company 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
209.337.2723
SCAP COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mikki Gilbert 209.337.2730 BEA/ SCAP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Karla Gonzalez 209.547.2770 SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD. Timm Quinn 209.547.2960 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 Jeff Orona
209.380.0942
PRINTING Snyder Parks
209.466.9026
MAILING Pre-Sort Center of Stockton
209.941.2467
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
Events
by: Heidi Altamirano
ATHENA Award 2011 Take a few minutes to think about the exceptional business
47th Annual Industrial Technology Barbecue One of our most popular events of the year is the Industrial
people you know, then consider nominating them for this year’s
Technology Barbecue, a festive fall get-together honoring new
prestigious ATHENA Award or the ATHENA Young Professional
and expanding businesses in our county. Mark your calendars for
Leadership Award. On November 17, at a luncheon at Stockton
Wednesday, September 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the University Plaza
Golf & Country Club, we’ll honor an outstanding individual as our
Waterfront Hotel, 110 W. Fremont St., Stockton, 95202.
2011-2012 Stockton Chamber of Commerce ATHENA recipient and honor Young Professional Leadership Award recipient. This award is presented to an individual in our community who
We’re proud to have the distinguished and continuing support of our founding sponsors Pacific Gas & Electric Company, SJC Economic Development Association and San Joaquin Partnership.
strives toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment,
Their dedication to honoring those companies that enhance our
excels in their chosen field, demonstrates support for the
revenue and employment base is a testimonial to the emphasis we
advancement of business and professional women, devotes time
place on encouraging a healthy business economy.
and energy to their community in a meaningful way and opens paths so that others may follow. For more information, please call Heidi Altamirano at 209.547.2764, or email to Heidi@StocktonChamber.org.
Various Industrial Technology Barbecue sponsorship levels are available; if you take action now, you’ll receive maximum marketing exposure in upcoming promotions. Act now and help us honor these great companies! For more information, please contact Timm Quinn at
Ag Hall Of Fame Requests Nominations The San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame is requesting nominations for outstanding agricultural leaders and mentors in our community. Now in its 27th year, the Agricultural Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have contributed to agriculture and to their community in significant ways. Each year, awards are given to at least three living recipients, as well as posthumous ones. Last year’s award recipients were John A. Demichelis (posthumous), Frank Faria, Don McKenzie, Bruno Marchini, and Bob Schulz. All those previously recognized in the Agricultural Hall of Fame have their photographs and biographies on display at the San Joaquin Historical Society & Museum in Micke Grove Park and in the lobby of the new Robert J. Cabral Ag Center. Nomination forms are available from the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, and need to be submitted by August 17 in order to be considered. For more information, please call Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or visit the Stockton Chamber of Commerce website, www.stocktonchamber.org, and click on the Ag Hall of Fame link in the events section.
@
Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764
209.547.2960, or tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.
IT BBQ Sponsorship Opportunities $1,100 Gold Sponsor Exclusive sponsorship. Sponsorship includes eight dinner tickets, two tickets to pre-event honoree reception (reception will be held 4:30-5:30 p.m. before the event 9/14 at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel), recognition in all preevent publicity and mailings (with name/logo of company), ad in the dinner program, recognition from podium during event, signage at table. $800 Silver Sponsor Sponsorship includes four dinner tickets, recognition in all pre-event publicity and mailings (with name of company), recognition from podium during event, company signage at table. $600 Bronze Sponsor Sponsorship includes two dinner tickets, recognition in all pre-event publicity and mailings (with name of company), listing of company in the program night of the event, recognition from podium during event. www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
AUGUST2011
4
From Your President... by: Debbie Armstrong
I am well into my first month as your Chamber President and I am excited to hear
of Commerce under the direction of Wes Rhea.
from so many of you who are as excited as I am
As all good things come to an end, on July 1, the
about the Chamber’s theme of “Living in and
Convention and Visitors Bureau moved to their
Loving Stockton”.
own offices with their own board of directors.
The Chamber’s goal is to encourage our
best, thank them and Wes for a job well done,
believe are Stockton’s strengths as well as
and look forward to working together with them
areas needed for improvement. We often hear
to promote Stockton. Remember to visit their
negatives, since it is easy to complain. It is more
website, www.VisitStockton.org, to check out the
difficult to be an active participant in improving
current happenings in Stockton. I also want to remind each of you to SHOP
as many members as I can about their ideas for
and BUY locally, since it not only helps
Stockton, and I encourage any of you who want
Stockton’s economy, but more importantly, helps
to be a participant to contact me. Together we
your friends, neighbors and family who own
can make Stockton better.
businesses or work in Stockton.
For the past few years the Convention and
20% off the 12-Month Rate with a 3 month commitment* For more information contact Jeff Orona at 209.380.0942 or jeff@neverboring.com.
*Offer good for new advertisers and chamber members only
PORT CALL
We wish the Convention and Visitors Bureau the
members to express themselves on what they
our community. As President I want to talk to
5
Visitors Bureau has been a part of the Chamber
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit
In the 12 years I have been preparing my monthly article for
The Act created the Delta
Port O Call I have never used this space for a guest editorial but
Conservancy as a state agency
have in other parts of Port O Call. This month, during a one on
to implement Delta ecosystem
one lunch with Mike Machado, we discussed the importance of
restoration. The Delta Stewardship
the entire community understanding and standing up to the threat
Council (Council) was established
to the Delta and our communities by self serving or political
to create a Delta Plan to implement
interests. I asked Mike to submit the following article. Please read
the Delta Vision Strategic Plan. The
and let your voices be heard!
Act states that the implementation
The Delta an Estuary Under Siege
of the Delta Plan shall further Delta
By Michael Machado, Executive Director, Delta Protection Commission The Delta, the largest estuary in the Western Hemisphere, is valuable for wildlife, recreation, and water for 25 million Californians. It is a critical part of the five Delta Counties’ (San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Solano and Yolo) economies, with a contribution to the regional and state’s economy of over $4.6 billion. Delta water has been fought over by exporters to the south seeking more secure water supplies and Northern Californians who fear the Delta will become another Owen’s Valley. In 1982 voters defeated an attempt to build a peripheral canal which would bypass the Delta, threaten its ecosystem, and the regional economy. The expansion of export pumping in recent years has caused a precipitous decline in smelt and salmon populations, leading to court actions that restricted pumping. To address the problems of restricted pumping, a reduction in exports, and the Delta ecosystem decline, the Delta Reform Act of 2009 (Act) was signed by then Governor Schwarzenegger which established as State Policy the co-equal goals of water reliability and ecosystem restoration. Additionally, the Legislature recognized that inherent in the co-equal goals were objectives to protect and enhance the unique cultural, recreational, and agricultural values of the Delta as an evolving place. The Legislature also established as State policy, reduced reliance on the Delta in meeting future water needs through a statewide strategy of investing in improved regional supplies, conservation and water uses efficiency.
ecosystem restoration and water supply reliability, and incorporate the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP), which is a plan for environmental restoration of the Delta being proposed by water exporters. The Council shall act as an appellate body to review local and regional planning agencies’ plans regarding consistency with the Delta Plan, which will include consistency with the co-equal goals and with the ecosystem restoration needs of the Delta. The Act reorganized the Delta Protection Commission (DPC) with a majority of the commissioners designated from local government, and charged the DPC to develop an Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) for the Delta. The ESP was specified to include, but not be limited to, recommendations on flood protection, economic goals, policies and objectives of the general plans of the Delta counties, including recommendations on continued socioeconomic sustainability of agriculture, its infrastructure, and legacy communities. Part of the ESP is to look at the economic impacts of the BDCP on the objectives inherent in the co-equal goals, specifically the impact on agriculture, recreation, and legacy communities. The 2010 draft BDCP proposed an isolated conveyance, (including a tunnel that could divert the full flow of the Sacramento River at Clarksburg), habitat corridors that could remove over 65,000 acres of farmland from production, and restoration of up to 20 islands to tidal marsh. Five www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
continued on page 13
AUGUST2011
6
Leadership Stockton by: Timm Quinn
Leadership Stockton Class of 2011 Congratulations again to the Leadership Stockton Class of 2011
Leadership Stockton Emergency Food Bank Project Before and After Photos
for all your hard work and dedication to the class and to making Stockton a better place to live.
Leadership Stockton Class of 2011 Graduates: Kristen Anema, The Haggin Museum Christina Deleon-Williams, SJVC Karen DePrater, San Joaquin County Office of Education Sandra Dinardi, San Joaquin County, Information Systems Division
Food Bank Before
Jim Dugoni, University of the Pacific - Athletics Dept. Mariel Fedri Melissa Giannecchini, Neumiller & Beardslee Blake Gonsalves, Bank of the West Dina Jose, San Joaquin County Sheriff ’s Office Tony Knapp, San Joaquin County Sheriff ’s Office Gary Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers Brian Marshall Karen Marshall Sonya Morgan, External Resources, Inc.
Food Bank After
Justin Redman, Central Valley Community Bank Karla Rodriguez, University of the Pacific Seth Shapiro, Herum Crabtree Raymond Smith, EZ Network Systems, Inc. Dave Souza, San Joaquin County Sheriff ’s Office Richard Valenzuela, Waddell & Reed Leanne Wade, San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services Pat Withrow, San Joaquin County Sheriff ’s Office Trevor Womack, City of Stockton - Police Department Moses Zapien, San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office
7
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
@
Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960
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Learn more at www.ExtendedEd.com • (209) 667-3111 8 www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
AUGUST2011
Become a Certified Green Business! Networking Mixer Save money & gain customers by:
Reducing waste
July 7 at Cash Carry Smart Food Service Conservingand water and energy Protecting public health Using recycled-content in your products
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9
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Programs and Public Policy Department by: Frank Ferral
Let the Chamber Help You Give Back to the Community! The Stockton Chamber Apprenticeship Program (SCAP) is one
status as environmental stewards. “The program helps us reduce our carbon footprint and allows local businesses to reduce costs,” said Stockton Mayor Ann
of the many award winning Chamber programs. This program
Johnston. “We are excited about the impact that we will have on
helps the entire community by placing CalWorks recipients
the entire region.”
back into the workforce and helping them become self-sufficient members of our community.
“We don’t really want to pressure businesses. When we go in there, some of the ideas make economic sense, and they’re going
How does this help all of us who live in San Joaquin County?
to jump on that,” said Frank Ferral, REACON Program Manager.
As a local business owner using SCAP, the program can save you
The City of Stockton transferred $153,440 in EECBG (Energy
money when hiring new employees. The CalWorks participant
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant) funding to the
benefits by getting their chance to get their foot in the door at a
Chamber of Commerce to expand REACON. With these funds,
job and gain employment, hopefully reducing or eliminating
REACON is offering energy efficient products and additional
their need to rely on the county and state for income. Everybody
incentive funds, developing the REACON Calculator to show
wins when people have more money in their pocket to spend
businesses their “carbon footprint,” holding workshops to train
at local retailers.
businesses and enhancing local marketing efforts.
One of the aspects of our program is to provide the participants
Recent REACON efforts also include the development of a
with real life feedback of their interview abilities. This will help
green business certification process, in which Stockton business
them succeed in the future with other career goals. In order to
owner Wendy Faulks took part. Using the REACON checklist to
provide this feedback, SCAP needs Human Resource Personnel
obtain ideas, she implemented an array of green practices at her
and/or business owners at our Oral Board Panel Interviews that
business, Premier Finishing. According to her, installing large
are conducted every Thursday from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Chamber
energy efficient appliances was the easy part, including a $50,000
office. If you would like to give back to the community and
air compressor which will pay for itself in energy savings in less
help restructure someone’s career, please call Mikki Gilbert at
than a year.
209.337.2730 or email her at SCAP@stocktonchamber.org.
From the United States Department of Energy Blog Move Over Transformers, Meet the REACON Team.
“What was a lot more difficult for me - but what made a bigger impact - were the small things,” she said, like training her staff to recycle and turn off electronics when not in use.
Submitted by Johanna Sevier on July 6, 2011 Businesses in Stockton, California are increasing their bottom line by going green, thanks to the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce’s energy waste-fighting REACON (Recycling-EnergyAir-Conservation) Team. The REACON team swoops in to save the day with visits local businesses, offering suggestions on reducing waste, energy usage and other costly items. During a typical visit, the REACON audit team will dive into dumpsters, reviews past utility bills with scrutiny and inspects appliances. Their research yields a series of suggestions, designed to increase the business’s earnings, save energy and enhance their
@
For more info, contact Frank Ferral at fferral@stocktonchamber.org
continued on page 19
www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
AUGUST2011 10
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Convention & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea
Restaurants Wanted for Annual Event The Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau is looking for restaurants to participate in the third annual city-wide promotion of fine cuisine, culinary diversity and simply great food. Restaurants across Stockton’s dining scene will come together
American Junior Golf Tournament Returns to Stockton The Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau Junior Open will be held at the Reserve at Spanos Park from August 1-4. The tournament is a national junior golf championship, which hosts
for what has become one of Stockton’s most anticipated annual
96 of the top boys and girls, ages 12-18, from around the nation.
culinary events, Stockton Restaurant Week, to be held September
The tournament will also feature an 18-hole qualifier, to increase
16-25, 2011. This year’s event has been expanded and now will run
the number of opportunities for local and regional juniors who
for 10 days allowing a few extras days to enjoy all of the specially
haven’t been exposed to this level of junior golf. The Stockton CVB is proud to continue our support of this
priced dining! During Stockton Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will
great opportunity for young golfers and we are pleased AJGA has
offer special three-course menus that will showcase some of the
again chosen Stockton to host this event. The sponsorship of this
region’s most talented chefs and the culinary diversity of Stockton.
event is part of the Bureau’s expanded reach into the sports and
The special menus will be priced at $9.95 per person for lunch,
tournaments market, seeking to bring quality sporting events to
and $15, $20 or $25 per person for dinner, exclusive of beverages,
Stockton to support our hotels and travel partners. The tournament has been held at the Reserve since 2008. For
tax and gratuity. Stockton Restaurant Week was created by the Stockton
more information visit www.AJGA.org.
Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2009 to highlight Stockton as a diverse dining destination and allow our many local foodies and families an opportunity to enjoy special fixed-price three course menus from a diverse selection of participating local restaurants. Considering the current economic climate, this 10 day event will allow diners to discover new restaurants in Stockton and enjoy all their favorites at a reduced price. With these affordable prices, Stocktonians will have the opportunity to dine out all week. Restaurant sign up information can be found at www.StocktonRestaurantWeek.com, the official Stockton Restaurant Week website. A list of participating restaurants and other promotions for the week will also be available on the site. For general information about Stockton Restaurant Week,
aur
ee
Re
st
k
please contact Wes at 209.938.1551 or wes@visitstockton.org.
a nt W
Stockton RESTAURANT WEEK September 16-25
DINE & ENJOY
StocktonRestaurantWeek.com
@
Wes Rhea: wes@stocktonchamber.org 209.938.1555
Be sure to become a fan on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Stockton.CVB
www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
AUGUST2011 12
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.
Alternative Fuels Community Fuels PO Box 234249 Encinitas
Energy Products & Services Finesse
www.communityfuels.com
8130 Lorraine Avenue Stockton
www.finesseenergy.com
Green Drive Biodiesel 252 West Larch Road, #G Tracy www.greendrivebiodiesel.com
Construction - Management
Transportation M-V Transportation 1250 South Wilson Way, #A-1 Stockton
Nolte & Associates 1215 West Center Street #201 Manteca
CEO
www.nolte.com
Cont’d from pg. 6
intakes proposed for the diversion at Clarksburg are each ten
at Council meetings suggest that Delta levees are prone to failure
times larger than the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s intake
and Delta land values will not support levee upgrades let alone
at Freeport, in Sacramento County. Operating this facility
ongoing maintenance. It is estimated that of the 1100 miles of
would alter flows on the east side of the Delta causing salinity
Delta levees, only 350 miles fail to meet PL 84-99 Standards. Delta
to increase in the Central and South Delta, effecting agriculture
Levees not only protect the islands, but also provide essential flood
production even on farmland that is not converted to habitat.
protection to surrounding urban areas, create a unique boating
The loss of farmland to habitat would remove property from local
and recreational resource, and protect transportation, petroleum,
government property tax rolls; thereby reducing already strained
and aqueduct infrastructure throughout the Delta. Delta levees
local resources needed to provide essential services, including
add value to the Delta.
levee maintenance.
Regulations proposed by the Council would prevent new
The ESP identifies agriculture as an economic engine that
investment in large areas of land under consideration for future
creates over 13,000 jobs, over $2.8 billion throughout the five
environmental restoration projects. Areas affected would include
Delta counties, and supports nearly 23,000 jobs and over $4.6
places designated for setback levees, construction of habitat and
billion in economic output for the State. It has been stated
the establishment of flood plains.
that any loss in agriculture production can be readily replaced
No solution to the Delta conflict will be perfect and no party
by recreation and tourism. While recreation is an important
can be expected to return to status quo. Any solution may mean
economic driver to the Delta, it does not have the capability
that agriculture south of the Delta would have to change and
to replace large declines in agriculture as there is neither the
agriculture in the Delta and surrounding urban areas that impact
infrastructure nor public access for recreation.
the Delta, will also have to adapt to improve the Delta ecosystem.
Levees are critical to the economic sustainability of the Delta
Regardless of the specific solution, meeting the co-equal goals
and are maintained by assessments paid by Delta property
should not be solved at the expense of the Delta, its agriculture, its
owners, yet many others benefit from Delta Levees. Discussions
people, its communities, or the economies of the Delta counties.
13 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Ribbon Cuttings
For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org
Attending Ambassadors Gloria Blaine
Channel Murray
Basket Caravan & Gourmet Gifts
Senator Gigianli’s Office
Geri Blas
Don Ogankpgdonr
Stockton Post Office
Finesse Inc.
Jeannie Compton
John Paval
Camlu Assisted Living
Kansas City Life
Shannon Ding
Traci Petitt
Assemblymember Bill Berryhill’s Office
Kemper Group
Ellen Powell
Zubair Desai
Congressman Cardoza’s Office
Coneth Solutions
Annie Randazzo
Kristen Dyke
Allied Waste
Port City Marketing Solutions
Justin Redman
Sonny Gotos
Central Valley Community Bank
Senator Wolk’s Office
Jeff Shaw
Patti Gulick
Weight Watchers
Stimler, McTeighe and Lewis
New Image Signs 5756 Pacific Avenue, Suite 48 Stockton
Splash
Blair Hake
Stockton Ports
Ameriprise Financial Services Inc
Ernest Stolz
Janice Herechski
Toyota Town of Stockton
Sunflower Presents
Thor
Loretta Lee
Stockton Thunder
CA State Dept of Rehabilitation
Tim Ulmer
Cesar Luna
Ulmer Photography
Senator Huber’s Office
Cindy Ward
April MacCary
Xango
ServPro
Sam Ward
Colleen Moreno
Xango
Boboli International
.
.
.
.
Retail Shopping Centers Senior Housing Medical Offices Industrial Facilities Office Buildings Private Schools Churches Restaurants Hospitality
.
.
.
.
Roger Dunn Golf 5759 Pacific Avenue, Suite B130 Stockton
Emergency Food Bank 7 West Scotts Avenue Stockton
.
.
4917 Stoddard Road, Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 545-7505 www.huffcon.com www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
AUGUST2011 14
COVER STORY
Port City Promotion Stockton and the new CVB By Justin Souza
The Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau is back and ready to start moving the Port City’s tourism industry into high gear. After seven years of operation
are not specifically tourism focused, so we wanted to reestablish
as a subset of the Greater Stockton
a Bureau that could push and promote tourism all the time and
Chamber of Commerce, the
that could have a board led by hoteliers who want to see things
Stockton Convention and Visitors
improve.”
Bureau—known to staffers as
“We needed to take charge of our own destiny,” added George
the CVB—is back under its own
Kaplanis, CVB Board Director and General Manager of Hilton,
power with increased funding,
Stockton. “We are eager to take this opportunity to aggressively,
new duties and a renewed commitment to encouraging Stockton’s future through tourism and sports promotion. The resurrected CVB is helmed by Executive Director Wes
proactively and strategically market Stockton.” Because of limited budgets statewide, the revitalized CVB is funded by the Tourism Business Improvement District—or
Rhea, a longtime Chamber staffer who has sustained the Bureau’s
TBID—which is a voluntary assessment on rooms rented at
marketing for many years and was a natural choice to head
local hotels. In the past, the CVB received funding which totaled
the reinvigorated CVB. Rhea is brimming with ways to ignite
approximately 1% of the revenue generated from overnight stays
Stockton’s ailing tourism industry. “This is an $600 million
in the Stockton area. In December, this assessment was increased
industry in Stockton and for a long time we’ve been just letting it
to 4%. “The hotels were unanimously supportive of the TBID
go,” said Rhea. “I’m so excited to light some fires and get tourism
increase,” said Kaplanis. “We understood that we didn’t have
moving in Stockton again.”
adequate funds to market Stockton as a destination so we see this
The CVB owes the Chamber of Commerce a debt for seven
as an investment in our city.”
years of financial and administrative stewardship, said Rhea. While the Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau was first incorporated in 1979, funding cuts in the early 2000’s reduced the Bureau’s operating budget and left it on the verge of collapse. “The Chamber stepped in and kept us alive,” said Rhea. “They even helped us grow a bit. Not only did they help us stay vital, if not for the Chamber we wouldn’t exist at all.”
I’m so excited to light some fires and get tourism moving in Stockton again.
As of July 1, the CVB is once again an independent agency, owing partly to a refocus on tourism promotion by leaders from local hotels. According to Rhea, “the things that the Chamber does
15 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
The bigger budget is going to provide Stockton a lot more opportunity, according to Rhea. “Our budget is now comparable
to cities in the state that are a similar size, like Fresno and
means people didn’t stay at hotels, they didn’t eat at restaurants,
Bakersfield. All the money will go to promoting Stockton and it is
they didn’t go shopping, they didn’t go do any arts entertainment
going to make us very competitive.”
activity. The list goes on.” Stockton’s tourism rate is starting to inch up, according to Rhea, but it takes time for promotional efforts to affect tourism numbers. “Hotel occupancy is definitely starting to go up. We’re not seeing the double-digit yearly growth that we’d like to see yet but we know things are going to get better. Stockton has a huge amount of potential: it has a great downtown, a fantastic waterfront. I think we’ve got a bright future here.” Rhea added that this is the right time for the CVB to make a
The rebirth of the CVB comes at an important time for
difference in Stockton. “If we were trying to do all this during
Stockton, as tourism has recently been a challenge here. “The
boom times, we’d get lost in the shuffle. The things we do right
economy hit us hard,” said Rhea. “In 2008, visitor spending in our
now get noticed and they remind everybody about Stockton’s
county was down over 15%. That’s direct spending, dollars into
great assets, our cultural activities for families, our fantastic dining
our community from visitors. So that was huge. On the hotel side
and all our special events. We have a great opportunity to move
we probably lost 20% of our revenue between 2007 and 2009. That
Stockton forward.”
continued on page 17
From left to right: Monica Slingerman, Sales Manager; Megan Peterson, Administration & Finance; Wes Rhea, Executive Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Photography by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography
www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
AUGUST2011 16
COVER STORY Cont’d from pg. 16
One of the biggest changes for the new CVB is the addition of
of the first Bureaus in social media, we have a great website with
sporting events to its repertoire. Sports promotion was previously
VisitStockton.org, an events calendar that we put a lot of work into
managed by the city, but the Bureau took over on July 1. “We’re
keeping up to date and I’m very excited about the new mobile app
already on the way to using our revenue to support sporting
we just released.”
events,” said Rhea, adding that the city will see more events
The CVB’s new app, available on the Apple iTunes store, is a
in the near future, including the new St. Joseph’s Half Marathon
mobile visitors guide for Northern California that was developed
in October.
through a large regional partnership between the Central Valley
“What we’re working on is bringing more tournament sports
Tourism Association and the Gold Country Visitors Association.
into the city. That market has still been very strong despite the
Rhea had a big hand in its creation and is constantly working to
recession. We really encourage these events because they’re great
encourage visitors to find Stockton on the app. “We list signature
for Stockton. Right now we’re working on a comprehensive sports
events, we have some great deals, a huge listing of attractions all
facilities guide, something that lets teams looking at Stockton
listed by category and a good photo library. It really gives us a lot
know what we’ve got to offer. We would love to see more sports
of opportunities to market Stockton to future visitors.”
come to Stockton.”
Ultimately, marketing to the future is what the Convention
Some of the key strategies underlying the CVB’s marketing
and Visitors Bureau is all about. With its new budget, energetic
plan for the city lie in the interactive programs developed under
Director and a bevy of cutting-edge initiatives, the Stockton
Chamber stewardship. “We’ve been budget restricted, but we’ve
CVB is in an ideal position to get the city’s tourism industry
always prided ourselves on the things we do to stay vital,” said
moving again.
Rhea. “We’ve tried to stay cutting edge. For example, we were one
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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.
The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL “Award
LIVE! At Lincoln Center presents the Classic Car Show on Friday,
of Excellence,” is proud to announce that Vice President of Sales
August 19, 6-9 p.m. Join us for top-notch performances by local
Dave Piecuch has been awarded the 2010-2011 ECHL Ticket
bands. Come out to see 200 classic cars, plus new cars on display
Executive of the Year. Piecuch also earned this award in 2008. He
from sponsors Berberian European Motors and Big Valley Fold
is the second member of the Thunder’s front office to receive an
Lincoln Mercury. For more information call 209.477.4868.
ECHL award this summer, as President Dan Chapman was named ECHL Executive of the Year.
Jennifer Spaletta was the featured speaker at the California Water Law & Policy’s 26th Annual Conference for water rights and
The Haggin Museum will feature signature dishes, desserts and
development experts. Ms. Spaletta has successfully defended
drinks from some of the area’s best restaurants and wineries at
water districts when newly assessed fees and charges have been
Haggin á la Carte on August 6, 6-9 p.m. Two new exhibitions
challenged. She is a shareholder at the Herum Crabtree law firm.
will be on display. Tickets are $45 ($35 for members) Call
For more information call 209.472.7700.
209.940.6316 or visit www.hagginmuseum.org. Effective Strategies Group is excited to have Andy Prokop the The Gospel Center Rescue Mission presents “Sing for THEIR
CEO of the United Way of San Joaquin come and discuss the topic
Supper - A Singer/Songwriter Showcase” fundraiser series to
of “Brand Awareness and Ideas on How to Effectively Develop
feed the homeless, Fridays, August 12, 19 and 26 from 7-9 p.m.
Your Brand”. August 16 at 8 a.m. in the Chamber’s Conference
at Whirlow’s Tossed & Grilled, 1926 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA
Room. RSVP to Matt Anderson 209.337.2723 or
95204. For more information, please call 209.320.2329, email
manderson@ stocktonchamber.org.
events@gcrms.org or visit www.gcrms.org.
Programs
Cont’d from pg. 10
“Just when you’re about to give up, everyone is trained and it’s
“I think the fact that other communities are following suit just
working really well,” she said. “Employees are implementing these
speaks volumes about what we’re able to do here in Stockton,” said
things at home. REACON not only changed our business, but a lot
Ferral.” That’s why we did the program the way we did – so it can
of local households too.”
be replicated.”
The changes in her office alone result in an annual CO2 savings of 40 metric tons and an annual water savings of 1.2 metric tons. With increased publicity about the REACON model, local governments throughout the Central Valley are taking note. To date, Ferral has helped eight jurisdictions in the area to implement their own REACON-like programs, using the REACON calculator and checklist of green action items. 19 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
REACON is part of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce’s Green Team, which includes an array of integrated environmental programs and resources for businesses. For more information, please visit: www.greenteamsanjoaquin.com Johanna Sevier is a Project Officer at the Golden Field Office.
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“We bank with Oak Valley because they share our commitment to delivering a top-quality, value-oriented product while maintaining a friendly, responsive, and professional approach to doing business.”
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www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org
AUGUST2011 20
Commercial & Industrial Recycling
Calendar
AUGUST 2011 Highlights 8/4-Networking Mixer – 5:15-7:15 p.m. @ Rabobank, N.A., West March Lane Branch 1889 West March Lane, Stockton
4
Chamber Networking Mixer – 5:15-7:15 p.m. @ Rabobank, N.A., West March Lane Branch
9
Recycling BIN Summit – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. @ University Plaza Waterfront Hotel Register at greenteamsanjoaquin.com
10
Leadership Stockton Class of 2011-12 Orientation – 3-5 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
11
Manufactures Industrial Distribution Roundtable – 7:30 a.m. @ TBA
12
Business Education Alliance – 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
12
Leadership Stockton Leadership Dynamics Session – 8 a.m.-5 p.m. @ San Joaquin County Office of Education
Waste Reduction Consulting & Engineering
16
Effective Strategies Group – 8 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
We Buy, Sell & Lease Recycling Equipment
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Chamber Executive Committee Meeting – 7 a.m. @ Stockton Golf and Country Club
PICK-UP SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR ALL RECYCLABLES
24
Business Education Alliance – 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
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Chamber Board Meeting – 4 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
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Government Relations Council – 7:30 a.m @ Chamber Conference Room
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9/1 Networking Mixer – 5:15-7:15 p.m. @ Stockton Golf and Country Club
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