PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.stocktonchamber.org
Vol. 57 No. 9
JANUARY2012
2012 Golf Tournament The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out is Coming
Preparing for Success UOP’s Dean Lewis Gale Serves Up Advice for Local Businesses PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA
Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography
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PORT CALL
13
Preparing for Success
CONTENTS From Your President
4
From Your CEO
5
Events
6
Leadership Stockton
7
6
Photograph by Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography
2012 Golf Tournament
Convention & Visitors Bureau 8 Programs and Public Policy Department
10
New Members
11
Ribbon Cuttings
12
Cover Story
13
News Briefs
15
Calendar
17
The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out is Coming
8
Don’t Miss! Networking Mixer
University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos Center, South Concourse January 5, 5:00-6:30 p.m. Come for the mixer stay for the game. Free tickets to that nights 7:00pm men’s basketball game against UC Irvine will be given out at check in.
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
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
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 Richelle Alexander
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
From Your President... by: Debbie Armstrong
It is my great honor as your Chamber
Stockton. Dean Lewis Gale Ph.D. is a California
President to wish you all a very blessed
native and grew up in the Central Valley and
Holiday Season. I hope you all had a wonderful
Sierra Nevada foothill region. Dr. Gale has been
Christmas. Mine was so much fun as I had my
actively involved in economic development
family and grandchildren all around me. I enjoy
projects, corporate recruiting projects and
being your Chamber President so much. As
strategic planning initiatives in Arizona,
you know, we have been working hard in 2011
Louisiana and Utah and now in California,
on many issues. My great passion, of course, is
and not just California but right here in our
Shopping Local. Living in and Loving Stockton
hometown. How fortunate for Stockton. He
by remembering to keep our Money here. We
was recently named as Pacific’s representative
are very blessed to have some of the greatest
on the next Economy Steering Committee in
businesses and schools right here in Stockton;
Sacramento, and a new member of the Greater
Pacific is truly a treasure and so is the Eberhardt
Stockton Chamber of Commerce Board of
School of Business. It is fully accredited by the
Director’s. We are truly blessed. Have a safe and
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Happy New year and remember to Shop Local
Business, the highest standard of achievement
and San Joaquin County First!
for business schools and it is right here in
attention to de •tails [di'tals; 'detals]
FOR OVER 35 YEARS competitive pricing personalized service mailing and fulfillment service custom promotional items cross g • n i t n i pr
cross media marketing
MODESTO 209.576.2568 phone 209.526.6872 fax
MODESTO 209.576.2568 phone 209.526.6872 fax
STOCKTON 209.466.9026 phone 209.943.1974 fax
STOCKTON 209.466.9026 phone 209.943.1974 fax
medi a
m
u ns • f promotio • g n i t e k ar
lf l
lm
ilin • ma ent
c g ser vi
es
p a r k s p r i n t i n g . c o m
www.stocktonchamber.org
JANUARY2012
4
From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit
to make this a better community for all. Thanks to your great Chamber staffers, Heidi and Timm, for all their hard work in coordinating with the staffs and members of the AfricanAmerican Chamber, the Asian-American Chamber and San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber to make sure all in attendance not only had a wonderful time but also had an opportunity to make new friends and business contacts. Also a big thank you to the Stockton Chamber Ambassadors who worked hard at the check in desk and serving adult beverages to the attendees! Also those who provided a wide and diverse selection of delicious food and to Matt for his bright sweater as he greeted folks and took photos to memorialize the evening. This has been an annual event started in 2000, the start of the 21st Century, and it is a tradition that will get On behalf of all of us here at your Greater Stockton Chamber of
even bigger and better with everyone setting the tone of working
Commerce it gives me great pleasure to wish all of you and yours
as one. Again, thanks to all who were part of the success of this
a Very Happy New Year and may 2012 be a turnaround year for
fun annual event.
all businesses and our entire community! As my alter ego (the man in the red suit) made his rounds this
2012 brings us a new year full of all sorts of possibilities and as the Diversity Mixer demonstrates working as one will get all
past month, he was so happy to see spirits high and positive! It
of us: families, businesses and community to a better quality of
was a joy to see so many families, friends and businesses come
life for all. At times, looking to the future is a daunting task and
together in the true spirit of Christmas with love, understanding,
as Charles Franklin Kettering (1876-1958) said: “We should ALL
friendship and hope! Wherever he went: Haggin Museum,
be concerned about the future because we will have to spend the
Stockton Symphony, Annunciation School, students from the
rest of our lives there.” It cannot be “it is someone else’s job” but
Transitional Learning Center (here at the Chamber), charitable
it takes all of us to make a difference and that cannot be done by
organizations, business gatherings, family celebrations, Chamber
sitting back in front of the TV or computer but by getting out in
Lunch at the Landfill and the Building and Trades gathering, to
the community, supporting local businesses and paying attention
name a few, he saw people showing love to one another and also
to what is really happening in YOUR community not with just
bringing joy to so many who may not have had the opportunity
sound bites but by asking the leaders on all sides of an issue the
due to individual circumstances.
hard questions to make it clear you want their actions to benefit
It is also heartwarming to see the community as a whole come together to help those most in need and it is our hope that feeling will continue throughout the year. On Thursday, December 1 the annual Diversity Mixer was
the greatest number of hard working, taxpaying and law abiding citizens and not just a chosen few! As we approach the election cycle, let us remember the words spoken on January 8, 1940 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
held at the magnificently decorated Haggin Museum, one of
(1882-1945): “But the future lies with those wise political leaders
the true treasures of Stockton. A great time was had by all and
who realize the great public is interested more in Government
it truly brought the community together which is an example
than in politics.”
to all that working as one we can accomplish anything we want 5
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Now, more so than in any time in the history
continued on page 11
Events
by: Heidi Altamarino
Sign up Now for Taking Care of Business!! There is still time to get in on the Taking Care of Business
2012 Golf Tournament Reserve Monday, April 2 on your calendar and prepare yourself
Sponsorship program for our remaining 2012 events like the Golf
for a day of good times and good friends at Stockton Golf &
Tournament, State of the City, Business Awards Luncheon and
Country Club. Now in its 31st year, the Golf Tournament always
Installation Dinner.
fills up fast. Don’t miss your chance to play! Call the Chamber to
The Taking Care of Business Program offers our member businesses a wealth of marketing and sponsorship opportunities
reserve your space today! You can also join us as a tee sponsor, a green sponsor or a
for the upcoming year. This popular program was created to
business sponsor. Business sponsorship includes signage on a
give Chamber members an excellent way to receive exposure
tee or green and registration for a foursome of players. Single
throughout the year at a dramatic discount off normal pricing.
registration is also available.
Sponsoring companies typically select several options from
Donating a prize to our post-tournament raffle is a great way
the events line up. The Chamber allows its members to wisely
to highlight your business. Many high profile business people
choose a yearlong program that meets their marketing, consumer
participate in our tournament and donating a prize gets
exposure and community involvement goals. Package prices
their attention!
enable sponsors to select from several marketing and promotional opportunities at a significant savings. For more information on stretching your marketing dollars through Taking Care of Business, contact Heidi Altamirano, Events Director, at 209.547.2764, or e-mail heidi@stocktonchamber.org. The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes the following companies for their year round support of the Chamber through our Taking Care of Business
For more information about the Chamber’s 31st Annual Golf Tournament or to volunteer, call Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or email him at tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.
2012 Golf Tournament Sponsors Ricky Barnes Sponsor
Tee Sponsors:
Grupe Commercial Company
Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Builders Exchange of Stockton
Fred Couples Sponsors: Oak Valley Community Bank Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
Business Package Sponsor: Pacific Records Management
Sponsorship Program
Taking Care of Business 2011-2012 A.G. Spanos Companies Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Builders Exchange of Stockton California Water Service Co. Financial Center Credit Union Grupe Commercial Company Kaiser Permanente Lincoln Center Neumiller & Beardslee Oak Valley Community Bank
@
Pacific Records Management R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc. San Joaquin Delta College St. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton East Water District Sutter Gould Medical Foundation The Record/San Joaquin Media Group United Way of San Joaquin County University of the Pacific
Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764
www.stocktonchamber.org
JANUARY2012
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
Stockton: History, Arts and Culture Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union
www.GreenTeamSanJoaquin.com Session Sponsor: Haggin Museum SMALL BUSINESS Whether you are new to Stockton or have lived here HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL * a lifetime,
of the arts and what the Stockton Arts Commission and Stockton Arts Foundation do to help. She was followed by Janet Bonner who spoke about the Stockton Opera and their upcoming performance in January. Then the class heard from Shane
Waste during Management for Your Stockton, Business youAffordable are sure toHazardous learn something the Leadership A Program of San Joaquin County Public Works “Stockton: History, Arts and Culture�(209) session. Held each year at www.SJCrecycle.org 468-3066
Williamson about the upcoming San Joaquin International Film
i Low cost waythe to safely hazardousinformation materials. the Haggin Museum, day isdispose full of of fascinating
instruction in Stockton.
(Costs depend on your waste types.)
i Documentation that you properly waste. spanning from the founding of our greatmanage city to hazardous the present day, i Assurance that the material will be disposed of properly. Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG) and including a look at *our arts and cultural resources.
Tod Ruhstaller, Director of the Haggin Museum (and Stockton history guru) was the guide for the first part of the day, taking the We also accept universal and electronic waste. class through a PowerPoint history lesson from the time before
Green Your Bottom Line settlers arrived with to the present day. Stewardship! After our history overview, Tod Product
Economic benefits abound: guided the class through the entire museum explaining the history reduced operating costs, energy savings, disposal and costs,its thecontents. creation of green jobs. ofreduced the museum
www.CalPSC.org
After the history lesson and tour, the class enjoyed lunch in the
Design it Green | Make it Clean | Conserve Resources | Reduce | Reuse | Eliminate Toxics | Take it Back!
Festival (SJIFF) and all the need for more film knowledge and The day finished with Maestro Peter Jaffe from the Stockton Symphony. Peter spoke of the long history of the Stockton Symphony (third oldest continuously operating symphony in California), and previewed the upcoming season. The class was jazzed to hear Peter play a few pieces from the upcoming year. A big THANK YOU to the following: Bret Smith (LS Class of 2010) for all your help throughout the day; to Tod Ruhstaller and the hard working staff of the Haggin Museum for the use of the Museum and the all access tour; Peter Jaffe and the Stockton
museum and those who brought a jacket enjoyed the beautiful
Symphony; Wendi Maxwell and the Stockton Arts Foundation,
scenery of Victory Park, a true Stockton gem.
Janet Bonner and the Stockton Opera, and Shane Williamson
After lunch, the class returned to the museum and heard from
and the SJIFF.
Wendi Maxwell (LS Class of 1984), who spoke on the importance
ATHENA award recipients in attendance for the 25th Anniversary Awards Luncheon
7
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
@
Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960
Convention & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea
The Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to announce the release of the 2012 Official Stockton Activities Guide in mid-January The guide is a colorful magazine chock-full of new photos and great information for visitors and residents alike. The guide features an annual events calendar, arts and entertainment, family attractions, sports, farm and agriculture attractions and much more. Residents interested in obtaining a copy of the new guide may call the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau at 209.938.1555. The guide may also be requested and viewed online at www.VisitStockton.org
Date Set for Tourism Luncheon April 4 will be the date for the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Tourism Luncheon to be held at the Hilton Stockton. The luncheon will be a celebration of local travel and tourism, including a report by the Visitors Bureau’s Executive Director and President. The luncheon will also include local tourism awards presented to recipients who have excelled in making Stockton a better destination. Nominations for the awards will be sought in early February. Look for additional information soon on the luncheon or call 209.938.1555.
The Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau is available to speak at your civic club or organizations meeting. We love to talk about Stockton travel industry and how the public can get engaged in helping to promote our fine city. To request a speaker call Wes at 209.938.1551 or email wes@visitstockton.org
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The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out is coming this April 1 -15. Local restaurants will feature dishes that showcase locally grown asparagus in April. The goal is to have diners enjoy a true “farm to fork” experience and to taste the most famous of our areas local crops prepared in a variety of ways by local chefs. This is the third year for the dine-out which is a spin-off of Stockton Restaurant Week, held in September. Restaurants interested in participating should contact the Stockton CVB at 209.938.1555. More information can also be found at www.DineOutStockton.com.
@
Wes Rhea: wes@visitstockton.org 209.938.1555
Professional & Continuing eduCation For more information call 209.946.2424 or go to www.pacific.edu/cpce
Be sure to become a fan on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Stockton.CVB
www.visitstockton.org
JANUARY2012
8
ROLL ‘EM
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STOCKTON
MODESTO
MODESTO
Programs and Public Policy Department by: Frank Ferral The Stockton Chamber Apprenticeship Program - Subsidized
We would like to thank these businesses for utilizing SCAP-SE
Employment (SCAP-SE) would like to take the time to thank each
and helping the community by utilizing this program for their
and every business in San Joaquin County that has helped
hiring needs. We would like to thank:
our community.
•
Automotive Risk Managers (Office)
•
Cost Plus World Market (Distribution / Warehouse)
its award winning program, Stockton Chamber Apprenticeship
•
Green Horizon Manufacturing (Production / Warehouse)
Program (SCAP). The new name to the program is the Stockton
•
Hampton Inn and Suites (Hospitality)
Chamber Apprenticeship Program - Subsidized Employment
•
ServiceMaster Building Maintenance (Janitorial)
(SCAP-SE). Companies who use SCAP-SE qualify for a
The industries these businesses represent show the diversity of
In September 2011, the Chamber engaged in a new chapter in
reimbursement of up to 50% of wages paid for up to 6 months.
our clientele and the job positions we can assist with. If you would
We have placed over 50 individuals into full or part time jobs thus
like more information about this program and how it can benefit
far in San Joaquin County.
your company, please call Mike Morales, 209.337.2716 or
Participating businesses have saved approximately $30,798.56 in wages paid to employees, directly contributing to their
Mikki Gilbert, 209.337.2730. You can also email SCAP-SE@stocktonchamber.org or SCAP@stocktonchamber.org
bottom line.
A Unique Community Banking Experience
We Help You Succeed Claudia Cozad
Eddie Lira
VP, Commercial Banking Officer
claudia.cozad@bankbac.com 209-473-6857 Member FDIC
@
VP, Commercial Banking Officer
It’s not our promises that are unique ... it’s our ability to fulfill them!
eddie.lira@bankbac.com 209-444-3356
www.bankbac.com
For more info, contact Frank Ferral at fferral@stocktonchamber.org
www.stocktonchamber.org
JANUARY2012 10
New Members Computer Consultants, Computer Hardware/Software Supplies & Consultants Crown Enterprises 445 W. Weber Avenue #200 Stockton www.ce-technology.com
Security Service Devcon Security 3355 Myrtle Avenue #225 North Highlands www.devconsecurity.com
Computer Systems & Service Doctor Data 1711 Telegraph Avenue Stockton
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.
Environmental Conservation & Ecological Services Ecology Action 877 Cedar Street #240 Santa Cruz
Nationwide Insurance - Pat Schumacher 2251 Harvard Street, # 200 Sacramento www.nationwide.com/patschumacher
www.ecoact.org
Halls & Auditoriums 525 Channel St. Hall
Payroll Services Paychex 1803 Stanford Avenue Stockton
525 Channel Street Stockton
Television Stations KCRA 3 3 Television Circle Sacramento
Insurance - Agents & Brokers
www.paychex.com
Construction, Energy Efficiency Schneider Electric 740 Parkwoods Drive Stockton
www.schneider-electric.com
www.kcra.com
www.mydoctordata.com
Diversity Mixer December 1, Haggin Museum
CEO
Cont’d from pg. 5
of these United States of America we need all elected government officials to represent all CITIZENS, as stated by President
Sacramento and Washington D.C. 24-7 and 365 days out of the year. It is our duty and responsibility to research the issues and
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) -“THAT GOVERNMENT OF
candidates and VOTE with common sense and not just party line
THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE
or self-serving philosophy so that the greater good can be done for all.
SHALL NOT PERISH FROM THE EARTH” to put aside politics and personal self aggrandizement, which we see coming out of 11 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
May 2012 is the start of an even better Stockton, California and United States of America.
Ribbon Cuttings
Eco Chic Salon for Men & Women 5490 Pacific Avenue Ste C
Stockton
For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org
Ascend Financial
Elkhorn Golf Club
2575 Grand Canal Boulevard; Suite 300 Stockton
1050 Elkhorn Drive
525 Channel St Hall Stockton
525 Channel Street
Stockton
Attending Ambassadors Sam Ward Xango
Nanette Spitulski Parks Printing
Blair Hake Ameriprise Financial Services INC
Patti Gulick New Image Signs
Loretta Lee CA DEPT of Rehabilitation
John Paval Kansas City Life
Carol Clemens Angel’s Caring Helpers
Vince Rosato New Image Signs
Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan & Gourmet Gifts
Ellen Powell Dennis Cardoza Representative
Justin Redman Central Valley Community Bank
Cindy Ward Xango
Glenn Jose H.O.P.E
Diane Reyes St. Joseph’s Employee Assistance Program
Katharine Edens University of Pacific
Michelle Sherlock Optimal Hospice Care
Marilyn Mason
Tim Aguirre
Linda Stockton
Impact Promotions
Gregory Walther Press F1 Computer Services
Jennifer Lewis Hilton Stockton
Entravision Communications Corp.
Ojesa Asejo-Clark Rabobank
Mike Smith Comcast
Wes Rhea
Convention and Visitors Bureau Shannon Ding Bill Berryhill Representative
John Bertilacchi
Bertilacchi Insurance Agency
Monica Harbut Eco Chic Salon
Geri Blas US Post Office
Nick Harbut
RHA
Eco Chic Salon
www.stocktonchamber.org
JANUARY2012 12
COVER STORY
Preparing for Success UOP’s Dean Lewis Gale Serves Up Advice for Local Businesses By Justin Souza
The last couple of years have been a
Gale added that these positive indicators
what steps you have to take to get it there. “There are so many examples of firms
difficult time for Stockton business owners,
may not mean we’re in for a quick recovery,
but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
but things are definitely looking up across
that had a large part of their market share
This according to findings in the California
a number of local industries. “We’re seeing
challenged in a short period of time because
& Metro Forecast report, published this
that this really won’t last forever,” he said,
they weren’t ready, or they felt like they
past November by the University of the
stressing that it is important for local
didn’t have a competitive worry,” said Gale.
Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business.
businesses to start thinking about how they
“And because of that, others jumped in
can come out of the economic
The annual economic report, which
and let them know they were wrong. Just
shows improvement across a number of
because you’ve been in business 20 years
economic factors for California through
doesn’t mean you’re going to be in business
2017, indicates that California and Stockton are in the early stages of a slow five-year recovery. Port O Call Magazine spoke with Lewis Gale, Ph.D., Dean of the Eberhardt School of Business, who broke down the famed business school’s annual report and relayed a few tips that could help Stockton businesses weather the storm and position themselves
It is important for local businesses to start thinking about how they can come out of the economic storm in a better market position.
the next five. And that’s the real challenge. You don’t want to feel like you’re resting.” Understand Your Participant Media Gale made a distinction between social media—the flurry of Twitter and Facebook feeds and Foursquare check-ins—and participant media, which are the instances in which customers are participating in and spreading the message about a business. “If someone has a great experience
for success in the coming recovery.
at a restaurant they’re going to post
“The good news is there are some positive indicators here,” said Gale on the Forecast,
storm in a better
and tell their friends about it. Bad
“I think that businesses here in Stockton are
market position.
experiences, too, will be posted. That’s part
doing quite well, despite the challenges.” One
Improve Your Market Position
of the messaging that’s getting out,” said
of these indicators, according to Gale, is the
Gale said that now is the time for Stockton
Gale. “Businesses should keep in mind
steady pickup at Stockton’s port, which has
businesses to shake off the complacency that
that people will be getting their message
recently seen a reverse in a long time trend:
can come with operating in survival mode
in different ways and they should be a part
exports from the port are now greater than its
and move forward to put themselves in a
of the process rather than just reacting to
imports. Another positive indicator is purely
good position to capture market share when
something negative. People assume that
anecdotal, said Gale: full parking lots, packed
growth occurs. A key component of this
customers aren’t that smart and pick from
restaurants and busy retail stores all over
is in establishing a detailed understanding
a random selection for their purchases, but
Stockton, especially during the holiday season.
of where you want your business to be and
they’re actually very sharp and they do a lot
13 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
more research now, particularly since it’s
for decisions instead of just relying solely
help to area companies who are looking to
available in all kinds of formats.”
on intuition, and they’ve had some good
improve their market positions, no matter
success. There are many business people
the industry or the business size. Those
media could mean the difference between
who have good intuition, but I think at some
interested in securing an intern can contact
viral success and a sharp drop-off in new
point you have to be able to nail down to the
Margaret Roberts at the Eberhardt School
business as negative online reviews turn
actual data.”
of Business Career Management Center at
Early and active responses to participant
prospective customers away. Know Your Competitive Advantage Gale indicated that a business’s
“Everybody loves the story: ‘I maxed out my credit card to $5,000 and now I’m a multimillionaire.’ When that story is told
competitive advantage—the areas that set
repeatedly, people behave in interesting
one business apart from its competitors,
ways. They say, ‘well I can do that too!’ A
whether that’s a prime location, great
great story is a great story but you really
customer service or essential employees—
have to go into the data and understand
is essential in the current economy.
what led to that.”
“Knowing your competitive advantage is
Finding Help
very important from a market position
Gale added that students at the Eberhardt
standpoint and also a resource talent
School of Business are ideally placed to help
standpoint. Because when growth does
Stockton and San Joaquin county businesses
occur, you want to be positioned to take
position themselves for success. “Pacific is a
advantage of it.”
learning institution, we do have capabilities
Gale advised local businesses to “spend some time really understanding and gathering data,” in order to accomplish this.
209.946.7350 or mroberts1@pacific.edu.
that allow students to marry their learning with needs in the community,” said Gale. Some of the school’s best and
“For example, look at what has occurred
brightest
in Las Vegas. Some of the businesses there
students are
have become a lot sharper when it comes
in search of
to data collection and analytical capability.
comprehensive
They know their customers, their habits,
internship
how often they come in, these businesses
opportunities,
know that if they change certain items in
and have the
their area they will get more response or
capabilities to
weaker response, so they have good data
lend considerable www.stocktonchamber.org
JANUARY2012 14
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.
Seeking Applications for Membership on the Board of Directors of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce The volunteer leadership of the Chamber provides the energy and direction for programs and services for our members. Board members serve a vital role in establishing policy and providing
Community Volunteer Honored by Stockton Opera Guild Stocktonian Gerry Ascencio has been recognized by the Stockton Opera Guild for outstanding service as a community volunteer for the organization. Mr. Ascencio sang for over 40 years in the Stockton Chorale and
guidance to committees and staff. To ensure a quality Board, the
participated in numerous opera productions. Gerry has been on
applicant, or the applicant’s employer must be a Chamber Member in
the board of directors for over 20 years. For more
good standing and must remain in good standing throughout their
info@StocktonOperaGuild.org, 209.951.7223,
entire Board term, 2012-2015. Go to www.StocktonChamber.org to
www.StocktonOperaGuild.org.
download application or call 547-2770. 2012 San Joaquin Entrepreneur Challenge The San Joaquin Human Resource Association will host
Aspiring entrepreneurs from San Joaquin, Stanislaus and
their 13th Annual Employment Law Update-HR Conference &
Merced counties can compete for cash and services worth
Exhibition on January 18, 2012 at the Hilton Hotel in Stockton.
over $20,000 in the third annual San Joaquin Entrepreneur
This year’s theme is Obtaining & Retaining Key Talent. Register at
Challenge (SJEC).
www.sjhra.org or contact Linda Hatch 209.402.8008.
The SJEC is an “American Idol” style multi-round business plan competition complete with expert and audience judging.
The Stockton Council of the Central Valley Association of
On-line applications to the Challenge are due by February 5, 2012.
REALTORS and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Approximately twenty applicants will be selected for a two-minute
have announced Becky Mizener as the 2011 ‘Stocktonian of the
“elevator pitch” presentation to a public audience and a panel of
Year’. Becky will be honored at a dinner on Wednesday, February
judges on February 29. Eight selected semi-finalists will then
8th at the Stockton Golf and Country Club. Space is limited. For
make a five-minute business plan presentation to the audience
reservations, please call the Chamber at 547-2770.
and judges on March 21. The final four contestants will participate in a business simulation to select the two winning businesses who
Junior League Collecting for “Twice is Nice”
will receive the cash and services awards. The February 29 and
Good quality tax deductible donations are needed for the 56th
March 21 events will be held at the Stockton Country Club, from
Junior League of San Joaquin County Rummage Sale on March 3, 2012 at the S.J. County Fairgrounds. To have your items picked up,
4:00-7:30 p.m. Entrepreneurs can prepare for the Challenge by attending
call Claudia at 209.727.5366. Proceeds benefit local charities and
workshops in Stockton, Modesto and Merced, where they will
non-profit organizations.
receive advice on preparing business plans and presentations.
Stockton Women’s Network presents Italian Operatic Feast: Preview of Pagliacci & Gianni Schicchi Maestro Peter Jaffe previews both masterpieces, one comedy and one tragedy, at the Stockton Women’s Network luncheon, January 4th. Networking begins at 11:30a.m. at the Stockton Golf & Country Club. Visit www.StocktonWomensNetwork.org or call 209.472.0359 to register. 15 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
The competition is presented by the San Joaquin Angels investor group in partnership with several regional educational and economic development organizations. For information, application and audience registration go to www.sjchallenge.com.
We keep you on the move. We are the loading dock equipment specialists.
Calendar
January 2012 Highlights 1/5 - Networking Mixer – 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. @ University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos Center, South Concourse
5
Networking Mixer - 5:00-6:30 p.m. @ University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos Center, on the South Concourse Come for the Mixer Stay for the Game Basketball Game 7:00-9:00 p.m. Free tickets will be given out at check in. Tigers vs. UC Irvine Anteaters.
1.31.12
Share Your Success Story with Port O Call If your long-standing business has found success despite the down economy, we want to hear from you. Send your success story to us at richelle@neverboring.com and you could be featured in a future column in Port O Call.
6
Government Relations Council - 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
9
Liaison Committee - 12:00 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
11
Green Team San Joaquin meeting - 9:00 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
12
Manufacturers Industrial Distribution Roundtable - 7:30 a.m. @ TBA
13
Leadership Stockton Justice Session - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. @ San Joaquin County Sheriff ’s Office
17
Effective Strategies Group - 8 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
18
Chamber Executive Committee Meeting – 7 a.m. @ Stockton Golf and Country Club
25
Business Education Alliance - 3:30 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
26
Chamber Board Meeting – 4 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
27
Government Relations Council - 7:30 a.m. @ Conference Room
also don’t miss... 2/2 - Networking Mixer San Joaquin Delta College 5151 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95207
17 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
*
Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info
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