PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Vol. 58 No. 1
www.stocktonchamber.org
MAY2012
State of the City 2012 Business Awards Luncheon 2012
Importing Success Port of Stockton Builds Strong Future PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA
Cover Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography.
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PORT CALL
13
Port of Stockton Builds Strong Future
CONTENTS From Your President
4
From Your CEO
5
Events
6
Leadership Stockton
7
Convention & Visitors Bureau 8 Programs and Public Policy Department
10
New Members
11
Cover Story
13
Ribbon Cuttings
15
News Briefs
16
Calendar
17
State of the City 2012
8
6
Business Awards Luncheon 2012
Don’t Miss! Networking Mixer Pacific Records Management 607 Carlton Street, Stockton, CA 95203 Off W. Fremont, overlooking the main channel of the Delta
May 3, 5:15-7:15 p.m. *April Issue Cover Photo By: Tim Ulmer
The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is such a valuable organization to be a member of, at a price that is more than worth its cost. Its leadership and staff are always involved in the local and State issues that impact all of our businesses. They are strong advocates and supporters for the Stockton community as a whole, its businesses and for the quality of life of its residents. Thanks for your passion and efforts!�
Dan Keyser, Director Grupe Commercial Company
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 STAFF ACCOUNTANT Lia Her
209.547.2770
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
209.423.4940
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
A very happy May and
We all know that these are difficult times, not only here in
beautiful Spring to all my
Stockton, but also all around this great country of ours. Change for
fellow Stocktonians and
the better starts with all of us and not just a select few!
Chamber members!
We cannot allow the negativity of those outside our community,
May means the annual State
or from within, to dictate what our outcome will be! We should all
of the City event, which will
watch, listen, learn and support what our elected leaders are trying
be held May 17, at the ever-
to do and push for much needed change in many areas in both
important Port of Stockton!
governing and how we treat each other!
This annual event will
I hope to see many of you at the State of the City event on May
showcase many businesses
17 and on an ongoing basis as we move Stockton forward in a
that make Stockton prosper
positive manner.
throughout the tradeshow, before and after lunch! The address by Mayor Ann Johnston will identify our community
Remember this is our community and PLEASE shop local and keep our money here at HOME where it belongs. May God Bless and protect all of us in our great City of Stockton.
issues and how together we shall come out of hard times stronger and better for it!
attention to de ttails [di'tals; 'detals]
FOR OVER 35 YEARS competitive pricing personalized service mailing and fulfillment service custom promotional items cross g U printin
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 U f promotio U g n i t e k ar
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ilin U ma ent
c g ser vi
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p a r k s p r i n t i n g . c o m
www.stocktonchamber.org
MAY2012
4
From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit
optimistic that we can work together (the key to accomplishing anything) to right the wrongs around us. Case in point of folks working together is what took place on April 5, in a part of our community called Sierra Vista. Some of you will recall I commented in my April Port O Call article about my hero Dorothy Jones and a new friend, Georgia Brownlee. When I had lunch with them, they talked about the planned Easter egg hunt for about 150 children in Sierra Vista. The call went out to our board of directors, Chamber staff, a past president of the Chamber and a few friends of the Chamber for a goal of 40-dozen hardboiled eggs to deliver to Georgia so they could be decorated for the children and help make the day a success! Well, working as one, 85-dozen eggs (1020) were hard-boiled by the citizens of Stockton. I attended the egg hunt and not only was there joy in the eyes of the children of all ages, but the adults also felt that they were part April 2012 in Stockton and San Joaquin County was a great
of the greater part of the entire City of Stockton. WE cannot stop
month to live here in the middle of California! Packed Sunrise
there and must ALL put aside philosophy, bias, fears and politics to
Services on Easter Sunday at Weber Point and churches of
get through this very tough time in our history and make the future
all denominations, a full field for the Annual Chamber Golf
a success for all.
Tournament (thank you Heidi, Timm, Stockton Golf & Country
I have been told that space for my article is limited this month
Club, sponsors, volunteers and players), another successful
so will end with something that tells it all if you really take the
Outback Steakhouse/Chamber BEA Scholarship Lunch (thank
time to read it and look for the truth about our community, the
you Outback, attendees and Chamber staff), Chris Isaak coming
good that has been planned and what we will become when we
home to the Bob Hope Theatre, the Thunder advancing to the
work as one. On Saturday, April 7, had the honor of being invited
next round of Kelley Cup, the opening of the 2012 Port’s baseball
aboard the Casino Royale (docked in Downtown Stockton) by
season and another successful Asparagus Festival (it is hard not
the owner, Mr. David McDonald. The Casino Royale is something
to take a FULL shot here at someone with recent self-serving
to behold, and, more importantly, Mr. McDonald is a very
brain freeze who casts doubt as to the wonderful overall value of
wonderful, kind, fun, considerate, generous, intelligent, hard
the Festival; not only the much-needed dollars to local nonprofits
working, entrepreneurial and forward-thinking gentleman. The
and the city, but also the fun had by Stocktonians and visitors
evening was aglow with wonderful company and food, the full
alike which added a positive feeling about our home that helps
moon coming over the lighted ball park, the blue tinged arena,
overcome the negatives we are trying to overcome)!
the blazing lights at the hotel, the lights of the Weber Point Event
In 1918, a gentleman named Enoch Arnold Bennett (18671931) wrote: “Pessimism, when you get used to it, is just as agreeable as optimism.” Yes, we have many, many problems here
Center, the view to the Hotel Stockton, the Cineplex and, of course, Chamber of Commerce weather! Mr. McDonald really made the night when he talked
in Stockton (I do not have on blinders, nor rose-colored glasses,
enthusiastically of how happy he is to be here at Stockton’s beautiful
as some have asserted), but as a proud Stocktonian I am always
marina that he repeatedly stated is truly one of the
5
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
continued on page 12
Events
by: Heidi Altamarino Annual Installation Dinner 2012 One of the highlights of our year is the Chamber’s Annual Installation Dinner. It’s the perfect opportunity to thank our hard working and dedicated board members and committee chairs for
Mayor Ann Johnston will be delivering her fourth State of the City Address and laying out her plans for the future on moving Stockton forward. The Annual State of the City is co-sponsored by the Greater
their exceptional contributions to our organization. On Thursday,
Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Port of Stockton and City
June 21, we’ll gather at Stockton Golf & Country Club to thank
of Stockton. Exhibits by local and state programs will provide
Debbie Armstrong with Old Republic Title Company for her
information which is useful for businesses of any size. The
outstanding performance as Chamber President from 2011-2012,
Chamber guarantees attendees will walk away with pride in
and to welcome Gary Long with Gary J. Long Jewelers as our
the City of Stockton while discovering valuable sources of
2012-2013 President. The evening will include an installation
information and expertise.
ceremony and the presentation of awards. No host cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at
The biggest local public event of the year will be held on Thursday, May 17! This year the Port of Stockton, Shed 20, will
6:45 p.m. Reservations are required and space is limited.
provide the setting for our State of the City. Exhibits will be open
Sponsorships are still available. For more information, contact
from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the Annual State of the
Heidi Altamirano at 209.547.2764 or heidi@stocktonchamber.org.
City are only $35 per person. The luncheon
Annual Installation Dinner 2012 Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Grupe Commercial Company Kaiser Permanente
Gold Sponsors Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Financial Center Credit Union Lincoln Center Neumiller & Beardslee San Joaquin Delta College
St. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton East Water District The Record/San Joaquin Media Group United Way of San Joaquin County University of the Pacific
Silver Sponsors Builders Exchange of Stockton R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc. Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
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 products and services to over 300 business attendees, meet some new people and grow your business. Tables are just $250 for Chamber Members. Table space is going fast, so sign up now! To sign up or receive more information please contact Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.
2012 State of the City Come share in the excitement surrounding the Chamber’s 14th Annual State of the City! Celebrate the many advancements we’ve made as a people and as a city at this high profile event.
@
Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764
continued on page 10
State of the City 2012 Sponsors (as of 4/6/12)
Platinum A.G. Spanos Companies American Medical Response, Inc. Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Big Valley Ford Lincoln California Water Service Co. Carpenters Local Union 152 City of Stockton Dameron Hospital Association Delta Sierra Beverage F&M Bank Financial Center Credit Union Green Team San Joaquin 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
www.stocktonchamber.org
MAY2012
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
Leadership Stockton: Education Session Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union
www.GreenTeamSanJoaquin.com Special Thanks To: San Joaquin County Office of Education SMALL BUSINESS Education plays a vital role in future economic*prosperity HAZARDOUS Wthe ASTE DISPOSAL
SJCOE and their mission and was followed by Deb Nickols from SJCOE’s one.School who discussed the purpose and goals of the one.School program and the impact this program has on the lives of students. She brought along four students who shared their
Affordable Management for Your Business of San JoaquinHazardous County, soWaste a hands-on look at education was the A Program of San Joaquin County Public Works perfect way to begin the day. www.SJCrecycle.org (209) 468-3066 i Low cost way to safely dispose of among hazardous materials. The day began with the class divided nine schools
successes in the program and their future goals. The class then
i Documentation that you properly manage hazardous waste. throughout Stockton. They spent the morning shadowing the i Assurance that the material will be disposed of properly. *Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity and Generators principal, learning about their particular school, their(CESQG)
information on the Venture Charter Schools, Special Education,
successes and challenges.
ended with a lesson on everything you wanted to know about
At lunch time, the Leadership Stockton class gathered at the San We also accept universal and electronic waste. Joaquin County Office of Education for the remainder of the day.
school finance in 30 minutes.
(Costs depend on your waste types.)
Green Your Bottom Line A working lunch covered some of Stewardship! the questions and revelations with Product Economic benefits abound: thereduced class operating had based onenergy their savings, school site visits. After lunch, Mick costs, reduced disposal costs, the creation of green jobs.
Founts, County Superintendent of Schools, San Joaquin County
www.CalPSC.org
Office Education (SJCOE), began| Reduce with| Reuse an overview of |the Design itof Green | Make it Clean | Conserve Resources | Eliminate Toxics Take it Back!
7
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
heard from a panel of experts from the SJCOE who presented an overview of the programs and services they offer. The panel shared Migrant Education and Career and Technical Education. The day
Thank you to Mick Founts for coordinating and facilitating the afternoon portion of the session, to each of the schools for graciously opening up their campuses for our Leadership Stockton visitors, and to all of our speakers and panelists for the day. See us here next month as we recap the Health Care session.
@
Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960
Convention & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea
The Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted their 2012 Tourism Luncheon and Celebrate! Awards on Wednesday, April 4 at the Hilton Stockton. Special thanks to the Hilton Stockton, Marianne’s Pantry, The Ambassadors Media Group, Ulmer Photo, GForce Productions, Stockton Asparagus Festival and Sorelle Winery. See the videos at CelebrateAwards.com.
Industry Partner Of The Year: The Downtown Stockton Alliance
Industry Professional Of The Year: David Crawford, Assistant Operations Manager, SMG Stockton Theatre Hope Bob & k Ballpar n Stockto Stockton Arena,
Sports Partner Of The Year: California Grapettes Girls Fastpitch Softball Photography by: Ulmer Photo
@
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
MAY2012
8
9
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Programs and Public Policy Department by: Frank Ferral Valley REACON Spreading the Word
events help students prepare for and gain the skill-sets necessary to
The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is on the road
enter the job market. According to Karla Gonzalez, BEA Coordinator,
these days spreading its Award winning Green Team San Joaquin
there is still an opportunity to participate by contacting her directly
message from Sacramento to Arvin, California. The Recycling
at 209.337.2718 or through email at bea@stocktonchamber.org.
Energy Air Conservation (REACON) is bringing its message to over 16 communities. This month, the team will be showing the communities of Visalia and Modesto the ropes on how to start their own Green Team and REACON outreach. It is very rewarding when we are able to show other areas what is going on here in Stockton and San Joaquin County, according to Frank Ferral, Program & Public Policy Director for the Chamber.
Business Professionals are Needed for the Following: • Wednesday, May 2 - Franklin High School CAREER DAY 10:00 a.m. - Noon • Wednesday, May 9 - Merlo Institute MOCK INTERVIEWS (TBA) • Thursday, May 10 - Merlo Institute CAREER DAY (TBA) • Commodore Stockton Skills School Kindergarten classrooms will be taking a field trips to Cesar Chavez
BEA Mock Interviews and Career Fairs Going Strong
Public Library
The Business Education Alliance (BEA) is closing out the school year with Stockton Unified School District with several sessions of
• May 7 - Speakers Needed
mock interviews and career fairs at most of the high schools. These
• May 8 – Speakers Needed
EVENTS
Cont’d from pg. 6
is sure to please everyone with great food provided by
of the Year and the P3 Stewardship Award winner. These
Outback Steakhouse.
exceptional honorees will be recognized for their achievements
Tickets for the 14th Annual State of the City are going fast! This
and contributions to our community. We will also be honoring
event always sells out so reserve your tickets today. To purchase
our yearly Volunteer Hall of Fame award winners and 25-year
tickets or for more information, call the Greater Stockton
Chamber members.
Chamber of Commerce at 209.547.2770. We hope you can join us at this important celebration of our City and our community!
Luncheon tickets are $30 per person by May 30, and $35 each thereafter. For more information, call 209.547.2770.
Business Awards Luncheon 2012 Begin the month of June on a high note by joining us at a luncheon celebration honoring our Business Award recipients on June 7, at 11:45 a.m. at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. We’ll be honoring local business leaders who have been recognized as Business Person of the Year, Business Manager of the Year, Small Business Person of the Year, Business Employee
Business Awards Luncheon 2012 Sponsors Kaiser Permanente
San Joaquin Delta College Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsor
R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc.
United Way of San Joaquin County
Gold Sponsor
@
For more info, contact Frank Ferral at fferral@stocktonchamber.org
www.stocktonchamber.org
MAY2012 10
New Members Workers’ Compensation & Safety Training Co Occupational Medical Partners 1801 E. March Lane #D-480, Stockton 209.954.3200
Bakeries Cupcake Mania LLC 7610 Pacific Avenue #B6, Stockton 209.478.2253 www.cupcakemania.net
Tattooing & Body Piercing Emerald Tattoo
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.
Janitorial Services Kathleen’s Kleaning Service
Thornton Road Self Storage
1630 S. Hutchins #4125, Lodi 209.933.0943 www.kathleenskleancom.com
8627 Thorton Road, Stockton 209.476.9700 www.selfstorageinstockton.com
Consultants
Human Services
Manex Consulting
United Cerebral Palsy Association
2010 Crow Canyon Place #320, San Ramon 925.807.5103 www.manexconsulting.com
333 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton 209.956.0290 www.ucpsj.org
Monuments
Restaurants
Stockton Monuments
Yasoo Yani Elkhorn
1505 Cemetery Lane, Stockton 209.942.2747 www.stocktonmonuments.com
1050 Elk Horn Drive, Stockton 209.477.2200
2525 South Hutchins Street #8, Lodi 209.333.8289 www.emeraldtattoo.com
Air Compressors General Air Compressors North
Storage - Self Service
Non-profit Stockton Republican Women Federated P.O. Box 693643, Stockton 209.474.8505
3005 McKittrick Court, Ceres 209.541.1010
www.yasooyani.com
Telephone Systems & Service / Internet Access Zen Group 10015 Heavencrest Court, Stockton 209.370.1930 www.zenvoip.net
CAUGHT LOOKING
5.31.12
HOME DATES IN MAY: May s -AY s -AY s -AY 24-26
'ET 9OUR 4ICKETS 4ODAY s #ALL 11 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
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
CEO
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
Cont’d from pg. 5
best he has been in as he has traveled around the world on his home
we are already at our West Coast home port in Stockton. THIS IS A
away from home. I also want to thank him for the improvements he
SPECTACULAR FRESH WATER NEW MARINA DOWNTOWN
helped to fund, which you will read about in a moment.
WITH A GREAT VIEW, VERY FRIENDLY PEOPLE, AND GOOD
OK, here it comes—the proof in the pudding: on Monday, April
SHORE POWER (200AMP, 48V 3-PHASE) (my note: Thanks to
9, I received an email from Mr. McDonald, which was from Joe
Mr. McDonald). A WELL KEPT SECRET FOR EXPERIENCING
Foggia, CEO Christensen Shipyards, Vancouver, WA: “Hey David, I
THE CA DELTA WITH A MEGA-YACHT…SPREAD THE
hope all is well on your west coast tour. I just wanted to check with
WORD.” Thank you Mr. McDonald for believing in yourself and us.
you and see if you were having the boat at the Worth Magazine Curator Event? (San Diego April 19-21). From David: “Hi Joe, No,
Ok pessimists—take off your dark glasses and see what we can become with all of us being positive and working together... www.stocktonchamber.org
MAY2012 12
COVER STORY
Importing Success Port of Stockton Builds Strong Future by: Justin Souza
conclusion that many businesses have
the Port comes in a refocus on securing
serves, the Port of Stockton was hard
made in times of economic uncertainty:
agricultural exports from area farms.
hit by the economic downturn, but with
stability can be found in diversification.
good planning from Port administration
“It was a hard lesson to learn, but we
Like many industries in the city it
The Port made a major move toward recapturing agricultural exports with
and some timely grants, the facility has
learned it,” Tollini said from his office at
the Marine Highway Project. This
rebounded quickly and is on its way to a
the Port. “We decided that we needed to
project, funded through a $30 million
stronger, more stable future.
refocus on steady revenue sources and the
Transportation Investment Generating
Rough Waters When the housing bubble burst, its ripples disrupted the local shipping industry for one clear reason: construction materials are often imported by ship. That means that the high demand for lumber, rebar and other raw materials drove equally high levels of imports at the Port of Stockton. According to Mark Tollini, Deputy Director for the Port of Stockton, during the height of the construction boom
goods people need no matter
Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant
what: food and energy.”
shared between the Port of Stockton
Over the last 12 months, the Port’s rebound has actually propelled it past a previous apex, making it a net exporter for the first time in many years.
Sacramento, will enable barges to move cargo along the inland waterway system from Stockton and West Sacramento to Oakland. In preparation for the changes the Marine Highway Project will bring, the Port has made some large scale infrastructure upgrades, including purchasing a series of 140-ton cranes and two barges, and rendering a bevy of facility improvements to update the
in 2006, the Port had a record year for import volume, buoyed significantly by
and the ports in Oakland and West
Since the Port of Stockton
Port’s capabilities. The project is estimated to be 95%
2.6 million tons of cement imports for the
docked its first ship in 1933, the facility
year, alongside those other materials that
has been an essential link in the chain
complete and on schedule for its July
enable construction crews to transform
between Central Valley farmland and
inaugural. “We’re very happy with it
empty lots into suburban neighborhoods.
the greater world. “The Port was built to
and it looks like it’s going to be very
support agriculture and serve farms in
successful,” said Tollini, adding that
imports have slowed from this torrential
our area,” Tollini said, “That still remains
the project will likely add jobs for area
high to a comparative trickle of 200,000
a good portion of our core business.”
residents as well. “You’ll start seeing
tons per year, taking with them a major
These days, close to 80% of farms in the
exports that have been going by container
revenue source for the Port. The slump
Central Valley utilize fertilizer products
to Oakland returning to Stockton. It’s a
in revenue sent Port Directors back to
that have come through the Port of
big change in the operation of the Port,
the drawing board and drew them to a
Stockton. A key revitalization effort for
and it’s new business for us, so we will
In the intervening years, cement
13 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
likely increase our local workforce to
transported from mines in Utah on
utilized in future—and aim to find the
meet the need.”
unit trains, that pass through the Port
Port’s identity again, without losing sight
of Stockton on their way to becoming
of their new goals. “We’re going to really
that the Port of Stockton has been a
construction materials in China. Tollini
remember our lessons. Diversification
major player in transporting wind
said that these monthly loads will
will be a priority and we’ll be working
energy components, including parts
continue for the foreseeable future, and
hard to establish additional solid long-
used to construct the wind turbines that
are expected to increase to as much
term business opportunities.”
increasingly dot California’s hills. The
as 120,000 tons per month in coming
“The downturn was a good thing
Port has also made a big play for coal
months. “I think our future is really in
for us in the long run. We’ve been very
exports, demand for which has increased
exporting raw materials,” said Tollini.
fortunate with our grant writing, in the
On the energy front, Tollini noted
over time in the world market. Over the last 12 months, the Port’s
Establishing a more solid future is a
last year we’ve administered over $30
high priority at the Port. Toward that
million in grant funding on projects
rebound has actually propelled it past a
end, Tollini said that Port administrators
here.” In addition to the TIGER grant,
previous apex, making it a net exporter
are looking to further develop Rough &
the Port has partnered with Union Pacific
for the first time in many years. Much
Ready Island—rent checks from facility
Railroad to apply for a $19 million grant
of the credit goes to steady monthly
tenants are already a quiet boon to Port
for infrastructure improvements that
loads of around 90,000 tons of iron ore,
revenues, but will be even more heavily
could drastically increase the Port’s rail traffic. “These grants allow us to build up our infrastructure and get ready for when things turn around.” “Our revenues are good and we are reinvesting into the Port. We hope to keep developing our facility, creating jobs and providing a good economic benefit for the entire region.” With the changes Port directors have put into place since 2006, the Port of Stockton is more fit and more vital than ever before, and ready to make a better future for Stockton.
www.stocktonchamber.org
MAY2012 14
Ribbon Cuttings
For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org
Edward Jones 3031 W March Lane Suite 116
Attending Ambassadors Annie Randazzo
3100 Mount Diablo Road
2911 Transworld Drive
Ed Wanket
SJC United Way
Worknet
Bill Berryhill
Ellen Powell
Assemblymen
Assemblymember Cardoza’s Representative
Blair Hake
Fernando Ruelas
Ameriprise Financial Services INC
Kaplan College
Carol Clemens
Gary Ghan
Angel’s Caring Helpers
Brookfalls Water
Chester Lum
Gillian Murphy
ABC Wallace Funeral Services
Small Business Development Center at SJ Delta College
Cindy Ward Xango
Networking Mixer April 5, University Park
15 PORT CALL
Stockton
San Joaquin County Office of Education, Solar Project
EZ Network Systems
Andy Prokop
510 E Magnolia St
San Joaquin Building Futures Academy, USS Lucid
Dora Luiz
Allied Waste
St Joseph’s Behavioral Health Outpatient Stockton
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Glenn Jose H.O.P.E
Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan & Gourmet Gifts
Gregory Walther Press F1 Computer Services
Jennifer Lewis Hilton Stockton
John Paval Kansas City Life
Marilyn Mason RHA
Mark McDonald Legal Shield
Stockton
Michelle Sherlock Optimal Hospice Care
Melanie Speer Costco
Nick Harbut Eco Chic Salon
Ojesa Asejo-Clark Rabobank
Patti Gulick New Image Signs
Phyllis Klein Klein Insurance
Reggie Martinez UEI College
Stockton
Rick Pruitt RP Painting Specialists
Cherie Pruitt RP Painting Specialists
Sam Ward Xango
Shannon Ding Assemblymember Berryhill’s Representative
Tim Aragon Quick Connect Wireless
Vince Rosato New Image Signs
Zach Sharkey Stockton Ports
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.
Join AIDS Walk San Joaquin for the 18th Annual AIDS Walk, Saturday, May 12 at Delta College beginning at 8
The Haggin Museum’s Annual Tasting Event and Fundraiser, Haggin à la Carte, will be held
a.m. Lunch and a health and resource fair will be
Saturday, May 12, 6-9 p.m.
provided for participants. All money raised stays in
The popular event features
our county. Register online at www.active.com. For
signature dishes, desserts and
more information, call 209.608.9255.
drinks from some of the area’s best restaurants, caterers and
EZ Network Systems is Proud to Announce the
wineries. Attendees can also
Grand Opening of its New State of the Art Conference Room
enjoy the special exhibition
featuring cutting edge visual technology, the Mondopad by InFocus.
“Memories of World War
The Mondopad is the giant tablet for visual collaboration and
II: Photographs from the
communication with 55 inches of gorgeous full high definition
Archives of The Associated
LCD. EZ Network Systems is in its 11th year bringing Corporate-
Press.” Tickets are $45 per
level IT services to small and medium businesses in the Central
person. Call 209.940.6316 or
Valley at an affordable price. For more information, visit InFocus’s
visit www.hagginmuseum.org.
website at www.infocus.com or contact Dora Ruiz at 209.244.7306.
www.stocktonchamber.org
MAY2012 16
Calendar
May 2012 Highlights 5/17 - State Of The City – 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. @ Port of Stockton, Shed 20
3
Networking Mixer – 5:15 - 7:15 p.m. @ Pacific Records Management
9
Leadership Stockton Day at the Capitol – 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. @ State Capitol, Sacramento
9
Green Team San Joaquin – 9:00 a.m. @ Hilton Stockton
10
Manufacturers Industrial Distribution Roundtable – 7:30 a.m. @ Diamond Foods
11
Government Relations Council – 12:00 p.m. @ TBA
14
Liaison Committee Meeting – 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room Bring your own lunch
15
Effective Strategies Group – 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room “Are your company secrets on Social Media?”
16
Chamber Executive Committee Meeting – 7:00 a.m. @ Stockton Golf & Country Club
17
State of the City – 10:30am - 2:30 p.m. @ Port of Stockton, Shed 20
23
Business Education Alliance – 3:30 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
24
Chamber Board Meeting – 4:00 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
28
Chamber Office Closed In observance of Memorial Day
also don’t miss...
17 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
*
6/7 - Networking Mixer @ Business Tradeshow @ Hilton Stockton 2323 Grand Canal Blvd, Stockton
Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info