Mission: The Turlock Chamber of Commerce serves as the value-added local resource for member businesses and the catalyst for effective and innovative action to foster positive economic growth in our community.
Vision: The greater Turlock area is the best community to live, work and do business in the Central Valley.
Purpose: The Turlock Chamber of Commerce is the business advocate for its members by focusing efforts on promoting a positive business environment, economic development, a legislative voice and costeffective programs and services.
Sharon Silva -
President / CEO
2012 has been a successful year for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce . The Chamber started the year with the privilege of receiving three outstanding awards, one from Western Association of Chamber Executives, the Executive of the Year, 1st Place for our Business News and the fourth year in a row receive the CalChambers Presidents Award and ended the year with a10% increase in membership. We had an outstanding Business Leadership Conference and was honored with renown speakers, such as Breakfast Keynote Lon Hatamiya, Economist and former Secretary of Commerce, and the Luncheon Keynote President/CEO of CalChambers, Allan Zaremberg. We also had two outstanding breakout sessions. An increase in new businesses making their home in Turlock. • • • • •
Blue Diamond broke ground Monte Vista Crossing brought Old Navy, ULTA Beauty, and Olive Garden Restaurant Alpha Poultry built a 37,000 foot facility located in Turlock’s Industrial Park US Cold Storage built 99,000 foot addition to US Cold Storage facility Turlock Chrysler Jeep Dodge opened their doors at the previous site of the Turlock Auto Plaza.
When you have a great leadership team and partnerships such as Turlock Chamber of Commerce and the City of Turlock does, this is the results that take place, new growth in all areas. The Turlock Chamber has been fortunate to have outstanding chairs over the past years and this year was no exception; Chairman Paul Porter was always there to work when called upon or support whatever needs the Chamber or staff may have. With a Board of Directors who have vision and commitment for the Economic Development and to the Businesses of Turlock, you then have success. Every year the board works to insure that the Chamber of Commerce becomes better at providing service to assist the Businesses of Turlock and to work with our Partners, the City of Turlock and the Alliance Workforce. I want to thank Chairman Paul Porter, the Chamber’s Board of Director the outstanding staff that I have the opportunity of working with everyday, our partners, sponsors, and our members for your continued support and hard work to make the Turlock Chamber of Commerce an organization your can be proud to be a member. 2013 will be a year of continued growth and development in making Turlock Chamber the number one business resource for our community.
Sharon Silva, President/CEO
Paul Porter -
Chairman Of The Board
The economy is ticking upward and Turlock is at the forefront of making good things happen. While it is easy to look at double digit unemployment rates and other stagnant reminders that the Central Valley is amongst the bottom of regional economies in the United States, I prefer to look at the huge strides that are moving Turlock ahead. In the past year, we have witnessed business development, growth, and job creation throughout the city: • Monte Vista Crossings added Old Navy, Olive Garden, and Ulta Beauty. • Blue Diamond Growers began construction on their new production facility. • The Carnegie Arts Center re-opened after construction. • Turlock Chrysler Jeep Dodge opened at a site that had been vacant since 2008. • Construction on the new Public Safety Center began. • The new Regional Transit Center was completed. • The Downtown Farmers Market continued to grow and added evening markets. • Numerous vacant retail locations were filled in Downtown, Geer Road, and throughout Turlock. • CSU Stanislaus began retrofit construction on the Science I building. Those are but a few reminders that we are attracting new business and jobs to our community while increasing our quality of life. Turlock also welcomed Dr. Joseph Sheley to CSU Stanislaus as the Interim President and look forward to more good things from the University. Dr. Sheley has been very well received by all. We saw an election which many incumbent elected officials retained office as well as welcoming new officials. The Turlock Chamber of Commerce will continue to work with our partners in office to make sure that business continues to thrive in our community. The Turlock Chamber of Commerce also received two very prestigious accolades while at the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) annual conference. The W.A.C.E. membership is made up of over 800 chambers of commerce in 14 western states. Our Business News magazine received First Place in the Newsletter/Magazine category and Turlock Chamber CEO Sharon Silva received Chamber Executive of the Year. It was a great year to serve as the Chairman of the Board for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce and I look forward to more great things in Turlock in the future.
Turlock Chamber of Commerce 2012 - Board of Directors
Paul Porter (Chair) Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green
Mike Lynch (Past Chair) Mike Lynch Consulting
Michael Allen Allen Mortuary
Steven Padilla Sunopta
Ashour Badal CSU Stanislaus
Lazar Piro Piro Trading International, Inc.
Dianna Bettencourt Oak Valley Community Bank
Susan Quigley Rabobank
James Brenda JKB Energy
Dean Doerkson Central Ag Products
Yubert Envia Foster Farms
Larry Smith Smith Chevrolet Cadillac, Inc
Steve Talkington Lancaster Painting
Mike Romeo (Chair Elect) Romeo Medical Clinic
Steve Gemperle (Treasurer) Treasurer) Gemperle Enterprises
Julio Hallack Concrete by Hallack
Andrew Wigglesworth MedicAlert Foundation
Bill Bassitt ExEx-Officio Member Alliance
Chris Kiriakou Cornerstone Consulting
Marty Jakosa ExEx-Officio Member Foster Farms
Turlock Chamber of Commerce 2012 - Staff Sharon Silva CEO / President IOM, Institute for Organization Management, University of Arizona Bachelor Arts Organizational Communication - CSU Stanislaus
Tasha Van Santen Director of Communication, Development / Events Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - CSU Stanislaus
Desa Cammack Director of Turlock Convention and Visitors Bureau Academy Graduate of the Western Association of Chamber Executives
Kassi Fortado Membership / CVB Assistant
Sharon Berry Administration Assistant
Currently working towards Business Administration - Merced College
Bachelor of Science in Education - Pacific University Oregon
Patricia Baron Operation Bachelor of Science in Business / Accounting and in process of MPA - CSU Stanislaus
Membership The Turlock Chamber’s website has a “Members Only” section that allows our members to be hands on with their business’s account. All members have a username and password to login at their convenience. They can change any vital information, pay their annual dues, and stay informed with a click of a button. The Turlock Chamber of Commerce promote our members in our quarterly publication called the Business News as well as our social media and our monthly MixerMail.
All Businesses
Business Size
Dues
1-10 …………………………….. $335.00 11-20 …………………………… $412.00 21-50 …………………………… $566.00
$25,000.00
51-100 …………………………. $927.00
$20,000.00
101-200 ……………………….. $1,389.00 201-300 ……………………….. $1,802.00 301+ ……………………………… $2,318.00 Non Profit Clubs & Organizations All
$201.00
Associate Members and Branch Locations All
$150.00
$15,000.00 $10,000.00 $5,000.00 $-
Recurring Revenue Total Amount Paid by Membership
Ambassadors Mission: To serve as the public relations connection of the Chamber of Commerce with the general membership.
Purpose: To assist with the development of new membership and retention of present members and to provide interaction between the membership and the community. The Ambassador Committee works with the Chamber development and membership retention to serve as a link between the membership, staff and Board of Directors. The Ambassador Program does ask for a commitment from our Ambassadors to assist at Special events, Ribbon Cuttings, Mixers and any other Chamber programs as needed.
2012 Ambassadors: Jerry Powell, Chair Liz Allen Michael Avalos Joy Biddle Deborah L. Curtis Judy Greaves Cheryl Gerhardt Eric Jergensen Mary Matthews Vanessa A. Mora Don Mundello, Jr. Roxana Samano Rachel Sarkis Stephanie Talkington
Ambassador of the Year Joy Biddle
Events The Turlock Chamber of Commerce hosts programs and events throughout the year to provide our members with educational training, recognition, networking opportunities, and to help with funding the organization. Listed below are the events and programs: .
Fundraising and Networking Monthly Mixers Golf Tournament Party Under the Stars Holiday Mixer .
Informational and Recognition Annual Best of Turlock Annual Membership Breakfast Ag Scholarship Luncheon CEO Round Table .
Educational Business Summit and Expo Leadership Turlock Sexual Harassment Workshop Business Empowerment Forum .
2012 Committees: The Turlock Chamber has a diverse number of committees Government Relations Committee (GRC) | Chair: Chris Kiriakou Turlock Action for Business Political Action Committee (TABPAC) | Chair: Paul Porter Ag Committee | Chair: Wes Jacobs Leadership | Chair: Steve Talkington Ambassador’s | Chair: Jerry Powell Finance Committee for 2012: Steve Gemperle, Paul Porter, Larry Smith, Andrew Wigglesworth
Leadership Turlock Mission: Where leaders come together with a commitment, motivation and interest in serving Turlock’s community.
Purpose: To enable growth of participants in their understanding of the community through exposure to issues of importance they may not otherwise have the opportunity to explore. To grow in the understanding of community, exchange ideas, enhance leadership and management skills and develop a close relationship. The class has no less than 15 and no more than 20 each year. In 2012 there were 14 in the graduating class.
2012 Leadership Steering Committee: Chair Steve Talkington - Lancaster Painting
Phaedra Norton - City of Turlock
Jana Rhine - Emanuel Medical Center
Clark Hulbert - Teichert Construction
Paul Porter - Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green
Michelle Reimers - Turlock Irrigation District
Bob Hansen - JKB Energy
Jerry Powell - Fidelis Development / PMZ
Jeff Segars - Foster Farms
Carl Nielson - Turlock Police Department
Susan Quigley - Rabobank
Sharon Silva - Chamber President / CEO
Business Leadership Summit October 10, 2012 was the Fifth Annual Business Leadership Summit, presented by the Turlock Chamber of Commerce. It is the Chamber’s desire to bring a day of training and information to the doorstep of our Central Valley Businesses. This year’s summit was focused on providing key tools to help maintain and expand productivity and to inform our business leaders on subjects that can be used to enhance the quality of their business. There were 38 booths displayed at the Expo, which gave opportunity to not only market their businesses and services but to network with the community and other businesses. The event began with keynote speakers at Breakfast Speaker Lon Hatamiya former Secretary of Commerce spoke about the “Economic Forecast – What is Happening Today and Tomorrow”. Morning breakout panel provided an interactive session discussing “Access to Capital for Small Businesses”. The Turlock Chamber was honored to have Allan Zaremberg President / CEO of California Chamber of Commerce as our Luncheon Keynote speaker. Afternoon breakout information on how to “Build Your Business Like Buffett”.
2012 Business Leadership Summit Committee: Chair Sharon Silva - Chamber President / CEO
Dianna Bettencourt - Oak Valley Community Bank
Ron Davenport - Oak Valley Community Bank
Mary Matthews - Clear Channel Tasha Van Santen - Turlock Chamber
Agriculture Committee
(Ag Committee)
Mission: The Mission for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee is to support events and activities aimed at developing future agricultural leaders, educating the public and informing policy makers. Over the past 12 years the Ag Committee has raised money to make it possible to help the future agricultural leaders of our community to earn scholarships that to assist in their in their collge educations. To date they have raised over $152,000; where 76,000 to Stanislaus County Fair to promote Ag through Public Education. The 2012 Ag committee gave 23 Scholarships totaling $19,000 dollars and 11,000 to the Stanislaus County Fair.
2012 Agricultural Committee Members: Chair Wes Jacobs, Jacobs Dairy Prof. Network
Dennis Luis, Farmland Management Services
Todd Morgan, Morgan Westamerica Bank
Mark Bender, CSU Stanislaus Ag Studies
Bill Hoobler, Hoobler American Ag Credit
Bart Muller, Muller Muller Berry Farm (Chair Elect)
Jim Booth, Booth Century 21 M&M
Kent Johnson, Johnson Ag Production Co.
Joe Pereira, Jr., Yosemite Farm Credit
Chris Borovansky, Borovansky Stanislaus County Fair
Marcus Lema, Lema Northwestern Mutual
Jim Theis, Theis PMZ Realtor
Bill Daly, Daly A.L. Gilbert
Kim Machado, Machado Payne-Murphy
Jack Wilkey, Wilkey Wilkey Sheet Metal
Kellie Larson, Larson Hughson High School
Lane L. Menezes, Menezes The Ranch Realtor / PMZ
Dean Doerksen, Doerksen Central Ag Products
Greg Eisenhauer, Eisenhauer F&M Bank
Scott Kuykendall, Kuykendall Stanislaus County Office of Education
Business Empowerment Forum
On September 26th, the Turlock Chamber of Commerce hosted a Business Empowerment Forum at Latif’s Restaurant. The Honorable Jeff Denham, US House of Representatives, The Honorable Anthony Cannella, California Senate and The Honorable Kristin Olsen, California Assembly were the guests of honor. The event was hosted by the California Prosperity Project, partnership between CalChamber and BiPAC and Alliance for Affordable Services. Mayor John Lazar was the Emcee and Joe Savarise, Senior Regional VP for BIPAC from Washington, DC was the Moderator. There were approximately 100 in attendance to hear what the Congressman, Senator and Assemblymember envision the issues facing the future of California, particular the Central Valley.
Government Relations
(GRC)
The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has established a Government Relations Committee (GRC) for the purpose of informing the Chamber membership of legislative issues that may have an impact on local Turlock businesses. It acts as an advocate, either pro or con, for local business related issues with the City of Turlock, Stanislaus County, and State and Federal representatives. As part of this function it provides the membership with information on various bills and issues at all levels of government. At election time it acts as the Chamber’s Ballot Measurers Committee (Turlock Action for Business Ballot Measures Committee, TAB-BMC) analyzing the numerous Ballot Measures and, after committee review, making voting recommendations to the membership and community on the impact of the measurers. Acting as the “Voice of Business” for the Turlock Area it also coordinates with other Chamber organizations and the California State Chamber to work toward common interests. Because it is not affiliated with any political party or candidate its committee deliberations are independent and nonpartisan. It also prepares a tabulation of City and State elected representatives voting record. The GRC meets monthly at the Chamber’s offices and its membership includes both Chamber members and representatives form the local elected officials. Depending on the time of the year and topic it may have outside speakers to elaborate on various issues of interest to the committee or address them through the committee member discussion and vote. During 2012 the committee addressed various issues as stated in the following: 1.
2. 3.
At the monthly meetings each of the locally elected officials representatives report on topics that may be of concern to the local business community. 2012 topics included Public Safety Realignment, the local and State budgets, sustainable development, unfunded mandates, BayDelta issues, domestic water supply and taxation. The GRC, acting as the Chamber’s Ballot Measure Committee, provided a recommendation for the June Ballot Initiatives that have an impact on local business including the Stanislaus County Library Tax. The GRC serves as a political action advocate as a Ballot Measures Committee reviewing and making recommendations on business related issues at each election cycle. The TAB-BMC does not endorse any individual candidate for any office.
Any proposed action of the TAB-PAC must be approved by 2/3s of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The TAB-PAC is provided legal and accounting guidance though consulting contracts with a lawyer and accountants.
Members of the GRC 2012: Chair Chris Kiriakou - Cornerstone Consulting, Inc. Chris Barth - Golf USA Rich Borba - JKB Energy Steve Boyd - Turlock Irrigation District Mike Brem - SupHerb Farms James Brenda - JKB Energy Richard Dye - Pacific Gas & Electric Greg Eisenhauer - Turlock Commerce Bank
Christi Falke - Falke Air Conditioning Kathy Halsey - Retired AT&T Marty Jakosa - Foster Farms Andrew LaFlamme - CSU Stanislaus Mitzi Lucas - Turlock Irrigation District Mike Lynch - Mike Lynch Consulting Steve Madison - STANCO
Heidi McNallyMcNally-Dial - City of Turlock Steve Padilla - Sunopta Thad Phillips - Western Valley Insurance Stephen Qualls - League of California Cities Bob Schmidt - United Equipment Jim Theis - PMZ Real Estate Mike Trainor - Turlock Unified School District
Turlock Action for Business PAC The Turlock Chamber of Commerce is the Voice for Business. One of the roles of the Chamber is to communicate to those who have have been given the power to make decisions on issues that have an impact on how business functions. It is important the Chamber provides a vehicle vehicle through which the Chamber acts on local, state and federal government issues. TAB PAC is not a political party and is not affiliated with a political party. TAB PAC interviews and makes recommendations on candidates who directly impact the Turlock business community. Our members are always free to act individually for or against candidates of their choosing. TAB PAC will seek to interview candidates for Turlock City, school and other local offices. We do so in order to send a message to the Turlock business community and the city’s other residents when there is, in our opinion, a clear distinction in the candidates or positions that will impact Turlock’s economy. To that effect, our interview and endorsement process may also result in monetary contributions to a candidate or measure. Such financial contributions will only be made if a three-fourths (3/4) vote is achieved. The endorsement is to signal that the Turlock business community will speak, when necessary, with as close to one voice as possible on local issues. The preceding information, should lead anyone to conclude that TAB PAC must make endorsements or contributions. There may be times, hopefully rare, where none of the candidates meet the minimum requirements set by our committee; to fulfill the goal supporting business and bringing added value to the civic and community leadership of Turlock. Frequently, both or all the candidates running for office will meet these qualifications, and TAB PAC will so inform the community and recommend all, or remain silent on the choices.
TAB PAC Board Members: Chair Paul Porter - Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green
Jim Theis - PMZ
Julio Hallack - Concrete by Hallack
James Brenda - JKB Energy
Marty Jakosa - Foster Farms
Dr. Mike Romeo - Romeo Medical Clinic
Richard Dye - PG&E
Yubert Envia - Foster Farms
Mike Lynch - Mike Lynch Consulting
Chris Kiriakou - Cornerstone Consulting
Katy Halsey - AT&T Retired
Turlock Convention & Visitors Bureau 2012 Committee: Chris Borovansky (Chair) - Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Rebecca Philips Abbott - Carnegie Arts Center
Holly Hamilton - Holiday Inn Express
Bob Stammerjohan - Stammerjohan Consulting
Steve Carkeet - Turlock Community Theatre
John Jaureguy (Chair Elect) - Jaureguy's Paint & Decorating
Roy Wasden - City Manager
Kit Casey - Turlock Community Theatre
Neyen Khatri - Best Western Orchard Inn
Allison Van Guilder - City Recreation
Kim Duyst - CSUS, Athletics
Naresh Patel - America’s Best Value Inn
Sharon Silva - CEO & President, TCC CVB
Michael Everett -The Creation Lab
Jeff Segars - Foster Farms
Desa Cammack - Director of CVB
The Turlock Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is responsible, through marketing efforts, for bringing visitors into the Turlock area, thereby enhancing the local economy. The CVB sponsored nearly $40,000 of community events and programs this year. The CVB has several publications we print each year: The Turlock Community Guide, Economic Profile, Official City Map, and an Attractions Map. In 2012 the CVB launched a smart phone app that helps visitors locate attractions, restaurants, shopping, accommodations and more based on current location. Get discounts to local businesses, an Events Calendar that allows you to save an event or set-up a reminder, a Day Planner and suggested day trips itineraries are all included in the CVB’s Smart phone app on both Android and iPhone platforms. As of September 2012, we’ve had a 70.7% increase in Turlock’s occupancy rate. As usual the occupancy for rooms was up during the summer months of May, Jun, July, and August, but this year March saw a 10% increase in occupancy. The supply of rooms in Turlock has been stable since July 2009 while the demand for rooms has grown. Demand for rooms has increase 16.9% from last year. From Sept 2011 to Sept 2012 Turlock has seen a $1,396,395 increase in room revenue (19.5%) since the previous year’s year-to-date figure.
Framing Hope The Turlock Chamber of Commerce Foundation is proud to announce a partnership with Home Depot on their Our Framing Hope Product Donation Program, which is an integral part of how The Home Depot makes a difference in our communities and environment. Products donated through the program are kept out of landfills and are used instead to rebuild nearby neighborhoods and improve the lives of fellow citizens. The program pairs our U.S. stores with local charities to donate merchandise (clearance, return to vendor, gently used) who in turn put these products to use improving the lives of our youth, the sick and the needy. Framing Hope significantly increases our charitable giving with an annual potential of $60 million in product donations. That's in addition to the funds Home Depot has already committed to build 100k000 affordable, healthy homes in the next decade through The Home Depot Foundation. Framing Hope also expands our commitment to the environment by keeping merchandise out of landfills, while also supporting our focus on green, affordable housing. Framing Hope is another way Hone Depot brings values to life by giving back to our communities and doing the right thing for our neighbors, our Company and the environment. When there's a Home Depot in your neighborhood, good things happen. That's the essence of Framing Hope. The Turlock Chamber of Commerce Foundation and been selected to work with Home Depot on this project. Every month Home Depot will be donating product that the Chamber Foundation will be able to provide to many of the non-profit organization in the community as well as businesses who may need some assistance.
Film Commission Turlock Mission: The mission of the Turlock Film Commission (TFC) is to attract film production to Turlock and surrounding areas and ensure an optimal experience for filmmakers. Specifically, TFC will: • •
Set Turlock apart as a unique and premier location for film production. Assist filmmakers optimize their production experience by: 1. Creating a synergistic relationship between local businesses, government, and filmmakers by providing an integration of opportunities 2. Maintaining a list of local government agencies, businesses, and services. 3. Maintaining an extensive location library. 4. Acting as a liaison between production companies, local government, and businesses.
The Film Commission had their first successful fundraising event “Turlock Goes Hollywood” February 26, 2012 at Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock. Over 200 guests walked down the red carpet to a night full of Hollywood glamour and to watch the 84th Annual Academy Awards Ceremony in style.
Film Commission Committee: Sharon Silva - CEO Turlock Chamber
Vito Chiesa - County Supervisor
Michael Everett -The Creation Lab
Delyn Meyers -Alliance Work Net
John Lazar -Mayor City of Turlock
Forrest White -Turlock City Council
Phaedra Norton -City Attorney City of Turlock
Brain Duggan -CSUS
Dr. Sonny Da Marto - Superintendent Turlock Unified School District
Brian Sinclair - Instructor MJC
Communication
The goal of the Turlock Chamber is to develop clear lines of communication with our members, focusing efforts on enhancements in technology. Knowing that significant media exposure is necessary to the growth of the organization the Chamber has directed its attention to developing social media networks, with both Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. This has allowed us to post and tweet Chamber news and events, as well as pictures, links, and any additional information our members may post. In 2012 The Chamber choose to upgrade the Website. Because our website is the main information source of the organization, it was decided to rebuild the site to be more efficient and to allow in house management. It was the desire of the Chamber to add more benefits and give our members more marketing opportunities, allowing them to showcase their business in a diversified way. The “Members Only� section allows members to update their contact information, pay their dues, buy tickets to events, display video's photographs, coupons and job opening and much more. Also, another advantage of the site will allow the agency to grow with technology. The front page will feature, a calendar of upcoming event, and highlight important information. Other communication available is our Hot Mixer Mail and Community Newsletter, which is sent to over 700 emails, and includes event information, member advertisements, articles that are pertinent to our membership needs, plus a mobile APP with real time updates.
Publication In 2012 The Chamber was honored to receive a first place award for our quarterly Business News Magazine from Western Association of Chamber Executives, an organization that has representation from 14 states in the Western Division of the United States.. There are three main publications highlighting business concerns and issues, that is designed to inform and educate the business and community Leaders; as well as to promote the Chamber members, Chamber programs and events, and legislative activities that have an effect on today's business and economy. Our publications are the Quarterly Business News Magazine, the Annual Membership Directory and Community Profile, which is placed in all of our re-location packets; it has information and highlights on our community and businesses and is a directory of our Members; The official City Map of Turlock, which is published annually to makes sure that the growth of the community is included to keep the map accurate and current. The Economic Profile, which provides a snapshot of Turlock Industries, Top Businesses and the statistical of data of the community, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau Attractions Map. All of our publication are is placed in Hotels, Businesses
Thank you to our 2012 Chamber Champions