209 Business Journal - Feb 2018

k e e p i n g VOLUME 3 ■ ISSUE 2

NEWS

BUSINESS JOURNAL

b u s i n e s s e s

c o n n e c t e d ™

FEBRUARY 2018

BART TO THE 209

A $1.9 million grant from the Legacy Health Endowment and the Stanislaus Community Foundation is aiming to help the Valley’s healthcare worker shortage.

PAGE 9

NEWS

The Ceres Chamber of Commerce named Becki Barton Nicholes as the Citizen of the Year at their recent awards gala.

PAGE 7

An electric commuter train or a diesel version such as this Bombardier could be the backbone of a BART to ACE rail connection that is in the preliminary assessment stages.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Effort under way to connect Valley

BY DENNIS WYATT 209 Business Journal

T

he growing importance of the Northern San Joaquin Valley as the housing option for workers needed to keep the Bay Area economy humming is underscored by efforts to launch a rail system to ultimately move commuters between Stockton directly to the BART station in Dublin.

One day commuters from the region could hop aboard a station at River Islands in Lathrop to cover the distance to the Dublin BART station by rail. The trip by vehicle today can take as long as 100 minutes. It would take significant pressure off the Altamont Pass/Interstate 580 corridor that has over 65,000 vehicles daily that is expected to grow by 60 percent over the next 20 years. That is on top of the 14,000 trucks per day that travel the corridor.

The project is in addition to efforts now underway to extend the

Altamont Corridor Express service south to Ceres by 2023 and ultimately to Modesto using money the California Legislature set aside as part of the gas tax hike deal. The ACE extension will bring rail service to downtown Manteca, Ripon and Modesto as well as Ceres in the first phase. Ultimately ACE stops would be added in Turlock, Atwater and Merced.

Initial preliminary plans call for service to start from the Dublin/ Pleasanton BART station to West Tracy, with stops at Isabel to the west of Livermore and Greenville Road in Livermore. The future extension currently calls for two more stops in Tracy — one at Coral Hollow and the other in downtown — as well as River Islands and Stockton.

The rail connection of BART and ACE — the purpose of the Tri-Valley-San Joaquin Regional Rail Authority created by Assembly Bill 758 — will feature either diesel or electric multiple unit technology.

Within Tracy the system will

utilize Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. The trains will travel through the Altamont Pass on the historic Transcontinental Railroad right-of-way that’s now owned by Alameda County. It would then connect to BART by traveling down the Interstate 580 median.

The initial service plan calls for trains to run every 30 minutes during peak commute hours.

They would connect with every other BART train.

Potential ridership and costs are currently being explored.

Beyond providing a much sought after commuter link by many who live in the 209 and work in areas served by BART between Dublin/Pleasanton and San Francisco, the BART to ACE link would also connect 500 miles of commuter and intercity rail lines with more than 130 stations in the Northern California metroplex.

It would ultimately be feasible to catch a train in Merced and — with connections that are station-

to-station or very short shuttle runs — travel to downtown San Francisco, downtown San Jose, San Francisco International Airport, Stockton, Sacramento, Lawrence Livermore Lab, Levi’s Stadium, and the Oakland Coliseum among other destinations.

A person could step on a train in downtown Manteca, LathropManteca, Ripon or River Islands to access that 500-mile network that includes 130 stations making mass transit a viable alternative to commute to jobs, travel to reach entertainment venues, shop, attend school, and other purposes.

Agencies involved with the Tri Valley-San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority are the cities of Manteca, Lathrop, Stockton, Tracy, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and San Ramon, the Town of Danville, Mountain House Community Services District, San Joaquin and Alameda counties, Livermore Amador Transit Authority, BART, and the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission.

209 209BUSINESS BUSINESS JOURNAL JOURNAL

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FEBRUARY 2018

OPINION

Vol. 3 No. 2 ■ February 2018 PUBLISHER

The opportunity is often lost by deliberating.

Hank Vander Veen

GENERAL MANAGER Drew Savage

MANAGING EDITOR Sabra Stafford

NEWSROOM Jeff Benziger Jason Campbell Dennis D. Cruz Kristina Hacker Teresa Hammond Marg Jackson Glenn Khal Angelina Martin Candy Padilla Vince Rembulat Virginia Still Dennis Wyatt

­—Publilius Syrus

ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George

ADVERTISING DIRECTORS Chuck Higgs

SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Dawn Hamilton Corey Rogers Cathy Tuxson Melody Wann Charles Webber Jennifer Webber

To advertise in 209 Business Journal, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141 209 Business Journal is published monthly 122 S. Third Ave • Oakdale, CA 95361 Information: dsavage@209businessjournal.com 209businessjournal.com The Oakdale Leader USPS No 178-680 Is published weekly by Morris Newspaper Corporation, 122 S. Third Ave. Oakdale, CA 95361 ©Copyright 2018. 209 Business Journal All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of 209 Business Journal is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in 209 Business Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of 209 Business Journal management or owner.

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209MAG A Z I N E.CO M

Even more tax-law changes affecting small businesses Even more tax-law changes affecting small businesses By now, you’re probably sick and tired of hearing about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. I know I am.

Previous columns have dealt with the two biggest changes brought about by the law: —The lowering of tax rates on regular or C corporations from up to 35 percent to a flat 21 percent.

—The creation of a 20 percent deduction on “pass through” income of (some) small business partnerships, limited liability companies and S corporations.

The new law has made other significant changes that, as a small-business owner, you will want to know about.Here they are: Section 179 Deduction. For tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, you can expense up to $1 million in equipment. The definition of eligible property has been expanded to include certain depreciable tangible personal property used predominantly to furnish lodging.

The definition of qualified real property eligible for the deduction is also expanded to include qualified expenditures for roofs; heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; fire protection and alarm systems; and security systems for nonresidential real property.

Depreciation Deductions. You can now deduct 100 percent of the cost of depreciable tangible personal property that has a depreciable life for tax purposes of 20 years or less (such as ma-

CLIFF ENNICO CREATORS SYNDICATE

chinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, sidewalks, roads, landscaping, computers, computer software, farm buildings and qualified motor-fuels facilities), as long as you place it in service after Sept. 27, 2017, and before Jan. 1, 2023. After that, the deduction phases out over five years to zero.

For new or used passenger vehicles that are placed in service after Dec. 31, 2017, and used over 50 percent for business, the maximum annual deductions allowed are $10,000 for year one, $16,000 for year two, $3,050 for year three, and $1,875 for year four and thereafter. Slightly higher limits apply to light trucks and light vans.

Cash Basis of Accounting. Under prior law, regular or C corporations were required to use the accrual basis of accounting if the corporation’s average gross receipts for the three previous years totaled more than $5 million. The new law raises that limit to $25 million.

Business Interest Deductions.

Prior law generally allowed full deductions for interest paid or accrued by a business. Under the new law, affected corporate and noncorporate businesses generally cannot deduct interest expense in excess of 30 percent

of “adjusted taxable income,” starting with tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017. For S corporations, partnerships and LLCs, this limitation is applied at the entity level rather than the owner level.

The Net-Operating-Loss Deduction. Under prior law, “net operating losses,” or NOLs, could be carried back for up to five years and carried forward for up to 25 years. The new law provides that for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, NOLs can be carried forward indefinitely but may no longer be carried back (except for farm businesses, which can still carry back NOLs for two years). Also, NOLs arising in taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, and carried to future years cannot offset more than 80 percent of taxable income before the NOL deduction.

“Excess Business Losses.” For taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, the “excess business losses” of a taxpayer other than a C corporation are not allowed for the taxable year. Such losses are carried forward and treated as part of the taxpayer’s NOL carryforward in subsequent taxable years. An excess business loss for the taxable year is the excess of a taxpayer’s aggregate business deductions (determined without regard to the limit) over the sum of aggregate gross income or gain of the taxpayer plus $500,000 on a joint return ($250,000 on other returns), indexed for inflation.

For partnerships, LLCs and S corporations, the limit applies at

the partner or shareholder level.

Reduced or Eliminated Deduction for Business Entertainment. Under prior law, small businesses could deduct 100 percent of business travel costs and 50 percent of meal and entertainment costs while traveling. The 100 percent deduction for travel costs and the 50 percent deduction for meals both remain unchanged in the new law (whew!), but for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, no deductions are allowed with respect to (1) an activity generally considered to be entertainment, amusement or recreation, (2) membership dues with respect to any club organized for business, leisure, recreation or other social purposes, or (3) a facility or portion of a facility used in connection with any of the above, even if the entertainment, amusement or recreation is directly related to the active conduct of the taxpayer’s trade or business.

No Deduction for SexualHarassment Case Defense. And now for my favorite provision in the new law: No deduction is allowed for any settlement, payout or attorney fees related to sexual-harassment or sexualabuse claims involving you or your employees if the payments are subject to a nondisclosure agreement. To take the deduction, you must make the settlement terms public.

If you needed any further incentive to police hanky-panky in your workplace, there it is.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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IN PROFILE

Adorable clothing sets up shop in Oakdale

BY TERESA HAMMOND 209 Business Journal

The New Year is off to a positive start for mother/ daughter business duo Brenda Bergwerff and Rachelle Foster as they celebrate the second month of operating their new business.

Adorable Elite Consignment at 730 W. F St., Oakdale, is a business the duo had contemplated opening for quite some time. Hours for the business are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We’d always been thinking about it, because my mother had her own consignment shop for 25 years,” Bergwerff said, noting her mother Wanda Scoggins formerly owned and operated McHenry Elite Consignment in Modesto.

The new Oakdale consignment shop hosts gently used clothing for women and teens, handbags, shoes, accessories, as well as home décor and unique items.

They also offer new items

by Montana West and Atlas Clothing.

“Rachelle’s always wanted to do it ... do something to work around her kids,” Bergwerff continued.

With her mother at her side in the business as well

as helping with the kids while she’s at the shop, the business seems to be just the ticket for Foster.

The owners first acquired keys to the building in early fall and opened their doors officially on Dec. 2. They shared they felt the West F Street location was ideal at the time, as there are limited shopping options on the west end of town.

“As soon as our doors opened they’ve just been pouring in,” Foster said of customers, as well as clients bringing in items to consign.

“Women in this area buy name brand, expensive apparel,” she continued. “We knew Tags was here and we thought it was a big enough city for two of us.”

Tags Consignment closed its doors after over a 10-year successful run in Oakdale in late December.

The consignment business model the mother/ daughter team utilizes is that similar to one used by Bergwerff’s mother. Gently used items are taken in on a 90-day basis. Items are priced to sell with 45 percent of the sale going to the consigner and 55 percent going to the business. Clients are invited to use their

TERESA HAMMOND/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Daughter Rachelle Foster, left, and mom Brenda Bergwerff are the duo behind the newly opened Adorable Elite Consignment at 730 W. F St., Oakdale.

credit toward trade either through shopping in the store or by payout. Cash is not given for items in advance of a sale. At the end of 90 days, items that have

130

not sold are to be picked up by the consigner.

Both women shared feelings of happiness, as well as excitement for the business as they watch it grow

“It’s fun. I love it,” Foster said of coming to work each day. “I’ve always liked talking to people. There’s so many fun stories they have to share.”

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“I think she would be happy for us and like it,” Bergwerff said of her mother, who has passed away.

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FEBRUARY 2018

IN PROFILE

Elegant Bull celebrates 30th anniversary

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

Elegant Bull

209 Business Journal

When Frank and Karen Machado opened the Elegant Bull restaurant in Delhi in 1989, many said it was crazy for the former Bay Area restaurateurs to chase success in the Central Valley. It’s been nearly three decades since then, and today, the Machados laugh in the faces of their naysayers as the Elegant Bull celebrates its 30th year of business.

“When we first came here, people didn’t understand what we were – we had calamari, scallopini… people weren’t too familiar with those dishes out here,” said Frank Machado. “People told us we wouldn’t make it out here, but they didn’t understand that Highway 99 has more traffic than Highway 65, or even more traffic than Geer Road where a lot of other restaurants are.”

After 25 years of experience in the Bay Area restaurant industry, Frank initially planned to return to his hometown of Hilmar for at least one year to reconnect with family, retire and tend to livestock.

Type of business: Continental and European cuisine restaurant Location: 9666 Stephens St., Delhi Hours: 10:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Contact information: 209-667-7742 Specialty: Steak dinner

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

Frank and Karen Machado opened the Elegant Bull restaurant in Delhi in 1989.

Farm life proved to be a little mundane for the seasoned businessman, however, so when a little restaurant went up for sale in Delhi, he jumped on the opportunity.

Frank has had a lengthy career in the restaurant business – his first place was a pizza parlor in Santa

Clara, and from there he went on to find success in the fine dining industry, having learned the tricks of the trade by hand in the kitchen amongst a handful of Bay Area chefs.

Elegant Bull allowed him to once again tap into that culinary expertise, with a menu that offers favorites

like BBQ pork ribs, scallops Alfonso and New York steak.

To celebrate the restaurant’s 30th year, Elegant Bull is offering special pricing on their New York steak dinner for two through Jan. 18.

“We’re starting our 30th year, and not much has changed,” said Frank.

“But, we get people from

Modesto, Atwater, Merced, Hilmar – all over. We even get some people from the Bay Area.”

The Elegant Bull often gives back to the community it helps serve, added Frank. The Hilmar High School varsity football team will be on the receiving end of the res-

taurant’s generosity on Jan. 22, when they will be served a steak dinner in celebration of their recent section championship.

Frank and Karen are postponing retirement for now, and at 86 years old, staying at home all day instead of working doesn’t sound too appealing — yet.

“It’s become sort of a hobby for me, the restaurant. Every time I think I’m going to retire, I say, ‘Woah, I have to stay at home?

What do I do there?’” said Frank. “I’d rather be sipping on a martini at the restaurant than hanging out at home.”

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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

5

AGRICULTURE

Making ‘hay’ for Manteca Farming conservation easement eyed for 417 acres

BY DENNIS WYATT 209 Business Journal

Land the City of Manteca initially bought as a way to start development of municipal property where a 500-room hotel and indoor water park along with an adjoining family entertainment zone may be built could become part of an agricultural conservation easement.

The San Joaquin County Council of Governments is seeking to purchase easements on 417 acres the city owns at 23000 Hays Road in rural South Manteca for a price not exceeding $5,000 an acre or $2,085,000.

By buying an agricultural easement with fees developers pay for such a purpose, the land will be restricted to farming in perpetuity. The use restriction would be recorded on the deed and would apply to any future buyers of the property.

Manteca bought the land near the San Joaquin River over a mile west of the Tintersection of Airport Way and West Ripon Road in 2010 using fees collected on sewer connections. The city purchased it for $3.4 million or $7,529 an acre.

While that may seem like a money losing deal at first glance, it is far from it. The city has been leasing the land to farmers for a little more than $100,000 a year.

Should be easement sale go through, Manteca will have received $2.8 million from the deal by the end of the year. But by retaining ownership, the city will re-

coup its initial investment based on future lease payments by farmers by 2024.

Not only does it mean a positive cash flow in the future but it keeps the door open for possible use of the property to dispose of treated wastewater from the Manteca treatment plant if it is needed during a future expansion of the facility.

The just completed $8 million infrastructure work that placed a new gravity flow sewer main beneath the 120 Bypass east of Costco as well as made it possible to develop an indoor water park and family entertainment zone on roughly 200 acres of city-owned land south of the wastewater treatment plant will go into service once a final link along Woodward Avenue is completed by developers.

The wastewater that is now being pumped from as far to the east as the Woodward Park area will then flow by gravity to the treatment plant. The sewer line in place now would be cleaned and repurposed as a gravity flow line for delivering treated wastewater south of the 120 Bypass to irrigate existing and future parks.

Given the line is already on the other side of the 120 Bypass it could extended south to the Hays Road property which was the city’s original intent and used to irrigate the 417 acres as is now done on land at the wastewater treatment plant that a

farmers leases to grow corn for conversion into silage to feed dairy cattle.

It also opens the door to possibly sell treated wastewater to farms located along a potential future purple pipeline extension to the Hays Road property.

Much of the treated wastewater Manteca processes each day flows into the San Joaquin River where it is significantly cleaner than river water.

The water at that point is up for grabs by others.

A state law makes it legal for municipalities to sell treated wastewater.

The City of Stockton has a deal in place than sells treated water it releases into the San Joaquin River to a down river agricultural user.

The city initially moved to buy the property out of growing concerns the state could one day ban returning any treated water to rivers. At the same time the city wanted to convert the land between the 120 Bypass and the treatment plant proper they had purchased for future land disposal of treated wastewater to be repurposed into higher revenue producing property.

Back in 2010 it was estimated the move would increase the value of the land set aside for land disposal where the family entertainment zone is proposed by more than 500 percent over the price originally paid. Any proceeds from the sale of land around the treatment plant for retail

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

The 417 acres the City of Manteca owns on Hays Road near McMullin Road south of Manteca could be placed in an agricultural conservation easement for perpetuity

or business park purposes would go back to the sewer enterprise account. And since the Hays Road site was purchased using sewer connection fee revenue, the conservation easement payment would flow back into the enterprise account as well.

The city has also toyed with creating its own green waste recycling facility on the Hays Road property that would be an applicable agricultural use.

It was also discussed in 2010 since the city would have land disposal, that Manetas could pursue agricultural processing jobs that are becoming more sophisticated and better

paying with various marketing strategies such as salad packaging. Currently the only such operation in Manteca — Eckert’s Cold Storage on Moffat Boulevard that processes pepper for pizzas — sends the water it washes peppers with through a purple pipe to the treatment plant site for land disposal Such a food processing strategy would be a sharp departure from the last 40 plus years where the city avoided such operations like the plague since they gobbled up wastewater treatment plant capacity at the expensive of being able to serve homes.

The sale of conservation

easements would take one option of the table that was listed in 2010 when the land was purchased. That option entailed possibly creating a mega-regional treatment plant some 50 or so years down the road for Manteca and nearby cities.

The SJCOG will review the conservation easement purchase proposal during two public hearings on Feb. 14 at 9:30 a.m. before the Habitat Technical Advisory Committee and Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. before the full SJCOG board. Both hearings will take place at the SJCOG building at 555 East Weber Avenue in downtown Stockton.

CDFA introduces produce safety program STAFF REPORTS 209 Business Journal

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing the creation of a new unit within its Inspection Services Division called the Produce Safety Program.

This unit has been created to assist California produce farms in understanding the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The unit will be responsible for conducting on-farm inspections on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that will begin in 2019 to verify compliance with the Produce Safety Rule, which became effective January

26, 2018 for produce farms designated as “large” - defined as those with $500,000 or more in annual sales. Smaller farms will be phased in over the next few years.

“It’s estimated some 20,000 California farms will fall under this new regulation,” explained California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross.

“This will be a big job and we will all need to work cooperatively to achieve our vision of 100 percent compliance.”

CDFA’s plan is to first educate farmers about the Produce Safety Rule and then regulate farms by verifying their compliance with it by keeping required records on ad-

herence to best practices and providing ongoing health and hygiene training for workers, among other provisions. CDFA is launching an educational program and is asking produce associations to join-in to help spread the word.

To administer the program, inspectors employed by CDFA are required to be credentialed by the FDA and have specialized training and education to conduct authorized routine inspections on behalf of the federal agency.

Meanwhile, the California Department of Public Health will continue to serve in its role to ensure the safety of California’s food supply. If a CDFA Produce Safety Pro-

gram inspector believes there is a significant and imminent threat to public health on a produce farm, he or she will inform CDPH of the situation for evaluation and potential regulatory action.

Under the Produce Safety Rule, every produce farm must have at least one employee on staff who has completed an FDA-recognized grower training course.

CDFA is offering training courses in both English and Spanish at several locations throughout the state. Produce farmers who do not yet have an employee who has completed the training should do so immediately.

“CDFA will also be offering a

series of non-regulatory On-Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRR),” said Natalie Krout-Greenberg, Director of CDFA’s Inspection Services Division. “These are designed to give produce farmers a better understanding of what they can expect from a routine Produce Safety Program inspection. Information on how to schedule an OFRR will be available very soon.”

CDFA’s Produce Safety Program is developing an informational website that will be accessible to all produce farmers and the public next month. The website will be located at www.cdfa.ca.gov/prducesafety/

It’s a BIG ocean of businesses out there.

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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

6

FEBRUARY 2018

GOVERNMENT

Three competing for county Superintendent seat Candidates’ platforms include STEM, vocational training

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

The 2018 midterm election this November will mark the end of an era for Stanislaus County’s current Superintendent of Schools, and the race for who will replace him is heating up.

So far, three candidates have tossed their hats into the ring to replace County Superintendent Tom Changnon, who announced Thursday that he would not be seeking reelection. Gratton School District Superintendent Shannon Sanford, Waterford Unified School District Superintendent Don Davis and Stanislaus County Office of Education Assistant Superintendent Scott Kuykendall have all begun campaigning for the county’s votes come fall.

In a letter addressed to the Stanislaus County community, Changnon said that while he will miss the job of presiding over the county’s schools, he is looking forward to spending more time with his family. He also endorsed Kuykendall in the letter, who serves as his assistant at the county level.

“My decision not to seek reelection is an opportunity for another person to ‘take over the reins’ of this agency and continue to follow the mission and vision of SCOE. I believe Scott Kuykendall is that person,”

Davis

Kuykendall

Sanford

said Changnon, who hired Kuykendall seven years ago.

Kuykendall began his 23year career in education as a Spanish and English teacher at Gustine High School, and after teaching for five years moved into administration. Since then, he has served as principal at Johansen High School and as the director of secondary education for Modesto City Schools. He also oversaw career technical education programs in the district, including FFA. At SCOE, Kuykendall oversees schools including the Stanislaus Military Academy, Valley Charter High School and Come Back Kids, and is also responsible for the culinary arts program in Oakdale, the SCOE Preventions Department, YES Co. and the county Student Attendance Review Board.

Kuykendall states on his website that he is a strong supporter of two-way im-

mersion programs, which two of his sons have benefited from, as well as career technical education, skilled vocational training and academic innovation for students, like the early college program at Valley Charter High or online learning.

The current Assistant Superintendent also has a passion for working with underserved students, he says.

“I have always enjoyed teaching and working with students to help them overcome barriers to success.

I have been privileged to support and celebrate the success of students who come from homes where English is not their first language, students who are teen mothers and students who’ve struggled academically,” says Kuykendall. “I work with our most at-risk and vulnerable populations that include incarcerated youth, foster youth, homeless students, high

school dropouts, and students who have been victims of human trafficking.”

Sanford, who is currently the longest-serving school district superintendent in the county, is excited to bring the success achieved at Gratton School District to SCOE if elected. Test scores in the school district consistently score well above both the state and county average, she said, and are among the top scores in the area. In addition, the district has no debt, has never gone out to bond and has a healthy reserve.

“I want to take our success at Gratton and support every district in our county to achieve the same,” said Sanford.

A resident of Turlock, Sanford is a 28-year education veteran and spent 16 years as a teacher in the classroom and the past 12 years as GSD Superintendent.

Merced County launches new websites aimed at economic development STAFF REPORTS 209 Business Journal

Merced County launched three new websites this week aimed at improving local economic development opportunities and spurring future business growth.

The websites, created and maintained by the Department of Community and Economic Development, are designed to: • Assist site selectors with locating data on Merced County and its cities/communities: www.investmerced.com • Provide information on the Mid-California International Trade District at Castle Commerce Center and the work currently taking place with the Port of Los Angeles to bring development and manufacturing: www.midcalitd.com • Showcase the opportunities for autotech industries at the Mid-California Interna-

tional Trade District at Castle Commerce Center: www.calautotdc.com All three of these websites are designed to provide news and information to potential business and industries who otherwise wouldn’t know about the opportunities available at the Mid-California International Trade District.

The creation of these sites is meant to showcase Merced County and what it has to offer to the rest of California.

“The implementation of these websites is a way for us to directly communicate with investors, site selectors and businesses that could benefit from locating their operations at the Mid-California International Trade District,” said Chairman Jerry O’Banion of the Merced County Board of Supervisors.

“We know of the great opportunities and possibilities at the

Mid-California International Trade District — now we want the world to know.”

Mark Hendrickson, Merced County’s Director of Community and Economic Development, expects the new websites to be well-received by the development community.

“As we continue our efforts to highlight Merced County as a leading place from which to grow or expand a business, we are excited to launch these cutting-edge websites which both market our region effectively and contain important data useful for decision makers,” Hendrickson said.

The sites will be routinely updated with new data and information. All three sites will be linked to each other as well as to the main Merced County website (www.countyofmerced.com), which was also recently updated.

With a wide cross section of supporters, including County Supervisor Vito Chiesa, Ceres Mayor Chris Vierra and Hughson Mayor Jeramy Young, Sanford hopes to focus on ensuring an available, homegrown workforce for the county in the 21st Century through narrowing in on STEM education.

“We must improve coordination among the districts, business community, the general public and our higher education systems. Vocational programs should be tailored to best suit the needs of the marketplace and include a built-in ‘pipelines’ to skill certification,” said Sanford.

“Effective, streamlined articulation between the K-12 system and the college system should allow students a seamless transfer to successfully pursue their educational goals.”

Don Davis, who has served as WUSD Superintendent since 2009, also hopes to focus on STEM education in addition to promoting early literacy and developing model instructional programs, if elected. He has spoken at a number of education conferences internationally and across the county on his experience with these initiatives, and this year, Waterford High School was awarded the prestigious California Gold Ribbon Award by the California Department of Education as a result of those efforts.

“There has never been a more critical time for public education. As more and more jobs require higherlevel skills and training, we need to make sure every student leaves school with the tools they need to be successful in life,” said Davis. “Here in Stanislaus County, we have tremendous potential to promote collaboration among our school districts to provide the innovative programs we need to make every student can be successful. As County Superintendent, I will work every day to make sure that happens.”

During his career, Davis has been honored as California Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Association of California School Administrators, and was Principal of Waterford High School when it was recognized as a California Distinguished School. He has received a Doctorate in Education and Masters in Education Administration.

The next Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools will be responsible for providing direct instructional programs, support services and regional programs to the county’s 25 school districts which serve over 100,000 students. The position is responsible for administering a $235 million budget and over 1,000 staff members.

The 2018 midterm election is scheduled for Nov. 6, 2018.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

7

NEWS

Becki Nicholes honored with ‘citizen of the year’ award

BY JEFF BENZIGER 209 Business Journal

Becki Barton Nicholes’ many years of community service earned the honor of being named “Citizen of the Year” at Friday’s 49th Annual Community Service Awards banquet hosted by the Ceres Chamber of Commerce.

Nicholes was introduced by former Citizen of the Year Sharon Caruso.

Nicholes was born in Eugene, Ore., the middle of five children. She attended Downey High School in 1978 and then taking child development education classes at Modesto Junior College. She opened Becki’s

Munchkinland Day Care 35 years ago with sister Cindy.

Becki served as a volunteer firefighter in 1985 and met future husband Bryan Nicholes. She worked her way up to captain as she became certified as a Firefighter 1 Swift Water Rescue and Heavy Rescue. She worked on numerous wildland strike teams. Becki earned her Emergency Medical EMT certificate. After the birth of son Colby, Becki resigned but continued to serve the community. She was a charter member of the Venture Club of Ceres and has belonged to the Soroptimist International of Ceres for over 19 years and

served as its president in 2004-05. Nicholes is a past recipient of the Soroptimist of the Year award, due to her time as co-chair of the Fundraising Committee, chair of the Women of Distinction event, and participating in other activities to improve the lives women and girls.

She was appointed to the Proposition 10 Board for the county and served as chairman of the campaigns of numerous City Council and mayoral candidates.

For six and a half years Becki was a Girl Scout leader in Ceres, coached Ceres Youth Soccer and played SEE NICHOLES, PAGE 10

Simoncini takes home citizen of year honors

BY MARG JACKSON 209 Business Journal

In a festive night, awards were bestowed upon Oakdale citizens, businesses, outstanding youths and community service organizations.

The annual Chamber of Commerce awards dinner was hosted Jan. 19 and Chamber CEO Mary Guardiola said it was a good crowd that turned out to see and congratulate the honorees and the winners.

“We had about 220 people there, a good group and it was a very nice evening,” Guardiola said, with the event catered by the local Medlen’s House of Beef.

Big winners on the night were Gilton Solid Waste Management as Large Business of the Year, Mt. Mike’s Pizza as Small Busi-

All smiles with wife Becky and flanked by children Niki and Peter, Oakdale’s Pete Simoncini was chosen as the 2017 Citizen of the Year and presented with the honor at the annual Chamber of Commerce awards banquet.

ness of the Year, Oakdale Youth Sports Association as the Community Service Group of the Year, with cohonorees Marissa Raggio and Breanna Morgan chosen as the Junior Achieve-

ment winners. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Don Riise.

Named as the Citizen of the Year was Pete Simoncini.

SEE CITIZEN, PAGE 10

Lifetime achievement award goes to Riise

BY MARG JACKSON 209 Business Journal

He wasn’t born here, but Don Riise arrived in the Cowboy Capital as a youngster and never wanted to leave.

“I came here in first grade,” Riise said. “I have lived here all my life … this is the only place I know. I love it.”

Riise was honored with the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award, presented with the 2017 honor at the recent awards night ceremony hosted by the local chamber.

He is a past president of the Oakdale Chamber and continues to serve as one of the organization’s ambassadors, as well as leading historical tours of Oakdale and Knights Ferry.

Born in Oakland, he

moved to Oakdale with his parents in 1950 and got involved in his community almost immediately, joining up with the Cub Scouts in 1951. That led to membership in Boy Scout Troop 43 in 1953.

He graduated from Oakdale High School in 1960 and married his wife Judith in 1966 – the couple has been married for over 51 years.

He said the recent recognition caught him a little off guard.

“It was kind of unexpected,” Riise admitted of being chosen as the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Mary Guardiola (Chamber CEO) contacted me and told me about it.”

It wasn’t a competition, Riise said, but rather recognition of a lifetime of being

Don Riise

involved.

His list of activities spans decades, including serving as President of the Oakdale Jaycees – which established the first “Christmas Shopping Tour” for underprivileged local children – as well as working on the chain crew at Oakdale High football games for 35 years.

He worked for various inSEE DON, PAGE 10

JEFF BENZIGER/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Becki Barton Nicholes was awarded the Ceres Chamber of Commerce’s “Lifetime Achievement Award, commonly known as the “Citizen of the Year” honor on Friday evening. She then tearfully announced that she has been battling cancer since July.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

8

FEBRUARY 2018

NEWS

New developments coming to Countryside Drive In Turlock Fast food, housing in the works

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

Turlock’s Highway 99 retail corridor is no stranger to construction, from the recent addition of craft and décor megastore Hobby Lobby to the current development of the highly-anticipated Ten Pin Fun Center, and now, the shopping strip’s south side will soon provide the community with more fast food options, retail choices and new homes to choose from thanks to a flurry of new expansion.

First, hot dog lovers rejoice, because Wienerschnitzel appears to be coming to town.

In September 2016, the City of Turlock approved a development spearheaded

by Hall Equities which, at the time, displayed plans for a Habit Burger Grill drive-thru restaurant and an 8,100-square foot to-benamed commercial retail building on the northwest corner of Tuolumne Road and Countryside Drive.

While the Habit Burger Grill was constructed with-

in the year and opened in August 2017, there were no signs of development from the other half of the approved project, let alone what retailers would call the new building home – until now.

Signage has popped up on the property displaying retail space available for lease by commercial real estate agency Cushman & Wakefield. While there are three separate storefronts in the yet-to-be-constructed building, only two spaces are shown available for lease. The third storefront appears to be the future home of a Wienerschnitzel, as the restaurant’s logo is displayed on the building diagram displayed on the Cushman & Wakefield sign.

Cushman & Wakefield was not able to be reached for comment.

Across the street, a longawaited housing development is finally underway.

Construction work has begun on the infrastructure for Florsheim Homes’ Rose Verde – a 107-unit subdivision located at

the northeast corner of Countryside Drive and Tuolumne Road, just south of Home Depot.

The Turlock City Council approved Rose Verde, called Monte Verde at the time, in April 2014, and according to Florsheim Homes President Randy Bling, the organization was simply waiting for the right time to build.

“I think, in general, the housing market is doing well right now, so we were just waiting for that market and when it fit with our plan,” said Bling. “I think it’s going to be a great development for move-down buyers and first-time home buyers who want to be close to all of the retail action. Monte Vista Crossings has grown a lot, and everything is in walking distance.”

Bling said that work on the subdivision’s infrastructure, such as paving the streets, is expected to be completed in late spring, with home construction starting in early summer. The subdivision will include 107 homes ranging from 1,500 to over 2,400 square feet, said

ANGELINA MARTIN/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

A sign on the northwest corner of Countryside Drive and Tuolumne Road announces retail space available next to an incoming Wienerschnitzel restaurant.

Approved by the City in November 2017, Turlock Corners Retail Plaza will include two retail buildings totaling approximately 16,349 feet and two drivethrough fast food pads, to be built at 2530 W. Tuolumne Road, just north of the nearby dog park.

Although construction on the development hasn’t begun, the Planning Commission will consider a

master sign program for the new retail plaza, including tenant wall signs, pad tenant monument signs and one six-foot tall multitenant plaza sign. Tenants have not been announced

by Turlock Corners LLC, who is developing the project, but the application and site plans submitted to the City for the master sign program give some clues.

President Junn talks strategy, graduation rates at spring address

toward its Graduation Initiative 2025. The On-theCusp program also helped 161 students who only needed one or two more classes to graduate do so, increasing the graduation rate by 4.3 percent.

While graduation is important, the university has also focused on providing students with support for their future jobs and careers through the relaunch of the Career and Professional Development Center, and the creation of a new division on campus, the Strategic Planning Enrollment Management and Innovation, or SPEMI. “In today’s fast-paced world, SPEMI on our campus is positively impacting how we are using data to inform our enrollment projections, student success predictive modeling, as well as budgeting tools,” said Junn.

Preparing students for their future careers also involves fostering a relationship with employers in the area, Junn added, like the local schools, who employ many graduates of the university’s credential program.

“You would be hard pressed to go to any school within 50 miles of our campus and not discover that more teachers at that school attended Stan State than any other university,” said Junn.

ANGELINA MARTIN/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

President Ellen Junn talks about the future of Stanislaus State to faculty, students and staff gathered at the Snider Music Recital Hall for her spring address.

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

When Ellen Junn was officially inaugurated as the 11th president of Stanislaus State last March, she asked the university community to imagine with her the future of the school.

That future is well on its way to being realized, as made evident by the president’s annual spring address delivered to a crowd of over 200 in January.

Since taking the helm of Stanislaus State during the

summer of 2016, Junn has participated in a “whirlwind of activities,” she told the faculty, students and staff gathered at the Snider Music Recital Hall, building working relationships with those working around her, discovering what is important to university students, meeting and developing strong relationships with alumni and, most importantly, preparing a foundation for the future of the school.

“Let’s consider those months as the prologue,”

said Junn. “Think of it as a book that all of us are writing together about the bright future of our university.”

Now that the prologue is complete, it’s time for Stanislaus State to begin writing the chapters of its book. The content that will fill those pages?

“The Strategic Plan is in place, and now we can start writing new chapters,” said Junn.

The university’s Strategic Plan is a roadmap for the vision that Stanislaus State

Bling, with five different floor plans.

Residents of those homes will be near a plethora of retail and dining options, including the intersection’s future Wienerschnitzel. On the southeast corner of Countryside Drive and Tuolumne Road, even more choices will soon be available at a new area called Turlock Corners Retail Plaza.

hopes to reach by 2025, and was released in late November. It’s designed as a “living document,” which means that the strategies can be adapted and adjusted, and key themes overarching the plan involve being a studentready university, facilitating transformational learning experiences, pursuing innovation and creativity, honing administrative efficacy through stewardship of resources and strengthening bonds within the community.

Implementation of the school’s Strategic Plan is already well underway, Junn pointed out. The university’s student to teacher ratio of 22:1 is one of the best in the CSU system, she said, giving teachers the chance to interact directly with each student on a day-to-day basis and bettering student engagement throughout the campus.

“I consistently hear from our alumni that what had made the biggest difference in their education at Stan State was the way that our faculty and staff are willing to develop mentoring relationships with our students, guiding, motivating, encouraging our students in their studies and also well

beyond their graduation day,” said Junn. “As a campus, we’ve redoubled our efforts to make students feel welcome at Stan State from the moment they step foot on our campus.”

Junn has established new events and designated spots on campus to help students feel as if they belong at Stanislaus State, like Freshman Convocation, which helps welcome freshmen onto campus, and its new Diversity Center, which is a space dedicated to unity, diversity, peace, multiculturalism and inclusion.

The university has also reached many milestones since Junn became president, she shared. The most students in Stanislaus State’s history – all 3,022 of them – graduated last year, and the Fall 2017 semester admitted the largest class ever recorded at Stanislaus State at 1,438. And, for the first time ever, over 10,000 students enrolled at the university last year.

The recent launch of My Academic Pathway, which helps students pick the classes they need to graduate and guide them through that process, is also helping the university make strides

SEE BUILD, PAGE 9

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

9

NEWS

Grant aims to help region’s healthcare shortage

BY SABRA STAFFORD 209 Business Journal

The ongoing healthcare crisis in the Central Valley of a lack of trained healthcare professionals remaining in the area moved a step towards a solution when two local organizations provided the funding for a new degree program at California State University Stanislaus.

Legacy Health Endowment and the Stanislaus Community Foundation have teamed up to fund a critical piece to solving healthcare provider shortages in Stanislaus and Merced Counties, by providing a combined $1.9 million grant for a new family nurse practitioner degree program at the university.

The Legacy Health Endowment will be working with the Livingston Community Health clinic and providing them with a $1.6 million grant to help CSU Stanislaus launch a Master’s Degree in Family Medicine. A major part of this grant will fund tuition relief for students in the program who agree to live and work as nurse practitioners within the Legacy Health Endowment’s greater region of influence for at least three years after graduation. In this way, the two organizations hope to increase the number of medical professionals in the underserved local area.

SCF is providing an additional $300,000 to support outreach to area high

BUILD

FROM PAGE 8 The two fast food pads may very well house a Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen and a Farmer Boys, which both have locations in nearby Ceres and Modesto.

In the application for the plaza’s master sign program, both restaurants are named when the applicant lists the exterior building colors for both pads – Popeye’s will include gold and red, while Farmer Boys’ exterior will feature a cream and ‘tomato’ color. The hours of operation for both respective restaurants are also listed on

schools and career navigation as well as debt relief for nursing graduates, bringing the combined total gift to $1.9 million.

“We are proud to partner with Stanislaus Community Foundation and Livingston Community Health to tackle the acute shortage of medical professionals in Stanislaus and Merced Counties,” said Legacy Health Endowment President and CEO Jeffrey Lewis. “Congress refuses to confront the healthcare perils facing women, men and children in rural communities. Republicans and Democrats have created a patchwork of efforts, filled with gaping holes and layers of obstacles.

“By starting with a program to educate Nurse Practitioners, we can work toward ensuring that every person in this community has access to medical care professionals. For LHE, this is just the first step. We are fortunate to have Livingston Community Health, a nonprofit healthcare facility, as partner in helping lead this effort.”

The LHE region covers 19 zip codes in Southern Stanislaus County and Merced County, including the communities of West Modesto, Ceres, Turlock, Newman, Patterson, Crows Landing, Hughson, Keyes, Gustine, Newman, Hilmar, Livingston, Atwater, Denair, Winton, Ballicoand Delhi. These areas suffer from an acute shortage of the application.

In the site plans for the master sign program, included are exhibits featuring what the signage on the future Popeye’s and Farmer Boys will look like.

According to City of Turlock Associate Planner Adrienne Werner, construction on the plaza is expected to begin soon, as the applicants have one year from the time of their project approval to start construction. She stated that the City cannot confirm whether or not a leasing agreement has been made with Popeye’s or Farmer Boys. Turlock Corners LLC was unable to be reached for comment.

It’s a BIG ocean of businesses out there.

S E A R C H M A K O . C O M

medical providers.

“Stanislaus Community Foundation views this partnership as the first step in addressing the healthcare needs of our residents,” said President and CEO of SCF Marian Kaanon. “SCF also recognizes we need to build a coordinated education infrastructure to ensure that we have programs in place to educate our residents and provide access to well-paying and indemand healthcare jobs.”

A report last year from the Healthforce Center at UCSF found that the ratio of primary care physicians to population in California is similar to the national ratio, but the ratios of nurse practitioners and physician assistants to population are lower. The rate of nurse practitioners is lower by 35 percent and the rate of physician assistants is lower than 16 percent, according to the report’s findings.

The report also found that for rural areas nurse practitioners and physician assistants make up a larger share of the primary care workforce, so if an area can increase the number of people practicing those professions, it will have an overall increase on the rate

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Students enrolled this spring in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) master’s degree program.

of primary care availability in a region.

“We could not be more grateful for this transformational gift, which will significantly enhance the Stanislaus State School of Nursing,” said Stan State President Ellen Junn. “Our University is here for the purpose of preparing our region’s workforce, and there is a great need for nurse practitioners in the Central Valley.”

Research has shown that nurse practitioners play a key role in improving ac-

cess to healthcare, allowing physicians’ offices to provide care to a greater number of patients. The new degree program at CSU Stanislaus will graduate nurse practitioners each year, with the first class starting in January 2018 and graduating by December 2019, thereby, going a long way to expand access to care in the northern Central Valley.

“We are honored to work with Legacy Health Endowment and begin to rebuild the healthcare in-

frastructure in Stanislaus and Merced Counties,” said President of Livingston Community Health Leslie McGowan. “As we build programs to educate, retain and recruit physicians, it is also important to ensure that we recognize the value and importance that Nurse Practitioners can contribute. The future of healthcare in the Central Valley will not be solved in Washington, D.C. It will take the collaboration, vision and commitment that LHE and LCH can bring.”

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10

NICHOLES

FROM PAGE A7

Ceres Adult Soccer for seven years.

She also served on the Chamber’s board. Through her church involvement, she and husband Bryan organized the first two “Love Ceres” events. She served on the Ceres Street Faire Committee, managing the children’s activities.

In 2012, Becki and Bryan were named the Chamber’s “Volunteers of the Year.”

She is often seen at community events taking photos of participants.

“Becki also has a passion for helping others,” said Caruso.

“She can often be found about town checking on her friends and spending quality time with them.”

At New Life Christian Church in Turlock the couple has co-led a small marrieds group.

Nicholes accepted the award with smiles but tearfully announced that she has been battling cancer since July. She quickly added that she feels blessed to be a part of a tightknit, caring and supportive community.

“We’re really here to serve God and all the people of our community,” said Nicholes.

Tom Westbrook, who for 13 years has been planning for the city and is now the city of Ceres’ Community Development Director, was given the “Distinguished Service Award.”

CITIZEN

FROM PAGE 7

“First off I’d like to thank God, not just for the wonderful honor but also for all of the blessings He has given us in the great town of Oakdale,” Simoncini said in his remarks to the crowd.

“I honestly did not think I would be named the Citizen of the Year because of the qualifications and contributions of the fabulous ladies

DON

FROM PAGE 7 surance agencies in town and eventually became the sole owner of Riise Insurance Agency.

He was also instrumental in planning the Oakdale Centennial and served as chairman of the Oakdale Western Festival back in the mid-1970s. He also has served on the board of Oakdale Youth Soccer and was a soccer coach for all five of his children.

“We had five kids, from the oldest to the youngest there is 18 years between,” Riise said of he and his wife Judith having multiple children involved in local schools and sports throughout the years.

“This was just a comfortable place for my family,” he added.

Riise was also involved in developing and imple-

“One might argue that Tom is just doing his job,” said Traci Farris, the city’s recreation manager.

“Well, that’s true, but Tom also spends time doing so much more for our community. As a liaison for the Ceres Chamber of Commerce, Tom is found every year setting up, working and tearing down the margarita booth at the Ceres Street Faire. He is a key management player on the annual Bands, Brews & BBQ Throw Down Committee. He supports as many crab feeds as possible hosted by our many local service clubs.”

She also noted that Westbrook has “played an integral role in the planning of the Ceres community and is an instrumental leader in helping to move our city in a positive direction.” She specifically cited him for his work in placing new business in Ceres, including his work to bring Blaker Brewing here.

“His attention to detail and ability to communicate were prime factors for having this new business choose Ceres as their new home - plus he promised to be a regular there,” said Farris of Westbrook.

Others nominated were Brandy Meyer, Ken Moncrief and Katherine Roudebush.

Volunteer of the Year “Volunteer of the Year” honors went to Shella Joiner. Others nominated were Shelia and Lee Brandt and Kim Johnson.

Joiner was selected because of her “big heart” for the community.

She founded a group called Unity

nominated with me, Pamela Kelly and Cherilyn Bairos.

Both are truly deserving of this award. It’s amazing that I am rewarded for doing something that for me is fun.”

Simoncini has been involved in a number of community events and is known as ‘The Voice of the Mustangs’ for the multiple sporting events he emcees throughout the school year. Other notable contributions range from emceementing the Friends of Oakdale Heritage history organization that operates the local Oakdale Museum and said he enjoys teaching others about the community and its deep Western roots.

Membership in Oakdale Rotary, serving as board president for the non-profit Oakdale Citizens Cemetery and being involved in the local St. Mary’s Church are among other activities.

Over the years, Riise hasn’t had much idle time. He did enjoy spending a few hours with the crowd at the Chamber event, however, honored to accept the Lifetime Achievement recognition.

“I just really felt all along that I wanted to repay the community,” he said of being involved in so many activities and organizations.

“I’m a champion for Oakdale and the Oakdale way of life.”

in the Community which helps needy families during the holidays. Joiner routinely helps with fundraisers and helped with the Ceres Relay for Life and Holiday Hoedown to benefit the employees of Sam’s Café displaced from work and their income stream after the November fire. She also promotes the “Shop Local” campaign and has used her artistic talents for the community’s good.

Business of the Year The Chamber bestowed its “Business of the Year” award to Cost Less Foods. Del Ambris, manager of the Ceres store, accepted the award.

Cost Less was selected because it epitomizes several, if not all of the characteristics for the award: exceptional growth through additional creation of jobs; revenue growth, innovative products or services, exemplary customer service, volunteering in the community and economic support of the Ceres business community. Cost Less enjoyed record-breaking daily and weekly sales, said incoming Ceres Chamber President Juan Romo. The store also supports the Ceres Unified School District Foundation, the Chief’s Advisory Committee, the Community Stakeholders Committee and the Stanislaus Partners in Education.

Last year the Cost Less team captured first-place for fundraising in the Ceres Relay for Life event.

Under Ambris’ management, Cost Less also donates to over 10

ing the annual Relay For Life for the past 10 years to assisting with church functions, emceeing the Distinguished Young Women program put on by the Soroptimist International of Oakdale and more.

He also offered thanks to administrators at the Oakdale Joint Unified School District for his nomination and pointed to the continuing efforts of his colleagues within the district that work to

FEBRUARY 2018

schools in Ceres, four in Modesto and four local charter schools.

They also donate to St. Jude’s St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry, the “Every 15 Minutes” programs, and food fundraisers for the Ceres Rotary and Ceres Lions clubs as well as the Ceres Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Fosters Freeze and Golden Valley Health Centers were also considered for the award.

Downtown Business feted Sam’s Café was bestowed with “Downtown Business of the Year” honors. Wells Fargo Bank was also nominated for the award.

Outgoing Chamber President Renee Ledbetter said the community has benefited from Sam’s Café, which suffered the setback of a fire in November. The business is temporarily closed but making plans to open.

“Because they have done so much for Ceres, the community pulled together to raise money to help the employees get through this difficult time,” said Ledbetter.

“That’s the kind of community we live in.”

Owner Sherrill McManus Peterson has donated to many charitable causes brought forth by the Soroptimists, the Ceres Lions Club, and Ceres police and fire departments, CUSD’s “Every 15 Minutes” program and Chamber.

‘Young Citizen of Year’ Sammantha Hill received “Young Citizen of the Year” honors. Gary M. Condit was also nominated.

make Oakdale schools the best in the region.

“Most of all, I want to salute my children, Niki and Peter, and the love of my life and the wind beneath my wings, my beautiful wife, Becky,” Simoncini added. “Becky is my support and my strength, giving up our time together so I can announce and have fun. She is my everything and I love her infinitely.”

He said they arrived in Oakdale in 1999 “quite by

The 12-year-old Sammantha is the corresponding secretary for her Ceres 4-H group and volunteers at the Stanislaus County Animal Services Shelter visiting and playing with adoptable dogs and cats. On her own she developed the “Blessing Bags” for those in need. She assists in the school library sorting and putting books away. Sammantha also assists elderly neighbors in putting trash cans out and wheeling them back. She volunteers to sit next to a Spanish speaking classmate to help learn English as well as represent Team Sammantha for the March of Dimes to raise funds for research of premature babies and prematurity awareness.

The Legacy award, designated for individuals and/or businesses that have contributed through service, support or volunteer efforts to the Ceres community for more than 40 years, was given to Bertolotti Disposal. Also nominated was Stuart David Fine Furnishings.

The event also witnessed the installation of the new Ceres Chamber Board of directors. Juan Romo was installed as the new president of the Chamber and Herman Bhatti as vice president. David Gonzales is treasurer and new directors are Marcus Bazan, Jason Chapman, Lea Ann Hoogestraat, Paul Huckaba, Shella Joiner, Kristina Luna and Brandy Meyer.

“I grew up here so I love this little town,” said Romo. “Ceres is like my little Mayberry.”

chance” but feel blessed to be part of a community with such neighborly, generous and caring people.

“I thank the Chamber for this fantastic honor,” Simoncini concluded. “I am humbled and extremely grateful.

The evening is designed to showcase the very best the community has to offer, Guardiola explained, and she feels that this year’s edition did just that, with all winners and nominees

standouts in their own way.

“It was a great group of people (nominated) but it is every year because this is a great community,” Guardiola said.

Representatives from the winning businesses and service organization were on hand to pick up their plaques and pose for photos, as were the Junior Achievement co-award winners, Lifetime honoree Riise and Citizen of the Year honoree Simoncini.

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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

11

ACCOLADES

PROMOTIONS, APPOINTMENTS, HONORS, ETC. Kevin Lucke named president of Merced Property and Casualty Company

Merced Property and Casualty Company has announced that Kevin Lucke, CPCU, AIM, has been named President of MPCC, as part of the planned succession in anticipation of the retirement of Don Duran.

Duran will continue to serve in his role as Chief Executive Offi cer through June of Kevin Lucke 2018, with Lucke overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company.

Lucke joined Merced in July 2017 in the role of Executive Vice President. Prior to that, he was the Senior Vice President of Underwriting and Marketing at Sublimity Insurance Company, a sister company of MPCC, and a Senior Vice President at United Heritage Insurance, the parent company of both Merced and Sublimity.

Lucke also has served on Merced’s Board of Directors since April of 2013.

Lucke graduated in 1990 from George Fox College, now University, with a degree in Business/Economics. After graduating, he entered the insurance profession as an underwriter for Country Companies in Salem, Oregon. Throughout his 27-year insurance career, he has held numerous positions, including senior management positions in claims, underwriting and marketing. A native Oregonian, Lucke now resides in Turlock, with his wife Christine and their two children.

Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce names Community Hospice nonprofit of the year Community Hospice was named the 2017 Nonprofit of the Year by the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s Annual Installation and Awards Dinner on Jan. 5.

Central Valley. Their efforts focus on encouraging and promoting beneficial business activities and business development services and advocacy.

Oak Valley Community Bank announces area manager promotion Oak Valley Community Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oak Valley Bancorp announced the promotion of Laura Weaver to Vice President, Area Manager.

Weaver joined Oak Valley in 2005 and has over 17 years of total banking experience. During her time with the bank, she has held several key branch management roles including Assistant Customer Service Manager in Modesto, Customer Service Manager in Oakdale, and most recently Branch Manager in Escalon. As Area Manager, she will Laura Weaver continue to manage the Escalon Branch, as well as provide support to the business development and growth initiatives of the Manteca and Ripon Branches.

“Laura’s experience and management skills have enabled her to successfully develop and maintain many strong business relationships. As Area Manager, she will have the opportunity to support Branch Managers in the surrounding San Joaquin County communities and focus our collaborative efforts on the ongoing growth of the bank,” stated Julie DeHart, Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Group.

Oak Valley Bancorp operates Oak Valley Community Bank & Eastern Sierra Community Bank, through which it offers a variety of loan and deposit products to individuals and small businesses.

They currently operate through 16 conveniently located branches: Oakdale, Turlock, Stockton, Patterson, Ripon, Escalon, Manteca, Tracy, two branches in Sonora, three branches in Modesto, a loan production office in Downtown Sacramento, and three branches in their Eastern Sierra Division, including Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes and Bishop.

New director of advancement and public relations/executive director for Merced College Foundation

“We are honored and humbled to receive this award from such an outstanding organization,” mentioned C. DeSha McLeod, President and CEO of Community Hospice. “Our mission of providing compassionate and quality care, education and support to terminally ill patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay is made possible by our wonderful community support and staff, volunteers, donors and community partners like the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.”

The Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary membership business organization working to further both Hispanic and non-Hispanic business and community interests in California’s

Jill Cunningham has been named the new Director of Advancement and Public Relations/Executive Director for the Merced College Foundation. She was confirmed in the position by the Merced College Board of Trustees on Jan. 23.

“As I progressed through my career I started to realize what was imporJill Cunningham tant and who was important,” Cunningham said. “I decided what’s important to me is this community. The community of Merced County has meant so much to my trajectory, and a big part of that was my time at Merced College.

“I’m excited about this position because

it combines two things I feel strongly about; telling the stories of the students, teachers and alumni who have changed this community for the better, and building support around Merced College and its many contributions to this region.”

Cunningham grew up in Merced County and attended Merced College before transferring to American University in Washington D.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with an emphasis on public relations and strategic communications.

She returns to the College with more than 15 years of experience in marketing, public relations, communications and fundraising. Cunningham spent the last year serving as the campaign manager for Congressman Jim Costa. Before that, Cunningham worked four years as the Director of Business Development at KTS Associates Leadership Consulting in San Francisco, where she helped bring in thousands of dollars in new contracts.

She simultaneously served as a board member for a number of Bay Area organizations over the last few years as well as a consultant in both public relations and fundraising sectors.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jill back to Merced College and Merced County,” Merced College Superintendent/President Chris Vitelli said. “She is the right person for this job and will bring renewed vigor and energy to our public relations and fundraising efforts.

“Jill is a talented marketer and fundraiser with an already established presence in this community. I cannot wait to see where she leads the Merced College Foundation in the next several years. She is going to do big things for Merced College and the students we serve.”

AFP Yosemite chapter awards diversity scholarships and names 2018 board members The Association of Fundraising Professionals Yosemite Chapter began 2018 by naming awardees for the chapter’s annual Diversity Scholarship and its 2018 Board Members.

The purpose of the Yosemite Chapter AFP Diversity Scholarship is to provide memberships for development officers in not-for-profit organizations in Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties. Each scholarship will provide recipients with an Introductory AFP International membership and an AFP Yosemite Chapter membership.

Diversity Scholarship Recipients are: DeAsia Strong, Corporate Sponsorship and Special Event Coordinator, Gallo Center for the Arts; Rochele Roura-Foster, Fundraising/Marketing Program Manager, LearningQuest -- Stanislaus Literacy Centers; Diana Gonzalez, Development Specialist, Center for Human Services.

Board officers for 2018 are Karen Williams, President (Learning Quest -- Stanislaus Literacy Centers); Melissa Van Diepen, President-Elect (Community Hospice Foundation); Amber Flores, Immediate Past President (Gallo Center for the Arts); Carolyn Teixeira Gomes, Treasurer (Society for Disabilities); Tamra Losinski, Assistant Treasurer (Family Promise); Arnold Chavez, Secretary (Great Valley Museum); Courtney Fernandes, Assistant Secretary (United Samaritans); Michele Proffitt, Assistant Website Administra-

tor (Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation) ; Dr. George Boodrookas, PhD, Vice President Education (Modesto Junior College Foundation); Kevin Brunk, Vice President Education (CSU Stanislaus); Kathy Hobby, Vice President Membership (Stanislaus Education Foundation); Pat Portwood, Assistant Membership (Stanislaus Library Foundation); Carla Whitehurst, Diversity Chair (Gallo Center for the Arts); Tammy Menezes, CFRE, Professional Accreditation Chair (St. Joseph’s Catholic Church); Carole Richard, CFRE, Ethics Chair (Modesto Symphony.)

Since 1960, AFP has inspired global change and supported efforts that generated over $1 trillion. AFP’s nearly 30,000 individual and organizational members raise over $100 billion annually, equivalent to one-third of all charitable giving in North America and millions more around the world. For more information or to join the world’s largest association of fundraising professionals, visit www.afpnet.org.

In Shape names new vice president PIC In-Shape Health Clubs, California’s top destination for fitness and recreation, announced today as part of its fitness innovation strategy, that it hired industry leader, Doris Thews as vice president of group fitness, innovation and motivation signaling a renewed focus on advancing its fitness offerings.

Thews, a decorated fitness industry expert, will lead In-Shape’s group fitness team made up of over 1,100 instructors, group fitness managers and directors.

Thews will also develop strategy for future fitness products, programs and experience.

In this newly created role, Thews will create training and signature programming and use her talent for motivating to energize her team Doris Thews to deliver best in class group fitness experiences.

“In-Shape is constantly evolving to offer members a fitness experience they can’t get anywhere else, at an incredible value.

We’re thrilled to have Doris leading our team of inspired group fitness instructors, creating new programs and fitness experiences, and bringing her incredible energy and personality to the leadership team,” said In-Shape CEO, Rich Nelsen.

“We offer over 3,000 group fitness classes a week throughout our Californian locations. With Ms. Thews leading the charge, we can elevate our group fitness experience with new work out programs which will not only be unique to In-Shape, but in our markets as well,” Nelsen finished.

In the fitness industry for over 30 years, Thews was a divisional director for 24 Hour Fitness and ran her own fitness consulting business prior to joining In-Shape. She is an award winning, fitness educator and international master trainer for ShockWave, Indo-Row, Schwinn, and Bosu. She’s a Lead Ryka Fit Pro Brand Ambassador and a Power Music Advisory Board Member and in 2017 was a finalist for IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year and won Empower Fitness Conference Presenter of the Year.

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NEWS

Modesto Nuts win small business award STAFF REPORTS 209 Business Journal

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball Club has received the 2017 Small Business of the Year Award from the Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

The Small Business of the Year Award is given to the organization that best displays innovation in business practice, has a superior customer philosophy, and shows overall growth as a company.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said Executive Vice President Mike Gorrasi. “We take pride in the Modesto community being the backbone of our organization and we’re humbled to be recognized by the Modesto

Chamber of Commerce.”

The award was given to the Modesto Nuts at the 104th Annual Gala and Member Choice Awards.

This award continues the momentum for the Modesto Nuts alongside their 2017 California League Excellence in Community Service Award and California League Championship 2017 season.

“Our deep and meaningful partnerships with local businesses and organizations grant us the opportunity to grow and give back to the community,” Gorrasi said. “We’d like to thank them for their continued support. Without them, this award would be out of reach.”

Stockton Avenue upgrade gets OK of Ripon council

BY VINCE REMBULAT 209 Business Journal

The Stockton Avenue Rehabilitation Project has been a high priority project for the City of Ripon for the past few years.

This project involves a complete reconstruction of Stockton Avenue, from Fifth Street through the Second Street intersection.

That’s the scope of the project, which the Ripon City Council approved, along with the funding recommendations (estimated $3.6 million from various sources) at the Jan. 9 meeting. Elected leaders also authorized staff to proceed with the environmental and design phases of the Stockton Avenue Rehabili-

tation Project but without the plan for undergrounding of the utilities.

According to City Administrator Kevin Werner, relocating the existing overhead utility poles underground would have added another $1.1 million to the project. “This was an aesthetics issue,” he said.

This was the same project that was eliminated in March 2016 from State Transportation Improvement Program, Werner said in his report.

A result of that was the loss of $1 million.

“This left the project with $777,000 in Regional Surface Transportation funds and $1.5 million in Measure K Renewal funds (total

of $2.3 million). Recently, at the November 2017 San Joaquin Council of Governments board of directors meeting, the City of Ripon received $1 million from the Regional share of the RSTP funds for the project,” Werner’s report said.

Staff put together a preliminary estimate of the cost and items of the project, including: • Base Project, from demolition of the existing asphalt roadway with pavers, curb, gutter and other miscellaneous surface improvements ($2.08 million).

• Sidewalks installed along the pdroject boundaries ($170,000).

• New sewer line, storm drain line, and non-potable

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water line ($800,000).

• Installation of new street lighting ($360,000).

• Environmental studies and reports necessary to obtain environmental clearance ($40,000).

• Design plans, specifications, advertisement and bid ($175,000).

Vice Mayor Leo Zuber requested that Council receive information on the length of time for the project prior to setting a construction date and the disruption on local businesses.

“Staff is planning to meet with the businesses in the construction area and devise a traffic plan that will least disrupt traffic and daily business,” Werner said.