209 Business Journal - April 2022

k e e p i n g

BUSINESS JOURNAL

b u s i n e s s e s

c o n n e c t e d ™

APRIL 2022

VOLUME 7 ■ ISSUE 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GREAT AMERICAN GRILL......

KNIGHT’S LIFE........................

K-9’S ON THE MOVE..............

STRAND ACE HARDWARE.....

THE CREATIVE MARKET........

COURTSIDE SPORTS.............

CROWS LANDING DEVELOPMENT......................

OPINION..................................

ZIPSER RETIRES....................

BAY VALLEY TECH GRANT....

TURLOCK TOWN CENTER.....

ACCOLADES...........................

2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

209 Business Journal file photo

The Save Mart Companies were recently sold to Kingswood Capital Management LP.

NEW OWNERS FOR SAVE MART COMPANIES

BY SABRA STAFFORD 209 Business Journal

S

ave Mart Supermarkets, headquartered in Modesto, has been purchased by Kingswood Capital Management LP, an operationally- focused private equity firm based in Los Angeles, with significant experience in the retail sector.

The Save Mart Companies operates stores under the banners of Save Mart, Lucky California, and FoodMaxx.

In addition to its retail opera-

tion, the company also operates SMART Refrigerated Transport and is a partner in Super Store Industries, which owns and operates a distribution center in Lathrop, and the Sunnyside Farms dairy processing plant in Turlock.

With the addition of The Save Mart Companies, Kingswood is expanding its existing Northern California presence. It already owns Alameda-based Cost Plus World Market, which it acquired in January 2021 from Bed Bath

and Beyond, and Mare Island based Lind Marine, a diversified marine services business headquartered north of the San Francisco Bay, which it recapitalized in January 2022.

“I’m excited for this opportunity with Kingswood to invest in and grow The Save Mart Companies family of stores,” said Chris McGarry, CEO of The Save Mart Companies. “The Piccinini family did a tremendous job in fostering a commitment to innovation and service as they built

and grew this company in the Central Valley and throughout California. As a result, we have great stores and a committed team of 14,000 employees who provide fantastic local products and are wonderful stewards of the communities in which they live and work.

While this change in ownership will be transparent to our team and customers, we know that this investment will benefit them and the communities SEE SAVE

MART,

PAGE 10

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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APRIL 2022

IN PROFILE

Hilmar restaurant serves up more than just fine dining

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA 209 Business Journal

The Great American Grill in Hilmar celebrated their oneyear anniversary on April 1.

While the restaurant has seen their business boom since their opening, the team has no plans of stopping growth.

Located on 1st Street in Hilmar, the Great American Grill currently occupies the lot that housed the now-closed Lola’s Bistro & Express restaurant.

The 11-and-a-half-acre property, which was also a part of the Meadowland golf course that closed in 2004, was purchased

by Hilmar resident James Brenda. Brenda was involved with Lola’s Bistro prior to their closure in 2015. Since then, he has

used his skills as a developer and designer to create the place that the Great American Grill is today.

Kayla Casey is the general manager and event coordinator of the Great American Grill.

She explained that the restaurant is becoming a go-to place for events and activities of all kinds.

“We’re very active in the community as we do a lot of events have several events a week,” Casey explained. “We have live music on Thursdays, a cornhole league that plays here, we have a great outdoor venue. We also do birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers. We have hosted several weddings here already.

We do graduations, school func-

Great American Grill Location: 19920 1st St., Hilmar Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays; closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Contact information: (209) 882-5001, info@gagrill.com

tions, business meetings, so it really ranges everywhere, and everything just really brings the town together.”

In addition to the abundance of space for activities inside and outside of the building, Casey

CHRISTOPHER CORREA/209 Business Journal

The Great American Grill head chef David Weiss and general manager Kayla Casey are helping to grow the new restaurant’s popularity in Hilmar and the region.

believes that it is mainly the fresh food and variety of drinks that gets customers to come back.

“Everything is fresh and everything is made from scratch, every salad dressing like every single thing we use is really

made from scratch,” Casey said.

David Weiss is the head chef at the Great American Grill and has been with the restaurant for the past eight months. He explained that making everything from scratch and using fresh SEE GRILL, PAGE 6

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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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APRIL 2022

IN PROFILE

En garde!

Knight Life Sword Fighting Academy offers unique experience

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

There’s a hidden gem inside of Tracy’s West Valley Mall where kids and adults alike can earn their seat at the Round Table.

Knight Life Sword Fighting Academy allows visitors to unleash their inner King Arthur — or Luke Skywalker, or Legolas, depending on your weapon of choice. From sword fighting and lightsabers to archery and fencing, owner and founder Allan Gagner II aims to provide something for everyone.

The business has grown over the years from a school where swordsmanship and more is taught to now hosting birthday parties and events in addition to classes.

“We have students down to [age] six and we have students up to 67,” Gagner said. “Pretty much everything here has a way to compete in it.”

Knight Life offers classes in sword fighting, fencing and combat archery, with a wide variety of kid-friendly weapons lining the space’s walls from top to bottom. In the sword fighting class, students can expect to learn historical European fighting techniques. They’ll learn agility, strength, coordination and balance in the fencing class, and combat archery combines the intensity and excitement of paintball while using the skill set of traditional archery thanks to foam-tipped arrows.

During parties and events, visitors can even partake in jelly ball fights.

“It’s like paintball or airsoft, but without any of the pain, bruises or paint everywhere,” Gagner said.

Gagner has been partaking in weapons combat for over 20 years and was a fencer in college.

Soon after, he toured with Photo contributed a choreography group Knight Life Sword Fighting Academy visitors can try sword fighting, lightsabers, archery and fencspecializing in weapons ing. combat, performing shows throughout the state.

Now, he and his wife help those in the 209 find an appreciation for the various combat sports.

“Fencing is the one that’s definitely the most recognized since the women won the gold medal for singles,” Gagner said.

“When ‘Hawkeye’ came out, archery started to spike. Now you have everything with Boba Fett, so lightsabers are coming back again.”

That’s right, Knight Life also offers lightsaber classes and much more. A full list of everything the academy has to offer can be found at www.knightlifeacademy.com/programs

PROTECT OUR DONATIONS!!

Make your mark.

Some businesses are content to have no other online presence than a Facebook page, and never think of how that looks to customers. While Facebook is a wonderful complement to a company website, it is by no means a realistic replacement. And not everybody has a Facebook account anymore.

Web Design

ONLY LEAVE DONATED ITEMS when the ROLL UP DOOR IS OPEN and an official GOODWILL TEAM MEMBER is PRESENT

Thank You!

NEVER LEAVE DONATIONS when the ROLL UP DOOR IS CLOSED and site is UNATTENDED

For store donation hours go to Goodwill-sjv.org

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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APRIL 2022

IN PROFILE

Pet daycare offers a variety of services to Turlock community at new space

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA 209 Business Journal

For nearly seven years, Turlock’s Susan Sinford has become known as an animal lover who provides exceptional care for the pets of close friends and family members. Over the course of that time, what started as a hobby for Sinford has turned into a successful business: K-9’s on the Move. On March 14, K-9’s on the Move opened a brand-new pet daycare facility on 1001 S Berkeley Ave. in Turlock and are looking forward to hosting the many animals of the Turlock community.

Sinford has had a love for pets for as long as she can remember and is excited to share that passion with the community at her new Berkeley Avenue location.

“My love of animals began from a very early age,” Sinford said. “I have always grown up with dogs and cats, so I just always had an animal around.”

Sinford got her start as an animal caretaker in college when she began walking dogs part-

time while pursuing her higher education Modesto Junior College and Liberty University.

“I started dog walking and pet sitting when I was in college just to get a way for me to work with other people’s animals, because working with your own animals is very different than working with somebody else’s,” she explained.

With her degrees and extra experience, Sinford worked as a veterinary technician for nearly five years, but soon realized that she wanted to do something bigger and better with her skills.

“In the vet field, it was a lot of work and it had a lot of demand for not a lot of pay,” Sinford said.

An opportunity for Sinford arose during the COVID-19 pandemic when several community members needed help getting pets out of the house during virtual meetings.

“It really blew up during the pandemic as people just needed to get pets out of the house so they could concentrate,” Sinford

K-9’s on the Move Location: 1001 S Berkeley Ave., Turlock Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mondays to Fridays; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; Closed on Sundays Contact information: k9sonthemove@gmail.com, (209) 250-1151

explained.

That same year, Sinford decided to finally leave the veterinary field and focus on pet care full-time. She began promoting her business online, through radio advertisements, and even began networking with business professionals to help guide her through the expansion of her business.

“Through that time, I really started getting to know my client base,” she said. “They’re the busy professional who needs help with their animals when

CHRISTOPHER CORREA/209 Business Journal

Susan, Madison and James Sinford opened K-9’s on the Move to care for Turlock’s four-legged residents

they’re at work, and then also our senior citizens who maybe have mobility issues. They also need a little extra help with their animals maybe taking them to the vet or taking them to the groomers and they don’t have the ability for transportation.”

Strand Ace Hardware opens in Manteca

BY VINCE REMBULAT

209 Business Journal

As one of the new businesses in Manteca, Strand Ace Hardware checks plenty of boxes.

For starters, it’s in a familiar location.

The Swanson family from nearby Escalon opened their fourth hardware store, converting the once-vacant Orchard Supply Hardware.

The family did likewise in taking over another Orchard Supply.

The difference was that the Modesto store stood vacant for only a short time before re-opening as an Ace Hardware, according to Chris Swanson at Friday’s grand-opening / ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce.

While getting the new Strand Ace Hardware at 189 W. Louise Ave. ready, the Swanson family acquired Schempers Ace

Vince Rembulat/209 Business Journal

The new Strand Ace Hardware Store in Manteca is located in the old Orchard Supply Hardware building on Louise Avenue near North Main Street.

Hardware in Ripon back in November.

The Schemper and Swanson families have a long history together.

“Both our fathers were in business together,” said Chris Swanson, who is a sec-

ond-generation of the family business that dates back to 1975.

That’s when his family acquired the first store Ace Hardware in Escalon from the Strand brothers.

“That was the old 2,500 square-foot building. We moved it to a 6,000 squarefoot building (on Main Street) – now it’s a 30,000 square-foot (total space) store,” he said.

Swanson’s son, Dirk – a third-generation family member – led in the reconfiguration of the Manteca store.

“He did most of the steering. I had my foot more on the gas pedal and the breaks,” Chris Swanson said.

All told, it was six months of work and training to finally get the new Strand Ace Hardware up and running.

“We’re so excited to open in Manteca,” Dirk Swanson said.

Store Manager Kassidy Nunes is in

To further accommodate the influx of new business since that time, Susan and her husband, James, decided to make the big move to the Berkeley Avenue property, which used to be the home of a Pacific Pride gas SEE PET, PAGE 6

charge of the Manteca store. She previously worked at the other Swanson-owned Ace Hardware stores.

She noted that her store has 42,000 square-foot of floor space with 66 employees on the payroll.

The grand-opening event featured local business leaders and dignitaries, including San Joaquin County Board of Supervisor Tom Patti, who called the new familyowned store “a valuable asset” to the community.

In a time of online shopping, Brianna Gonzalez from Congressman Josh Harder’s office prefers the brick-and-mortar on fix-me-upper advice or finding that tool to get the job done around the house.

“It’s great to have businesses (like Strand Ace Hardware) that we can still go to for help,” she said.

Field Representative Jason Laughlin from Assemblyman Heath Flora office thanked the Swanson family for investing in Manteca.

For more information, log on to www. strandace.com

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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APRIL 2022

IN PROFILE

Creative classes and more offered at downtown shop

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

Less than a year after first opening, The Creative Market has relocated to a downtown Turlock spot where owner Elizabeth Reyes hopes to cultivate a space for creators.

In the shop’s original location off Countryside Drive, which opened last May, artists and crafters rented space where they could sell their goods. Reyes felt this model placed far too much emphasis on retail, she said, when she originally meant for The Creative Market to be a space where vendors could not only showcase their craft, but learn from and help others in the industry.

When the business was presented with an opportunity to move into their new downtown space, Reyes knew it was the perfect location to expand upon her original idea for The Creative Market. Since the building isn’t retail space, The Creative

Market now serves as a rotating classroom and makers’ space, with paint and sip events, circuit bootcamp courses, bingo and trivia nights and a variety of other workshops.

“Now we’re more focused on creative workshops, which is really fun,” Reyes said. “It’s a lot of hands-on stuff without the pressure of a retail store.”

The Creative Market still provides opportunities for local vendors to showcase their talents, with a permanent in-store shop that’s open during classes and workshops, as well as popup markets held every other Friday night. Customers can also schedule an appointment to shop the store’s permanent vendors.

“We’re really a collective now,” Reyes said. “We love being downtown and the foot traffic has already been amazing…

We’ve made some really great friends in this new spot and love our neighbors.”

The Creative Market Location: 415 E. Olive Ave., Turlock Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sundays starting in April; Biweekly Friday night markets; Class schedule at www.thecreativemarketturlock.godaddysites.com and @thecreativemarket_ turlock on Instagram Contact information: thecreativemarketturlock@ gmail.com

Those who are interested in the various classes, workshops and markets hosted by The Creative Market can visit their website or Instagram page, listed above, for more information.

“Our end goal is to help the community’s small businesses,” Reyes said. “This move has just pushed us further along in that dream.”

Photo contributed

The Creative Market celebrated the grand opening of its new location in downtown Turlock last month and is now more focused on hosting classes and workshops for creatives, rather than retail.

Courtside Sports ready to serve up fun, fitness

BY VINCE REMBULAT 209 Business Journal

The opening of Courtside Sports in Manteca is a dream come true for those involved.

The estimated 25,000-squarefoot indoor sports facility at 450 Commerce Ct. was over three years in the making.

This journey by owners Joelle and Bruno Machado had several obstacles to clear, from increased cost in materials not to mention the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was great to see six different sports being enjoyed by so many and all at the same time in our gym – it was beyond awesome,” said Bruno Machado, referencing the recent soft opening from a few weeks ago featuring the local Catholic Youth Organization basketball teams in tournament action.

Fittingly, he and Facilities Manager Allan Rodriguez were once

involved with CYO back when their kids were young.

A grand opening, ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce – part of the monthly coffee mixer – was held in March.

In attendance were representatives from the local businesses, dignitaries and elected leaders such as Manteca Mayor Ben Cantu, Vice Mayor Charlie Halford and councilmembers Gary Singh and David Breitenbucher, to name a few.

“This place is huge. It reminds me of an airplane hangar,” said Mike Andersen, representing San Joaquin County Board of Supervisor Tom Patti.

Jason Laughlin, who is the Field Representative for Assemblyman Heath Flora, called Courtside Sports “a beautiful facility.”

District Director Rhodesia Ransom for the office of Congressman Josh Harder mentioned the impor-

tance of Courtside Sports to the community.

“We need places this where our kids can be active – where we can be active,” she said.

Work by Mid Cal Constructors of Stockton began in July in the area behind Home Depot in Spreckels Park. The building design was by Eric Wohle of LDA Partners.

Courtside Sports feature 21,000 square feet of playing surface, with three full-size basketball courts, five volleyball courts with a NCAA-height requirements, and sets up for futsal (indoor soccer), pickleball, badminton and wrestling being available for rental.

Youth and adult sports along with travel basketball and volleyball teams can now enjoy the creature comforts of the newest sports facility in the area.

Information is available at www.

CourtsideSportsManteca.com.

Vince Rembulat/209 Business Journal

The newly opened Courtside Sports at 450 Commerce Ct. in Manteca is a 25,714-square-foot facility featuring regulation-sized basketball and volleyball courts.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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APRIL 2022

NEWS

Progress continues on turning Crows Landing site into business park

BY SABRA STAFFORD 209 Business Journal

The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors voted uniamously to create a county service area at the old air base in Crows Landing, moving it a step closer to a business park that could have a significant impact on the employment prospects for the Westside and beyond.

The creation of County Service Area 31 – Crows Landing Industrial Business Park allows the County to collect fees from property owners for basic services like water, storm basins, wastewater treatment, and streetlights, among other necessities.

The site of the service area was formerly commissioned in 1942 as the Crows Landing Naval Air Facility. In 1994, the site became a National Aeronautics and Space Administration facility, and in 1999 the facility was decommissioned. Upon decommissioning, ownership of the site’s largest two parcels, totaling approximately 1,351 acres, were conveyed to Stanislaus County. Another eight parcels, totaling approximately 175 acres, were retained by the United States pending environmental cleanup. Ownership of the eight parcels is scheduled for transfer to Stanislaus County in

PET

FROM PAGE 4 station. The two signed a lease in December of 2021 and have been renovating the property since.

“We had to work with an architect to build out the space.

We also have to work with a contractor to get it to where it needs to be, so that’s all going to be a continuing process,” Sinford said.

James, who raised a number of pets during his childhood, assists in property mainte-

The site of the service area was formerly commissioned in 1942 as the Crows Landing Naval Air Facility.

In 1994, the site became a National Aeronautics and Space Administration facility, and in 1999 the facility was decommissioned. the next 12 months.

On December 4, 2018, Stanislaus County adopted the Crows Landing Industrial Business Park Specific Plan and associated Environmental Impact Report for developing and nance. Meanwhile, daughter Madison, who also shares a love for animals, helps with dog walking and taxi services.

As more services become available and as business expects to pick up, the Sinford family looks to expand the team.

K-9’s on the Move currently serves dogs and cats, while they can also care for exotic animals as long as they are given proper instructions by owners. Services currently offered at the new location include pet-sitting, dog walking, daycare and shuttling, but will soon offer pet grooming and training in the near future.

209 Business Journal file photo

The creation of County Service Area 31 – Crows Landing Industrial Business Park moves the area closer to development.

utilizing the area to create jobs and economic growth for the County. The development of the area could be a variety of uses including light industrial, office, public facilities, open space, airport, and aviation-compatible uses.

The plan calls for the site to be developed as an industrial business park over the course of 30 years and in three phases,

with each phase taking about 10 years from start to finish.

Initial costs to form CSA 31 are estimated at $40,000, which includes Public Works staff time to prepare agenda items and the Engineer’s Report. Also included are LAFCO fees of $8,500 and State Board of Equalization filing fee of $3,000. As infrastructure is installed and systems, such as the water sys-

tem come online, then operating and maintenance expenses will increase. Revenue will be generated as the area is developed and tenants and property owners are added.

The County has been having discussions with Industrial Realty Group regarding the developement of the site. A presentation from IRG is tentatively scheduled for May.

GRILL

currently has about 25 to 30 employees, some of them specifically working as cooks. Weiss explained that their variety of steaks and seafood have grown in popularity since the restaurant’s opening last year.

In addition to the food, they also have two full-service bars, one inside and one outside.

Casey encouraged customers to follow their Instagram page to keep up with new menu items

and to view weekly specials. She also added that Brenda and their team are looking to expand and take greater advantage of the 11-and-a-half-acre lot.

“It’s definitely in our plans to expand in the future,” Casey said. “We’re getting ready to do a kitchen expansion any day now [and] we’re hoping to expand to a wedding venue with a large pavilion and grass area.

It’s all very exciting.”

FROM PAGE 2 products has put his meals over the top.

“Everything takes more time this way, but it makes a better quality though. [We put in] effort. I think people appreciate that,” Weiss said.

The Great American Grill

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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APRIL 2022

OPINION

Challenge yourself; it’s the only path that leads to growth.

Vol. 7 No. 4 ■ April 2022 PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen

EDITOR Sabra Stafford

NEWSROOM

Christpopher Correa Kristina Hacker Teresa Hammond Angelina Martin Pawan Naidu Candy Padilla Vince Rembulat Virginia Still Dennis Wyatt

­—Morgan Freeman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Harold L. George

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman

SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Karen Olsen Corey Rogers Melody Wann Charles Webber

DIGITAL

Frankie Tovar Rich Matheson

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: sstafford@209magazine.com 209businessjournal.com The Oakdale Leader USPS No 178-680 Is published weekly by 209 Multimedia, 122 S. Third Ave. Oakdale, Ca 95361 ©Copyright 2022. 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.

209 Business Journal assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

Manage return-to-office stress with these tips

BY DR. JACOB ASHER

Chief Medical Officer United Healthcare of California

As pandemic restrictions ease, many workers are heading back into the office after working remotely. That might have them feeling a little stressed.

It’s normal to have some worries about a change in routine — and you may not be the only one at your company who’s feeling that way.

In a survey by the American Psychological Association, roughly half of adults reported being uneasy about returning to in-person interactions.

A major life change like switching from remote to inperson work may be one of your stress triggers. Feeling overwhelmed, headaches or trouble sleeping may all be

symptoms of stress that can affect your body medically and physically. The important thing is to recognize the anxiety and come up with healthy ways to help manage it.

Here are five tips that may help with reducing stress in your transition back to the workplace: 1. MANAGE YOUR TIME – When the pandemic began, your day-to-day schedule may have shifted. Before things shift back, think about making a list of all you’ll need to do to be ready for each day and how you might want to start your day differently when you’re going to the office versus working from home. A detailed schedule may help you feel less overwhelmed.

2. FOCUS ON LIFESTYLE CHOICES – Is how you lived during the pandemic playing a role in the stress you’re feeling? Things like prioritizing sleep, eating healthy meals, drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol may all help with managing your anxiety around a return to the workplace.

3. GET MOVING – Exercise and the feel-good endorphins it creates can be an important part of stress reduction and overall health. Consider adding regular workouts to your schedule. Also, look for easy ways to add movement to your day, such as standing for phone calls or using the stairs instead of the elevators.

4. TRY MEDITATION – Focused meditation and deep breathing may help ease your bouts with stress and can have lasting health benefits. Think about taking time in the morning or scheduling breaks during the day to practice meditation and other mindfulness techniques.

5. IF YOU’RE STRESSED about going back to the office due to the risk of contracting COVID-19, keep in mind, there are things you can do to help protect yourself and others. Consider talking with your manager about your concerns and some possible solutions, including staggering your work hours to avoid high-traffic entry and exit points or increasing space between your workspace and others.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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APRIL 2022

NEWS

Zipser retires from farm bureau; Diemel named new executive director the farm bureau in a press release.

As Zipser retires from official farm bureau business, he leaves the organization in good hands.

Diemel, born and raised in Tuolumne County, has spent the last eight years serving Stanislaus County growers in her role as Programs Director for SCFB and Grower Relations with East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.

BY KRISTINA HACKER 209 Business Journal

After more than 35 years of serving Stanislaus County’s agricultural interests, Wayne Zipser will retire from his post as farm bureau executive director.

The Stanislaus County Farm Bureau Board has named Caitie Diemel as the new executive director. Diemel currently serves as the Programs Director for SCFB and will step into this role this spring.

Zipser has been involved with farm bureau for more than 35 years, first as director, officer, president and currently executive director. Zipser oversees all operations of SCFB and is an integral part of the management of East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.

Zipser was born and raised in Ceres, and after attending Fresno State, he returned home to farm with his father. After serving on the SCFB Board for several years, he became executive director in 2003.

During Zipser’s tenure, he prevailed in a lawsuit with Stanislaus County vs Building

209 Business Journal file photo

Stanislaus County Farm Bureau Executive Director Wayne Zipser (center) and the farm bureau’s Farm News Editor Anna Genasci (right) stand with California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson as they accept the Innovator Award at the CFB’s annual meeting in December 2021.

Industry Association regarding farmland mitigation, chaired the Stanislaus Water Advisory Committee and co-founded East San Joaquin Water Quality

Coalition.

“We thank Zipser for his commitment to agriculture and his passion for the farmers, ranchers and dairymen in this county,” stated

48 years on the job

BY VINCE REMBULAT 209 Business Journal

Bud Schemper retired from Schemper’s Ace Hardware after 48 years.

He stepped down from the familyowned business in Ripon on March 31, celebrating and sharing his farewell day with free cake, snacks and other goodies with those who stopped in.

“What I’ll miss most is the people – our customers – and staff,” Schemper said on his last day of work.

He started in the family business during the summer of his sophomore year at Ripon High. Prior to that, Schemper worked in the bike shop as an eighth grader.

Vince Rembulat/209 Business Journal “This can’t be your last day – you’re too young to retire,” said one of his longtime After 48 years at Schemper’s Ace Hardware, Bud Schemper enjoyed his last customers.

SEE BUD, PAGE 10

day with a sendoff of cake, balloons and other goodies.

Diemel earned her Bachelor’s Degree from UC Santa Cruz in Business Management Economics and graduated from the California Farm Bureau Leadership Program, Class of 2016.

In her current role, she is responsible for budgeting, growing membership, events, advocating for growers and providing helpful resources.

“I am both honored and

humbled to step into this new role. I am confident that this organization will continue to do more for our members than ever before. We have a tremendous team of highly talented staff members and a very forward-thinking board who continue to serve Stanislaus County agriculture. I am so proud to lead this wonderful team,” said Diemel.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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APRIL 2022

NEWS

Bay Valley Tech gets grant to expand digital skills training STAFF REPORTS

209 Business Journal

Bay Valley Tech’s fast-growing code academy is expanding its programs to include a new 16-week Digital Skills Bootcamp launching April 25. The bootcamp will offer tuition-free training for 30 underserved Modesto residents.

The City of Modesto awarded $100,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds to Bay Valley Foundation to develop and deliver the 16-week program. These CDBG Funds were made possible by the CARES Act in accordance with its postpandemic COVID-19 recovery

strategy for training and technical assistance to further economic growth for low-income individuals.

The Digital Skills Bootcamp addresses job disruptions and economic hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and supports the City’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan Goal of Driving Economic Vitality.

“We’re excited to invest in a program that can raise prosperity for community members who need it most while strengthening our local economy,” said Jessica Hill, Modesto’s Community Development Manager.

The Digital Skills Bootcamp

represents a shared vision of residents to acquire in-demand gain hands-on, in- demand exthe City and Bay Valley Tech skills within a few months. It is perience. Students and interns to expand the code academy’s an effective launching point for have the opportunity to develop training to include high-paying tech internships and lucrative valuable relationships with Bay tech-related skills such as digi- digital careers,” stated Bay Val- Valley Tech’s community of tal design, digital marketing, ley Tech President Phillip Lan. 2,000 techies and employers in software QA, application sup- “As demand for technology Northern California. port, cybersecurity, tech sales workers continues to skyrocket, Interested students should apand tech recruiting. The boot- it’s crucial for the City to quickly ply immediately at: www.baycamp includes both onsite and expand its skilled labor force.” valleytech.com/code-academyonline program components for In addition to digital skills application as seats are limited. a schedule-flexible, high-quality training, bootcamp students can All applicants must be 18 years learning experience. apply for paid internships to or older.

“Bay Valley Tech’s 209 Multimedia, the Premier Media Company in the 209 is pleased to produce the official program, highlighting the Biggest Summer Event in the Valley. new Digital Skills Bootcamp will enable Modesto

Digital skills are essential for Central Valley’s Latino workforce

BY EVELYN RAMOS

Employer and Campus Engagement Lead California State University-Stanislaus

The growing utility of technology is becoming increasingly critical to key Central Valley industries. The agriculture industry is using tech to judiciously but effectively utilize limited water resources, healthcare services are being provided more affordably and effectively, and renewable energy industries are taking advantage of the abundant wind and sunlight.

Meanwhile the long-reaching impact of the pandemic has forced small businesses that once brought customers in through their storefront to rely on their digital presence to attract shoppers.

With more digitization in the workplace, there’s a proportionately higher demand for a skilled workforce. Nationally, the number of jobs requiring medium-tohigh degree digital skills jumped from 45 percent in 2002 to 71 percent in 2016. That same trend is playing out here in the Central Valley, and has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fortunately, a handful of Central Valley forces have taken on closing this skills gap and upskilling our workforce.

In 2021, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities partnered with Google and announced an expansion of the Grow with Google Career Readiness

Program to provide digital skills training at Hispanic-serving institutions, including CSU Stanislaus whose population is approximately 60 percent Latino. According to the National Skills Coalition, more than half of Latino workers lack the digital skills necessary for the workforce. It’s a gap that’s deeply affected the Central Valley, and we’re grateful for programs like Google’s Career Readiness that are critical in bridging the gap.

Across the state, Google’s Career Readiness program will prepare 200,000 Latino students for the digital workforce. Approximately 700 students per semester will receive this training here in the Central Valley.

The outcome of the program will be more Latino students who have a modern toolkit of digital skills that they can use to land an internship, start a career, open a business, and educate other members of their community on the digital skills and tools available to thrive in our modern economy.

Our region should welcome continued investment and encourage students to take advantage of these career-boosting opportunities.

Taking the concept of upskilling our workforce one step further, the presence SEE WORKFORCE, PAGE 11

2022

Graffiti Summer

Don’t miss out,

secure your space today as space is limited.

2022 Graffiti Summer Program Advertising Rates Ad size

Ad Cost

Ad Dimension

Full page

$905

10.25 x 10.5

1/2 page H

$535

10.25 x 5.25

1/2 page V

$535

5.0 x 10.5

1/4 page

$305

5.0 x 5.25

1/8 page

$185

5.0 x 2.50

All ads include color TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE CALL

A special publication printed and distributed for this special event.

Visitor events are planned through the summer.

The program will feature a schedule of events taking place in addition to some wonderful back stories.

The Special Publication will be read by over 109,000 print readers and over 400,000 online visitors.

Programs will also be distributed to visitors at events.

Advertising deadline: May 11, 2022 Publication Date: May 25, 2022

Manteca 249-3500 | Turlock 634-9141 | Oakdale 847-3021

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

10

APRIL 2022

NEWS

Turlock Town Center sells for nearly $37.5M

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA 209 Business Journal

After more than a year of revitalization, the Turlock Town Center on N. Golden State Boulevard has been sold to an undisclosed California-based developer for $37.45 million.

At the time of the purchase on March 24, the property was fully leased to 32 tenants, including major retail business Smart & Final, Rite Aid, Big 5 Sport-

ing Goods, 99 Cents Only and Goodwill. The center is also home to several locally-owned businesses like Jura’s Pizza Parlor, Valley Meal Prep, Green Grub and Crazy Mangonada.

The sale of the over 144,300 square foot property was arranged by Faris Lee Investments, a national retail advisory and investment sales firm based in Irvine, California. The transaction comes four

BUD

FROM PAGE 8 Schemper, however, indicated that his initial plan was to step down at the end of 2021 after the family business switched ownerships to the Swanson family of Escalon.

He agreed to stay on upon the Swansons opening the new Strand Ace Hardware in Manteca. The former Orchard Supply Hardware, which stood vacant

SAVE MART

FROM PAGE 1

we serve.”

“At Kingswood, our goal is to make good businesses even better, and The Save Mart Companies presents us with a great opportunity to do so,” said Alex Wolf, Managing Partner and Founder of Kingswood. “Their 70 years of history in the Central Valley provides a strong foundation for future profitable growth, and we look forward to working with Chris and the team to position these iconic grocery brands for the future.”

Days after announcing the acquisition, The Save Mart Companies and Kingswood Capital Management, LP announced that Shane Sampson has been named executive chairman of the California-based, regional grocery retailer.

years after Gary Pinkston, founder of the investment and development corporation Meridian Pacific, purchased the center.

Managing principal Don MacLellan represented Pinkston in the business deal and procured the eventual buyers, who remain unknown at this time.

“The center offers a synergistic mix of strong daily needs tenants including a supermarket, drug store,

for a few years, took six months of work and training to finally get business up and operating.

The grand opening was held in early March.

Chris Swanson, who is second generation of the family hardware business, had acquired the Ripon business months earlier.

Back in October, Schemper’s Ace Hardware announced via social media the change of ownership to the Swansons of Escalon.

Outside of a possible name-change –

Sampson is a fourth-generation grocer who brings nearly four decades of experience to The Save Mart Companies in building brands, implementing innovative marketing and merchandising programs, and leading strategic operations.

He started his career in a local grocery store as a retail clerk and learned the grocery business from the ground up, which culminated in being named Albertsons Companies’ Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer.

“The Save Mart Companies team has built a wonderful operation in the Central Valley of California throughout their 70 years of serving their customers and communities,” said Sampson. “The family and leadership team have done a tremendous job in establishing and perpetuating a commitment to innovation and service, and I

restaurants, dental office, and personal services…

Faris Lee Investments highlighted the intrinsic value of the real estate and the strength of the tenant mix,” MacLellan’s office said in a statement.

The mix of services at the retail center was mostly made possible by Pinkston, who is widely known for acquiring shopping centers and upgrading them with new business and modern-

izing existing storefronts.

Since his purchase in 2018, popular businesses such as Smart & Final, Popeyes, Dutch Bros. Coffee, Insomnia Gym and Jura’s Pizza have moved into the retail center. Meanwhile, existing businesses such as Mundo’s Latin Grill, Rite Aid and Goodwill have moved spaces within the center and have had their storefronts completely renovated.

plans call for the Schemper name will soon become ‘Strand Ace Hardware’ – not much will change per day-to-day operation, Bud Schemper noted.

According to the Schemper’s Ace Hardware Facebook page: “Our relationship with the Swanson family dates back to the 1970s. They are local, communityminded and have similar values. We are confident in their ability to continue serving the community well into the future.”

In 1975, the Swansons took over Strand Ace Hardware in Escalon, and now has expanded their operations to four loca-

think there is an exceptional opportunity to invest in and grow The Save Mart Companies’ brands. I’m excited to join the company at such a pivotal time for the Save Mart, FoodMaxx, and Lucky California stores.

I’m looking forward to leading the team into the next phase of growth and innovation and beyond.”

“We are thrilled to have Shane on the team,” said Wolf.

“His retail acumen is unparalleled, and he has driven results across all the companies he’s been a part of leading. We’re looking forward to leveraging his significant retail experience into The Save Mart Companies’ operations.”

This year marks the 70th year of Save Mart Companies. It began in 1952 with the first store on Crow’s Landing Road in Modesto and today it employs more than 14,000 team mem-

Pinkston believes the retail center serves as a great opportunity for business in the city of Turlock.

“It is positioned in a prime, prominently visible location at the confluence of highly trafficked streets,” he stated on the Meridian Pacific website.

Pinkston and Meridian Pacific did not respond for comment regarding the reSEE CENTER, PAGE 11

tions – Modesto is the other one.

Meanwhile, Schemper’s Ace Hardware, 150 N. Wilma Ave., has been at its current 20,000-square-foot building with 14,000 of that being dedicated to retail space since 2005.

This is the fourth location of the Ripon business that kicked off in 1954 by Bud’s uncle John Schemper and grandfather John Schemper.

As for Bud Schemper, he’s looking forward to his spending his retirement years fishing, golfing and traveling on vacations.

bers across its 200 stores, distribution centers, and in the Store Support Centers.

The 1980s saw the creation of FoodMaxx, the company’s value-format style grocery stores.

In 2007, The Save Mart Companies acquired and restored the Lucky banner in 66 stores located in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2015, the company embarked on a brand re-positioning of Lucky stores to Lucky California.

Through its partnership with Instacart, the home delivery service, the company was the first conventional grocer in Northern California to offer electronic benefit transfer (EBT) payments, allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries to utilize Instacart’s same-day grocery delivery and pickup services at Save Mart, Lucky California and FoodMaxx locations.

In October 2019, the Save Mart Companies celebrated the opening of their new flagship store on Oakdale Road in Modesto. The store featured sliced-to-order produce preparation, ground-to-order sausage-making, marinatedand grilled-to-order meats, a nut station that offers freshmade peanut butter and locally sourced honey and maple syrup, a deli market with hot and cold selections, an olive oil station, among other services.

In 2020, the company launched an innovative, on-demand grocery delivery service to its customers in partnership with leading San Franciscobased robot delivery company Starship Technologies.

The Save Mart Companies was the first grocer in the U.S. to launch the Starship autonomous robot delivery service at the Save Mart flagship store in Modesto.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

11

APRIL 2022

ACCOLADES

PROMOTIONS, APPOINTMENTS, HONORS, ETC. Oak Valley announces promotion

Oak Valley Community Bank, announced the promotion of Kim Karp to Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager of the bank’s Escalon Branch.

Karp has nearly 20 years of banking experience. She began her career with Oak Valley at the Escalon Branch over 14 years ago.

In 2010, she transferred to the bank’s Central Operations department where she spent several years broadening her knowledge base across all facets Kim Karp of bank operations and processing. She returned to the Escalon Branch as Customer Service Manager in 2015 and thrived in that role supporting staff and clients alike.

In 2017, Karp received the Customer Service Manager of the Year award recognizing her exemplary performance and achievements. In her new role, she will focus on growth and business development in the Escalon community, man-

WORKFORCE

FROM PAGE 9

of code academies have proliferated in the Central Valley. One such code academy, Bay Valley Tech, is helping workers improve their digital skills so that they can land higher-wage tech jobs, the majority of which are now fully remote or developing satellite offices, without the time and expense of attaining a four-year college degree.

Jobs within California’s homebased innovation economy are not only highly lucrative, a median salary of $80,000 a year, but their presence uplifts the surrounding community. U.C. Berkeley Economist, Enrico Moretti, studied the multiplier effect of innovation jobs, publishing his findings in his book The

age sales, and oversee branch operations.

“Kim’s commitment to great customer service, understanding of local business needs, and strong ties in the community will continue to help her build and strengthen customer relationships in the Escalon market,” stated Julie DeHart, Executive Vice President, Retail Banking Group.

Merced County Fair board officers selected for 2022

The Merced County Fair is proud to announce the 2022 officer positions for the 35th District Agricultural Association Board of Directors, which was voted on at the December board meeting.

Those positions are: Kim Rogina, President; Vicky Banaga, First Vice President; and Luis Lara, Second Vice President.

Rogina of Merced was first appointed to the Merced County Fair Board in 2015. She is co-owner of her family farming business Rogina, Inc. established in 1985 with her husband Bob – both of whom come from a long line of farmers and ranchers. She is also a real estate agent with Keller Williams Property Team in Merced.

Banaga of Le Grand was first appointed to the Merced County Fair Board in

New Geography of jobs. Moretti found that for each new tech job, five additional jobs are created outside the technology sector.

The rising tide of more jobs and increasing salaries lifts all boats. With more medium-tohigh wage earners, the state collects more income tax revenues, which are then used to fund important social programs. These revenues were critical to bridging California’s budget gap through COVID-19 crisis.

The greatest barrier rural communities face in increasing digital skills, embarking on a tech-focused career, and attracting tech investment is access to broadband internet. Across the Central Valley, an estimated 46,000 households still lack basic broadband infrastructure. The San Joaquin Valley Regional Broadband Consortium is working to close

2015. Banaga has been chief business official at the Le Grand Union Elementary School District since 1977. She is a member of the Le Grand Beautification Committee.

Lara of Atwater was first appointed to the Merced County Fair Board in 2019.

He has served as a sergeant for the California Highway Patrol since 2011. Prior to that, Lara held several different positions with the California Highway Patrol since joining it in 1998, including serving as an officer in the Merced Area and Redwood City CHP Area Office.

Ports promote two to leadership roles

The Stockton Ports announced the promotions of Jordan Feneck to Director of Business Development and Chris Zavaglia to Director of Baseball Communications.

“I am thrilled to be able to announce the promotions of both Jordan and Chris in advance of the 2022 season,” said Ports President Pat Filippone. “Jordy and Chris both earned these promotions with their hard work, focus on the fan experience, and respect and admiration from their co-workers. It will be exciting to see both of them develop in 2022

that gap by bringing broadband services to underserved communities across the region.

When more homes have broadband, hard-to-reach populations become more accessible. Along with that comes education, jobs and wage growth.

A connected, digital world is the future. For the Central Valley to harness our full potential, it is critical that we ensure our most vulnerable communities are connected to the internet and receive the digital skills training necessary to work, compete, and thrive. Through educational services provided by Google, CSU Stanislaus, and Bay Valley Tech, and through programs that increase access to broadband, the Central Valley economy will be transformed.

and beyond into leadership roles with the Ports.”

Feneck, who some fans know as Jordy, joined the Ports in 2020 as a Ticket Sales Assistant before accepting a full-time role in 2021. As the Community Relations Manager for the 2021 season, he worked hard to develop relationships with many of the Ports regulars. Heading into the 2022 season, Feneck began a new role with the team as their Corporate Partnerships Manager.

“I am incredibly grateful to The Stockton Ports, Pat Filippone, and 7th Inning Stretch organization for believing in me to step into this leadership position,” said Feneck. “As a Stockton native, I couldn’t be happier to be working for The Ports.”

“I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of Director of Baseball Communications,” said Zavaglia. “Stockton and the Ports organization has felt like home from the moment I started here just a season ago as a Media/Videoboard Assistant. I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to showcase what I have to offer for Pat, the Ports, and our amazing fans.”

CENTER

FROM PAGE 10 cent sale.

The Turlock Town Center is now 36 years old, originally opening in 1986. It was a popular shopping area for several years with the main catalysts for business being Albertsons groceries and Rite Aid. While Rite Aid is still operating in a new space at the center, Albertsons closed 19 years ago as the national chain found it difficult to keep up with stores like Walmart, Target and Safeway.

In 2009, the vacant Albertsons building was replaced by 99 Cents Only, which exists in the same space to this day.

The construction and growth of retail spaces around Turlock over the course of the past two

decades, such as Monte Vista Crossings and Countryside Plaza, led the remaining businesses housed in the Turlock Town Center to struggle immensely between 2002 and 2017. At one point, 13 of the center’s then 39 spaces were vacant.

Now that the retail center has filled all its spaces and under Pinkston’s ownership there has also been a modernized approach to the promotion of its existing businesses. This includes the creation of an official website (www.turlocktowncenter.com) and the launch of social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter (@TurlockTownCenter).

At the time of the sale, dd’s DISCOUNTS is currently undergoing an outdoor renovation project, which is expected to continue under new ownership.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

At the Port of Stockton, we’re improving water quality for today, 12 APRIL and for the2022 future. How? We’re oxygenating local waterways to support aquatic life. Soon a new storm ditch will be rebuilt as a constructed wetland to naturally �lter pollutants from storm water. We also use safe drains that prevent spills, train our tenants to reduce storm water pollution, and inspect our stormwater system daily. We're taking these measures now so that our waterways will thrive tomorrow. th

We’re thinking about the Delta’s waterways. Twenty years from now.

WELCOME TO THE PORT OF TOMORROW. At the Port of Stockton, we’re improving water quality for today, and for the future. How? We’re oxygenating local waterways to support aquatic life. Soon a new storm ditch will be rebuilt as a constructed wetland to naturally filter pollutants from storm water. We also use safe drains that prevent spills, train our tenants to reduce storm water pollution, and inspect our stormwater system daily. We're taking these measures now so that our waterways will thrive tomorrow.

WATER

WATER AIR

AIR WILDLIFE

WILDLIFE SOIL + SEDIMENTS

SOIL + SEDIMENTS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABILITY