k e e p i n g VOLUME 4 ■ ISSUE 4
IN PROFILE
Valley Meal Prep expands healthy meal prep options with Turlock joining Modesto and Stockton locations.
BUSINESS JOURNAL
b u s i n e s s e s
c o n n e c t e d ™
APRIL 2019
IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?
PAGE 4
NEWS
Bill Berryhill has segued out of politics and into the winemaking business.
PAGE 9
ANGELINA MARTIN/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
Doctors Nahera and Ninos Adams recently opened their own private practice in Turlock, Adams Medical Group, where Nahera will serve as a primary care physician and Ninos as Turlock’s lone psychiatrist.
Brothers return home to the 209 area amid doctor shortage BY ANGELINA MARTIN
T
209 Business Journal
hroughout medical school at the University of California, Davis, Doctors Nahera Adams and Ninos Adams did everything together, earning themselves the nickname “The Brothers” amongst their peers. When completing their residency programs, however, the pair was split — Nahera continued his education in Internal Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco’s Fresno Medical Education Program, while Ninos excelled as chief resident for several years in the UCLA-Kern Psychiatry Residency Program. Today, the two brothers have
been reunited, opening their own practice in Turlock during a time when a lack of physicians has forced Valley residents to wait weeks, or even months, for a visit to the doctor’s office. Born and raised in Modesto, Nahera and Ninos spent much of their youth working through weekends and summer vacations on their family’s almond orchard in Turlock and learning about the world of medicine from their father, who recently retired as an obstetrician-gynecologist after 40 years. Stanislaus County is home to them, the brothers said, and serving their community has been a goal years in the making. SEE DOCTORS, PAGE 10
Filling The Gap Strategies at the national, state and regional level to fill the potential gap between primary care demand and supply include: • Actively recruiting primary care physicians to practice in California; • Expanding primary care residency programs, particularly in the regions at greatest risk for long-term shortages; • Improving retention of physicians, particularly younger physicians; • Ensuring 3-7 percent annual growth in graduations from NP and PA education programs so
the number of graduates keeps pace with projected demand; • Expanding team-based primary care models that maximize the use of all clinicians, and supporting alignment of insurance reimbursement with team-based care; and • Ensuring scope-of-practice regulations for NPs and PAs maximize their capacity to provide primary care and to work at the highest level of their education and knowledge. Information from UC San Francisco’s report “California’s Primary Care Workforce: Forecasted Supply, Demand, and Pipeline of Trainees, 2016-2030.
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
2
APRIL 2019
SAVE THE DATE The Red Shield it’s
50
th
Anniversary
Tuesday May 14th, - 2019 Support the Salvation Army’s Kidz Day Several ways to Volunteer, Donate, Adopt-A-Corner, Sponsor or Purchase an Ad
HAVE YOUR $1 READY!
Buy a Kidz Day Newspaper on street corners in Modesto, Turlock, Riverbank & Oakdale to help support the center! ◆ Aquatics Program ◆ Boxing Program ◆ Baseball Program ◆ Homework Program ◆ Tutoring ◆ And Many Other Programs!
For more information or to VOLUNTEER, Please Call (209) 538-7111 www.redshieldmodesto.org
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
3
IN PROFILE
Oakdale Brewery enters city limits BY TERESA HAMMOND 209 Business Journal
Business relocation is not uncommon in the City of Oakdale. With prime real estate being scarce in the downtown area, business owners are always on the lookout for just the right spot. Last Call Brewery owners Brian Chiara and Josh Garcia are no different. As fate and patience would have it, the right spot not only opened up, but has created quite the buzz in the downtown area. “We opened in Oakdale because we wanted to be Oakdale’s brewery,” Chiara said of the relocation from the industrial 944 Shepard Court, Oakdale location to its current location at 159 N. First Ave. “Now we’re kind of accomplishing it. We worked hard just to get the doors open here. It took a long time for us to find a spot. It took over six months to find this spot.” With just a few weeks of business under their belt in the new location, it has proved to be a success not just for the brewery, but for the downtown merchants as well. “I was really worried about losing customers because it’s not the old shop, but I haven’t really seen that,” Chiara said, noting the increase in a whole new clientele, with the tap room no longer being off the beaten path. “People are still supportive and coming in.” Chiara said since first opening the new North First location March 7 the business has been constant. Tap room hours are currently noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Thursday with extended hours of noon to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. “We’re just trying it out,” he said of the days and times. “We want to add Wednesdays for Farmer’s Market. Now we’re figuring out how to meet the demand.” The earlier than normal closure is also something they felt was needed. “We’re trying to be cognizant of the other businesses and residences in close proximity to us,” he noted of maintaining a 10 p.m. closing time. “It’s better for
our employees. It’s better for our families.” March 16 was the official grand opening of the relocated Tap Room, as well as an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration. “It was fantastic. It was the best day we’ve ever had. Great turn out. So much good support,” Chiara said. “The biggest surprise is going to sound cliché, but we were so well received. I did not expect the amount of people that came down to support us. It’s huge. We’re slammed every day down here.” While the location and size of the Tap Room is drastically different, the homey and family feel remains the same. As a Tap Room offering only Last Call brews, patrons are encouraged to bring in outside food as well as their children and dogs. The duo continues to produce Last Call beers at the Shepard Court location, using North First strictly as a Tap Room. “Right now, it’s difficult,” Chiara shared of anticipating the flow of the current tap flow which has doubled from the eight once tapped at Shepard Court, “but when we opened Shephard having eight on tap was difficult. But I think once we get used to our current demand, it’ll be fine. We haven’t had all 16 flowing yet. I think we opened with 15.” Still employed full time as a Paramedic/EMT (Chiara) and firefighter (Garcia), Chiara gives kudos to the staff they have supporting them for the success of the business side of the brewery. “We’ve been really blessed with good help. It’s becoming its own animal,” he said. “Yeah, we’re pretty cool now,” he added jokingly. “We’re not like the guys just playing brewery out there. We’re part of the community. Anything in Oakdale we want to participate in.” The owner shared they feel encouraged not only by the community, but by the city as well, that the relocation will indeed benefit all involved. “We want to be a good addition to downtown,” he stated.
PHOTO BY JEREMY CENTER
It was cheers all around on March 16 as beer lovers celebrated the newly opened downtown Oakdale Tap Room of Last Call Brewery.
2018
2018
COMPLETE KITCHEN REMODEL STARTING AT $20,000 *2 WEEKS COMPLETION WITH OUR IN HOUSE CAPABILITIES: • NEW CABINETS • CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS • UNDER CABINET LIGHTING
• FLOORING • PAINT • TILE BACKSPLASH
(PLUS) $500 CREDIT TOWARDS THE REMODEL FINANCING AVAILABLE
*RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY
LIC #983435
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: Subscribe.
TUESDAY – FRIDAY 9AM – 5PM, SATURDAY 9AM – 2PM
531 KANSAS AVE, MODESTO • www.aakmodesto.com
209-521-4490
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
4
APRIL 2019
IN PROFILE
Valley Meal Prep expands in the 209 area BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal
Three years ago, Matt Martin started Valley Meal Prep with one goal in mind: to provide meals that are healthy, affordable and convenient for those looking to fuel their body the right way. After finding success in Modesto and Stockton, he was able to open a third location in the Turlock Town Center recently. “We started Valley Meal Prep to make fast food not so unhealthy anymore, so people can follow their diets and reach their goals without the stress that comes along with it,” Martin said. From breakfast, lunch and dinner to snacks and dessert, Valley Meal Prep offers a rotating menu filled with balanced meals that pack a flavorful punch. Customers can order what they’d like online ahead of time and pick it up in the store, or can drop in and see what’s stocked and available whenever the hunger pangs hit. With dishes like carne asada bowls, peanut butter protein balls, blueberry spinach pancakes and more, Martin takes pride in his menu’s
variety. “Some people get stagnant when they do meal prep, and we don’t want to be that company. We’re definitely known for having a variety,” he said. “People love the food, and I feel like it’s because we put a lot of love into it.” A former executive chef in Modesto’s McHenry Village, Martin’s transformation into a business owner took place seemingly overnight. One day, he was meal prepping and preparing for a body-building competition, and the next, he was taking orders from friends and family who saw photos of the healthy meals he was creating on social media, creating their meals out of his home. Today, Valley Meal Prep is a three-location health food powerhouse, with 14 cooks preparing over 1,000 meals a day for residents throughout the area. The new Turlock location sold out on its first day, and Martin said city residents have expressed relief that they don’t have to drive down Highway 99 anymore to get a taste of his nutritious recipes. “There’s a lot of gratification in it,” Martin said. “It’s as clean as it gets, it’s all
real food and you get real results from it.” Martin’s recipes use no sugar and no salt, and also include dishes that are diet specific, whether you’re Keto, Paleo or have a doctor-ordered meal plan you need to follow. There are also family-size meals, as opposed to the typical, individual serving sizes, and if you buy four meals, you get a fifth free. Meals can last for up to five days in the fridge, and 30 days frozen. “We want people to come in and know we appreciate them, so we say, ‘Hey, here’s an extra free meal,’ because we know it’s hard to afford anything these days,” Martin said. The transition from cooking unhealthy meals for patrons to preparing cuisine that helps people in all walks of life has been rewarding, Martin said. “I’m not just going into the kitchen and feeding people fattening food all day. Now as a chef, I can actually go in everyday and know I’m helping people. That’s a huge accomplishment.” For orders or more information visit valleymealprep.com.
VINYL FENCE & BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.
ANGELINA MARTIN/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
Matt Martin opened his third Valley Meal Prep location in Turlock recently, providing fast, healthy meals for the community.
Spring has Sprung! Come Paint, Drink & Have Fun!!
at Join us for an unforgettable evening with friends, fun, beer, wine & painting in Modesto! We provide everything you need for a great night out!
DURABLE, LOW MAINTENANCE FENCING, PATIO COVERS AND GAZEBOS
View our calendar@ www.pinotspalettemodesto.com
1113 CARVER ROAD, MODESTO
(209) 892-5729 (209) 846-9457 VINYLFENCEMODESTO.COM
3446 McHenry Ave. #S-E6 Modesto, CA
(209) 408-8186
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
5
IN PROFILE
Dame is coming back Sam’s Café reopens in Ceres 15 months after big fire Grand El Rey gets third life as events, banquet center BY JEFF BENZIGER 209 Business Journal
Sherrill Petersen’s world came crashing down in November 2017 when a fire charred her successful Sam’s Café in downtown Ceres. A roofing crew hired to fix a leaky roof used the wrong kind of torch, which set the roof on fire. The fire destroyed equipment and personal belongings and put Peterson and her crew out of work. After months of waiting and rebuilding, Sam’s Café had a soft opening in March for the first time in 15 months. “They tell me most people don’t come back, they don’t rebuild or they relocate,” said Petersen. “It took 15 months but I’m back.” All but one employee has returned to work at Sam’s. During the long process of insurance claims, building designs, building permits and rebuilding, the displaced workers temporarily found work at other restaurants in Modesto. Insurance covered two months’ worth of wages while a community fundraiser chipped in more assistance.
Today she has double the waitresses and cooks. “I can say that Ceres has been the most gracious. I’ve got like the best customers. They are loyal. They were patient and I wouldn’t have this business if it wasn’t for the customers. Almost everybody’s come back every single day.” The café, located at 3052 Fifth Street, sports a new makeover that includes new modern tiling, $76,000 in new equipment and new booths and an additional door where there was none before. Petersen spent $20,000 of her own money to buy other items needed in the restaurant. For three weeks the faithful clientele would roll by and keep an eye on the progress in eager anticipation of getting back their favorite breakfast and lunch hangout. “People were driving by the whole time we were setting up. I was here like three weeks in a row, seven days a week and somebody would post ‘I saw salt and pepper shakers on the table,’ kind of like stalking me.” The process of rebuilding the former Hancock Auto Garage required
BY GLENN KAHL 209 Business Journal
JEFF BENZIGER/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
Sherrill McManus Petersen is happy about her newly remodeled Sam’s Cafe in downtown Ceres following 15 months of being closed due to fire damage.
a review of occupancy, door and window standards. A new door was added on the west façade for quick fire access and two new windows were cut into the southern wall made of masonry. The occupancy formula caused a loss of 21 seats. “I used to be able to seat 72 but now they gave me 49.” On March 17 she had six groups waiting outside for tables. Petersen has owned the restaurant for the past nine years although she was a part of it for 21 years
as a waitress when it was Blondie’s and B&J’s Café. So far, the customers have been raving about the new digs and posting them to social media. Petersen said the town’s patience was proven again with problems that have cropped up, such as last week when the new air conditioning system sprung a leak on a customer’s head. A grand opening and Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting will be held in April but until then the business is open 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day.
The Veranda — a top tier events center and banquet hall — will open in downtown Manteca in June. It is being created within the walls that were erected 82 years ago to open what was then called the “Grand Dame of Manteca” — the 900-seat El Rey Theatre. The El Rey closed in 1975 after a fire gutted the building after a showing of “The Towering Inferno.” It reopened in 1998 remodeled as Kelley Brewing Company and Brick Yard Oven that closed in 2007. Owner P.J. Singh said that an exclusive restaurant and bar are expected to be opening as well in the two-story building at the end of June. “It will be something special,” he promised as he provided an artist’s rendering showing the new façade that will give the downtown a new
icon he feels will make the community proud. The Veranda will occupy the most high-profile location in downtown less than a half a block from the historic and geographic center of Manteca — the Yosemite Avenue and Main Street intersection. Singh also trumpeted the elegant dining room that will fill the ground floor of his facility with tables and chairs that will complement the decor. There will be some 16 chandeliers hanging from the ceiling of the dining room to add to the elegance of his facility that includes a second-floor open air terrace dining experience above the addition that Kelley Brothers added for covered open air dining that faces the northeast corner of Yosemite and Grant avenues. Singh indicated the menu will include Hispanic and Indian cuisine.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
A posh selection of tables and seating arrangement awaits guests from Manteca and the surrounding regions to enjoy special evenings out to dine and party with friends and family at The Veranda targeted to open in late June.
Making your building dreams come alive! We do it all ! Remodels • Additions • New Construction CARPENTRY, demolition, floor installation, painting, electrical and much more…
Call us today | 209-665-1909 arrconbuilders.com
Oakdale, CA
Lic #808444
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
6
APRIL 2019
NEWS
SNARING MORE VISITOR $$$
Challenge for Manteca is to tap into spending power of 500,000 annual Great Wolf guests BY DENNIS WYATT 209 Business Journal
Now that the walls are starting to go up on the $180 million Great Wolf indoor waterpark resort and 500-room hotel in Manteca the next challenge is for city leaders to come up with a way to coax more visitors’ dollars from the projected 500,000 annual visitors. Most of those visitors who are expected to come from the Bay Area with median households double that of families that reside in Manteca. Manteca Economic Development Manager Don Smail told the City Council last week finding a way to promote other attractions in and around the city is a high priority. It also something that the city agreed to do as part of the deal that brought the resort to Manteca that will provide 500 jobs when it opens in mid2020 along the 120 Bypass just west of Costco. The recently approved wayfinding signs are just a part of the puzzle the city needs to piece together in the coming 13 months. Done right, the city can parlay the 500,000 annual visitors into an economic wave that could help rise local businesses including other Manteca hotels. That’s because Great Wolf is building 10,000 square feet of meeting rooms and conference space plus a 5,000-square-footan outdoor pavilion for cheer and dance competitions and similar events. Great Wolf included the meeting space primarily at the insistence from city officials who would have liked to have seen double
the space. The resort chain has success in attracting conference-style business but that is not their primarily bailiwick. How effective a local effort is at helping book not just the event space as well as luring Great Wolf visitors to other attractions is an un-mined economic vein that has the ability to create a ripple effect in the local economy plus job generation as well as hotel room tax beyond the $2 million that is expected to flow into Manteca’s municipal coffers as the city’s annual share after the first full year of operation. That’s because in other markets Great Wolf representatives noted a large chunk of those attending meetings, events or conferences at their resorts don’t book rooms at the hotel, instead opting for other nearby lodging. At the same time Great Wolf corporate representatives have repeatedly noted during presentations in Manteca that guests do not spend all of their time during their stay at the resorts. Even though Great Wolf will have restaurants and non-waterpark diversions that the general public can also access, guests often will seek off-site dining options, unique shopping, and entertainment venues. It opens the door to promote everything from Bass Pro Shops, AMC Showplace 16 Theaters, Delicato Vineyards, Manteca Bowl, and the municipal golf course to niche dining options and other shopping. There is also a market that Manteca could tap into by encouraging those on more of an extended vaca-
relax
tion visiting Northern California to tie a stay at the Great Wolf Resort in to trips to Yosemite, the Sierra, San Francisco and elsewhere. Great Wolf is also providing Manteca with a “name recognition” campaign that will make the impact of the former TV and radio ad blitzes of Manteca Waterslides and Manteca Trailer pale in comparison. Great Wolf representatives have indicated they will spend millions of dollars annually promoting the resort with Manteca being prominently used in all advertising. That said its biggest contribution is not only providing Manteca with the biggest hotel in the Great Central Valley with 500 rooms but the biggest resort. Councilwoman Debby Moorhead, who was the former executive director of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce, noted the now defunct Manteca Convention & Visitors Bureau was not successful at promoting Manteca visits because “we didn’t have anything here.” “Now we do,” Moorhead said in reference to Great Wolf. The chamber served as an incubator for the CVB before it broke off as a free-standing non-profit. Initially the CVB worked with local hotels to place visitors’ guides in rooms as well as have welcome packets for visitors with coupons to local dining spots as well as businesses. In its early years the CVB that was at the time overseen by former Mayor Steve DeBrum who served
as president of the board, identified a market for corporations and organization that had employees or members in San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento and enjoying communities as well as Fresno that wanted a central location with easy access for meetings and gatherings. The CVB tried to push that angle and was able to generate interest and some bookings but ran into issues concerning available — and adequately sized — space with support facilities such as on-site kitchens for meal service. The construction of 10,000 square feet of meeting/ conference space and the 5,000 outdoor pavilionstyle events center would provide a way to lure such business to Manteca given is within 60 to 80 miles of San Jose, San Francisco, and Sacramento. Smail indicated that one way to go about putting together a visitors’ bureau of sorts is to encourage local hotels to do it on their own. The city could also work with the chamber to come up with a solution. In the past the city dipped into hotel room tax — as much as $70,000 a year — to help fund the CVB. They yanked the funding three years ago after the CVB backed off on its efforts and wasn’t even maintaining a robust and up-to-date website for those interested in visiting Manteca to access to find out information about local attractions, events, dining, lodging, and nearby destinations of interest they could combine with an overnight stay in Manteca.
SIGNS
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
The City of Modesto is looking for environmentallyresponsible businesses to join the Earth Day celebration as vendors.
Modesto’s Earth Day looks for vendors STAFF REPORT 209 Business Journal
Modesto’s 30th Annual Earth Day in the Park Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 20 at Graceada Park, located at 401 Needham Street in Modesto. The popular free community event provides a unique opportunity to learn about the environment in a family-friendly setting. It’s an entire day of “green” education, live entertainment, fun activities for all ages, great food,
and a close-up view of many non-profit agencies in the region, Interested in being part of this worthwhile event as a sponsor or vendor? Businesses and organizations with a focus on the environment that can offer green solutions to today’s environmental issues are encouraged to participate. Applications to participate can be found at www.modestogov.com or by calling the Solid Waste Office at 577-5495.
Subscribe.
A P PA R E L
PRINTING
S t ru g g l i n g w i t h y o u r b r a n d i n g ?
LET US HELP!
DECALS | BANNERS VEHICLE WRAPS FLEET LETTERING D E S I G N S E RV I C E S & MUCH MORE
STUDIO209.T V
209.552.0567 ORDERS@SIGNDEPOTMODESTO.COM
10 ORDER
% OFF ANY
M U S T M E N T I O N A D | VA L I D O N E P E R C U S T O M E R | C A N N O T B E C O M B I N E D W I T H A N Y O T H E R O F F E R S
3420 Oakdale Rd. # B Modesto, CA 95355
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
7
OPINION
Vol. 4 No.4 ■ April 2019 PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen
GENERAL MANAGER Drew Savage
MANAGING EDITOR Sabra Stafford
Success is the sum of small efforts — repeated day in and day out.
NEWSROOM Jason Campbel Dennis D. Cruz Kristina Hacker Teresa Hammond Glenn Khal Angelina Martin Candy Padilla Virginia Still Dennis Wyatt
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Harold L. George
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Chuck Higgs
—Robert Collier
SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Dawn Hamilton Corey Rogers Melody Wann Charles Webber Jennifer Webber
DIGITAL Frankie Tovar Rich Matheson
Will consumers drive Facebook out of business? It’s no secret that firms such as Facebook, Google, Amazon and Apple have extraordinary levels of power and influence. For example, most voters (55 percent) believe that Facebook has too much power. To some in the political world, this is a problem that only government intervention can solve. But, that’s not the way the public sees it. There is very little public support for breaking up the tech companies or having the federal government regulate the platforms. That reluctance comes partly from the reasonable fear that giving such power to federal bureaucrats would make things worse rather than better. Additionally, voters clearly recognize that consumer choice and marketplace competition exert more control over large companies than any government agency could impose. Looking out over the next 25 years, 87 percent of voters believe Facebook will have to
SCOTT RASMUSSEN CREATORS SYNDICATE
deal with significant competition that challenges its dominance. In fact, a majority (52 percent) believe it is likely the social media giant will actually go out of business during that time. Facebook is perceived to be in more trouble than the other tech giants, but voters overwhelmingly expect that Google, Amazon and Apple will also face significant competition over the coming quarter of a century. However, most believe those companies will survive. Just 26 percent believe Apple will go out of business; 23 percent say the same about Google; and 20 percent think Amazon will disappear. Still, even though most believe these companies are ex-
pected to survive, the serious competition they face will hold them accountable. This reality is often missed by people who look at the world as it is and can’t believe anything will change without political action. The current debate over tech companies is simply the latest version in an ongoing saga. In 1967, General Motors sold 49 percent of all cars purchased in the United States. John Kenneth Galbraith, a political economist, wrote that GM’s position was so dominant that it could no longer be constrained by either consumers or competitors. Galbraith, who served in four presidential administrations, believed that the auto firms would never compete with each other because they shared a common interest in soaking the consumer by raising prices. Eleven years later, Galbraith repeated his claim that no other auto company would be foolish enough to take on GM.
Why? “Everyone knows that the survivor of such a contest would not be the aggressor but General Motors.” The auto giant’s market share was still a remarkable 46 percent at that point. It never again reached such lofty heights. In fact, GM’s share of the market declined for 29 of the next 36 years, eventually leading it into bankruptcy and a government bailout. It went from selling 46 percent of all cars in 1978 to 35 percent a decade later, 29 percent a decade after that, and just 17 percent in 2014. It’s difficult to picture how large and seemingly invincible companies will someday fail. Still, as voters recognize, it’s likely that many of today’s tech giants will suffer the fate of General Motors. That’s the way a dynamic economy is supposed to work. And, it’s a system that puts power in the hands of the people rather than the politicians.
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 2019. 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.
APRIL/MAY 2019 - ISSUE 32 - $4.95
LET’S DO
BRUNCH
$4.95US
ARK 2000
Where elephants roam in the 209
LIFE in the saddle
Cover-84P.indd 1
3/25/2019 10:03:18 AM
209MAG A Z I N E.CO M
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
8
APRIL 2019
BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS Local SEO:
Make “Clicks” Lead to Your “Brick” Location
AT WORK
Local SEO:
12 little words that will help you predict the future It’s a rough economy out there, but even scarier than the persistent threats of recession, deflation, countries defaulting on their debt, governments’ inability to balance the budget and other boogie people is the pace of change itself. If you are a business owner looking to adapt, or if you are an unemployed corporate executive trying to figure out where tomorrow’s job opportunities will be, everything’s changing so fast, and the world economy’s so volatile, that it seems impossible to prepare and plan. Having said that, though, there are some ongoing changes in our economy that most people agree will probably continue well into the future. These changes, about which entire books have been written, can be easily summarized in 12 little words. Commit them to memory. Write them down on Post-it Notes. Put the notes up on your computer, your refrigerator door or somewhere else where they’re readily visible, and read them at least once every day. Once you memorize them, recite them like a mantra, and plan your business or career future with them in mind. “The Future Is Digital.” Make no mistake about it. Brick-and-mortar businesses in just about every industry are succumbing to the siren pull of the internet. Business models that have been around for decades, even centuries, are slowly but surely disappearing into the cloud, never to return to planet Earth. Most of the work you do for your clients will probably be done by software bots in 10 years’ time — a lot faster and probably a lot better. Sooner or later there will be a virtual solution for whatever you do at extremely low cost, and you won’t be able to compete. Some examples: —Stores that cash checks: not necessary in an era of
CLIFF ENNICO CREATORS SYNDICATE
digital payments and debit cards. —Attorneys, accountants and financial advisors: There are websites with prepared forms you can access for free (or for pennies). —Printed books and periodicals: Every time I board an airplane, I see more and more Kindles and iPads and fewer and fewer dead trees. —Retail and distribution outlets: It’s much quicker, and more convenient, to shop online than to navigate your local mall — and you can even get free shipping. Look at your kids or grandkids at work and at play. They grew up with the web and video games. Everything they touch is digital. They are the future. Pretty soon (if not already), they will form the core 18to 35-year-old demographic everyone panders to. That pandering will take place in cyberspace. “The Future Is Global.” State and national boundaries are meaningless in an era where I can order something directly from an online merchant in Bangladesh who has no physical presence in North America, or outsource a key part of my business to a country whose citizens don’t even speak English. Two-thirds to three-fourths of the world’s population is joining the world economy for the first time in human history. Sooner or later, wealth will be more evenly distributed throughout the globe, and few countries or continents will have a competitive advantage over others. Except where access to local natural resources is critical, any business will be able to be conducted anywhere on Earth. “The Future Is Freelance.” The concept of employment as we know it prob-
ably won’t exist in coming decades, or if it will, it probably will be viewed as a steppingstone to something else. The corporate career ladder will disappear. Instead, people with marketable knowledge and skills will bid to participate in specific projects hosted by companies — or teams — that are more or less virtual. They will float from project to project (or work on several projects simultaneously), from company to company as independent contractors, picking up experience and learning points that will enable them to bid competitively on progressively more advanced — and, therefore, more lucrative — projects. When they get tired of doing that, they will form virtual companies and begin soliciting virtual teams of their own. “The future is digital. The future is global. The future is freelance”: 12 little words that can give you real insight into where future opportunities lie. So how do you take this and translate it into a real action plan? Simple: by recognizing that because you can’t beat these trends, you had better join them. Now’s a good time to sit down at your computer with a blank word processor page and a VSOP brandy or single-malt scotch and ask yourself the following questions: How can I adjust what I do to fit a more digital, global, freelance world? How can I help individuals and businesses adjust to this world? I don’t know the answers any better than you do (although I have some ideas). What I can tell you is that the answers, once you find them, are the business opportunities of the future. The people who will make money, survive, thrive and prosper in the coming century are those who find the answers, and act upon them.
Make “Clicks” Lead to Your LocalLocation SEO: “Brick” Make “Clicks” Lead to Your
Local SEO“Brick” (search engine optimization) is the Location practice of improving your online presence to attract local customers to your brick-and-mortar business.
Why is local SEO important for Local SEO: your small business?
Make “Clicks” Lead to Your “Brick” Location
46%
76%
Local SEO (search engine optimization) is the practice of improving your online presence to attract of all Google of nearby mobile There has been a local customers to your brick-and-mortar business. searches are local searches visit a related
900%+
business within a day,
with 28% buying Why is local for growth SEO in mobile important searches for “___ near me today/tonight” Local SEO (search engine optimization) is the your small business? practice of improving your online presence to attract Local SEO (search engine optimization) is the Local SEO: practice of improving your online presence to attract local customers toYour your brick-and-mortar business. local customers to your brick-and-mortar business. Make “Clicks” Lead to “Brick” Location How can you improve Why is local SEO important for your local SEO? your small business? Why is46% local SEO important for 76% GOOGLE
1. your small business? 900%+ of all Google searches are local Include your
of nearby mobile
There has been a searches visit a related name, address and phone number (NAP) business within a day, on your website, directories, GOOGLE social media, etc. with 28% buying growth in mobile searches for “___ near me today/tonight”
of mobile searchers
call a business directly 70%46% from search results of all Google searches are local
There has been a
900%+ Consumers also search for this local How can you improve information: Local SEO (search engine optimization) is thelocal SEO? Addressyour Name
growth in mobile searches for “___ near me today/tonight”
54%
76% of nearby mobile searches visit a related business within a day, with 28% buying
business
practice of improving your online Phone presence to attract hours Include yourbusiness. name, address and phone number (NAP) local customers to your brick-and-mortar number 1.
46%
76%
on your website, directories, social media, etc. Website
How can you improve
directions Why is local SEO important for of mobile searchers Directory 53% your local SEO? of all Google of nearby mobile to store call a a business directly There has been your small business? 70% searches are local searches visit a related
from search Include yourresults name, address and phone number (NAP)
Social Media
900%+ 50%
Name
1.
on your website,business directories, social media, within a etc. day,
store28% buying addressof mobile searchers
Consumers also search for this local with information:
growth in mobile searches for Address “___ near me today/tonight” 54% business Phone hours
a business directly 70% call from search results
number
46%
76%
Website
There has been a
53%
Directory searches visit a related
900%+
business within a day,
Consumers also search for this local information:
to store
Phone number
28% buying Socialwith Media
growth in mobile searches % offor Retailers “___ near me today/tonight”
100
Name
directions of nearby mobile Claim your free listings in online directories. Address
2.
of all Google searches are local
That Have NOT Claimed FreeWebsite Business Listings
50% store address Directory
How can you improve your local SEO?
54%
business hours
53%
directions to store
Social Media
80 How can you improve 2. Claim your free listings in online directories. your 60 local SEO?
50% store address
% of Retailers That Have NOT Claimed Free Business Listings
1.
1.
a business directly 70% call from search results
60
0
40
Name Address
20
Phone number Website
56%
66%
Google My Business
54%
80
60
business 40 YAHOO! Yelp hours
directions79% 56% 53% 66% to store
3.
81%
50% store address
Google My Business
Business
86%
Phone
YAHOO! YelpBusiness
Bureau
YP
Bing
86%
86%
business hours
53%
directions to store
of consumers read reviews for local businesses
of consumers Directory read reviews for
60
10
Consumers read businesses an local average of 10 Social Media online reviews before Consumers read can feeling like they an average 10 trust a local of business
56% Google My Business
66% Yelp
79%
81% 82% 89%
89%
of consumers YAHOO! read YPbusinesses' Bing of consumers responses to read businesses' reviews responses to
2.
89%
84%
86%
100
Better Business Bureau
Claim reviewsyour free listings in online directories. Work with a SCORE mentor to help improve your local marketing strategy.
% of Retailers That Have NOT Claimed Free Business Listings
Work a SCORE SCORE mentor to help Workwith with a mentor to help improveyour your local strategy. improve localmarketing marketing strategy. www.score.org
Consumers read an average of 10 online reviews before feeling like they can trust a local business
80
60 89% 40
50% store address
of consumers read businesses' responses to reviews
3. Ask for Online Reviews—and Respond to them
of consumers read reviews for local businesses
Consumers read an average of 10 online reviews before feeling like they can trust a local business
10
online reviews before feeling like they can trust a local business
10
20
of consumers read businesses' responses to reviews
Sources: https://moz.com/learn/seo/what-is-local-search-marketing-seo https://www.brightlocal.com/about-local-seo/ https://www.mainstreetroi.com/10-stats-to-prove-you-need-local-seo-for-your-small-business/
www.score.org
https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/consumer-insights/near-me-searches/ https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/data/mobile-near-me-searches/
www.score.org
Sources:
https://adwords.googleblog.com/2015/02/charge-up-your-phones-with-call-only.html
https://moz.com/learn/seo/what-is-local-search-marketing-seo
https://www.bluecorona.com/blog/local-seo-marketing-matter-small-business/ https://www.lsainsider.com/study-56-of-local-retailers-havent-claimed-google-my-business-listing/archives#sthash.clPHY7IJ.dpbs
https://www.brightlocal.com/about-local-seo/ Sources:
https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/local-consumer-review-survey/
https://www.mainstreetroi.com/10-stats-to-prove-you-need-local-seo-for-your-small-business/
https://moz.com/learn/seo/what-is-local-search-marketing-seo
https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/consumer-insights/near-me-searches/
https://www.brightlocal.com/about-local-seo/
https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/data/mobile-near-me-searches/
https://www.mainstreetroi.com/10-stats-to-prove-you-need-local-seo-for-your-small-business/ https://adwords.googleblog.com/2015/02/charge-up-your-phones-with-call-only.html https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/consumer-insights/near-me-searches/ https://www.bluecorona.com/blog/local-seo-marketing-matter-small-business/
dance
Better Business Bureau
54%
of consumers
read reviews for Website local businesses
% of Retailers That Have NOT Claimed Free Business Listings
40
10
84%
information: YAHOO! Ask for Online Reviews—and toBetter them Yelp YP Respond Bing
Online Reviews—and Respond to them 3. Ask for Ask for Online Reviews—and Respond to them Claim your free listings in3. online directories. number
80
0
82%
0Consumers 56% 66% 79% 81% 82% 84% also search for this local
Address
100
call a business directly Better Bing Business from search results Bureau
YP
20
NameGoogle My
Social Media
81% 82% 84% of mobile searchers
79%
70%
Consumers also search for this local information:
0
Directory
2.
Claim your free listings in online directories.
2.
40 Include your name, address and phone number (NAP) % of Retailers That Have NOT Claimed Free Business Listings on your website, directories, 80 100 social media, etc. of mobile searchers 20
Include your name, address and phone number (NAP) 100 on your website, directories, social media, etc.
Work with a SCORE mentor to help 20 improve your local marketing strategy.
https://www.lsainsider.com/study-56-of-local-retailers-havent-claimed-google-my-business-listing/archives#sthash.clPHY7IJ.dpbs https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/data/mobile-near-me-searches/ https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/local-consumer-review-survey/ https://adwords.googleblog.com/2015/02/charge-up-your-phones-with-call-only.html
https://www.bluecorona.com/blog/local-seo-marketing-matter-small-business/ https://www.lsainsider.com/study-56-of-local-retailers-havent-claimed-google-my-business-listing/archives#sthash.clPHY7IJ.dpbs
0
56%
66%
79%
https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/local-consumer-review-survey/
81%
82%
84%
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
9
NEWS
JEFF BENZIGER/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
Former Assemblyman Bill Berryhill of Ceres is well known in the Valley and is enjoying his new role as wine maker. The long-time wine grape grower enjoys politics but prefers being in the seat of a tractor compared to being on the floor of the state Assembly.
Former state Assemblyman prefers being on a tractor, making wine BY JEFF BENZIGER 209 Business Journal
Many passions define William Ronald “Bill” Berryhill, 61, and often they’ve run in seasons. The son of legendary state Food and Agriculture Director Clare Berryhill, Berryhill is a former California State Assemblyman, accomplished water color artist and successful wine grape grower. Today, his current passion lies in promoting his new wine. As a fourthgeneration grape grower, Berryhill said it was time to “take things to the next level” in a very competitive industry. In the past, about 90 percent of Berryhill’s grapes were going to the Woodbridge Winery started by Mondovi in Acampo. About 20 years ago Bill and wife Triana bought a ranch in Clements to grow grapes for others. They still do but recently they decided to keep their operation sustainable by creating their own label. Berryhill pulls some of his stock to be processed as wine at Bob Colarossi’s Estate Crush, a custom Lodi wine press while his first-ever batch of Chardonnay was processed at a Ukiah crush facility. Using 2016 crops, the Berryhills bottled red wines for the first time this past summer – Merlots, Zinfandels and Cabernet Sauvignons. They also produce a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay. The labels on Berryhill’s bottles feature artwork from family members – including watercolor ducks accomplished by Bill and flowers painted by his
great aunt Edith – as well as a short tribute to his father, the late Clare Berryhill. He has been pleased with the reception in the world of wine. His chardonnay was rated a 90 by Wine Enthusiasts magazine and a 91-rating attached to its Sauvignon Blanc. Right now, the Berryhills are knocking on a lot of doors to get the label promoted. “It’s not all that different than politics,” said Berryhill. The wine is sold at about 40 venues, including Save Mart in Ceres, O’Brien’s Markets in Modesto and Riverbank and Village Fresh Market in Turlock. The wines are served at Centre Street Grill and Bistro 234 in Turlock. For a season Bill’s life was all about politics. Born March 18, 1958 at Memorial Hospital Ceres to Clare
and Maryellen Berryhill, Bill grew up fascinated by his father’s political involvement as he served in the California State Assembly and Senate before being appointed as secretary of the Department of Food and Agriculture. “I think it would be really hard for a kid if they didn’t enjoy politics. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed the time, particularly when he was in the Senate. I missed him as my baseball coach … when he was in the Assembly in the early years. I didn’t have the luxury of having my dad around when I was going through Little League where he coached my brother. But I did enjoy the political side.” Bill was the youngest of five children. The oldest, Betsy Berryhill, a 1969 graduate of Ceres High SEE BILL, PAGE 12
Get a jump start on your summer remodel project and call us for a free estimate for your beautiful new floor! Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat-Sun by appt only
CAREERS.COM
5170 Pentecost Dr. Ste. 1 Modesto, CA 95356
209-491-0310 Mention this ad in the 209 and we’ll extend contractor’s pricing.
AREA RUGS • CARPET HARDWOOD • HARD SURFACE FOR JOB SEEKERS & EMPLOYERS
www.sheltonleeflooring.com
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
10
DOCTORS
FROM PAGE A1
“Now, we’re going to be ‘The Brothers’ again,” Ninos said. “It feels like coming home.” After completing his residency at UCSF Fresno, Nahera knew he wanted to provide care for the underserved Central Valley. He began working as a primary care physician at Sutter Gould in Turlock, but a retirement in town opened up a new window of opportunity. Dr. Vernon Park, one of just a few physicians in town who specialized in internal medicine, was officially shuttering his Turlock practice after 39 years in the field. Nahera jumped at the chance to purchase the office, taking over Dr. Park’s old clients and opening Adams Medical Group after quitting his job at Sutter Gould in October. Nahera invited his brother to join him in his practice, as Ninos would be the only psychiatrist in Turlock. He said that as a physician at Sutter Gould, he would typically have to refer patients to psychiatrists in Modesto, who would then have to wait four to six months for an appointment. With the Adams brothers in one office, now it will be almost as simple as walking across the hall for psychiatric patients to get the help they need. “It’s the perfect opportunity for us to be in the same office because so many of my patients will need his help,” Nahera said.
I honestly used to think that in Bakersfield we had such a shortage, but there were 25 plus psychiatrists there. You compare that to Stanislaus County where Modesto only has a handful, about six, and in Turlock we just have one. We’re at a really big disadvantage here. —Dr. Ninos Adams While two more doctors in Turlock is definitely a bright spot in the city’s doctor woes, there’s still much work to be done to attract physicians to an area that is clearly lacking an adequate number both locally and throughout the state. According to a study by the California Future Health Workforce Commission, California faces a shortage of 4,100 primary care doctors in the next decade as more and more doctors reach retirement age, and too few sign up to take their place. More than one-third of the state’s health care professionals are over the age of 55, and in Turlock that statistic and its impact ring true. Along with Dr. Park, Turlock internists Dr. Mark Davenport and Dr. Edward Holm have recently re-
tired, leaving just Nahera and two other primary care physicians with private practices in town. “Recently three internists have left out of a total of five in town, and only one came in — me,” Nahera said. “All of these patients are out there and there’s not enough doctors for them.” Turlock and the surrounding Central Valley are hit harder than other areas in the state by the doctor shortage. For example, the San Joaquin Valley has 39 primary care providers per every 100,000 residents, while Sacramento and the Bay Area have 54 and 64, respectively. In 2017, the Valley’s number was 48 physicians per 100,000. There is also a shortage of specialists, including psychiatrists like Ninos, who said he didn’t re-
APRIL 2019
alize the severity of the problem in Turlock until he and his brother opened Adams Medical Group. “I honestly used to think that in Bakersfield we had such a shortage, but there were 25 plus psychiatrists there,” Ninos said. “You compare that to Stanislaus County where Modesto only has a handful, about six, and in Turlock we just have one. We’re at a really big disadvantage here.” While Nahera and Ninos are helping alleviate both the primary care provider and specialist shortage here in the Valley, they also address another need: medical practitioners who match the diversity of the Valley community. According to the CFHWC study, Latinos make up nearly 40 percent of the state population, yet only seven percent of doctors are Latino. Fewer than 20 percent of medical professionals speak Spanish. In addition to English, Nahera and Ninos both speak Assyrian and Spanish, and Ninos can also speak Farsi. Nahera explained that speaking the same language as a patient can help put them at ease, and often comes in handy in Turlock where the second-largest Assyrian-American community in the country and a large Latino population reside. “It definitely makes a big difference in how you can treat them. Even if you have an interpreter, they can’t explain everything, so without language the connection is lost between the doctor and the patient,” Nahera said.
After completing their respective residency programs, both of which were located in the Central Valley, Nahera and Ninos said they felt prepared to treat such a diverse population. Many doctors who train in the Valley often choose to practice medicine in big cities rather than the small, rural center of the state, and the brothers said they would often try and recruit classmates to stay in the area, but to no avail. In order to attract doctors to the area, both Nahera and Ninos suggested the state move forward with establishing a medical school in the Valley and offer incentives for doctors who come and work here, like loan forgiveness. The CFHWC has proposed an elaborate plan to increase the number of health workers in the state by over 47,000, which includes tactics to recruit more students into health careers, funding more scholarships for students who commit to serving in rural communities, maximizing the roles of nurse practitioners and expanding residency programs for new doctors and psychiatrists, among others. As the problem grows both statewide and locally, all Nahera and Ninos can focus on is what they came to Turlock to do: giving the community the quality care they deserve. “We’re here to stay. We’re not leaving,” Nahera said. “This is a great investment for us, for the community and for the future.”
TEAM WORKS. Working together, our doctors don’t just see you. They see the big picture of your overall health. By collaborating and seamlessly sharing your records, your care team stays on the same page, so your health always takes center stage. Visit kp.org today because together we thrive.
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
11
ACCOLADES
PROMOTIONS, APPOINTMENTS, HONORS, ETC. Pollinger leaves Ceres Recreation after 21 years
Cambria Pollinger, who has been instrumental in running the city of Ceres’ Recreation Division and its programming for over the past two decades, is leaving her post to become the New Civic Community Center Coordinator for the city of Elk Grove. “It was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up,” said Pollinger. “I will have the extraordinary opportunity, again to be a part of the development, grand opening and facilitation of a new (c o n s t r u ction not yet completed) community center.” Pollinger had become Cambria Pollinger the “face” of recreation in Ceres after she started working for the city on Jan. 13, 1998 at the age of 22. She worked in the Management Services Department and was working part-time as the only person in the Recreation Department. From 2007 to 2019, her title went from coordinator to supervisor and she became involved in all of the layers in the development of the Ceres Community Center. She also supervised over 50 different part-time employees and over saw 300 volunteers, helped create an arts and nature program and co-chaired numerous special community events.
Girl Scouts Heart of Central California announces new leaders
Three women with a long history of service have been selected to lead an effort by Girl Scouts Heart of Central California to expand programs and form community partnerships in Modesto, Turlock, Merced, Manteca and other nearby communities. Working out of the council’s Modesto office, Debbie Avila, Zenaida Sanchez and Lisa Vasquez Alba will oversee a sevencounty area stretching from Manteca to Los Banos and from Tracy to Sonora that includes thousands of Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts volunteers. “Debbie, Zenaida and Lisa share our passion for our collective mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place,” said Dr. Linda E. Farley, CEO of GSHCC. “We are thrilled that they will be working with communities to extend Girl Scouts to as many girls as possible in this important region. “We firmly believe that Girl Scouts should be available to any girl who wishes to be part of this leadership organization, and these three talented women will help assure this will happen.” Avila was hired in December 2018 to be
the manager of community engagement and membership. She will guide outreach efforts to expand Girl Scouts’ membership. She grew up in Oakdale, where she was a Girl Scout Brownie, and has lived and worked in Modesto, Turlock, Merced and Tracy all of her life. Sanchez is the strategic and community partnership manager. Her responsibility is to build on existing relationships and form new ones with other groups, businesses and individuals to benefit Girl Scouts. A native of Mexico, she has more than 20 years of experience in local community organizations, including the past 11 with Girl Scouts. Alba is the retail sales manager for the Modesto Girl Scouts shop, located on Oakdale Road. She grew up in Modesto and Riverbank, where she belonged to a Girl Scout troop. She began volunteering with Girl Scouts in 1998 and was hired soon after. In recognition of her service-focused work with Girl Scouts volunteers and girls throughout the area, she was awarded the Pat Maneely Customer Service Award in 2018. The new leadership team serves an area that includes Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Merced, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Mariposa and Amador counties. Avila, Sanchez and Alba are based in Modesto, where GSHCC has most recently opened a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Center + MakerSpace. Since its opening, thousands of girls have taken part in STEM workshops, from cutting-edge demonstrations to handson opportunities to learn more about these key areas that will shape their lives.
Law school dean named UOP’s interim provost
Michael Hunter Schwartz, dean of University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, was named interim provost of the university on March 12. “Dean Schwartz has been an enthusiastic and energetic leader for McGeorge during a time of significant transition,” said Maria Pallavicini, Pacific’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, who will become interim president upon Pamela A. Eibeck’s retirement July 1. “I appreciate his visionary leadership of the law school, and I look forward to working with him in our interim roles to guide the university forward.” Schwartz, who has been McGeorge’s dean since July 2017, worked with faculty, staff and university leaders to develop a strategic plan for a stronger law school, with a focus on attracting more highly qualified applicants. In fall 2018, the reinvigorated McGeorge saw an increase in applications that Michael was double the naHunter Schwartz tional average and welcomed its largest incoming class since 2012. “I am honored by the opportunity to SEE ACCOLADES, PAGE 12
Thank You
For Voting Us Best Real Estate Firm! 2014 - 2018
EXIT REALTY CONSULTANTS
WWW.EXITHOME.COM With offices to serve you in Ceres, Turlock, Modesto, Manteca, Tracy & Fresno!
NOW HIRING & TRAINING!
209-554-5252 Clarissa Azevedo
1 #
MORE COMING SOON!
Agent
Thank You
For Voting Clarissa Azevedo & Renee Ledbetter as your Favorite REALTOR!
Renee Ledbetter
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
12
ACCOLADES
FROM PAGE 11
serve the university in this role,” Schwartz said of the appointment. “I have yet to meet a Pacific faculty or staff colleague who is not passionate about serving our students, and I share that commitment. I am excited about the possibilities for Pacific and want to help where I can.”
Common Thread winner
Women in agriculture from the Central Valley and Northern California are recognized each year with Common Threads Awards, recognizing individuals who have made a remarkable and visible contribution to the enhancement of their communities. “These women are the unsung heroes who often serve behind the scenes but who play important roles in agriculture,” said Barry Bedwell, president of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, which helped establish the awards in 1997. “They are individuals who are dedicated to the success of their families, their farms, and their communities but also agriculture as a whole.” Locally, Edele Norman, a charter member of the San Joaquin County chapter of California Women for Agriculture and longstanding volunteer with the Ripon 4-H Club and Ripon Future Farmers of America, was named one of five women being honored with the Common Thread North awards.
Oak Valley Community Bank hires new commerical real estate vice president
Oak Valley Community Bank announced Hamit Utush has joined the
bank as Vice President in the Commercial Real Estate Group. He will be based out of the Sacramento - Capitol Mall Office. Hamit has 15 years of experience in the banking industry, predominantly in the Commercial Real Estate field. He will be responsible for business development, identifying financing solutions for clients, and assessing commercial real estate projects in the greater Sacramento region. “We are confident in Hamit’s expertise in the Commercial Real Estate industry. His broad understanding of all aspects of commercial banking and real estate finance make him a valuable asset to the bank,” stated Cathy Ghan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Real Estate Group. Utush received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/ Economics from Saint Mary’s College of California and later returned to earn his Executive MBA. He completed a curriculum from the Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute and is a Keiretsu Forum Academy graduate. Keiretsu is the world’s largest angel investor network. Utush and his family are long-time residents of the Sacramento area and they curHamit Utush rently reside in Rocklin. Outside of the office, he enjoys training and coaching all facets of the game of soccer and spending time with his family.
APRIL 2019
BILL
FROM PAGE 9 School, did some stage acting and appeared uncredited in two films. Tom Berryhill, a 1972 CHS graduate who was in state politics and now a member of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors, was second. Next came Lynn Berryhill Trio, a 1973 graduate of CHS who died of cancer in 2018. Janie Berryhill, the fourth, graduated CHS in 1974. In 1978 Bill and Tom partnered to own and operate BB Vineyards. Bill was president of Berryhill Orchards. Determined to not always answer to Tom, Bill worked decided to take ag business courses at Butte College in Oroville in 1980. While there he got involved in student government and became politically interested. Bill became a page at the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit which nominated Ronald Reagan for the presidency. “I still get tingles when I think about it.” Bill served as the chairman of the Stanislaus County Young Republicans from 1984 to 1986. Tom and Bill pressured
their dad – who was in his 60s at the time – into running for the 1989 special election to fill Tony Coelho’s unexpired Congressional term – an election lost to Gary Condit. “He didn’t really want to do that at all but the party pressured him. Tom and me pressured him badly.” Bill’s first run at elective office was for the Ceres Unified School District Board of Trustees in 1996. He served until 2007. “It was my best years in politics.” Bill Berryhill represented the 26th district in the California State Assembly from Dec. 1, 2008 to Nov. 30, 2012. During the same time, Tom Berryhill had been serving in the neighboring 25th Assembly District since 2006. The Berryhills were the first brothers to serve concurrently in the California State Legislature in almost 60 years. The Republican’s exit from the Legislature occurred when he sought the state Senate seat in 2012 and was defeated by Democrat Cathleen Galgiani in a 51 percent to 49 percent margin outcome. As an outsider now and chairman of the California Association of Wine Grape Growers, Berry-
hill is watchful of the continual onslaught of bills out of Sacramento which adversely affect his business of growing grapes and making wine. “They set a new record this year for the number of bills that are proposed,” said Berryhill. “It’s some ridiculous amount. They’re absolutely nuts up there. I am so glad I don’t serve up there right now.” While he is eligible to run for the state Senate, Berryhill says he has “no desire” to get back into elective politics. “It’s not my cup of tea, personally. I’d rather be on a tractor. I enjoy the farm and enjoy being back home and enjoy Ceres.” Berryhill is chairman of the California Association of Wine Grape Growers this year and holds membership in the Lodi Grape Growers Association and the Stanislaus and San Joaquin County Farm Bureaus. He also is a member of the Ceres Lions Club, Ceres Chamber of Commerce and the National Rifle Association (NRA). Berryhill has been a board member on the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, 1992-97. Since 2005 he has served as a board member for the Allied Grape Growers.
HELPING VALLEY BUSINESS GROW
Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches
866.844.7500 • www.ovcb.com Oak Valley’s Teddi Lowry, Branch Manager - Dale Road, 209.579.3371, Sylvia Orozco, Branch Manager - McHenry, 209.579.3365 with GreenWorks Paul and Jeannie Campbell, owners, and Kim Henry, General Manager
Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock • Patterson Escalon • Ripon • Stockton • Manteca • Tracy • Sacramento
“I chose Oak Valley Community Bank because I needed an advocate and not just a bank. They provide exceptional personal service. We matter – and that makes all the difference in the world. Their fantastic team is smart, thoughtful, and willing to go the extra mile to meet our needs while offering solutions for our growing business.”
- Paul Campbell, GreenWorks Commercial Janitorial Service