Progress Magazine March 2024

110TH ANNUAL SOIREE MOdESTO SISTER CITIES STANIS CRUISE RIbbON CUTTINgS

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For all that is Central Valley. For all that is you.

For all that is Silicon Valley. For all that is you.

A Message From The President & CEO

Magic of March

By Trish Christensen

March is truly one of my favorite months of the year. March is my birth month. I have always wondered if that is part of my magnetic draw towards the rebirth and blooming energy of the month. I notice the growing buds on trees, leaves beginning to unfurl, flowers popping open. Daffodils are standing proud, tulips are following suit, and lawns are bright and happy. Let’s not forget the almond blossom explosion happening all around us, and the subsequent allergy flares.

In February, I attended W.A.C.E. annual conference where I was presented with my graduation certificate for completing the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) 3-year chamber industry leadership academy program. I also passed the test! I have earned my ACE designation. I am proud to have joined a group of 27 Accredited Chamber Executives in the western region. The double bonus of the evening was to have Dave Kilby, a mentor to me, present as I earned these, and witnessing him being presented with a lifetime achievement award for his work in developing W.A.C.E. and its training programs. He retired from Cal Chamber last year after a career spanning over 30 years as a Chamber leader. He left the Modesto Chamber CEO position to take the Vice Chair position of Cal Chamber, and Executive Director title of W.A.C.E. back in the 80’s.

W.A.C.E. is a chamber industry leadership network originally established by Cal Chamber. W.A.C.E. has over 800 chamber members spanning the western region including chambers from as far as Montana, Alaska, and Canada. Together, we share resources, insights, things learned, what works and is not working for one another, and we elevate the strength and connections between these chambers of commerce. Today’s chamber network is rich with individuals who are a very caring and compassionate network of professionals working to elevate the prosperity of their various communities while supporting one another along the way.

As we move through March and into April the Modesto Chamber team is actively developing plans for several upcoming member networking opportunities. One, a totally new concept for our full membership, and one for our President’s Tier members. There will be more to come on both very soon. Our annual Ag Aware Luncheon will be taking place Thursday, April 25th. This has been one of our long-standing scholarship fundraisers for our local FFA high school students. Please register to sponsor, to reserve a table, or for tickets by calling the chamber office or through our website.

Lastly, our annual Soiree award winners are highlighted in this edition. So please look ahead for more on that. Thank you to all our restaurant hosts. We enjoyed having over 300 attendees join us this year.

The Modesto Chamber Board of Directors, the Chamber Team, and I have some great things to bring to you this year. We can’t wait to engage with you. Our door is always open to you, please join us anytime. We truly love to get to know our members, partners, and community better by the day.

With warm regards,

Trish

Each member of the Chamber is important, no matter the size of business. We desire for local businesses and organizations to succeed and thrive. To reach this goal we provide exposure, opportunities to engage with Regional Electeds and community partners, as well as networking with businesses and organizations across industries. We work to better our community by providing up-to-date education and training, certifying qualifying businesses as Green, and providing advocacy on City, State, and Federal levels. The Chamber is a family of dedicated professionals striving to make a difference in their business and way of life. Whatever your business needs are, we invite you to join us.

To execute our adopted mission we have developed an acronym that helps keep us focused. That acronym is “CARES: Community, Advocacy, Relationships, Education and Service.”

C - Community

At its heart, the Modesto Chamber is a community of like-minded business owners who share the vision for enjoying a thriving economy and creating and maintaining our community as a vibrant place to live, work and play. With over 100 years of history and experience in the Greater Modesto Area, we understand what it means to be a business owner and customer in our community, with featured events such as local and regional forums, Ag Aware, Harvest Luncheon, and Family Day. Chamber members get the opportunity to actively engage in and influence the community they live and work in.

A - Advocacy

The Modesto Chamber supports local businesses and is an active advocate for the common interest of its members. The Chamber has an Economic Development Committee and a Government Relations Council. These advocacy committees are dedicated and proactive in representing our members and community. They work to address business initiatives and relieve the regulatory burdens businesses face may face. The Chamber is also honored to certify local businesses and organizations through our California Green Business Network Stanislaus Program. Through this we create more conscientious and sustainable ways of life while lowering the cost of doing business for our community and future generations.

R - Relationships

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce specializes in building relationships and serving as the nexus to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies. With over a dozen Committees, Programs, and Events in which our members can participate, the Chamber offers ample opportunity to meet and connect with other business owners in our community. As a relational organization, the Chamber works with its members to ensure the opportunity to connect and grow in every niche and industry to help build and cultivate long-lasting relationships among business owners and community partners alike.

E - Education

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce values education and offers members the opportunity to stay on the leading edge with new and emerging information and training that will set your business apart from the rest. In partnership with Modesto Junior College, the Chamber is pleased to offer an assortment of trainings applicable to any business or industry for credited completion through our Chamber University platform. Our Chamber also works with members to provide a platform to speak to their own industry expertise and invite other members to learn from those leading our local industries.

S - Service

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce offers its members a wide range of opportunities to promote and engage their business across industry and community lines. The Chamber Weekly E-Blast, Website, and our Progress Magazine provide opportunities to advertise and promote your business, keep up to date with articles about local businesses in our community, and stay in the loop about up-and-coming Chamber and community events. Our Chamber also offers indemand materials, such as Member contact list, Federal and State compliance posters, export document services, and so much more. Chamber members can also personalize their business profile within our website and have access to our Member-Only Information Center, where members can connect with other members, boost their social media presence, promote job postings, public events, and member-to-member discounts.

Mission stateMent

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area, regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity and business education.

executive coMMittee

Chairperson – Kirstie Boyett Zacharias, American Leadership Forum- Great Valley Chapter

Immediate Past Chairman – Michael Gaffney, Pacific

Gas & Electric

Vice Chairman, Internal Operations – Pat Gillum, Patricia A. Gillum, CPA

Vice Chairman, External Operations – John Villines

board of directors

Garrett Ardis- Huff Construction Company Inc.

Phriekah DuHaney West- Kaiser Permanente

Brad Blakeley, Edward Jones Investments

David Halvorson Jr.

Debra Hendricks - Debra Hendricks Consulting

Amy Jefferies - Gianelli Nielsen

Rachell Le Viege - Lift-A-Hand Home Care Agency

Eric Mangal, Grimbleby Coleman CPAS Inc.

Brian McDermott

Kymber Miller- Sysco Central California Inc.

Michael Moradian Jr- Peace of Mind Control

Peggy O'Donnell, Mid-Valley Productions

Edgar Perez - F&M Bank

Jason Pineda, Freshpoint Inc.

Stephen Qualls-Central Valley League of CA Cities

Bill Robinson, Principal Financial Group

Kari Santos - I.J. Larsen Pumps

Christine Schweininger- Valley Builders Exchange

DeJeune Shelton- Modesto Junior College

Madhu Singh, Bank of Stockton

Kelly Tallent Martin

President & CEO

Trish Christensen Modesto Chamber of Commerce tchristensen@modchamber.org

Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce 209.577.5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org

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Printer: 209 Magazine 209.634.9141 • hvanderveen@209magazine.com

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advertising sales: crogers@oakdaleleader.com 209.845.4074

© Copyright 2021 Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Some parts of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted, however, we require that permission be obtained in writing. 209.577.5757, Progress@ModChamber.org

Modesto ChaMber of CoMMerCe I ModChaMber.org

CHAMBER CALENDAR

march

6 Economic Development committee

*Register on website, in person & Zoom 12:00 P.M

Grand Opening - purpose-Built Trade co.

1:30 – 2:00 PM

3037 Sisk Rd Suite F, Modesto

rising professionals Evening Social

5:00pm -6:30pm Location TBD – Register on Website

ribbon cutting ceremony - modesto Window Tint by YourTintGirl

12:30 – 1:00 PM

221 McHenry Ave, Modesto

ambassador & Welcome Team

In person & Zoom 8:00 A.M.

Government relations council meeting

Jody Hayes, Chief Executive Officer- Stanislaus Co.

*In person & Zoom 11:30 A.M. Register on website

Women and Business- Evening Social

5:00 PM – 6:30PM -Register on Website

ribbon cutting ceremony - Star Staffing

1:00 – 1:30 PM

2900 Standiford Ave Ste 19, Modesto

members mix and mingle – purpose -Built Trade

5:00 – 6:30 PM

3037 Sisk Rd Suite F, Modesto

ribbon cutting – mocse credit Union

2:30 – 3:00 PM

3600 Coffee Road, Modesto

april

EDc/Grc amanda hughes

Stanislaus 2030

TBA

GpS counseling center

12:30 – 1:00 PM

1101 Sylvan Avenue Suite C-103, Modesto

april 4th -multi-chamber mixer

5:30pm -7:30pm

location TBD open to the public

Grand Opening – Bookish modesto

10:00 – 10:30 AM

811 W Roseburg Ave, Modesto

myofascial Treatment center

10:00 – 10:30 AM

803 Coffee Rd Ste 7, Modesto

rise and Shine with cEO’s

8:00am -9:00am Location TBD – Register on Website

ambassador & Welcome Team

*In person & Zoom 8:00 A.M.

Women and Business- coffee & conversations

8:00 AM – 9:00AM -Register on Website

Stanislaus Green Team meeting

StancOG- Staniscriuse

Jean Floretta & Shannon Silva Enterprise

12:00pm – 1:00pm

*Register on website for lunch count

*See website for more detail.

Find Zoom Registry links and more at www.modchamber.org

Please note that calendar events and details are subject to change.

redwood family Center Intensifies Client "scholarship" fundraising for Long-term supported Clean and sober housing

The Redwood Family Center (RFC), managed by the nonprofit Valley Recovery Resources (VRR), is ramping up client "scholarship" fundraising efforts due to the fentanyl epidemic and dramatic increase in the demand for substance disorder treatment services, homelessness services, inflation, and cost of living.

RFC is Stanislaus County's only provider of both substance abuse detoxification, substance use disorder treatment and supported clean and sober housing for the community's most vulnerable—women and women with children.

Steve Berkowitz, VRR executive director, said scholarship fundraising is necessary to meet the annual cost of living increases. "The cost to underwrite a woman and her children for one year of supported housing with focused substance use disorder services in 2023 was $47,450, compared to 49,275 in 2024.

RFC has regularly fundraised to "scholarship" long-term supported clean and sober transitional housing for any woman desiring help; but who doesn't qualify for government funding or can't afford services. Recently, however, the needs have escalated, and RFC never wants to turn away a woman wanting sobriety, housing, and an opportunity to transform her life.

Berkowitz explained that a woman must have an open child welfare case to qualify for government funding for clean and sober transitional housing at RFC under child welfare services. This means child endangerment or abuse has occurred, often associated with a substance use disorder. But many women need services before child abuse or endangerment happens. Yet, they're still living in domestic violence, drug addiction, unemployment, and homelessness, which are focus areas of the services at RFC.

"We feel women and children in need should have access to services before child abuse occurs with the opportunity to keep their family together while living in a safe, supportive, clean and sober environment and receiving substance abuse disorder treatment," Berkowitz said. "The funds raised to scholarship a woman and her children are critical to achieving long-term sobriety, independence, and productive community membership."

Because of the increased need, RFC is intensifying efforts to educate the public by speaking at service clubs and strategic communication via direct mail and established contact lists. A fundraiser is planned for March 23, 2024, providing another opportunity to communicate the need and raise scholarship funding.

Through its amped-up scholarship fundraising campaign, RFC aims to raise $492,750 annually, providing one year of services for approximately ten women and their children. "This is a small price when you think about breaking the cycle of addiction and welfare dependency, along with reducing impact and cost across all other Stanislaus County services, such as CPS and the foster care system," Berkowitz said. "Life transformation and family reunification are priceless."

RFC, founded in 2003, is a ministry of Valley Recovery Resources (VRR) working to create a community where women seeking recovery and their families have the opportunity and services necessary for a drug-free and productive future. RFC provides substance abuse treatment services, long-term supported clean and sober living, graduate homes, high school diploma programs, and vocational training for women and women with children. RFC partners with other agencies and organizations to make recovery cost-effective and to ensure services are not duplicated. The results are transformed lives and reunited families. VRR collaborates with groups and individuals committed to providing recovery resources to our community. Our partners include private individuals, corporations, faithbased communities, and government agencies.

Modesto Sister Cities International

By Mary Barberis, President of the Board of Directors, Modesto Sister Cities International

Khmelnytskyi? Laval? Kurume? Aguascalientes? Vernon? Who’s Vernon?

Our community is becoming more and more aware of and engaged with our Sister Cities— bringing us a plethora of benefits as well as promoting international understanding and world peace.

Of course, what first comes to mind with Modesto Sister Cities International is student exchange, with Laval, France, and, in particular, the very robust program with Kurume, Japan. Each summer, local students are sent abroad as “Modesto Ambassadors” while their counterparts travel here to experience our culture and bring home lasting friendships. These exchanges enhance the educational and career trajectories of our young people and are sometimes life-changing experiences.

This spring, Mayor Zwahlen and Councilmember Ricci have been invited by Kurume’s Mayor to be honored in Japan to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Modesto- Kurume agreement.

This year also marks the second anniversary of the shocking Russian invasion of Ukraine. MSCI received many inquiries from citizens asking what could be done for our sister city, Khmelnytskyi. We responded with a fundraiser that filled Center Plaza to its max— raising more than $50,000 for electrical generators in schools and local hospitals, installed just days before the power grid was bombed.

That effort resulted in a 2023 Star of Ukraine Award from the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation presented to one of our board members. Our involvement continues with delegations from Ukraine sponsored by the Congressional Office for International Leadership, the most recent of which occurred in early February. Our next fundraiser for Khmelnytskyi’s children's hospital will be a film showing at the State Theatre this summer.

Our partnership with Vernon, Canada (yes, that Vernon) is over forty years old. This year the activities will pivot to promoting local business, particularly vintners and wine-making. On this point, our area and

Vernon share many similarities. Wine tasting, festivals, and farmersmarket hopping?

Modesto or Vernon? Both! Vernon is in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, known as a top-producing wine region. This September, a delegation from MSCI will travel to Vernon to encourage wineries there to visit Modesto to explore possible collaboration with the wine industry here.

Aguascalientes, in central Mexico, is the country’s fourth largest producer of wine, where most vineyards are at elevations over 6,000 feet. MSCI is promoting a visit this fall from industry leaders who wish to explore the winemaking and marketing process here.

Whether governmental or business exchanges, cultural or student exchanges, or medical relief, as some examples, Modesto Sister Cities International’s vibrant and growing programs welcome new members. Visit www.modestosistercities.com.

Leadership modesto

By Heather Bessoff, DVM, Aptimmune Biologics, Inc.

Leadership Modesto (LeMo) kicked off the GOAT #1 class with Community Services Day on February 2. It was a full, exciting and educational experience. Stop number one was Modesto’s Senior Center where LeMo class members provided seniors with IT support for their electronic devices, while others participated in a rowdy game of Chair Volleyball. The Center would benefit from donations of laptops and iPads, and funds for building maintenance.  We were all moved when one of the seniors came out to wish us farewell with his sincere appreciation that brought him and us to tears! Back on the bus, we agreed that a regular game of Chair Volleyball was definitely in our futures.

We next visited the former home of FIGS – The Food Initiative of Greater Stanislaus. Elizabeth White shared FIGS’ mission of restoring dignity, health, and hope through their Mobile Food Pantries and recently added Clothes Closet services. Transportation is the number one problem for accessing food, followed by a perceived concern that prevents people from taking advantage of this great community service. In fact, FIGS Mobile Pantries are expanding into neighborhoods that can and cannot afford to shop in other locations.

FIGS former headquarters was sold to their neighbors at the Modesto Gospel Mission, and we got the first in-person tour of their renovation plans to turn the facility into Hannah’s House, a 105-bed shelter exclusively for women and their children. Hannah’s House will offer short- and longer-term transitional shelter in an environment meant to feel like home. A $3.4 M capital campaign started February 10 for the renovation.

Additional visits took us to Community Hospice and Health Services that offers many exceptional services above and beyond hospice care for patients and their families including Camp Wokini Youth Grief Camp, an inside look at Youth Navigation Center, a strategically placed residence that provides emergency and transitional housing, drop-in services and support for youth ages 13-25 in crisis in Stanislaus County., and Love Modesto. Community-wide volunteer days engage people in a variety of projects including appreciating public servants, visiting convalescent homes, donating blood, building a Habitat for Humanity house, and working in city parks and schools, among other opportunities.

They have expanded into more sustainable solutions championing ongoing volunteerism, collaboration among leaders and initiating the efforts of Love Our Neighbors, Love Our Schools, Love Our Kids and Love Our Seniors.

LeMo Class of 2024 was impressed and an awe of the inspiring work happening in our community. What we saw is just a drop in the bucket of the many, many programs doing tremendous work in Stanislaus County. It’s not possible to visit them all. We know many of these organizations have needs that our group can help support. Our next task will be to identify a community project that LeMo GOAT #1 can undertake in this coming year that will have a substantial impact on Modesto. It’s going to be a challenge to narrow down such a daunting and deserving list of worthy causes.

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digital empowerment amplifying Community services and soirées through online Marketing

By Kathryn Kim Ramos, Sisbro Innovation Website and Digital Marketing Consultant

In the vibrant tapestry of community services and soirées, the power of online digital marketing stands out as a transformative force. These gatherings, whether for charity, networking, or celebration, are foundational to building solid and interconnected communities. Yet, the success of such events increasingly hinges on the effective use of digital marketing tools and strategies. This article explores how online digital marketing can amplify the impact of community services and soirées, fostering greater engagement, participation, and support.

Community services and soirées serve multiple purposes; they raise awareness for causes, provide networking opportunities, celebrate achievements, and unite people for a common purpose. However, the challenge lies in reaching a wider audience, engaging community members, and ensuring well-attended and successful events. This is where online digital marketing becomes invaluable.

Firstly, social media platforms offer an unparalleled avenue for promoting community events. For instance, a local charity event used targeted posts and live videos to create a buzz around their event, reaching potential attendees far beyond traditional methods. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow for sharing event details, stories, and updates, creating an interactive preevent experience. Additionally, social media ads can be customized to reach specific demographics, ensuring that the message reaches those most likely to be interested.

Email marketing is another powerful tool in the digital marketing arsenal. By sending personalized invitations, updates, and reminders, organizers can keep their event at the forefront of the minds of their community members. Collect email addresses from past participants or interested individuals to set up an email campaign. Then, segment these audiences based on past participation or

interest, allowing for more personalized communication that is more likely to result in engagement.

A well-designed website or event page serves as the central hub for all information related to the community service or soirée. Here, potential attendees can find event details, registration forms, and contact information. Organizations can increase their event's visibility by optimizing the website for search engines (SEO) when individuals search for related topics or events in their area. However, SEO can be complex and time-consuming. To overcome this challenge, consider hiring a professional or using SEO tools to help optimize your website.

Moreover, digital marketing analytics provide invaluable insights into the effectiveness of marketing strategies. Organizers can refine their approach by analyzing data on engagement, reach, and conversion rates, ensuring that their efforts yield the best possible results. This datadriven approach allows for continuous improvement, making each event more successful than the last.

Online digital marketing is not just a tool but a necessity for promoting community services and soirées in today's digital age. It enhances visibility, engages potential attendees, and drives participation, contributing to the event's overall success. As communities continue to evolve, so will the strategies for bringing people together. Embracing digital marketing is embracing the future of community engagement, ensuring that every event leaves a lasting impact on its participants, no matter how small or large.

To enhance your company's online presence, whether it's creating a new website, updating an existing one, or seeking a virtual assistant for social media or phone support, visit www.sisbroinnovation.com. You can also contact Sisbro Innovation directly at (800) 291-9102 for further assistance.

haVEN’s Tenth annual Walk to End Sexual Violence: In Their Shoes 2024

By Kathleen Rowe-Glendon

HAVEN’s In Their Shoes is an annual fundraising event which supports our mission to end sexual violence. HAVEN has been hosting this event for the past ten years. I have participated in this event for each of those ten years and it has been a privilege and not to mention quite a lot of fun. This year’s event is on Saturday, April 6, 2024

Our walkers can walk solo or with a team. The idea is to have some healthy competition to raise both awareness and funds to help HAVEN in providing the excellent services for which we are known. We do have a “best in shoe” decorating contest, most fund raised by a team, and a few other surprises up our sleeve. The shoe contest is my favorite as I am a shoe person, and it is a pleasure to witness the creativity of our supporters.

I have been on staff at HAVEN since 2015. During this time, I have witnessed the sincere dedication of our sincerely devoted staff. They provide comprehensive services to victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. HAVEN has been assisting our clients in Stanislaus County since 1977.

We need your help to continue providing these essential services. HAVEN aids with emergency shelter, support groups, youth education and support, restraining orders, a 24-hour crisis line for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Your help is vital in continuing our mission to support all survivors of sexual violence.

Please consider sponsoring, participating, or donating to this event. You can register, sponsor, or donate online at havenstan.org/intheirshoes. HAVEN has provided vital services to survivors in Stanislaus County for over 45 years, often when they are at their most vulnerable. We value our supporters, and we hope to count on your help for this year’s event.

To sponsor In Their Shoes, please contact me at (209) 284-4732 or by email at krowe-glendon@ havenstan.org. For event-specific questions, please contact Brandy Van Horn, Event Coordinator at (209) 284-4539 or by email at bvanhorn@havenstan.org.

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