Readers' Choice 2015 #3 by 209 Multimedia Publications

READERS’ CHOICE 2015

Auto  Shopping  Professional

Saturday, January 30, 2016

A Turlock Journal Publication www.turlockjournal.com

Saturday, January 30, 2016

OTED BEST

USED AUTO DEALERSHIP

Thank you Turlock for voting us best used auto dealership

(209) 632-3946 • 1601 Auto Mall Drive, Turlock • www.smithchevroletcadillac.com

Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice 2015

CALL TODAY (209) 632-3946 |1601 Auto Mall Dr., Turlock, CA www.SmithChevroletCadillac.com

Saturday, January 30, 2016

SINCE 1954

Thank you for voting us Best Body Shop in Turnlock! We work with All Insurance Companies We Can Handle Your Claim For You LIFETIME Guarantee On All Repairs Performed!

Voted Best Auto Body Shop

We Service All Makes & Models! Call Today (209) 634-3031 | 115 Florence St., Turlock, CA

www.SmithCollsionCenter.com

Readers’ Choice 2015

C O N T E N T S Favorites in Auto........................................................ 6 Smith Chevrolet Cadillac............................................ 6 Favorites in Shopping................................................. 7 Farm House............................................................... 8 Just Cause Consignment............................................ 9 Geiger’s Jewelers..................................................... 10 Joy Dravecky Jewelry............................................... 11 Favorite Professionals.............................................. 12 Oak Valley Community Bank................................... 13

KELSO'S TOWING Thank You to all of our loyal customers for the last 57 years! Best Towing Service 2015 549 S Walnut Rd, Turlock, CA, 95380 • 209-632-9961

Nathan Dabulewicz Insurance Agency, LLC. LIC # 0G31530

YOUR LOCAL FARMERS AGENT TO ALL OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS FOR VOTING US

YOUR FAVORITE PRINT SHOP!

5 E. Main St. Turlock www.ndfarmers.com www.facebook.com/NDFARMERS

485-9006

(209)

Auto • Home • Life • Health Workers Compensation • Commercial

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To advertise in the next special section contact the advertising department at (209) 634-9141.

Saturday, January 30, 2016

FAVORITE AUTO SALES & SERVICES Auto Body ��Smith Collision Center Auto Dealership (new) ��Smith Chevrolet Cadillac Auto Dealership (used) ��Smith Chevrolet Cadillac Auto Maintenance ��Smith Chevrolet Cadillac Car Wash/Detail �� Prime Shine Oil Change ��10 Minute Lube & Oil Smog....................................................................................Balswick’s Quick Smog Tire Store ��Balswick’s Tire Towing Service ��Kelso’s Towing

Smith Chevrolet Cadillac recognized for sales and service STAFF REPORTS Turlock Journal

Turlock has changed significantly since 1926, but one thing that has remained a mainstay in the community is the Smith family auto dealership. The family-owned company, now run by Lee and Larry Smith, was voted — once again — the Turlock Journal Readers' Choice for Best Auto Body, New Auto Dealership, Used Auto Dealership and Auto Maintenance. With a full range of new and used vehicles as well as an auto body and collision center, the new Auto Mall Drive location is unique from other dealerships in that it

is a full service location, somewhat of a rarity in the present day industry. Smith Chevrolet Cadillac’s diverse range of services and the optimal location also affords the dealership the ability to reach customers from across the region. However, not only reaching customers, but attending to them is vital for the business and something to which the Smiths attribute to their business’ success. By meeting more than 300 percent of the General Motors recommended training standards, Smith Chevrolet Cadillac is well equipped to help individuals’ needs whether they are prospective buyers or looking to repair damage to their vehicle.

Readers’ Choice 2015

FAVORITE SHOPPING (LOCALLY OWNED) Antique Store �� Main Street Antiques Apparel Children’s ��Envy Fine Clothing Apparel Men’s ��Camera's Clothing Apparel Women’s ��Glitz Fine Clothing Bargain/Discount Store �� Big Lots Bike Shop ��Cycle Masters Consignment Store �� Just Cause Consignment Craft Store �� Michael's Fine Jewelry ��Geiger's Jewelers Flower Shop �� Yonan's Floral Gift Store ��Farm House Handcrafted Jewelry ��Joy Dravecky Jewelry Hardware Store �� Orchard Supply Party Supplies �� Yonan's Floral Shoe Store.....................................................................Boucher’s Comfort Shoes Sporting Goods ��Bilson's Sports Shop

Thank you Turlock for voting Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green as your favorite insurance agency

We are so Honored that you Voted us Best Women's Apparel 5 years in a Row.

Workers Comp I Agricultural I Health & Benefits I Professional I Crop Commercial Packages I Home & Auto MODESTO (209) 529-3480 l TURLOCK (209) 667-0995 l LIVINGSTON (209) 394-7925 wintonireland.com l Since 1913 l Lic # 0596517

306 E. Main Street Turlock, CA

209-664-9737

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Thank you Turlock!

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Farm House: A gift store and more BY NATALIE WINTERS Turlock Journal

Inspired by the farming, old country and roots of Turlock, Farm House gift shop has won the hearts of downtown shoppers since the store opened in April 2015 and was voted the Turlock Journal Readers' Choice for Gift Store. “We weren’t sure how Turlock would react towards another gift store downtown, but the way we have been welcomed, supported and encouraged is just wonderful,” said Candace Gonsalves. “We can’t thank everyone enough for that; we really appreciate it.” Gonsalves is a part owner of Farm House alongside Kim Jonson, who specializes in their painting and Caley Rutherford, the display expert extraordinaire. “We just try to do something completely out of the box,” said Gonsalves. “Our goal is for our shoppers to have an experience the second they come through the door—whether that’s being awed by our displays or the connection they feel with us and the community.”

Farm House focuses on rustic, unique farm pieces, but also a take on modern, new art. Staying local is important to them and a lot of their metalwork and woodwork is done local, as well. “When we set up the structure of the store, giving back locally to the community was one of our biggest priorities,” said Gonsalves. “We do a lot of fun things to try to encourage people to come downtown and just give back as much as possible. I guess we’re not really just running a gift store, we’re trying to do a lot of different things.” Gonsalves explained that her and her partners Jonson and Rutherford constantly want to be bigger and better. “It’s so humbling for us to be voted best gift shop,” she said. “It’s almost a little scary for us because we always try our hardest to ‘wow’ our customers and we don’t want to lose that. We’re extremely grateful, thankful and appreciative and will continue to work as hard as we possibly can.” Farm House is located at 311 E. Main St. For more information, call 668-8800.

k c o l r u T u o el r a Y p p k A s n Tha us BEST Children'

g for Votin

Thank you Turlock

for voting Carr’s Cleaners as your Favorite Dry Cleaners!

Turlock: 500 E. Main Street / 209-667-5300 Turlock: 2924 Geer Road / 209-634-0870 Atwater: 531 Bellevue Road /209-358-5505 Martinizing: Modesto/ 2401 E. Orangeburg Ave., #690 / 209-527-0099

carrscleaners.com

25% OFF ONE ITEM - EXPIRES 2/29 *SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY

227 E Main St, Turlock • (209) 632-2752 • envyfineclothing.com

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Our doors have been open For 71 Years because of your support and patronage.

Readers’ Choice 2015

Just Cause Consignment Store looks to help non-profits BY NATALIE WINTERS Turlock Journal

Just Cause didn’t win the Turlock Journal Readers' Choice for Best Consignment, well, just ‘cause. This familyowned consignment store founded their store with the idea of giving back to the community, and for three years now they have been doing just that. Tracy Myers explains that their name, “Just Cause Consignments” says a lot about what they do. Their tagline, “for you or your cause” demonstrates that the owner of any piece of furniture they bring in has the option to “consign for a cause.” “It’s really a great program and people seem to love the concept as well,” she said. “We match 10 percent of our commission to the same cause of their choosing; they don’t have to choose a cause, but it’s a neat option for them.” Teen Challenge, churches, We Care and Westside Ministries are just a few of the numerous organizations that Just Cause Consignments has donated to. “We’re very happy to be able to donate to so many different causes throughout the community,” Myers said. “Especially to those organizations that help people get into housing who may have nothing— it’s nice to be able to donate the furniture to them. We’ll make sure the organization gets the furniture within a certain amount of time regardless of if the furniture has sold; it’s always for a worthy cause.” Giving back to the community isn’t the only thing that sets Just Cause Consignment apart from other stores. Unlike most

208 E Main St., Turlock, CA 95383 • (209) 669-7000

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Thank You For Voting Us Best Antique Store For 2015!!!!

thrift stores, they only consign furniture. “We don’t do clothing or jewelry, which most people think of when they think of a consignment store,” said Myers. “Most of what we get is from people downsizing or moving to assisted living, things like that. It’s like-new furniture; just barely, gently used.” Myers adds that the style of their store doesn’t reflect a consignment store hardly at all. “My sister and I decided to set it up like a living room set and have the furniture arranged like it would be in a house,” she said. “They’re set up in staged areas, which really adds to the feel of the store.” A true family operated store, Myers runs the store alongside her mother Vicky Myers, her father Ken Myers and her sister Trina Walley. “I think the family aspect of it makes Just Cause Consignment very special,” she said. “We all take turns doing whatever needs to be done, and my dog Shorty is here most of the time—he has a bigger fan club than all of us.” Myers makes clear that Just Cause Consignment is thankful for the community support and without it the store wouldn’t have survived this long. “Most small businesses are happy to make it through the first year,” she said. “We wouldn’t be here without community support, that’s for sure... but that’s what’s so great about Turlock. We’re happy to be able to continue to do what we do and make a difference.” Just Cause is located at 100 N. Palm St. For more information, call 485-8796.

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Love of jewelry runs in the Geiger family BY NATALIE WINTERS Turlock Journal

Family owned and operated Geiger’s Jewelry store in Turlock offers the largest selection and variety of jewelry in the area complete with great value and a professional yet personable approach to business, which is why it was named the Turlock Journal Readers' Choice for Fine Jewelry. “It’s not your typical kind of jewelry store; we have a comfortable setting that ties hand in hand with the hometown feel of Turlock,” said Marissa Geiger, daughter in family business. Rick and Yvonne Geiger opened the business in 1983 following Rick’s 12 years of prior experience working in the jewelry industry that he describes as “so much fun” and what helped him become the expert jeweler that he is today. His daughters, Marissa and Kindrea, joined the family business in 2000 and are a critical component to the store’s continued success. “I’m thankful to have the girls here selfishly for me, but they’ve also been such a huge bonus for the business as well,” said Rick Geiger. “It’s amazing. You’d think that as the owner you’ll always know what is best for the store—especially inventory wise—but having a younger and fresh opinion has helped us out a great deal keeping

up with styling, fashion and brands.” What sets Geiger’s apart from the traditional jewelry store isn’t just the family operated business style, but also the expertise and knowledge when it comes to picking the pieces for their store. “Old people like me get fed up with a lack of service you get from the majority of chain stores,” said Rick Geiger. “There’s a lack of knowledge because the employees aren’t experts in their field, they just sell with the incentive of commission.” Marissa and Kindrea Geiger explained their professional approach of what they look for during the process of handpicking each piece for their store and why its backed with the guarantee of repairs. “The value of each piece is as important to us as the look of it,” said Marissa Geiger. “Durability, weight, sizing ability, they’re all contributing factors… We hold ourselves and the pieces in our store to the same standard our customers would expect.” Rick added that Geiger’s Jewelry takes great pride in finding out what the customer wants. “We explain to them the quality, we explain to them the value and if that fits into everything they had in mind then they can make a decision to buy,” said Rick Geiger. “That’s the kind of thing that I think has made our store since day one—no pressure.” The family attributes their success to “the Geiger ex-

perience” and believes that’s the explanation for the loyalty of their clientele, that and the support of the Turlock community. “Turlock has grown and we’ve grown with it,” said Marissa Geiger. “We are so proud to be part of such an amazing community and we love to give back in donations every year, it’s a give and take relationship and they’ve given us so much.”

THANK YOU, TURLOCK

for voting us your favorite funeral home

We are proud to be serving such a wonderful community.

Serving Generations of Families Since 1876 State of the Art Funeral Home. Traditional Chapel with 400 seat Capacity. Lush and Scenic Grounds. In House Flower Shop. All funeral and cemetery arrangements are cared for in one convenient location.

Lic # FD1843 CML# COA114

Readers’ Choice 2015

Local shop brings one-of-akind jewelry to Main Street STAFF REPORTS Turlock Journal

Although the Joy Dravecky Jewelry storefront has only been open on Turlock's Main Street since last fall, Dravecky's jewelry collection has been up and running for six years. Her work combines organic materials such as rough-cut, semi-precious stones paired with gold-filled metal, oxidized silver or vintage brass. Dravecky said the inspiration for her jewelry, is the stone itself; each one is unique with its own marbling and characteristics. “I don’t see imperfections, I think each stone is unique and that’s what makes it cool,” she said in October. “I’m a fan of anything unique, organically grown — just things that stand out. Using natural stones really helps with that, so anything I do is just the icing on it.” Dravecky's unique style has earned her the Turlock Journal Readers' Choice for Handcrafted Jewelry. To learn more about Joy Dravecky Jew-

elry, visit the shop from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at 210 W. Main St. or joydraveckyjewelry.com.

11 Years and Counting...

Saturday, January 30, 2016

FAVORITE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Attorney.......................................................................Strategic Legal Group, PC. Bank......................................................................... Oak Valley Community Bank Cellular Store ��AT&T Wireless Computer Service & Repair �� Staples CPA/Tax Service............................................... Wahl, Willemse & Wilson, CPAs Credit Union ��Mocse Credit Union Dry Cleaning �� Carr’s Cleaners Funeral Home ��Turlock Memorial Park Hotel........................................................................................... Holiday Inn Express Insurance Agency..........................................Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agent..........................Nathan Dabulewicz / Farmers Insurance Music Store/Lessons ��Dale’s Guitar Photographer................................................Rachelle Heppner Photography Print/Copy Shop ��Harder’s Print Shop Transportation Service ��Dream Limo Travel Agency �� AAA

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS WHO VOTED BILSON’S AS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS SHOP! We have what you need to gear up for a

SNOW-FILLED WEEKEND

yonansfloralweddings.com 209-664-9325 2425 Geer Road, Turlock, CA 95382

FLORAL • LINENS RENTAL • DECOR LIGHTING

Salomon Skis & Bindings | Snowboards Ski & Snowboard Boots Adult Ski Gloves Gordini Gloves for Toddlers & Juniors Discounted Bear Valley Tickets

ALL WINTER SPORTS EQUIPMENT & APPAREL 30-50% OFF. Shop Local - Shop Bilson’s

201 LANDER AVENUE • TURLOCK

209-634-4543

Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice 2015

Community banking at its best BY KRISTINA HACKER Turlock Journal

The "Community" part of Oak Valley Community Bank's name is very important to the company's president and CEO, Chris Courtney. And for good reason. Courtney attributes the relationships that are made between bank employees and their customers in each and every community as the secret to the company's success. "It's the people. The people make the business different. We create a warm, inviting feeling where people know each other; that's our secret, if you will. We live that pledge," he said. That pledge is one reason Oak Valley Community Bank was voted the Turlock Journal Readers' Choice for Banking. Oak Valley's secret has led to much success over the past 25 years. The bank

has grown to over $700 million in total assets and currently operates 16 branches in Oakdale, Sonora, Escalon, Turlock, Stockton, Patterson, Ripon, Manteca, Tracy, Modesto and the Eastern Sierra. In 2009, Oak Valley Bancorp received NASDAQ listing approval and in 2014 the company was named one of 25 U.S. banking institutions to the KBW "Bank Honor Roll" of superior performers, an honor the Oak Valley has earned for the past three years. Although Oak Valley Bancorp has unquestionably made sound business decisions over the past two decades, Courtney said that each branch is empowered to serve their customers in the best way for that individual community. Oak Valley Vice President and Business Development Officer Susan Quigley and Turlock Branch Manager Dianna Bettencourt are proud to serve the

community of Turlock. "Turlock is a great place to live and work," said Bettencourt. Quigley said she enjoys helping customers find the right fit for them. "I'm dealing with three or four generations of customers," she said. Each branch of Oak Valley Commu-

nity Bank is involved in philanthropic efforts, and the Turlock branch gives both money and volunteer hours to a number of local organizations. For more information about Oak Valley Community Bank, go to www.ovcb. com or visit the Turlock branch located at 2001 Geer Rd.

Thank You Turlock! We are so honored to be voted your favorite Gift Store! 311 E. Main Street 209-668-8800 Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm

Saturday, January 30, 2016

ARE YOU FINE

ONLINE? LET US HELP.

JEWELRY

THE GEIGER FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND VOTING US BEST JEWELRY STORE FOR 11 YEARS IN A ROW AND THANK YOU FOR VOTING GEIGER’S AS THE MOST COMMUNITY INVOLVED BUSINESS!

209◆668◆GOLD

WWW.GEIGERSFINEJEWELRY.COM FIND US ON

TURLOCK 634-9141

MANTECA 249-3505

OAKDALE 847-3021

ACEBOOK A

Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice 2015

We at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites are grateful for your support and for voting us as your favorite hotel!

209.664.9999 3001 Hotel Dr. Turlock

HELPING VALLEY BUSINESS GROW At Oak Valley Community Bank, we take pride in helping our customers and communities get stronger. The most rewarding opportunities are often those which provide local businesses the ability to grow and help our communities thrive. We’re honored to be chosen as Turlock Journal’s

2015 Readers’ Choice “Best Bank.”

Mark and Dana Kirkes, Owners of MK Electric & Design, with Oak Valley’s Dianna Bettencourt, Turlock Branch Manager, 209.633.2867 and Susan Quigley, Business Development Officer, 209.633.2855

“We have never had a bank ask what they could do to help us be more successful. When we were approached by Oak Valley Community Bank that’s exactly what their team did. They’ve been interested in our business, proactive, and helpful from day one.” - Mark Kirkes, MK Electric and Design Inc.

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

866.844.7500 • ovcb.com Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock • Patterson Escalon • Ripon • Stockton • Manteca • Tracy