progress magazine august 2011

August 2011

Vol. 32 Issue 8

modchamber.org

Modesto Chamber of Commerce

progress

Ribbon CuttingsWork In ProgressNew MembersCover Photo by Studio Warner

Pamela Able Taking Charge Of Modesto’s Schools

BECAUSE POINT A TO POINT B DOESN’TALWAYS HAVE A DOCTOR IN BETWEEN.

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AUG 2011 3

Cover Story

Community Development

eConomiC Development

networking AnD referrAlS

Lucy Castrejon has been a life-long resident of the Central Valley and has worked in the banking industry for 35 years. The last six of those years Lucy has managed the F&M Bank branch located in McHenry Village. Lucy can often be found wandering through the Village Center stores wearing a huge smile while talking to business owners or stopping to share a short story and a laugh with a customer or potential customer. It seems she subscribes to the concept that strangers are just friends she hasn’t met yet. As a result of her social nature, Lucy joined the Chamber Welcoming and Ribbon Committee last year and has used her gregarious personality and warm smile to welcome businesses as new

members of the Modesto Chamber. “I love having the opportunity to meet so many business owners who work so hard to help strengthen our community,” said Lucy. P

4

Announcements 10 Awards and Achievements 10

People On the Move 11 New Member Profiles 12Land of Opportunity 19 Work In Progress 21

Business Before and After Hours 14 New Chamber Members 15Ribbon Cuttings 18Chamber Calendar 22

welCome teAm Corner

PROGRESS MAGAZINE1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354(209) 577-5757 • (209) 571-6480 • Fax (209) 577-2673www.modchamber.org • [email protected]

BoArD of DireCtorSChairmanRalph Curtis, Curtis Legal GroupChairman ElectDavid Gianelli, Gianelli & AssociatesVice Chairman of Internal OperationsEric Benson, JS West & CompanyVice Chairman of External OperationsKathy Halsey, Individual MemberVice Chairman of Member RelationsDavid Halvorson, American ChevroletVice Chairman of Events & Special ProjectsDoug Johnson, Reach Business Systems, Inc.

DirectorsLynn Dickerson, Gallo Center for the Arts Dan Garcia, Tri Counties BankPat Gillum, Pat Gillum, CPANeal Khatri, Best Western Khatri PropertiesCraig Lewis, Prudential California RealtySharon Likely, Kaiser PermanenteMike Moradian, Peace of Mind Home InspectionsBill Moreno, Fire 2 WireRon Owen, Bank of the WestSuzy Powell, Individual MemberChris Ricci, Chris Ricci PresentsLaura Ward, Ward Promotional Marketing SolutionsJeremiah Williams, Oak Crafts by Jeremiah

Ex-OfficioBill Bassitt, The AllianceGeorge Boodrookas, Modesto Junior CollegeKeith Boggs, Leadership ModestoDavid Boring, Never Boring Design AssociatesGreg Nyhoff, City of Modesto

Chamber StaffCecil Russell, President/[email protected] Dodge, Administrative [email protected] Novotny, [email protected] Gruendeman, Membership Sales [email protected] Facanha, Special Events [email protected] Meagan Lopez, Administrative [email protected] Morrison, [email protected] About Progress...Postmaster: Send address changes to: PROGRESS, P.O. Box844, Modesto, CA 95353. Editorial opinions are not necessarily those of the Board of Directors or members of the Modesto Chamber of Com-merce. Chamber members may submit news by contacting: Progress Editor, email [email protected], P.O. Box 844, Modesto, CA 95353, (209) 577-5757, fax (209) 577-2673. Inquiries about ad rates, please contact Kristin Bowker at (209) 526-9136. Deadline is the 5th of each month for news and advertisements for the following month’s publication (news published at the discretion of the Editor on a first come, first served, space available basis).

PublisherModesto Chamber of Commerce(209) 577-5757 • [email protected]

Graphic DesignNever Boring Design Associates(209) 526-9136 • www.neverboring.com

PrinterParks Printing(209) 576-2568 • [email protected]

DistributionParks Printing(209) 576-2568

Advertising SalesKristin BowkerNever Boring Design Associates(209) 526-9136 • [email protected]

Modesto Chamber of Commerce Mission StatementTo promote the region’s economic strengths and vitality; identify and promote services that are valuable to our members; advocate for public policy that is advantageous to the business community; and fully partici-pate and partner in activities to improve quality of life.

On the coverPamela Able, Superintendent of Modesto City Schools Photo by Studio Warner

Lucy Castrejon

Pamela Able – Taking Charge of Modesto’s Schools

4 Modesto Chamber of Commerce Progress

days. In order to maintain our programs, teachers have less instructional time and more students in their classrooms and counselors have taken a higher student-to-counselor ratio. Everybody is being asked to do more with less, including money and workdays.

PM: What kind of relationship do you have with the unions?PA: The district and I have a very positive relationship with the associations. The current administration of the associations is very cooperative. We obviously don’t always agree but we remain professionally respectful and work together for win-win situations.

PM: Have the unions been willing to share some of the financial burden?PA: Yes, absolutely. We were able to maintain programs because staff was willing to agree to salary reductions and furlough days. If that hadn’t happened, the art programs, the music programs, all the things that make kids want to come to school because it enriches them and their lives would probably have been on the reduction list. Our programs have been scaled back, but because our staff was willing to make necessary concessions, they weren’t eliminated. That’s good news for our students.

rogress Magazine recently had the opportunity to sit down with Pamela Able, the newly appointed Superintendent of Modesto City Schools. We discussed what challenges she faces in her new position, her administration’s priorities

and her plan for the district’s future.

progress magazine What kind of fiscal shape is our district in?pam able: Our district has not received from the State of California over $140 million that was owed to us. Thanks to a proactive board of education and staff, budgets have been developed to remain fiscally solvent in order to offset this reduction. However, the continuing deficit imposed by the state will further impact our schools, our students, our learning programs and ultimately our community.

Despite horrific economic times, our district still offers best-case instructional and academic programs to our students.

PM: Where are the reductions being felt the most?

PA: The funding reductions and deferrals have impacted the entire district. Staff has been laid off and remaining staff has agreed to salary reductions of up to 8.5%—including furlough

PWritten by Justin Souza, Photos by Studio Warner

Pamela Able Taking Charge of Modesto’s Schools

AUG 2011 5

Cover Story

PM: What is Modesto City Schools going to do in light of

unsustainable pensions?PA: By law, the district can’t arbitrarily change the current contribution amounts for STRS and PERS, which are the two major staff unions. We do contribute ideas and information during the creation of the proposed budget to assure sustainable funding for pensions but we can’t change our contributions unless the law changes. We’ve got to follow the rules.

PM: How well is the Modesto City Schools Board working with you?PA: The board has been fantastically supportive. I have been amazed at their devotion and the passion that they’ve shown to the students and our programs. These people have full-time jobs and the time and energy they put into listening to and working with staff, community and students is just amazing. They’re a wonderful group of people. I really admire them and their community service and they’ve been nothing but supportive in their work with me. We have the same goal: to make Modesto City Schools the best it can be. I’m looking forward to working with them to make that happen.

PM: Test scores are going up nationwide. Is that true for our district?PA: Our high schools’ scores reflected nationwide growth last year and the majority of our K-8 schools did see some growth in their test scores, as well. Every state has a different standard for proficiency and California’s are among the most rigorous in the nation. Once nationwide Common Core standards are implemented in a couple years, people are going to be very pleased with where we stand. As we continue to improve instructional practices, increase collaboration and use data to inform our district goals and initiatives, Modesto City Schools is poised to make some great growth this year, as well.

PM: What can businesses do to help produce the workforce for tomorrow?PA: We want to maintain and enrich our collaboration with businesses throughout the community. These collaborations are an integral part of what we do. Every student who attends one of our schools today will be somebody’s employee tomorrow; we want them to have the skills the community wants and needs.Mentorship relationships are also very important. Having a caring adult that believes in them can make all the difference in

the world to students. I’d also like to see more internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships and more volunteers in the schools to help tutor in certain areas. Money is always a default but the gift of time enriches everyone’s lives. Money can’t replace that.

PM: What is your focus for this year?PA: This year, I am planning to encourage three “C’s” with my staff—communication, collaboration, and celebration.

In terms of communication, I am getting the good news out about Modesto City Schools. We are very aware of the things we need to work on but we really need to highlight all the positive things we’ve got here, too. We’re also expanding the channels by which we communicate and making sure we get timely and accurate information out to not only staff but also parents and students in the community.

We’ve also been collaborating with the community and teachers. We have so much expertise and knowledge just in our district that can reach so many people if we collaborate amongst ourselves to share that wealth of information.

We are trying to celebrate all the great programs we have. For example, the diversity of Modesto City Schools is wonderful. We have over 40 different ethnicities here and we have so much to learn from and celebrate in each other. We have new initiatives to acknowledge staff who go above and beyond and even two teachers who are up for Teacher of the Year for California. We want to recognize all the good things we have and get the word out that Modesto City Schools offers a stellar program despite some pretty devastating financial times. That’s a lot to celebrate. P

"Every student who attends one of our

schools today will be somebody’s employee

tomorrow; we want them to have the skills

the community wants and needs.”

– Pam Able

Pamela Able Taking Charge of Modesto’s Schools


The Modesto Chamber of Commerce has an active Government Relations Council and they study and review bills in our State Legislature that affect business. After their review and presentation to your Chamber Board, the Board takes a position on these bills. This column reflects the decisions of your Board. We will publish these positions monthly. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the Chamber office.

Thank you, Cecil Russell, President & CEO

your ChAmBer At work

Cecil Russell

Quiet Confidence | Proven Excellence

1014 16th Street • Modesto, CA 95354 • (209) 521-6260GIANELLI-LAW.COM

John B. PaviaBusiness Law

Estate PlanningReal Estate

Brett DickersonReal EstateEmployment LawCivil Litigation

government relAtionS

AB 286

Bill Berryhill; R-Modesto

State highways: Routes 108 and 120

AB 325

Bonnie Lowenthal; D-Long Beach

Employee’s right to bereavement leave.

AB 400

Fiona Ma; D-San Francisco

Employment: paidsick days

Requires proceeds from the sale of excess properties acquired for improvements to SR 120 that occur on or after July 1, 2013 to be used for improvements to SR 108 in Stanislaus County, otherwise known as the North County Corridor (NCC). The bill would also require the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to program the funds and any interest earnings to any phase of the NCC, and authorize CTC to allocate the funds, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to the Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) or any agency designated by StanCOG to deliver the project.

AB 325 would prohibit an employer from refusing to grant a request by any employee to take up to three days off for bereavement leave. The provisions of the bill would not apply to an employee who is covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement that provides for bereavement leave and other specified working conditions.

AB 400 entitles an employee who works in CA for seven or more days in a calendar year to no less than one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Employ-ees would be eligible to use accrued sick days beginning on the 90th calendar day of employment. Bill limits the use of paid sick days to five days per calendar year for small businesses (10 or less employees) or nine days per calendar year for other businesses. The sick leave requirements do not apply to an employee covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement that includes paid sick days and arbitration procedures or to employees in the construction industry covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement.

Under current law, income from the sale of the excess property would revert to the general state highway fund. AB 286 would assure that when the state sells property once designated for the SR120 (Oakdale bypass), the proceeds will go toward SR 108. This will keep money in Stanislaus County.

Unpaid Bereavement Leave adds to California’s reputation of being an overly litigious state by creating a private right of action and mandating an employer to provide an employee with up to three days of unpaid bereavement leave.

Unreasonably expands both public and private employers’ costs and liability by mandating employers to provide paid sick leave for employees

Oppose

Oppose

No Position

Oppose

Oppose

Status

7/12/2011 Read second time and amended. Ordered to third reading.

7/7/2011From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Committee on Appropria-tions (Ayes 5. Noes 3.) (July 6). Re-referred to Committe on Appropriations

Status: 6/29/2011 From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on Appropriations (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (June 29). Re-referred to Committee on Appropriations.

Status: 6/3/2011 Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(8). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 6/2/2011)

Status: 6/10/2011 Withdrawn from committee. (Ayes 22. Noes 14. Page 133.) Ordered to third reading. Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 21. Noes 16. Page 133.)

BILL NAMEAND AUTHOR

SUMMARY OF BILL REASON FOR POSITIONAND WHAT IT MEANSFOR YOU

Support

Oppose

Oppose

MODESTOCHAMBER POSITION

OpposeOpposeSupportOpposeOppose

AB 438

Das Williams; D-Santa Barbara

County free libraries: withdrawal: Use ofprivate contractors.

AB 52 (Mike Feuer; D-Los Angeles and Jared Huffman; D-San Rafael)Health care coverage: rate approval.

AB 878 (Bill Berryhill; R-Modesto) Contractors: workers’ compensation insurance.

SB 129 (Mark Leno; D- San Francisco) Medical marijuana: qualified patients and primary caregivers: employment discrimination.

SBX1 23 (Darrell Steinberg; D-Sacramento)Local taxation: counties: school districts: community college districts: county offices of education: general authorization.

CALIFORNIACHAMBERPOSITION

No Position

Oppose

Oppose

6/27/2011In committee: Placed on Appropriations suspense file

7/11/2011Do pass as amended.

5/28/2011 Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(5). (Last location was Appropriations on 5/27/2011)

STATUS

Imposes specified requirements if a library district is intended to be withdrawn from the county free library system and operated with a private contractor that will employ library staff to achieve cost savings, unless the library or libraries are funded only by the proceeds of a special tax imposed by the city or library district. These requirements would include, but not be limited to, publishing notice of the contemplated action in a specified manner, clearly demonstrating that the contract will result in actual overall cost savings to the city or library district and imposing specified require-ments on contracts for library services in excess of $100,000 annually.

Would require health care service plans licensed by the Department of Managed Health Care and health insurers certified by the California Department of Insurance to apply for prior approval of proposed rate increases, under specified conditions, and imposes on regulators specific rate review criteria, timelines and hearing requirements.

Would require a workers compensation insurer to report to the registrar a licensee whose workers compensation insurance policy is canceled by the insurer if the insurer has completed a premium audit or investigation, or a material misrepresentation has been made by the policyholder that results in financial harm to the insurer and no reimbursement has been paid by the insured to the insurer. The bill would provide that that information is not subject to the California Public Records Act and that a willful or deliberate disregard and violation of workers’ compensation insurance laws constitutes a cause for disciplinary action.

Would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of a person's status as a qualified patient or on the basis of the person's positive drug test for marijuana, provided the person is a qualified patient and the medical use of marijuana does not occur at the place of employment or during hours of employment. This bill contains a savings clause that states nothing in the section shall prohibit the employer from terminating the employment, or taking other corrective action against a person who is impaired on the property or premises of the place of employment or during hours of employ-ment because of the medical use of marijuana.

This bill authorizes counties, cities, any school district, county offices of education and community college districts to impose a local personal income tax, vehicle license fee, transactions and use tax, extractive business activities tax, oil severance tax and excise tax, with voter approval.

Anti-Privatization of Public Services - Excludes private sector from contracting to provide library services by establishing burdensome requirements on local governments that operate library systems, and creates a bad precedent for future efforts to privatize services.

Rate Regulation - Imposes implementation fees on health insurers to support additional bureaucracy and to regulate rates without addressing the costs that drive the rates.

To better ensure licensee compliance with workers' compensation coverage and create disincentives to engage in workers' compensation fraud.

Undermines employers' ability to provide a safe and drug-free workplace by establish-ing a protected classification for employees who utilize medical marijuana.

This bill creates uncertainty for taxpayers by providing the authority to impose and/or increase a local tax on all products and services to 58 counties, over 70 community college districts and over 1,000 school districts, with voter approval.

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce has an active Government Relations Council and they study and review bills in our State Legislature that affect business. After their review and presentation to your Chamber Board, the Board takes a position on these bills. This column reflects the decisions of your Board. We will publish these positions monthly and if you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the Chamber office.

Thank you, Cecil Russell, President/CEO

AUG 2011 7

AB 286


State highways: Routes 108 and 120

AB 325

Bonnie Lowenthal; D-Long Beach

Employee’s right to bereavement leave.

AB 400

Fiona Ma; D-San Francisco

Employment: paidsick days

Requires proceeds from the sale of excess properties acquired for improvements to SR 120 that occur on or after July 1, 2013 to be used for improvements to SR 108 in Stanislaus County, otherwise known as the North County Corridor (NCC). The bill would also require the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to program the funds and any interest earnings to any phase of the NCC, and authorize CTC to allocate the funds, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to the Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) or any agency designated by StanCOG to deliver the project.

AB 325 would prohibit an employer from refusing to grant a request by any employee to take up to three days off for bereavement leave. The provisions of the bill would not apply to an employee who is covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement that provides for bereavement leave and other specified working conditions.

AB 400 entitles an employee who works in CA for seven or more days in a calendar year to no less than one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Employ-ees would be eligible to use accrued sick days beginning on the 90th calendar day of employment. Bill limits the use of paid sick days to five days per calendar year for small businesses (10 or less employees) or nine days per calendar year for other businesses. The sick leave requirements do not apply to an employee covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement that includes paid sick days and arbitration procedures or to employees in the construction industry covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement.

Under current law, income from the sale of the excess property would revert to the general state highway fund. AB 286 would assure that when the state sells property once designated for the SR120 (Oakdale bypass), the proceeds will go toward SR 108. This will keep money in Stanislaus County.

Unpaid Bereavement Leave adds to California’s reputation of being an overly litigious state by creating a private right of action and mandating an employer to provide an employee with up to three days of unpaid bereavement leave.

Unreasonably expands both public and private employers’ costs and liability by mandating employers to provide paid sick leave for employees

Oppose

Oppose

No Position

Oppose

Oppose

Status

7/12/2011Read second time and amended. Ordered tothird reading.

7/7/2011From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Committee on Appropriations (Ayes 5. Noes 3.) (July 6). Re-referred to Committe on Appropriations

6/29/2011 From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on Appropriations (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (June 29). Re-referred to Committee on Appropriations.

6/3/2011 Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(8). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 6/2/2011)

6/10/2011 Withdrawn from committee. (Ayes 22. Noes 14. Page 133.) Ordered to third reading. Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 21. Noes 16. Page 133.)

BILL NAMEAND AUTHOR

SUMMARY OF BILL REASON FOR POSITIONAND WHAT IT MEANSFOR YOU

Support

Oppose

Oppose

MODESTOCHAMBER POSITION

AB 438

Das Williams; D-Santa Barbara

County free libraries: withdrawal: Use ofprivate contractors.

AB 52

Mike Feuer; D-Los Angeles and Jared Huffman; D-San Rafael

Health care coverage: rate approval.

AB 878


Contractors: workers’ compensation insurance.

SB 129

Mark Leno; D- San Francisco

Medical marijuana: qualified patients and primary caregivers: employment discrimination.

SBX1 23

Darrell Steinberg; D-Sacramento

Local taxation: counties: school districts: community college districts: county offices of education: general authorization.

CALIFORNIACHAMBERPOSITION

No Position

Oppose

Oppose

6/27/2011In committee: Placed on Appropriations suspense file

7/11/2011Do pass as amended.

5/28/2011 Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(5). (Last location was Appropriations on 5/27/2011)

STATUS

Imposes specified requirements if a library district is intended to be withdrawn from the county free library system and operated with a private contractor that will employ library staff to achieve cost savings, unless the library or libraries are funded only by the proceeds of a special tax imposed by the city or library district. These requirements would include, but not be limited to, publishing notice of the contemplated action in a specified manner, clearly demonstrating that the contract will result in actual overall cost savings to the city or library district and imposing specified requirements on contracts for library services in excess of $100,000 annually.

Would require health care service plans licensed by the Department of Managed Health Care and health insurers certified by the California Department of Insurance to apply for prior approval of proposed rate increases, under specified conditions, and imposes on regulators specific rate review criteria, timelines and hearing requirements.

Would require a workers compensation insurer to report to the registrar a licensee whose workers compensation insurance policy is canceled by the insurer if the insurer has completed a premium audit or investigation, or a material misrepresentation has been made by the policyholder that results in financial harm to the insurer and no reimbursement has been paid by the insured to the insurer. The bill would provide that that information is not subject to the California Public Records Act and that a willful or deliberate disregard and violation of workers’ compensation insurance laws constitutes a cause for disciplinary action.

Would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of a person's status as a qualified patient or on the basis of the person's positive drug test for marijuana, provided the person is a qualified patient and the medical use of marijuana does not occur at the place of employment or during hours of employment. This bill contains a savings clause that states nothing in the section shall prohibit the employer from terminating the employment, or taking other corrective action against a person who is impaired on the property or premises of the place of employment or during hours of employment because of the medical use of marijuana.

This bill authorizes counties, cities, any school district, county offices of education and community college districts to impose a local personal income tax, vehicle license fee, transactions and use tax, extractive business activities tax, oil severance tax and excise tax, with voter approval.

Anti-Privatization of Public Services - Excludes private sector from contracting to provide library services by establishing burdensome requirements on local governments that operate library systems, and creates a bad precedent for future efforts to privatize services.

Rate Regulation - Imposes implementation fees on health insurers to support additional bureaucracy and to regulate rates without addressing the costs that drive the rates.

To better ensure licensee compliance with workers' compensation coverage and create disincentives to engage in workers' compensation fraud.

Undermines employers' ability to provide a safe and drug-free workplace by establishing a protected classification for employees who utilize medical marijuana.

This bill creates uncertainty for taxpayers by providing the authority to impose and/or increase a local tax on all products and services to 58 counties, over 70 community college districts and over 1,000 school districts, with voter approval.

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce has an active Government Relations Council and they study and review bills in our State Legislature that affect business. After their review and presentation to your Chamber Board, the Board takes a position on these bills. This column reflects the decisions of your Board. We will publish these positions monthly and if you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the Chamber office.

Thank you, Cecil Russell, President/CEO

Oppose

Oppose

Support

Oppose

Oppose

Celebrating50 Years

Of Quality CareevergreenNursing & Rehabilitation Care Center

209.577.10552030 Evergreen Ave. Modesto, CA 95350 www.evergreencare.comFax: 209. 550. 3615

Engaged in your Care and your Life

* Registered Nurses 24/7 * Long Term and Short Term Quality Care* 175 Bed Facility* Pleasant Environment* Inviting and Stimulating Social Activities* Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Respiratory Therapy* Specialty Dining Menus

* Pharmaceutical Services * Intravenous Therapy * Incontinence Service* Wound and Skin Care* Medicare Part A/B, Medi-Cal Other Insurances Welcome* Family Owned and Operated for 50 Years



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Lighting rebates HVAC rebates High efficiencymotor rebates

vAlley BuSineSS StArtup.Com

For the past three years CommonWealth Modesto’s Innovation Center Pod studied the best ways to develop new jobs in Stanislaus County. This investigation explored many different methods including Business Incubators and Entrepreneurship Mentoring Programs. After doing the research and working with

our partners at the Alliance, SBDC, City of Modesto and the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, we launched a new program: Va l l e y B u s i n e s s S t a r t u p . c o m .

We believe small-business innovation is a great way to create jobs in the community we love, but many people burning with entrepreneurial spirit question whether to take the leap and start their own business, and rightly so. They hear about successes and the failures. They question the validity of their idea. They wonder if the market will accept their product or service. They search for the capital to bring their idea to life. And most of all, they are unsure they have what it takes to launch a successful business.

Valley Business Startup.com (VBS) helps aspiring entrepreneurs answer these questions, and many more. VBS helps potential entrepreneurs determine if their idea is the right one to propel their business to huge success. VBS partners with successful applicants to help them identify critical success factors and build upon their core competencies. History has proven the Central Valley a fertile ground to start businesses. VBS builds on this tradition of innovation and growth.

VBS is dedicated to helping the entrepreneur remove obstacles preventing the launch of their concept. The process begins with concept evaluation. (Is this a good idea? How could this idea be better?) The

next step is business strategy and then connection to accounting and legal assistance. Lastly, VBS connects applicants with industry partners, business mentors and, eventually, start-up capital.

VBS wants to create a community of new businesses that are constantly growing, innovating and creating jobs for our community. For more information, go to www.valleybusinessstartup.com. P

Chris Ricci

VBS helps potential entrepreneurs determine

if their idea is the right one to propel their

business to huge success.

AUG 2011 9

Del monte fooDS preSentS

50th AnnuAl hArveSt lunCheon

Mark your calendar and plan to join us as we celebrate 50 years of

Harvest Lunch! This sell-out event benefiting Modesto Junior College

Ag students will be held at 11:30 a.m. September 9 at Graceada Park

in Modesto. The luncheon spotlights Stanislaus County’s agriculture

industry and assures that the agriculture tradition continues by

benefiting a new generation of community Ag Leaders.

Keynote speaker for the event is Karen Ross, Secretary of the California

Department of Food and Agriculture. Ms. Ross joins a distinguished

list of past Harvest Luncheon speakers, including former California

Governor and U.S. President Ronald Reagan, Pete Wilson, Modesto’s

own Bill Lyons, Jr., Congressman Dennis Cardoza, Congressman Jeff

Denham and California State Senator Tom Berryhill.

This event annually raises $20,000 in scholarship funds specifically

for the MJC Voss-Berryhill Scholarship Fund benefitting Ag students.

Many scholarship recipients complete their studies and return to the

area to put their education to work and lend their support for the next

generation.

Tickets and table and event sponsorships are now on sale. For

information, call Minnie Dodge at the Chamber at 577-5757. P

Del monte fooDS preSentS the 50th AnnuAl hArveSt lunCheon SeptemBer 9, 2011

Come to ModernSteel before you goanywhere else, andlet us coordinateyour entire project. . . from permits tocompletion!

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A new Modesto Chamber event is being inaugurated this month. It’s the third new event for the Chamber in the past several years, and each of them is intended to support our mission.

The State of the City wasn’t actually a new event, but it was new for the Chamber to put it on. We wanted to give our city’s Mayor a chance to be in front of business, and report on both the progress made over the past year, and how Modesto’s municipal government planned to meet the many challenges presented in a stagnant economy.

The State of the Region was started to encourage business to join with other sectors to think bigger, both in working across boundaries for the good of all and to build regional consensus about priorities and advocacy for resources. As the Voice of Business, the Chamber plays an important role in each of these areas and we joined with other efforts to improve communication and collaboration in the northern San Joaquin Valley.

We kept the theme of “State Of” in creating our newest Chamber event, only this time we’re adding a descriptive phase, because we intend to feature a different aspect of education each year. This inaugural event is State of Education: Building Bridges For Tomorrow’s Workforce. In the Chamber ’s role as convener, we are inviting The Alliance to introduce a new collaborative initiative to our members and guests who lead school districts, school boards, and regional colleges as well as nonprofit leaders working in education and other aspects of work force preparedness.

The luncheon on August 25 at the Modesto Centre Plaza will also see recognition of a number of programs that are making a difference right now in our county. You’ll hear from students who are improving their chances for a good career and living wage, and the adults who are providing guidance and opportunities.

The Modesto Chamber wants to raise the battle for a competitive work force to the top civic issue in our region. Letting business leaders know how they can make a unique difference is also part of our program for State of Education: Building Bridges For Tomorrow’s Workforce. We all have a stake in the outcomes, so please attend and find out where you can fit in.

I believe that education is fundamental to our business and economic success. Please join us as we celebrate and demonstrate how business partnerships can assist education to develop a better workforce that will help our businesses to be more successful and create a better quality of life for our students. Cecil Russell, President and CEO Modesto Chamber of Commerce.


AwArDS AnD AChievementS

Tony Mistlin Ripon City officials honored Tony Mistlin of Mistlin Honda last week. They presented him with a framed tribute featuring several photos of projects the 86-year-old owner of Modesto’s Mistlin Honda has completed. He was the prime benefactor in developing the Mistlin Sports Park, which includes baseball

and soccer fields, a gazebo with an interactive fountain, and softball facilities currently under construction. Mistlin also donated the dinosaur fountain and a small adjacent park on Main Street, east of Highway 99. For more information please call (209) 549-5000.

Linda Curtis The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce once again, Linda Curtis with Kelly Services, Inc. as Ambassador of the Month. Linda was the recipient of the Ambassador of the Month Award for the month of June. This is Linda’s 5th consecutive Ambassador Award this year.

It is very apparent that Linda strives for success and uses the Ambassador Program as a vehicle to do so. The Modesto Chamber of Commerce sincerely appreciates all of Linda’s hard work. P

Linda Curtis

Tony Mistlin

StAte of eDuCAtion BuilDing BriDgeS for

tomorrow’S workforCeA special message from the CEO

AnnounCementS

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Doug Campbell of Tenney A. Norquist for his generous and most gracious gift. Doug committed to making a pair of our Ribbon Cutting Scissors from scratch, on his own personal time. When Doug delivered the scissors, he surprised

Chamber staff with a second set! By gifting the Chamber these scissors, Doug not only displayed his wonderful craftsman skills, but also his kind-hearted nature. Thank you Doug for going above and beyond! P

Doug Campbell

B u s i n e s s

E d u c a t i o n

Location: Modesto Centre PlazaDate: August 25, 2011Time: 11:30 am - 1:30 pmIndividual Tickets: $40Table Sponsorship: $400Contact Elizabeth Facanha for sponsorship opportunities. Please call (209) 577-5757, or email [email protected]. P

AUG 2011 11

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people on the move

Midas Auto Service at 3833 McHenry Ave is proud to announce the newest addition to their team, Nick Trejo as Customer Service Representative. A native of Modesto, Nick brings over six years experience in the automotive field along with an AA in Automotive Business Management from Wyo-Tech and multiple ASE

Certifications. Nicks ambition is to run the store in the next three-to-five years and own and operate a shop in the distant future. For more information call (209) 523-4706.

Oak Valley Community Bank announced that Sylvia Orozco has joined the bank as Vice President Branch Manager of the Bank’s Modesto-McHenry branch. The new branch is located at 3508 McHenry Avenue and is scheduled to open in early June. Sylvia is a lifelong Modesto resident who brings 35 years of Central Valley banking experience

to Oak Valley. She will manage sales, service and operational activities and be responsible for business development and deposit growth.For more information call 1-866-844-7500 or visit www.ovcb.com. P

Nick Trejo

Sylvia Orozco





Principal Service Solut ions is a leading technical services company, supporting a broad range of industries and companies in the Central Valley and throughout the United States. Our focus is in providing technically skilled resources, from IT Technicians and Project Managers to Manufacturing Equipment Engineers and Maintenance Staff. PSS provides traditional staffing services as well as, long term sustaining services which include, complete managed Workforce, flexible workforce implementation, strategic outsourcing and project management services. For more information, visit us at www.principalservicesolutions.com or call 209-846-9222.

MedAmerica Bi l l ing Services Inc. is the leader in the physician billing business, with the company roots going back 35+ years to 1975. Billing operations occupy 100K sq. feet of office space in Modesto; we also have a satellite operation office in Upland, CA and a coding office in Green Valley, AZ. Today, MBSI serves seventy-seven practice locations in seven states, with volumes of 3 million patients and over $1.2 billion in physician charges per year. MBSI has adapted to the ever-changing medical billing environment, modifying and adding to its services to proactively meet the needs of its clients. For more information, please contact (800) 340-1326, or visit www.medamericabilling.com. P

The Chamber ’s third annual State of the Region Luncheon will be held October 26, 2011 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Modesto. The focus of this year ’s event will be our region’s economy. We will feature Dr. Jeffrey Michael of UOP’s Eberhardt School of Business, who will discuss economic trends in our region.

Following the presentation, there will be a panel discussion with local business leaders regarding their approach to succeeding in our current climate. The lunch and panel discussion will encourage candid interaction among participants.

Sponsorships, table reservations, tickets and more information are available by contacting Elizabeth Facanha, Special Events Manager at (209) 577-5757.

What State of the Region LuncheonWhen October 26, 2011 Check in and networking: 11:30 a.m. Lunch and discussion: Noon to 1:30 p.m.Where DoubleTree Hotel, 1150 9th Street

new memBer profileS

the ChAmBer AnnounCeS

StAte of the region lunCheon

oCtoBer 26, 2011

AUG 2011 13

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Pacific Records ManagementPacific Records Management offers a superior document storage solution, including bar code tracking, web-based online inventory management and a delivery option that frees you up from having to chase files in mini storage.

Pacific Records Management820 Business Park DriveModesto, CA 95354(209) 343-4630

Express Employment ProfessionalsExpress Employment Professionals serves local businesses with both full-time and temporary staffing and job placement in addition to providing human resource services and consulting.

Express Employment Professional2020 Standiford AvenueModesto, CA 95350(209) 522-1574

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new ChAmBer memBerS

AlmonD vAlley reAltyEd & Nancy Ugarte180 Leveland Lane, Suite 4 Modesto, CA 95350(209) 521-2121(209) [email protected] Estate

Blom & SwAinGary Blom1025 14th Street Modesto, CA 95354(209) 526-9426(209) [email protected] Services

DoCuStor Ryan Roth1305 10th StreetModesto, CA 95354(209) 577-3628(209) [email protected] Shredding

ethAn ShAne ClothierShane Hunt2408 Van Layden WayModesto, CA 95356(209) 595-0020(209) [email protected]

feD ex offiCeShawna Crawford2225 Plaza Parkway, Suite C-11 Modesto, CA 95358(209) 577-2679(209) [email protected] www.fedex.comPrinters

fuzio univerSAl BiStroThomas Lopez1020 10th Street, Suite 100 Modesto, CA 95354(209) 557-9711(209) [email protected]

golDen CorrAl (Summit g Buffet)Andres SalazarAngela Rubio3737 McHenry AvenueModesto, CA 95356(415) 898-2000(415) [email protected]

lorrAine CArDozA/pmzLorraine Cardoza1230 E. Orangeburg Avenue, Suite 201Modesto, CA 95350(209) 548-4523(209) [email protected]

Real Estate

lovelADy’S BoDy & pAint Shop, inC.Deanna Lovelady401 10th St.Modesto, CA 95354(209) 527-0902(209) [email protected] Body Repairing & Painting

mAry’S pet projeCtMary Farinacci(209) [email protected]

Pet & House Sitting Services

meDAmeriCA Billing ServiCeS, inCStephanie Montanez1601 Cummins Dr., Suite D Modesto, CA 95358(209) 491-7710(209) 567-5727montanezs@medamerica.comwww.medamericabillingservices.comMedical Billing

moDeSto Centre plAzA Vicki Rice10th & K StreetModesto, CA 95354(209) 577-6444(209) [email protected] Center

continued on page 16


AUG 2011 15



mv trAnSportAtion, inC.Leslie Pedrosa1001 9th Street, Ste. AModesto, CA 95354(209) 521-1586(209) [email protected]

oAk vAlley Community BAnkSylvia Orozco3508 McHenry AvenueModesto, CA 95356(209) 579-3365(209) [email protected]

Banks

roChA trAnSportAtionHenry Dirksen2400 Nickerson DriveModesto, CA 95358(209) 538-1302(209) [email protected]

SeneCA fooDS, llCThomas Nett2801 Finch RoadModesto, CA 95354(209) 572-5451(209) [email protected]

Food Products

StAffChex inC. Kama Orona 17550 Shideler ParkwayLathrop, CA 95330(707) 832-9643(916) [email protected] Agencies

tAffeCo reAl eStAteMartin Barajas4807 Sisk RoadModesto, CA 95356(209) 531-2900(209) [email protected] Real Estate

wAterproof BuSineSSeS Elisa NavaretteP.O. Box 579173Modesto, CA 95357(209) [email protected] www.waterproofbusinesses.com Marketing Consultant

new ChAmBer memBerS

minnie’S BiteS

Your Chamber has partnered with the City of Modesto

to recognize new and expanding existing businesses

that are bringing new jobs to Modesto. Each month

the Chamber will introduce four to five Modesto busi-

nesses to the members of the Modesto City Council.

These businesses are recognized by the Mayor and are given a plaque

stating their contribution to our community. Be sure to watch the televised

City Council meeting on the second Tuesday of each month to see how

Modesto is growing. Or join the audience at the Council meeting and

help recognize these new and growing businesses who are contributing

to our local economy. PMinnie Dodge


riBBon CuttingS


thiS thAt & more1407 Standiford Ave Ste C, Modesto, CA 95350 (209) 579-7633

QDoBA mexiCAn grill3601 Pelandale Ave. Modesto, CA 95356(209) 538-9500

B-v inSurAnCe1301 L. Street Ste 1, Modesto, CA 95353(209) 577-0875

the Choku-rei Center2028 W. Orangeburg Ave, Modesto, CA 95350(209) 450-6896

fArmerS5246 Pirrone Ct. Ste B, Salida, CA 95368(209) 575-7000

BASketS By nellie4009 Cornfield Ct., Modesto, CA(209) 596-7154

401 10th Street (Corner of “10th & D” St) Modesto, CA

P: (209) 527-0902 | F: (209) 527-4045 | www.loveladys.com

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Body and Paint Shop, Inc.

Family Owned and Operated since 1974 | Four� Generation

New Summer Menu

WANT A FREE APPETIZER?Get yours at:

insidersclub.unos.com1533 Oakdale Rd. Modesto

(209) 521-8667

AUG 2011 19

Prime Shine Car Wash presents:

...a series spotlighting entrepreneurial achievement

LAND OF OPPORTUNITY LAND OF OPPORTUNITY

Prime Shine Car Wash is proud to present The Land of Opportunity.Each month this series provides a forum in which to showcase the entrepreneurial

achievements of a Stanislaus County business owner. Prime Shine Express is proud to recognize the entrepreneurʼs ability to overcome obstacles and to honor

their successes in their industry and in the community.

Carrie Arnold, Phillips Lighting & Home

Phillips Lighting & Home was started by my grandparents back in 1947. They ran the business alone for a long time, then for many years with my uncle. My parents joined the business in the 80’s, and I came on board in 1999. Currently my parents and I run the business together, so I’m the third generation owner.

What have you done in the past that has led you to where you are now? I grew up and attended college in Oregon and I

started working in another lighting company there, doing their buying and lighting design. I’m actually so glad that I had that experience in another

environment. When you learn from somebody who isn’t your Dad or Mom it’s very different.

What do you like about your job? Working with the public! I like having a store and merchandising, even doing a lighting layout plan for somebody. I just love the lighting and home décor industry. I have been on several product development committees for lighting manufacturers and I enjoy that. Traveling to these summits where you can pick out the next product line and fiddle with prototypes, I think

that’s allowed me to stay on top of industry trends.

What motivated Phillips Lighting’s recent move? We’re in our third location. We moved from our original location on Orangeburg into a large space in the McHenry Village in the 90’s. That space was really beneficial to us in a lot of ways but as the recession has worn on, it just wasn’t quite the right fit for us. It was a bit too big and had too much square footage allotted to warehouse space, so we brought the footprint down and are glad we did. This new location has worked out great for us. We’ve found that it’s much easier to shop in a smaller store. The other place was a little overwhelming and it was harder for customers to focus on what they needed. We feel like we can be so much more competitive with a smaller store, too.

What advice do you have for business people when it comes to achieving their goals? The biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to

get wrapped up in what you anticipate other peoples ideas about your business are. We were worried about public perception of our move and we shouldn’t have been. When we first started contemplating a move into

a smaller store I worried that people were going to think we were folding up our tent and retreating but the whole transition has been a positive

for us. Our new store is not a cop out, it’s a new way of doing things. A new place just means new opportunities.

How has your business evolved since it was started and how have you remained vital within your industry? In the last 10 years or so, our industry has really changed. The turnaround time for the products we sell is much shorter now so we can operate with less sitting on the shelf in the back. As far as the evolution of the business, it’s been huge. Phillips started out as an RCA dealer. We sold the first color televisions and stereos in Modesto, we sold appliances and video discs and all of these different technologies before the big box stores came into town. We also had a service center that did repairs. We evolved out of that industry in the early 90’s and we’ve grown more into home décor.

What is the single biggest reason that you have achieved the level of success you have? We’re not afraid to try something new. We always try to adapt to what we feel people are looking for when they come into the store. Sometimes, we try to bring in a new product category. Even if it seems a little incongruous with peoples’ idea of us, we give it a chance and see if it’s successful or not. About three years ago, we did this with cabinet hardware. Knobs and pulls, that sort of thing. People wouldn’t think a lighting store would have that but we tried and it’s terrific. It’s a big seller now.

What are your plans for the future? We’re an old Modesto store so our challenge is to keep appealing to that young customer, not just the older established customer. I think both maintaining and building a customer base is all about having on trend products and keeping current. We recently updated our website to make it fresh and colorful and to keep our casual image. This isn’t a store just for high-end customers, it’s for anybody. We want people to know we’re not a hard place to come into and feel at home.

What do you like about doing business in the Modesto community and why do you think this is the Land of Opportunity? I think that Modestans are becoming more and more proud of where they live. The self-esteem problem is starting to lift for this community. When I first came in here in ‘99, we had a lot of interior designers who would go to San Francisco to buy products because there wasn’t as much available here in Modesto. That’s really turned around. There’s more and more awareness of supporting the local economy and local businesses, too. I think that’s nice to see and a really wonderful thing about our community.

Carrie Arnold

For information on how The Principal® can help give you an edge, contact the Modesto Business Center.

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preSiDent’S CluBCirCle of influenCe

plAtinum levelKaiser PermanenteSave Mart Supermarkets

DiAmonD levelBank of the WestCapax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc.Doctors Behavioral Health Center-DMCDoctors Medical Center-DMCDMC FoundationFrito-Lay Company, Inc.MedAmerica Billing Services, Inc.Pacific Southwest ContainerWalmart

golD levelCoca-Cola Bottling Company, Inc.Costco WholesaleDoubleTree HotelEvergreen Nursing & Rehabilitation Care CenterFoster Farms DairyJC Penney CompanyMemorial Medical CenterThe Modesto BeeModesto Irrigation DistrictModesto Nuts Professional BaseballPost Foods, LLCRACOR, Division of Parker Hannifin CorporationSeneca Foods, LLCSysco Food ServicesTaco Bell

Silver level5.11 Tactical Inc.AAAAAA Locating, Inc.AT&TAcme Construction Company, Inc.Ambeck Mortgage AssociatesAmerican ChevroletAmerican Medical ResponseApplegate Johnston, Inc.Aramark Uniform ServicesAtherton & AssociatesBJ’s Restaurant & BrewhouseBasic Resources, Inc.Brandman University Part of Chapman UniversityBrown, Fink, Boyce & Astle, LLPBunge OilsCalifornia State University, StanislausCandlewood SuitesCentral Valley AutomotiveCentral Valley Chrysler, Jeep, DodgeCentral Valley Nissan Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai Central Valley Medical GroupChildren’s Hospital Central CaliforniaChildren’s Hospital & Research Center-OaklandChukchansi Gold Resort & CasinoCitibankClark Pest ControlComcastConstruction Management CorporationCourtyard by MarriottCovenant Village of Turlock

Curtis Legal GroupDamrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios, Pacher & SilvaDel Monte FoodsDelta Sierra BeverageDirectLine Technologies, Inc.English Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation HospitalExternal Resources Inc.F & M BankGalletto RistoranteGeorgia-PacificGianelli & AssociatesGilton Solid Waste Management, Inc.Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc.Grover Landscape Services, Inc.Harris Moran Seed CompanyHeald CollegeI.J. Larsen Pumps, Inc.Infiniti of ModestoInstitute of TechnologyInternational Paper CompanyITT Technical InstituteJS West & CompanyKaplan CollegeMV Transportation, Inc.Magnum Boots USA, Inc.McHenry Medical Group, Inc.Mercer FoodsMocse Credit UnionModesto Commerce BankModesto ToyotaMraz, Amerine & AssociatesNestle USAOak Valley Community BankO’Brien’s Market, Inc.OLAM Spices & Vegetables, Inc.Pacific Gas & Electric CompanyPanelized Structures, Inc.Pepsi Bottling GroupPlastipak Packaging Prime Shine Car WashRabobankRaley’sRizo-Lopez Foods Inc.Rocha Transportation San Joaquin Valley CollegeSeven Up Bottling CorporationSolecon Industrial ContractorsSolid Networks, Inc.SpringHill Suites by MarriottStanislaus Food Products CompanyStanislaus Surgical HospitalStorer CoachwaysSutter Gould Medical FoundationTurlock Irrigation DistrictUS BankValley Bio Energy, LLCValley First Credit UnionValley Lexus-BMWVersa Cold Logistics ServicesW.H. Breshears, Inc.Warden’s Office Products CenterWarden’s Office Furniture OutletWells Fargo BankWells Fargo Commercial BankingWinton, Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance AgencyYosemite Meat Company, Inc.

preSiDent'S CluBnew memBerS

Rocha Transportation In June, Rocha Transportation joined the Modesto Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Club – Circle of Influence at the Silver Level. Rocha Transportation is a diversified company dedicated to serving their customer’s multiple needs. Their current operations employ the use of tankers, flat beds,

curtain vans, containers, flat floors and roller vans. Whether the freight moves overland or overseas, Rocha Transportation has the right equipment for the job. Accepting the President’s Club Plaque from Chairman Ralph Curtis is Henry Dirksen, President of Rocha Transportation. To learn more about Rocha Transportation please contact (209) 538-1302 or visit www.rochatrans.com.

Seneca Foods, LLC joined the Modesto Chamber of Commerce in June at the President’s Club – Circle of Influence Gold Level. Accepting Seneca Foods’ President’s Club plaque from Chairman Ralph Curtis is the Human Resources Director, Thomas Nett. Seneca Foods is and always has been dedicated to providing quality food products and service

excellence to their customers. For more information on Seneca Foods, LLC, contact (209) 572-5451 or visit www.senecafoods.com. P

Henry Dirksen

Thomas Nett

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Insurance is an important part of any company’s business plan. *

HEALTH - BUSINESS - WORKERS COMP

AUG 2011 21

Heald College has a long history. Over 145

years ago, Edward Payson Heald opened

the first Heald College in San Francisco,

California. Heald’s mission was,

and continues to be, to prepare

students for business careers

by providing them with career

education that focused on

practical, hands-on learning.

Heald College has persevered

since 1863, weathering two

major earthquakes and two

World Wars, always remaining

true to its original mission. As

the needs of the workplace have

changed, the Heald College

curriculum has evolved from

business courses to include

technology, healthcare and

legal degrees.

The Modesto campus of Heald

College opened its doors in July of 2010 and

currently has 76 faculty and staff members

that serve 650 students. In addition to

providing a quality education to its students,

Heald College also prides itself on being a

great community partner. The

campus is actively involved in

a number of organizations in

Modesto and the surrounding

areas including The March of

Dimes, American Red Cross,

Stanislaus WorkNet and the

Modesto Police Department.

In the recent years many

students have come to Heald

College to get hands on training

that will allow them to enter

the workforce quickly. Despite

the down-turn in the economy

there are many industries that

continue to grow and have

positions that need to be filled.

Heald College is able to offer

students the training and hands

on experience needed to take advantage of

these employment opportunities.

heAlD College SerVICe when yOu need IT(Courtesy of never Boring design Associates)

The one skill you can’t live without in marketing - communication. It seems like a no-brainer, but excellent written and verbal communication can be harder than you might think. Whether it’s drafting a single email, or disseminating a complicated message to an audience of thousands, saying the right thing (nothing more, nothing less) takes skill.

Trying to sum up your company philosophy in six words or less? Trying to fill your next Progress ad with 100 characters of captivating charm and wit? Consider calling in an expert when you’re at a loss for just the right words. The right copywriter can help you draft the message that best fits your brand and project goals.

MOdeSTO MeAnS BuSIneSSThe Chamber stands by this statement.

We practice it on a daily basis. As an organization, we use Chamber Members exclusively. We hope we can ‘count on you’ to practice using Chamber Members to meet all of your business needs. You can find new and current members online at www.modchamber.org, or through our 2010 directory at http://www.villageprofile.com/california/modesto.

Progress Magazine is the voice of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, and the leading business publication in Stanislaus County. For more information or advertising info call (209) 526-9136.

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ADVERTISING I GRAPHIC DESIGN I WEB DESIGN I MARKETING I FILM & MULTIMEDIA I COMMERCIAL SIGNS

This story can also be found at www.modbee.com/workinprogress

In the recent

years many

students have

come to heald

College to

get hands on

training that

will allow

them to enter

the workforce

quickly.

Work InModesto Chamber of Commerce

Progressa series spotlighting some of our area’s most innovative and successful companies


ChAmBer CAlenDAr


AuguSt 201111 Business Before Hours: TSM Insurance & Financial Services

Location: 1317 Oakdale Road, Suite 910

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

18 Business After Hours: Oak Valley Community Bank

Location: 3508 McHenry

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

25 State of Education

Location: Modesto Centre Plaza

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

SeptemBer 20118 Business Before Hours: Intrinsic Elements

Location: 1214 J Street

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

9 50th Annual Harvest Luncheon

Location: Graceada Park, 401 Needham Street

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

15 Business After Hours: Modesto Fitness & Racquet Club

Location: 200 Norwegian Avenue

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

22 Chamber U: Quickbooks® Seminar

Location: Chamber Conference Room, 1114 J Street

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

AUG 2011 23

For a physician referral, call 1.888.284.6641 or visit dmc-modesto.com

• Ranked FIRST in the Region for Cardiac Services

(Healthgrades, 2010)

• The Region’s FIRST Primary Stroke Center

• The County’s FIRST and ONLY Level 3 NICU

• FIRST in the Region to receive Level 2 Trauma Center

Verification from ACS

• FIRST in Modesto to offer daVinci Surgical Robot Technology

Where do these doctors send their families for expert care?

Our name says it all.

FUNNY, IT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE A DOCTOR’S OFFICE.

Announcing A new wAy to connect witH your doctor. Many of your records such

as recent immunizations, future appointments, and many lab results can all be accessed

online. And, these days, that’s just about anywhere. You can even e-mail your child’s

doctor. Just another way that we at Kaiser Permanente help you to live well and thrive.

To learn more, go to kp.org/centralvalley.

ProgressMag_Sep-Dec09_8.25x11.25.indd 1 8/19/09 4:29:22 PM

progress magazine august 2011

Documents

new chamber members

chamber calendar

chamber welcoming

business owners

years lucy

urgent care hoursaug

new member profiles

reach business systems