progress magazine july 2011

July 2011

Vol. 32 Issue 7

modchamber.org

Modesto Chamber of Commerce

progress

Ribbon CuttingsWork In ProgressNew MembersCover Photo by Photos Just So

Shop LocaL

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

Visit suttergould.org for current wait times and location maps.

Sutter Gould Urgent Care Centers offer extended weekday and weekend hours, and all-day walk-in appointments. You’ll also find up to the minute wait times posted online to make staying on top of your health even easier. It’s where convenience meets quality, personalized care from a name you trust.

TURLOCK1015 East Main St.

8 am - 7 pm

STOCKTON2545 W. Hammer Lane

9 am - 8 pm

MODESTO600 Coffee Rd. (1st floor)8 am - 8 pm (Mon.-Fri.)8 am - 6 pm (Sat.-Sun.)

URGENT CARE HOURS

JULY 2011 3

Cover Story

Community Development

eConomiC Development

networking AnD referrAlS

I can’t believe I’ve been an Ambassador for over 9 years. To be involved in thecommunity and on the front line with so many projects is a great experience. I have met so many businesses and organizations through my involvement with this group. This year I have been honored with Chairing the 2011 Oktoberfest. There are many ways to get involved and we welcome and need your help. We go out every month and visit with Chamber Members new and old, and see what we can do together to make Modesto a better place to live and work. Modesto Chamber Ambassadors can and do make a difference. Mike Nash - Mo-Cal Office Solutions –

“Gaining Trust Through Service since 1965” (209) 495-9542. P

6

Awards and Achievements 10Leadership Modesto 11 Announcements 12

New Member Profiles 16People On the Move 16Land of Opportunity 19 Work In Progress 21

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

AmbASSADor 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 PresentsJeremiah 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.

Mike Nash

Modesto Means Business: How small changes can have a big effect

on the local economy

4 Modesto Chamber of Commerce Progress

leADerShip

ChAirmAn’S Corner

Did you know that 70 cents out of every sales tax dollar collected by the City of Modesto goes toward police and fire protection services for our community? I just learned this recently myself. Think about it. When we spend money on local merchants, suppliers and services, they collect and

pay sales taxes, some of which go to the City of Modesto. The City then spends 70% of those tax dollars on police officers and firefighters who are so critical in making our city safe for all of us.

Probably none of us are happy about the cuts that the police and fire departments have had to take because of the dip in taxes collected by the City due to the economy. As a result, response times are slower and officers and firefighters are no longer able to do some of the proactive things they would like to do. How many of us have been in places around town and have thought “it would be nice to see more police around”? The fact of the matter is there just aren’t enough police to go around because the City can’t afford to hire them.

With that in mind, let’s ask ourselves how many of us have run up to the Bay Area to do a little shopping or filled up our tank at a gas station down the road from Modesto? How many of us routinely shop online? How often do we go up the highway to eat at a restaurant out of town or take in some entertainment in another community? Where do we go to buy a new car? When we spend our money out of town, we are making a payment toward that other community’s police and fire protection and, conversely, not contributing to our own. I’m not saying we need to behave as if we were fenced in here in Modesto. However, I do think that the effect sales taxes paid locally will have on our quality of life should be a consideration when we think about where we are going to spend our money. Is the restaurant out of town really that much better than what we have here? Is the product or service we get out of town really superior to what is available locally? If we start thinking about what our tax dollars can do for us right here in Modesto, we might decide that, in many cases, it’s wiser to shop locally. So let’s keep this in mind: buying locally not only supports local businesses (a good reason in itself) but it also helps support our police and fire services, making Modesto better for all of us. P

Ralph Curtis

MODESTO1302 J Street • 209.521.41004204 Dale Road • 209.522.7286www.modestocb.com

TURLOCK134 S. Golden State Blvd.209.669.2777www.turlockcb.com

TURLOCK COMMERCE BANKMODESTO COMMERCE BANK

Experienced BankersWhen you bank with us, you bank with experience and strength.

PATRICK BURDA, TERRI VINES & BRANDON MURPHY

“Buying locally not only supports local

businesses (a good reason in itself) but it also

helps support our police and fire services,

making Modesto better for all of us.”

JULY 2011 5


What is the answer to reductions in school budgets, national science testing scores falling below our global counterparts and a reduction in almost all extra-curricular activities available to junior high and middle school students in the County? Ag in Motion!

Ag in Motion is a 53-foot, self-contained mobile science laboratory offering cutting edge, standards-based labs to 7th grade students in the Central Valley. The lab provides students the opportunity for hands-on lab experiments in a science laboratory setting. The lab lessons, prepared by local science teachers, challenge students while introducing them to concepts covered on the California Standards Science test and making a connection to local agriculture.

A project of the National Ag Science Center, Ag in Motion is modeled after mobile labs on the East Coast and Los Angeles. These hugely successful labs share one common aspect: they bring science directly to the students. Ag in Motion is the result of the efforts of local business leaders who stepped forward to support education and promote agriculture. It is the first phase of an effort that will eventually culminate with the construction of the National Ag Science Center museum on the Modesto Junior College campus.

Ag in Motion is truly a volunteer effort. Modesto Transfer and Storage’s Gary Smith donated the Kentucky Trailer which is being transformed into a mobile classroom. The committee, chaired by Tom Norquist of Tenney A. Norquist Inc., Ed Rocha of Rocha Valley Transports and Bob Gallo of E. & J. Gallo Winery began working on the concept by bringing teachers together in June to ask what curriculum would increase student science comprehension.

Ag in Motion labs create student interest in careers in science and provide a link between what they learn and the people who work in the industry,

thereby raising awareness of possible future careers. The labs offered to schools include: light and chromatography, strawberry DNA extraction, bug anatomy and a two-part seeds lab with dispersal and dichotomous key focus areas.

At the end of each laboratory session, students will be able to view video interviews highlighting an “unexpected” job that relates to the lab they have completed. These interviews range from the State of California’s first

female veterinarian to a computer analyst in a seed business. The videos, filmed by Never Boring Design Associates, are designed to give students a cool look at interesting jobs and inspire them to work toward a rewarding career, quite possibly in their hometown.

Results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) show that American students are woefully unprepared for the rigor of science programs and are falling behind their global counterparts. The Ag in Motion labs are self-contained with 20 laboratory stations and all the materials and lab instruction necessary to teach a class. Best of all, these labs are offered to schools at no cost thanks to the generosity of the National Ag Science Center.

The National Ag Science Center is still raising funds to support this free science resource. There are over 7,000 seventh graders in Stanislaus County who will be reached by Ag in Motion’s science, careers and hands-on fun. The National Ag Science Center invites individuals and businesses to help us bring this science and career resource to our Valley students. For sponsorship information, call the National Ag Science Center at (209) 521-2902. P

look out 7th grADerS, SCienCe iS Coming to you!

By Emily Lawrence, Modesto City School and Michele Laverty, National Ag Science Center

Photos by Andrea Covolo, National Ag Science Center


“The rebirth of the campaign is largely the effort of a core of Chamber members who recognized that the key to Modesto’s future lay in the priorities of its past,” says Cecil Russell, Chamber President and CEO.

David Halvorson, owner of American Chevrolet and Chamber Board Vice Chairman, Member Relations, is one of the motivating forces of the movement. According to Halvorson, “our main focus as a Chamber of Commerce should be encouraging people to promote local business and improve quality of life in Modesto. I was involved in the original campaign and we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel this time around. This is just a refocus on our core values.”

Halvorson encourages every citizen of Modesto to adopt his community-centered view for the good of the city. “The way I look at it is Modesto is my world. That’s my micro-environment. My macro is Stanislaus County. If I can’t get it in Modesto, I want to get it in Stanislaus County. I don’t shop anywhere else. That’s my responsibility as a Modestan and that’s what I do. And we all need to get there.”

his month, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, with the support of many local businesses, has started a major advertising push to resurrect the Modesto Means Business campaign. This

“buy local” initiative, familiar to long time residents, aims to encourage local shopping and community-mindedness in the city. Planners of the campaign’s renewal hope that by encouraging locals to consider the large impact of small purchases, the campaign will help to revitalize the city’s economy and prevent the need for difficult austerity measures that could deprive Modestans of essential services and put more public employees in the unemployment line.

Encouraging the local economy has long been a priority of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. In past decades, the Modesto Means Business campaign was a frequent advertiser on local radio and TV stations, but with the advent of the housing boom and changing economic priorities, the campaign was shelved and one of Modesto’s most important economic sources was allowed to fade from public view.

TWritten by Justin Souza, Photos by Photos Just So

Modesto Means Business: How small changes can have a big

effect on the local economy

JULY 2011 7

Cover Story

The central tenet of the Modesto Means Business campaign is this: the key to a strong city economy is keeping community dollars circulating within the city limits. A successful and sustainable local business model resembles a spider web as dollars spent within the city repeatedly navigate the local economy. Analysis by the City of Modesto indicates that every dollar spent in the city economy turns 3.5 times. This means that a dollar spent by a Modestan at a local business might pass to a local worker, then to a local restaurant, to a local food

supplier and so on. In this way, the same dollar can cycle through the economy repeatedly in a short time frame. This crisscrossing of income throughout the city has a tremendous ripple effect and helps grow local businesses, increase local wages and even support local infrastructure through tax revenues.

This recirculation of dollars is essential to the existence of local businesses, citizens and government alike, said Halvorson. “Think about that factor of 3.5 per dollar. I buy something and you get paid and then you buy something. It helps everyone. The dollar turns and turns and turns. It multiplies to infinity.”

With the new focus of the Modesto Means Business campaign, Modesto’s leaders hope to have a positive effect on Modesto’s future by increasing awareness of the problem in the Modesto community. Halvorson said that one of the issue’s major components is missing tax revenues, a factor that can go unnoticed by citizens until large changes—from government layoffs to bankruptcy declarations—are required. As local shopping has decreased, Modesto city and Stanislaus County have missed out on sales tax earnings that help to fund essential city services including the fire and police departments.

The city’s police department has been particularly hard hit. According to the City of Modesto’s staffing plan, Modesto should maintain a ratio of 1.8 police officers per 1,000 citizens. While Modesto needs 387 officers according to this figure, the city currently only employs 236, with more cuts likely in the future.

“We have a magnificent public safety department; our police and fire departments are incredible. Our crime rate has gone down even though

we are short of officers, but I want more and they deserve more.” Halvorson says he hopes the Modesto Means Business campaign will help to bridge this gap and get Modesto flourishing again.

This vision of a revitalized Modesto depends on a large number of locals making the individual choice to spend their money locally, and the Modesto Means Business campaign hopes to accomplish just that. The new version of the campaign is very similar to the old one, and not by accident, according to Halvorson. “The fundamentals are always the same. These foundational concepts of community support don’t change. The ad campaign is really an out of sight out of mind thing. It needs to be out there to remind people to think and shop locally.”

The Chamber hopes to reignite the community’s passion for local thinking with the campaign. “Where you live needs to be a focal point of what you do. Modesto Means Business is a buy local campaign but I think it’s also a social awareness campaign. To save our community, we have to get everyone to think: do I need to get this out of town or can I deal with it here?”

Halvorson indicated that the ease and ubiquity of online shopping is a major threat to the campaign’s success. “Every dollar spent on the Internet means 8.375 cents that don’t get put back in our community. I don’t think the average person thinks ‘well if I buy this on the Internet I’m harming my community’ but that’s the truth. Buying on the Internet is easy, but we can’t afford it.”

While Modesto is still in better economic shape than many cities in the area, its current direction is unsustainable. Halvorson said that he hopes the buy local campaign can help stall the downward slide. “If we don’t change our focus on the way we do our commerce, Modesto is not going to make it. Everybody needs to become more community aware. It’s our responsibility as citizens.” P

"To save our community, we have to get

everyone to think: do I need to get this

out of town or can I deal with it here?”

– David Halvorson



moDeSto ChAmbergovernment

relAtionS CounCilWhile you’re busy running your business, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce is taking action to improve the local business climate. Each year, the Chamber takes positions on laws and regulations that are being considered at all levels of government. Efforts are continually made to nurture relationships with local, regional and state elected officials and their staff to ensure that our member businesses are represented on issues that might have an impact to our city, region and state. We seek to inform and educate ourselves about the issues and policies of the government agencies that affect business in our area. In the near term, we will schedule one-on-one meetings with our local legislators, city and county officials to discuss issues of mutual interest.

One of the important committees of our Chamber is the Government Relations Council (GRC). The purpose of the GRC is to provide a basis for the Chamber to act and influence local, state and federal government issues, promote the region’s economic strengths and viability and advocate for public policies that are advantageous to the business community.

Recent ly, the Chamber revised the GRC pol ic ies and procedures so their work wil l be more vis ibly benef ic ia l to the Chamber as a whole . Al though the vot ing membership on the GRC is l imited to 20 Chamber members – who are a l l ful ly committed and genuinely interested in our community and in advancement programs, legis lat ion and regulat ions that enhance, rather than hamper, the business community – the monthly meet ings are open to a l l Chamber members , and are at tended regular ly by representat ives of a l l levels of government that cover the Modesto region.

GRC members are continuously analyzing proposed regulations and legislation for recommendations to the Chamber Board on actions the Chamber should take to support or oppose an issue. If you are a Chamber member and would like to attend a GRC meeting or have a specific business related issue addressed by the GRC, please contact the Chamber at (209) 577-5757 or [email protected] GRC meets at noon in the Chamber Board Room on the 3rd Friday of the month. P

JULY 2011 9

MODESTO MEANS BUSINESS

Your message will be included in commercials

produced by The Modesto Chamber of Commerce

and certain restrictions apply. Production services are

also available at reduced rates. Don’t pass up this

opportunity to be part of a campaign to educate

the public on the importance of shopping locally

and gain exposure for your business at a fraction

of the usual cost.

Please call Warren Groeschel at (209) 526-9136 for

more information.

BUY LOCAL, Invest in your futureMembers of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce are eligible for greatly discounted

rates on the following media outlets.

• Radio commercials on the top stations in the market

KATM, KHKK, KHOP, KWIN, KESP, KJSN, KFIV, KMRQ, KOSO and KRVR.

• TV commercials on major networks through Comcast

• Newspaper space in the Modesto Bee

STOP THE BUCK HERE.

Modesto Bee advertising$150 a month per space

Shop Local.



AwArDS AnD AChievementS

Never Boring Design Associates (NBDA) received international recognition in the Hermes Creative Awards. The Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional and emerging media. With over 4,400 entries, NBDA received a Platinum Award for American Cancer Society’s “An Evening Under the Sea” Invitation; a Gold Award for G3 Enterprise’s “One Resource, Multiple Choices” Ad Copy; and an Honorable Mention for The Salvation Army’s “Making History” Invitation. NBDA offers graphic design, marketing, film and commercial sign services. For more information, please contact (209) 526-9136 or visit neverboring.com.

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce staff and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce Linda Curtis, Kelly Services, Inc., as their Ambassador of the Month for February, March and April. Linda was also the recipient of the Ambassador of the Quarter for this year ’s first quarter. The Chamber ’s Board of Directors

and staff appreciate the hard work that Linda and all of the Ambassadors do throughout the year. Congratulate Linda at the next Chamber Business Before or After Hours because you know she will be there! P

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Lighting rebates HVAC rebates High efficiencymotor rebates

Linda Curtis

SAve the DAteWillkommen to Oktoberfest 2011Mark your calendars now and get ready for the 28th Annual Oktoberfest, set for Friday, October 7, 2011, at John Thurman Field. This exciting event will feature live music, abundant beer and wine tasting, a Midway and exhibit booths.

Unlike any other event in the Valley, this 21-and-over festival is one that people return to year after year. Experience an evening filled with brats, beer, wine, cheese and other favorites from local growers.

New this year, Online ticket sales! Mark your calendar for a fun filled evening. P

JULY 2011 11

leADerShip moDeSto

In early April, the Leadership Modesto 2010-11 class learned about our area’s Land Use and Infrastructure. The class met at Modesto Irrigation District (MID), where the day was kicked off with a candid discussion from MID’s General Manager, Allen Short. Short spoke of the challenges facing today’s water and power industries. Some of these challenges include upward pressures of legislative and regulatory mandates, green energy requirements and costs, water availability and water quality. These issues are just a few of the challenges our local water and power industries are facing today.

The class then moved on to a tour of the MID Control Room where they gained knowledge about what it takes to get power to local homes and businesses. MID Operations Manager, Toxie Burriss reviewed the 24-hour/7 days a week functions of the MID Control Center. Activities include monitoring system and power needs, purchasing additional power as necessary, communicating with MID crews, monitoring canal flows and reservoir elevations and responding to power outages and other system emergencies. All of this is done to ensure reliable service from MID.

Next on the agenda was a visit to City Hall for a Traffic Tour provided by City of Modesto Public Works Traffic Engineer, Mark Murphy. Murphy enlightened the class on how the City plans for and controls traffic on our streets. The class was also informed of the status of downtown redevelopment, by City of Modesto Senior Planner, Josh Bridegroom. They were also given a brief history of Modesto development and land use by Bob Cannell, Retired Planner, City of Modesto and Dennis Wilson, Land Use Consultant with Horizon Consulting Services.

One of the highlights of the day was when the class was provided the opportunity to design their own neighborhood. The Leadership Modesto class really enjoyed this interactive activity, as they broke into teams to design their neighborhoods. Assistance in this activity was provided by City of Modesto Senior Planner, Josh Bridegroom, City of Modesto Transportation Planner, Helen Wang and Dennis Wilson a Land Use Consultant and Partner with Horizon Consulting. Bridegroom facilitated

the City Planning, Wang facilitated the City Traffic and Wilson facilitated the Private Sector portion of the neighborhood designs. Some of the students recognized this task was more challenging than anticipated. The class was also fortunate to experience a Planning Commission Simulation by Steve Mitchell , Principal Planner.

The day ended with a panel discussion on hot topics such as landowner rights vs. community rights, Ag preservation, WestPark, redevelopment, North County Corridor,SB 337 and AB 32. The group found the banter between moderator George Petrulakis with Petrulakis Jensen & Friedrich, LLP and panelists Councilman Joe Muratore,

Benchmark Commercial Real Estate, Bill Zoslocki with Bill Zoslocki Construction Company, Inc., Denny Jackman with Farmland Working Group and Kirk Ford, Planning Director with Stanislaus County to be very entertaining. The panelists each shared their expertise and opinions and answered hard hitting questions from the class.

The Leadership Modesto Class and the Modesto Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the Land Use and Infrastructure day sponsors which include MID, Benchmark Commercial Real Estate and the City of Modesto. P

Quiet Confidence | Proven Excellence

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

David L. GianelliCertified Specialist

Estate PlanningTrust & Probate Law

Taxation

Michael L. GianelliCertified SpecialistEstate PlanningTrust & Probate LawBusiness



AnnounCementSChase Bank, located at 3601 Pelandale Avenue, Modesto will be holding a Grand Opening on July 23, 2011. Chase will be hosting this event from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at their newest branch in Modesto. Stop by for refreshments, balloon artists and a visit with Chase The Dog! For more information please contact Chase Bank at (877) 576-6648.

Modesto Chamber of Commerce, Your Chamber has been undergoing some dramatic changes. These changes come in many different forms from big to small and internal to external. One of the internal changes made is the process for submitting Progress articles for New Member Profile, People on the Move, Awards & Achievements and Announcements. The articles are limited to 85 words or less and may be sent to Administrative Assistant Meagan Lopez at [email protected]. Geriatric Home Care Specialists is now LWF Home Care Specialists, “Family owned, family focused since 1994,” providing exceptional care not only to seniors and veterans, but to anyone needing help due to disabilities, Parkinson’s Disease, dementia—including Alzheimer’s—and those needing hospice assistance. Our goal is to offer services to help each client maintain maximum independence in their own home. By renaming the company, we hope to be better recognized as a highly skilled home care agency providing specialized services beyond just senior care. For more information please contact (209) 523-7779 or visit www.lwfhomecare.com. P


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StAte of eDuCAtion

The Chamber’s State of Education event will introduce a new major collaboration between business, education and the non profit sector. With measurable outcomes in mind, the Chamber believes this event can positively affect the workforce within our county and prepare Stanislaus County to compete within the California economy and worldwide.

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce invites you to be a part of a new event bringing together community leaders from business, education, local government and non profits. This event held at the Modesto Centre Plaza will give you an opportunity to learn about a new collaboration coordinated by The Alliance to forge a path to solutions for the challenges of workforce preparedness that limit economic development in our region.

Join us on August 25 at 11:30 a.m. as we introduce a new way of pulling together education and business. This effort will create more resources and clear goals with accountability to reach critical outcomes to assure greater prosperity in Stanislaus County.

For more information contact Elizabeth Facanha at (209) 577-5757 or email at [email protected] P

JULY 2011 13

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new ChAmber memberS


bASketS by nellieDonna Quinn4009 Cornfield CourtModesto, CA 95356(209) [email protected] Baskets, Parcels & Collectibles

CellulAr SolutionSDuVal Jones1315 W. Roseburg, Suite #4Modesto, CA 95350(209) [email protected]

Cell Phone Repair

Dior SChool of CoSmetology Sam Rasho3600 Sisk RoadModesto, CA 95356(209) 521-1000(209) [email protected]

School of Cosmetology

greenS mArket Ann Endsley 1508 Tenth Street Modesto, CA 95354(209) 524-7336(209) [email protected]

Grocers-Retail

moDeSto viewGreg Cobb4300 Finch RoadModesto, CA 95357(209) 380-0310(209) [email protected]

Media Services

premier vAlley bAnkGabriele Rude 605 Standiford Avenue, Suite JModesto, CA 95350(209) 523-4800(209) [email protected]

Banks

QDobA mexiCAn grillKimberly Mohr3601 Pelandale AvenueModesto, CA 95356(209) 538-9500(209) [email protected]/pelandale

Restaurants

minnie’S biteSEducation is the key element to growing Modesto’s economy. Providing a strong education program to our K – 12 students gives them a solid foundation on which to build their future. Well

educated young people provide a well educated workforce and bring new business and jobs to our city. The Chamber recognizes this need and has created a new State of Education event that will discuss current issues and solutions to education. We have partnered with The Stanislaus County Workforce Alliance to roll out their workforce education initiative program. It is our goal to improve the Modesto and Stanislaus County economy through the collaborative efforts of business and education. P

Minnie Dodge

JULY 2011 15

The Stratford at Beyer Park is elevating today’s standards for assisted living. We welcome you with the warmth and charm of a gracious home providing a superior lifestyle to seniors who value their independence, choice and dignity.

The Stratford at Beyer Park3529 Forest Glenn Dr, Modesto, CA 95355(209) 236-1900

De Vinci’s Delicatessen & CateringDe Vinci’s originated in Stockton, CA over 30 years ago and is well known for their delicious homemade ravioli, not to mention their unbelievable portions. For the past five years the Modesto location has been keeping those traditions alive with dine-in, carry out and catering.

De Vinci’s Delicatessen & Catering1400 Standiford Ave #7, Modesto, CA 95350(209) 579-7287

Littler MendelsonFounded in 1942 by the head of California’s War Labor Board, the law firm of Littler Mendelson has always served the needs of the nation’s employers. Littler offers a wide range of employment law solutions with more than 800 attorneys, 51 locations.

Littler Mendelson5200 N. Palm Avenue #302, Fresno, CA 93704(559) 244-7549

june business before hoursHosted by: De Vinci’s Delicatessen and Catering and Littler Mendelson

june business afTer hoursHosted by: The Stratford at Beyer Park

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people on the move


Ken Williams has joined Carrollton Mortgage Company as a Reverse Mortgage Specialist. Ken has been very active in Real Estate for over 40 years. His community involvement includes: YMCA Board Member, Kiwanis Club, NAACP Life Member, Modesto Business Alliance Board Member and County Building Appeals Board.

Carrollton Mortgage Company is the oldest reverse mortgage company in the Western United States and appreciates Ken’s depth of experience and community involvement. For more information contact Ken at (209) 526-6200 or visit www.carrolltonmortgage.com.

Lieutenant Gary Watts officially retired May 31, 2011 having devoted 26 years to public safety with the Modesto Police Department. Chief Harden honored Lt. Watts with an MPD ‘Challenge Coin’, a military tradition emphasizing the continuing ideals of service and ethics. Gary now joins Modesto-based firm Valley Wealth, Inc., a financial services

company, as an Investment Advisor Representative. “The transition is not difficult at all. I’m accustomed to helping and protecting people. I apply those same instincts to an individual’s retirement planning and financial goals. It’s about trust and stewardship,” states Watts. For more information contact Jason Gordo at (209) 579-5900 or email [email protected].

Benchmark Commercial Real Estate Services is proud to announce the newest addition to their team, Jori Novotny as Property and Transaction Manager. Jori, a CSU Stanislaus graduate and CPM (Certified Property Manager) candidate brings extensive experience in property management and client relations to the Benchmark

team. Jori will be continuing to grow Benchmark’s commercial property management division. She understands the needs of commercial & residential property owners and works to exceed owner expectations. For more information please call (209) 529-4425 or visit www.benchmarkcres.com.

LWF Home Care Specialists has been providing specialized, experienced, in-home care since 1994 to help people remain active and independent in their own

homes. The California based, family owned company’s Modesto office welcomes Dawn Harp, RN, Care Manager, and Candace Sibley, Personnel Specialist, to the team. They will be joining Syanne Dominguez, Branch Manager, Gretchen Skalinder, M.S., Care Manager and Kimberly Hansen (not pictured), Community Relations Director, in providing quality in-home care to Stanislaus County and the surrounding areas (209) 523-7779 www.lwfhomecare.com. P

Ken Williams Jori Novotny

Lt. Gary Watts

LWF Home Care Specialists

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is one of the oldest financial institutions in the United States. For over 200 years, it has been a leading global financial services firm in more than 60 countries with assets of $2.1 trillion. In Modesto, Chase serves nearly 75,000 consumer customers and nearly 2,900 small business customers through five branches and 22 ATMs. In mid-May, Chase will be opening a new branch on Pelandale Avenue in Modesto. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

The Choku-Rei Center is a true holistic wellness center. We view health as physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being that results in joy. We offer holistic health counseling services, therapeutic bodywork & massage, energy work, life & relationship coaching, public education, professional makeup classes and more. Our goal is to help

people bring balance to their lives. The Center, at 2028 W. Orangeburg, Modesto, is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call (209) 450-6896 or visit www.chokureicenter.com for The Center or www.johnwesleyartistry.com for makeup classes.

Coneth Solutions provides worry-free IT. Since 2001, successful organizations have been using Coneth Solutions for IT consulting and outsourcing, network design, back-up solutions, business process design and software development. The company provides proven cutting edge solutions that are scaled to fit organizations ranging in size from small to enterprise levels. Coneth Solutions is proud of its perfect track record and is now offering cloud integration solutions to forward minded businesses and organizations. For information call (209)824-8727 or visit www.coneth.com. P

new member profileS


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tuttimelon3401 Dale Rd #508 Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 572-2224

velvet grill & CreAmery2204 McHenry Ave., Modesto, CA 95350(209) 544-9029

thorSon finAnCiAl eStAte mAnAgement inC.1101 Standiford Ave Ste C-2, Modesto, CA 95350(209) 522-0250

hArlAnD wAtCh & DiAmonD3440 McHenry Ave D8, Modesto, CA 95350 (209) 522-7390

prinCipAl ServiCe SolutionS inC.2937 Veneman Ave. C-170, Modesto, CA 95356(209) 846-9222

JULY 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.

Ann Endsley, Owner of Greens Market

Greens Market was founded during the summer of 2011 as a place where the community can access fresh, local, sustainable and mostly-organic products. Another part of the mission is to provide delicious, healthy and seasonal prepared food and baked goods seven days a week. We feature produce, eggs, dairy, cheeses, meats, poultry, breads, gourmet

items and many vegan and gluten-free items.

What have you done in the past that has led you to where you are now? I was born in Alameda, went to U.C. Berkeley and Cambridge

University in England and then lived in San Francisco before I moved to Modesto in 1992. My professional career was in the real estate investment industry, but I was always interested in agriculture, farming and artisanal

production of local food items. Growing up in the Bay Area and traveling in Europe I saw the benefits of cooking and eating with the seasons and

using the freshest ingredients possible. I also felt that there were almost no places in our area where consumers could get access to many of the wonderful products made right in our own backyard.

When you were younger what goals did you set for yourself and why? My goal was always to work hard and to use whatever

resources I had to help other people along the way. I had many good mentors and people who encouraged me to pursue my interests and I have

tried to do that for others. Other than that my goal has been to just try to do the best job I can each day.

What are some of the accomplishments of which you are particularly proud? I am proud that I have been able to employ a lot of great people. We currently have about 40 employees between the market, production kitchen and bakery. I try very hard to create a positive, up-lifting work environment where people feel heard and respected. I spend a lot of time listening to my employees, asking them for their input and ideas and finding out what they need to improve their

production and their experiences at work. Many of the people who work for me have been with me for many years. We are like family.

You’re very much an entrepreneur. What do you think makes you such a success? I really think that it boils down to just enjoying what you do. I enjoy the challenge of creating something interesting and then

building a team of like-minded people to walk the journey with me. It’s no fun to be an entrepreneur alone. I try to surround myself with people

who bring many talents and skills to the project and let them run as

though it is their own business. I don’t micro manage. We set common goals and benchmarks and then each set out to achieve them in the way we think we can do it best. It’s not always pretty but people feel ownership of the process and in the long run it is a more respectful, and ultimately successful outcome.

Do you participate in any community outreach efforts or clubs?I try to contribute in any way I can to a number of wonderful causes in our community. The need is so very great. I have a particular interest in helping children because they are our future and often times so vulnerable that they need a special helping hand. We set up a family foundation several years ago and my children help direct where our funds go. That has been a great process watching them research and develop causes that are important to them and that they choose to support. Our goal is to help as many people as we can.

What are your plans for the future? I plan to keep developing and refining Greens Market and Four Seasons Farms and continuing to build relationships with local farmers and purveyors. I would like to expand the operations on our organic farm so that people could visit the farm and see the way our food is grown, processed and prepared. I would like to expand some of our projects to focus on education and teaching children and families how easy and affordable it is to eat local, healthy foods all year round. We have lots of ideas about bringing delicious, sustainable food to our area for all to enjoy.

What advice do you have for business people when it comes to achieving their goals? I would strongly urge people to not let the problems and struggles get them down. They are going to occur. Just keep going. I also think it is very important to realize and admit when you make a mistake. If employees see you acknowledging your own mistakes, they will be less hesitant to acknowledge their own and you will all be able to work in a more honest and productive work environment, which is more fun and comfortable for all.

What do you like about doing business in the Modesto community and why do you think this is the Land of Opportunity? I think Modesto is a GREAT community. There are so many wonderful people and families here. There is a strong sense of community here, people are accepting of each other and I believe most of us share very solid family values. I think there is tremendous opportunity in Modesto, especially in the area of promoting agriculture and healthy eating. While there are several excellent groups working on this, we are trying to focus on getting the delicious bounty from our area into the hands of local consumers.

Ann Endsley

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



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-DMCFrito-Lay Company, Inc.MedAmerica Billing ServicesPacific 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 levelSilver 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 Plant #1Delta 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 USAMcHenry 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-Cola Bottling GroupPlastipak Packaging Prime Shine Car WashRabobankRaley’sRizo-Lopez Foods Inc.Rocha TransportationSan Joaquin Valley CollegeSeven Up Bottling CorporationSolecon Industrial ContractorsSolid Networks, Inc.SpringHill Suites by MarriottStanislaus Food Products CompanyStanislaus Surgical HospitalStantec ConsultingStorer CoachwaysSutter Gould Medical FoundationTurlock Irrigation DistrictUS Bank (Modesto Main)Valley Bio Energy, LLCValley First Credit UnionValley Lexus-BMWVersa Cold Logistics ServicesW.H. Breshears, Inc.Warden’s Office Products CenterWarden’s Office Furniture OutletWells Fargo BankWinton, Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance AgencyYosemite Meat Company, Inc.

preSiDent'S ClubreCeption

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce President’s Club – Circle of Influence held a reception on May 25, 2011, at Heald College. City Manager Greg Nyhoff spoke about collaboration, cleaning-up downtown and working towards a better and more prosperous economic future. Heald College President, Ezra Salas touched on education and partnering with the local business community to build a better workforce. Chamber President & CEO Cecil Russell reinforced that we must work together to make changes, stating as an example the upcoming State of Education event on August 25, 2011. Collaborating with educators, businesses and non profits, this event will provide the opportunity to make a difference.

The Chamber Board of Directors graciously thanks City Manager Greg Nyhoff for sharing his thoughts. A special thanks to Heald College for hosting the event and The Elephant Bar Restaurant for the generous donation of food. If you are interested in joining the President’s Club - Circle of Influence, call Nita Gruendeman at (209) 577-5757 to find out about the many benefits. P

JULY 2011 21

In 2007, Vintage Faire Mall was at a crossroads.

While the Mall already offered a comprehensive

retail mix, they knew from retailers looking to

expand into the Modesto market that there

was an opportunity to provide additional

shopping and dining options.

They envisioned creating an

environment that would

showcase their retailers, much

like the main street shopping

experience, and connect

seamlessly to the existing

shopping center.

That vision became the Village

at Vintage Faire. The Tuscan-

influenced outdoor lifestyle

addition opened in November

2008, was designed to be a

gathering place for the community

with new shops and restaurants.

“We not only created a great

‘people place’ for our community,”

said Skip Kuhn, Vice President,

Real Estate, for The Macerich

Company, “but added a little

density to an existing project which is a smart use

of land.” It was important to add retail to property

that is already a significant draw to benefit the city

through added sales tax dollars and job creation.

Over the last three years, Vintage Faire has focused

on a retail mix matched to market demand and

shoppers’ requests. The brands that opened

in the Village’s first phase were all new-to-the-

market retailers and included well known brands

like Apple, bebe, BJ’s Restaurant

& Brewhouse, Coach, Coldwater

Creek, and Sephora. The strength

of these brands demonstrates the

strength of the Modesto market

and show that retailers see the

Village as an opportunity.

The Village’s second and third

phase retailers are slated to

be installed by this fall and

will include Buffalo Wild

Wings, Charming Charlie, Chico’s,

Chipotle, G by Guess and Men’s

Wearhouse.

“Vintage Faire has stayed true to

the original strategy of leasing

the Village spaces with new-to-

the-market, lifestyle retailers that

our customers have been going

outside of the area to shop,” commented Maria

Halstead, Senior Property Manager. “Although it

has meant being patient, this line-up is definitely

worth the wait.”

vintAge fAire mAll SerVIce when you need It(courtesy of never Boring design associates)

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.

© N

ever

Bor

ing

Des

ign

• ne

verb

orin

g.co

m

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

“ we not only

created a great

‘people place’ for

our community,

but added a little

density to an

existing project

which is a smart

use of land.

”- Skip Kuhn, The Macerich Company

Work InModesto Chamber of Commerce

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

Whether you have a single business vehicle or

you operate a fleet, a custom vehicle wrap could

turn your every errand into exposure. Outdoor

Advertising Association of America says that more

than 95% of Americans are reached by media

targeting drivers, one vehicle wrap can generate

up to 70,000 impressions daily and 30% of viewers

indicate they would base a buying decision on a

mobile ad. To find out how to earn great returns

with your vehicles, contact Never Boring’s sign shop

today at 526-9136.


ChAmber CAlenDAr


July 2011

9 Candidate Workshop Location: Salida Regional Library, 4835 Sisk Rd, Salida Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 14 Business Before Hours: Express Employment Professionals Location: 2020 Standiford Avenue Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

21 Business After Hours: Pacific Records Management Location: 820 Business Park Drive Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

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 Avenue 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.

The Number one Business Publication in stanislaus County

For advertising information please call Progress Magazine at 209.526.9136

Help your business make PROGRESSModesto Chamber of Commerc

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

www.ovcb.comOakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock Patterson • Ripon • Escalon • Stockton

Jim Ruddy, Mike Ruddy Sr., and Mike Ruddy Jr., with Oak Valley’s

Ron Davenport, 209.343.7627

“We value our relationship with

Oak Valley Community Bank. They have the same

products and technology as the big banks,

but with better service and a better understanding of our business needs.”

- Allied Concrete, Modesto

Experience business banking the way it should be – the perfect blend of old-fashioned personal service and modern technology to meet your every need.

Let us make your business, our business.

JULY 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 july 2011

Documents

modesto chamber ambassadors

new chamber members

chamber members new

chamber calendar

special events

urgent care hoursjuly

new member profiles

personalized care