July 2012

Vol. 33 Issue 7

modchamber.org

Harvest Luncheon State of EducationMarch for the ArchCover Photo by Studio Warner

Vito Chiesa: Ag Means Business in the Central Valley

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I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce Welcome Team. Through this experience and the countless ribbon cuttings I’ve attended, I’ve met many great people and have been privileged to welcome them into our community. Modesto is a wonderful place to work and live and I’ve enjoyed sharing that message as a member of the Welcome Team. I look forward to welcoming new businesses into our community as I continue my service with the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please contact Victoria Gaffney, Commercial Relationship Manager, USBank at (209) 491-5006. P

Welcome Team Corner

PROGRESS MAGAZINE1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354(209) 577-5757 • (209) 571-6480 • Fax (209) 577-2673www.modchamber.org • info@modchamber.org

Victoria Gaffney

Everything! Find the events thatkeep our area hopping at mydesto.com

A:Q: What’s happeningin Modesto today?

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 participate and partner in activities to improve quality of life.

Executive Committee ChairmanRalph Curtis, Curtis Legal Group

Chairman ElectDavid Gianelli, Gianelli & Associates

Past ChairmanKathy Halsey, Individual Member

Vice Chairman of Internal OperationsPatricia Gillum, Patricia Gillum, CPA

Vice Chairman of External OperationsDan Garcia, Tri Counties Bank

Vice Chairman of Member RelationsBill Moreno, Fire2Wire

Vice Chairman of Events & Special ProjectsDoug Johnson, Reach Business Systems, Inc.

DirectorsPamela Cullors, Sysco Food Services of Central California David Halvorson, American Chevrolet Neal Khatri, Best Western Khatri PropertiesCraig Lewis, Prudential California RealtySharon Likely, Kaiser Permanente Steve Madison, STANCOMichael Moradian, Peace of Mind Home Inspection, Inc.Ron Owen, Bank of the WestChris Ricci, Chris Ricci Presents, Inc. James Ridenour, Individual Member Ruben Villalobos, The Villalobos Legal GroupLaura Ward, Ward Promotional Marketing SolutionsJeremiah Williams, Oak Crafts by Jeremiah

Ex-OfficioBill Bassitt, The AllianceGeorge Boodrookas, Modesto Junior CollegeKeith Boggs, Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office David Boring, Never Boring DesignGreg Nyhoff, City of Modesto

Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce(209) 577-5757 • info@modchamber.org

Graphic Design: Never Boring Design Associates(209) 526-9136 • www.neverboring.com

Printer: Parks Printing(209) 576-2568 • frankp@parksprinting.com

Distribution: Parks Printing(209) 576-2568

Advertising Sales: Kristin BowkerNever Boring Design Associates(209) 526-9136 • progress@neverboring.com

On the cover: Vito Chiesa Photo by: Studio Warner

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19 Get ready for the 29th Annual Oktoberfest!

CONTENTS july 2012

leadershIp

4 Message from the CEO

5 Your Chamber at Work

CoVer story

6 Vito Chiesa: Ag Means Business in the Central Valley

eduCatIon

8 State of Education: Building Bridges for Tomorrow’s Workforce9 CFB is the Place to Be!

15 Ag Education Thriving in Modesto

CommunIty deVelopment

14 Leadership Modesto18 Announcements25 Work in Progress26 Awards and Achievements

eConomIC deVelopment

11 People on the Move 20 New Member Profiles

23 Land of Opportunity

networkIng & referrals

16 Ribbon Cuttings 17 Business Before and After Hours 20 New Chamber Members 26 Calendar

messaGe from the ceoBy Chamber CEO Cecil Russell

leadership

The focus of the July issue of Progress is Agriculture. As we, The Modesto Chamber of Commerce, continue to celebrate our 100th year, it is important that we honor our rich heritage in Agriculture. Modesto’s economy was driven by Agriculture from its very beginning, and that is still true today. Much of our economy is generated by the many farms and ranches that operate in our community.

The Stanislaus County Farm Bureau has served and represented the interests of

the coalition of farmers for 98 years. Great leadership for our region, state and country has come from Valley Agricultural families such as Congressman Dennis Cardoza; Congressman Jeff Denham; Senator Tom Berryhill; Assemblyman Bill Berryhill; Clare Berryhill, who served in the State Assembly, the State Senate and as the Director of the State Department of Food and Agriculture; Henry Voss, 1989 Director of the State Department of Food and Agriculture; Ann Veneman, US Secretary of Agriculture and 1995-99 Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and Bill Lyons Jr., 1999 Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

We have many Ag-related businesses in our area: Foster Farms; Frito Lay; Seneca Foods; Del Monte; J. S. West; Mercer Foods; Stanislaus Food Products; Nick Sciabica & Sons; Classic Wine and Vinegar Company; Four Seasons Farms; Chiesa Ranch; Post Foods; Ratto Bros.; Hilmar Cheese; Fiscalini Farms and Gallo Wines; Bunge Oils; Harris Moran Seed Company; Olam Spices & Vegetables, Inc.; Nestle, USA and SunOpta Aseptic, Inc., just to name a few! There are over 4,110 farms in Stanislaus County [source: USDA Agricultural Statistics Service]. The list would fill pages. The point is, all of our Ag-related businesses with all of their employees help push our economy forward.

It has been said many times that education is fundamental to growing our economy. That is also very true in our Agricultural community. Over 2,500 students are enrolled in the Modesto City Schools FFA (Future Farmers of America) program. These young people are among the top students each and every year in our city schools. Most of these students go on to further their education in colleges around the country. A large portion of students from our local schools attend Modesto Junior College and California State University, Stanislaus. The Modesto Chamber has strongly supported the education of Ag students by awarding scholarships to FFA students through the annual Ag Aware Luncheon and to MJC Ag students through the annual Harvest Luncheon Voss/Berryhill Scholarship Fund. We believe that this support is important to provide continuity for our Ag business. Approximately $415,000 in scholarship funds has been raised in the last 50 years through the generosity of the sponsors for both of these programs.

The value of agriculture to our economy is huge. The 2010 Farm Gate Value is $2.57 BILLION; the overall impact is $9 billion. In 2010, Stanislaus County recorded just over 1,055,000 harvested acres. [source: Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office 2010 Crop Report]. Ron Peterson, President of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, stated the irrigated land in the Modesto Irrigation District represents 58,000 acres of the most productive farmland in California—and with our water, we have the ability to produce some of the highest-valued crops in the world. All of these factors create the backbone of our local economy. There are literally thousands of jobs in Agriculture and Ag-related business. We are very fortunate to live and work in this community and enjoy all of the benefits that come from our rich agricultural heritage. We all must do our part to ensure this important tradition continues in our Valley. We can accomplish this by supporting and encouraging the next generation to stay involved in the business of agriculture and by continuing to educate ourselves on the importance of agriculture to our economy. P

cecil russellchamber ceo

july 2012 5

leadership

Governor Brown’s updated budget proposal released on May 14 continues to paint a gloomy picture for our local schools. His latest proposal provides a contingency plan of spending reductions if his proposed tax-increase initiative fails in November. Schools are unnecessarily and unfairly targeted for over 99% of these “trigger cuts;” at a staggering $5.5 billion for K-12 schools and $500 million for our CSU and UC public universities.

Unfortunately, this is part of a long pattern of failing to prioritize education in California. This spring, I was appointed Vice-Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, where I can draw from my experiences working at California State University, Stanislaus. I have been using this platform to advocate for fully funding public education without the need for higher taxes—both K-12 and higher education—to ensure Californians’ priorities are represented in the state budget. Nevertheless, increasing funding for education will only solve part of the problem.

As a state, we also need to have an honest conversation about what it will really take to improve our public schools. Any efforts will require reforms that improve accountability for administrators and teachers in addition to empowering local school officials to design programs that best fit the needs of their local communities. It will also require close cooperation between educators and the business community to collaborate on ways to best match education programs with the skills the market requires.

I support the Chamber’s efforts to build more private-public partnerships in our region, and I encourage the business community to continue taking a position of leadership on improving our schools. With efforts like these, in addition to spurring the political will to truly prioritize education in state government, we can pave the way for California to meet the daunting challenges of preparing our youth for the 21st Century. None of this will be easy to achieve, but I believe that I was elected to help solve problems that have been neglected for far too long. P

your chamber at workCalIfornIa’s eduCatIon woes

By Kristin Olsen, CA State Assembly

assemblymember kristin olsen

I support the Chamber’s efforts to build

more private-public partnerships in our

region, and I encourage the business community

to continue taking a position of leadership on improving our schools.

From Grads to Graffiti, we've got you covered.

Call 209.544.6511 today!

www.studiowarner.comLook us up on Facebook

{ Cover story }

farmland and the farmers who are affected by regulations, so he is in a unique position to understand the challenges and necessities of agricultural business today.

Ag=BusinessChiesa, with his family, farms around 600 acres of peaches, almonds, walnuts and corn. It’s an average sized farm for Stanislaus County, according to Chiesa, and the family operates it as a corporation; a typical tax strategy for the increasingly-sophisticated agricultural community.

“Ag is no different than other businesses,” says Chiesa. “We have the same ups and downs, and we’re moving the same direction as other businesses in the area. That means agriculture is becoming a very sophisticated business. You can’t afford not to be. We experience the same business cycles, and if you’re not business savvy, you’re going to get eaten for lunch.”

Where agriculture often differs, adds Chiesa, is in where those cycles

If you think the fresh fruit that graces the table in the boardroom is the only overlap between business and agriculture, a quick tour of the Central Valley is sure to change your perspective. From over 4,000 working farms to countless highly-productive manufacturing, production and support facilities, the Valley is awash with businesses founded on our rich agricultural heritage.

But as our civilization moves further from our agrarian roots, the Central Valley’s Ag industry faces new challenges and greater governmental restrictions, with only a few champions who work to keep farms flourishing in Central California. Vito Chiesa is one such champion; a lifelong farmer, a fervent defender of Stanislaus County agriculture, and an elected official serving as Vice-Chairman of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors representing District 2, a swath of primarily-agricultural land comprising the South-East quarter of the County.

Chiesa bridges the divide between the government that regulates

Vito Chiesa:ag means BusIness In the Central Valley

By Justin Souza

july 2012 7

fall. The down economy and the corresponding contraction of the dollar internationally has meant an exceptional market for some of Stanislaus County’s agricultural exports.

“In the nut business, when the economy is booming and the dollar is strong, our exports are not attractive. When the economy falters, it hits the dollar and we see the benefit in our exports. During the housing boom, it was tough times for us, but we’re seeing the good times right now.” This cyclical mix is essential to our area’s economic health, says Chiesa. “Ag is a great diversification tool, and Ag is really the base of our economy.”

Base of the EconomyAgricultural exports mean big business for Stanislaus County. According to Chiesa, nearly 70% of the almonds produced in the county end up as exports, as well as around half of all walnuts grown here. “We produce not only for the 300+ million people in the US, but a half billion people around the world. It’s pretty amazing. The volume of what we produce in the Valley is unbelievable.”

However, while the Valley serves as a breadbasket to the world, the gap between farmers and consumers has grown wider over the past century. “There’s more and more of a disconnect between Ag producers and consumers,” says Chiesa. “It used to be that 1 in every 10 people was a farmer, now it’s down to around 1 in 100.” As this gap grows, it serves to mask the importance of agriculture, not just for what it brings to our plates, but for what it brings to the economy.

As agricultural products cross the borders of area farms, they create opportunities for the area. These opportunities arise from major manufacturing companies like Del Monte Foods that are centered on agricultural production, from jobs needed to run and maintain supply lines of trucks, trains and ships, and even from ancillary jobs across related fields such as container construction. So many services and employers in our area rely on the agricultural production chain. At every level, agriculture is a job creator, a tax producer and an indispensable part of the county’s infrastructure. “It behooves everyone—and all businesses—to keep Ag viable in Stanislaus County,” says Chiesa. “It’s important for the business community and it helps provide governmental services—from fire departments to local libraries—through the property taxes paid to the county.”

“People don’t realize how much Ag’s increase over the last four or five

years has done to maintain services for the general public through property taxes alone,” adds Chiesa.

Government RelationsAs essential as the agricultural industry is to the wellbeing of the area, it faces many challenges. A major hurdle comes in the increasing regulatory restrictions from the local, state and national government. In his role as

Supervisor, Chiesa says that nearly every day he sees how difficult regulations can be for—and on—the average farmer.

“Sometimes the best thing that government can do is stay out of the way,” says Chiesa, sharing his own recent experience going through the Use Permit process for his own farm. “This is a County Supervisor in charge of regulation going through my own process. I jokingly say how disgusted I am with myself. I mean it tongue in cheek but there’s a bit of truth to it.”

The key to future success, says Chiesa, is that the government has to serve as a partner to farmers, not a hindrance, and should balance regulations meant for year round businesses against the dissimilar needs of seasonal businesses common to agriculture. “The government has to continue looking at how they can simplify the process for agriculture and for business in general. We need to be in sync with how to get businesses to flourish, not just how to keep them in compliance.”

“Plus,” adds Chiesa, “we have to give regulations a look every few years to see if they’re still relevant and doing what was intended. The fact is, I don’t like all regulations, but I understand there’s a common good.”

The Common GoodAs with Ag-related property taxes which help provide essential services to all of Stanislaus County, Chiesa says that a unified approach to governmental relation boosts Ag and other businesses. “We have to remember that what’s good for Prime Shine and the McHenry Village is good for Chiesa Ranch in the end. People want to fight regulation when it affects them, but we should all fight burdensome regulations collectively. Because if it puts one of us out of business that affects everyone.”

“Ultimately, that’s what the Chamber does so well and why I’m a member. It doesn’t just help my business, the Chamber of Commerce supports and encourages all businesses.” That, says Chiesa, doesn’t change, no matter whether the business is in one of Stanislaus County’s growing markets or is something as essential to our area as a farmer growing crops. P

“Ultimately, that’s what

the Chamber does so

well and why I’m a

member. It doesn’t just

help my business, the

Chamber of Commerce

supports and encourages

all businesses.”

-Vito Chiesa

8 Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

state of education: buildinG bridGes for

tomorrow’s workforce

2011 marked the Chamber’s Inaugural presentation, State of Education: Building Bridges for Tomorrow’s Workforce. Local business leaders, educators, students and non profits came together to see how they could raise the battle for a competitive work force and make a unique difference.

As we walked away from the State of Education event last year, we challenged the business community to become more involved by engaging in one of

the five core groups: ROP/Technical Education, Mentoring, Career Days, Internships or Business Education Collaboration. Over the past year, these groups have worked hard to put a roadmap in place to establish key business relationships. As we move toward the second Annual State of Education event, the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee continues to focus on highlighting the positive and engaging the business community.

This year’s event will feature Modesto City Schools ROP programs, Stanislaus Military Academy and updates from the Expect More Stanislaus team. Each year we will focus on a different aspect of education from cradle to career bringing to focus the positives and highlighting the many ways businesses can become more involved to make a difference.

We all have a stake in the outcomes. Please attend and find out where you fit in and how you can get involved.

For event sponsorship or ticket information, please contact Elizabeth Facanha at (209) 577-5757 or efacanha@modchamber.org. P

eduCation

When:

September 26, 2012

Where:Modesto Centre Plaza

10th & K

Modesto, CA

july 2012 9

“cfb is the Place to be!”By Ashley Grim, Principal, Coleman F. Brown Elementary

Coleman F. Brown Elementary, part of the Sylvan Union School District in Modesto, is a Title I school that serves Kindergarten through Fifth grade students. Since the spring of 2008, Coleman F. Brown’s API (Academic Performance Index) has grown 106 points from 760 to 866. This growth has occurred in spite of an increasing socio-economically disadvantaged population and increasing class sizes at the K-3 level due to budget realities in our state. More importantly, Coleman F. Brown’s

students have met Adequate Yearly Progress goals in Mathematics and English-Language Arts every year in spite of the annual increases in NCLB Benchmark requirements. So, how and why have we been able to achieve this? Coleman F. Brown Elementary has built a culture that successful schools share: a belief that all students can succeed. This belief is shared by students, staff and our parents. Many schools talk about this belief yet our site puts it into practice. Teachers, when talking about their students, focus on learning and follow and use data to adjust teaching to meet students’ needs and to make recommendations for interventions. Students are discussed in a way that reflects a belief that they will succeed. This culture, that we are all working together to make students successful, has existed for some time at our school, and we are happy to see our success pay off. This year, C.F. Brown, was selected as a California Distinguished School and received the Title I Academic Achievement Award. This success warranted a school visit from State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson, who said, “As a California Distinguished School, Coleman Brown is being recognized statewide for the incredible commitment of its teachers, administrators and staff to providing a world-class education to every student. After my visit there this week, it’s easy to see why.” P

Pictured: Mitch Wood, Principal, Dan Savage Middle School; Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction; Ashley Grim, Principal, Coleman F. Brown Elementary; Dr. John Halverson, Superintendent, Sylvan Union School District

eduCation

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to Ir

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Lighting rebates HVAC rebates High efficiencymotor rebates

10 Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

guest Column

GuesT Columnnorth modesto kiwanis club: 14th annual american

Graffiti car show and festiVal By John Sanders

Wow! What a weekend. Our North Modesto Kiwanis Club has just completed its 14th Annual American Graffiti Car Show and Festival. It was the best one ever. For the Friday evening parade, we had 825 cars

enjoying the cool evening while cruising the same streets that Modesto native George Lucas depicted in his famous movie, American Graffiti. For those of us who used to “drag 10th,” it brought back many wonderful memories.

We were honored to have as our special guest native Modestan and renowned custom car creator, Gene Winfield. Gene is known worldwide for his custom car creations and

wild paint jobs. He began in Modesto, building cars in his parent’s chicken coop. In addition to Gene, we were joined by Candy Clark, Bo Hopkins and Paul Le Mat, who each played key roles in the movie. They led the parade and were featured at the Classic Car Show on the MJC campus on both Saturday and Sunday. All four of them are really nice, friendly and genuine people.

On Saturday and Sunday, the fun continued on the campus of Modesto Junior College. There were over 1,000 vehicles on the grounds. This festival is truly a family event. We had about 140 food and non-food vendors so there were plenty of food choices and lots of non-food booths in which to enjoy browsing and shopping. We also had a small carnival for the kids. No alcohol is served on campus.

This show is becoming one of the premier car shows on the West Coast. It is produced 100% by volunteers. We couldn’t pull it off without

the tireless help of our spouses, kids, friends and volunteers. This lets us give the maximum possible monetary support to the over 40 groups and individuals to whom we donate each year.

The North Modesto Kiwanis Club has about 95 members and began in 1967. While this is our largest fundraiser, we also put on the Chicken A-Go-Go BBQ every May. It is held at Davis Park. In September, we do a Golf tournament at Spring Creek Golf Club. 100% of those funds go to CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates, benefitting children.

We are already planning for our 15th Annual American Graffiti Car Show and Festival. It will be held on June 7 through 9, 2013, the 40th anniversary year of the introduction of the movie. We hope to see you there. P

John SandersGeneral Chairperson

John sandersGeneral chairPerson

july 2012 11

PeoPle on the moVe

Community Hospice Announces Hospice and Palliative Care Certified Staff. Community Hospice announces newly nationally certified staff from the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses. Notable recipients are: Carolynn Peterson, RN, MSN, AOCN, CHPCA, Vice President/Chief Clinical Officer, received her Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator certification. Christine Stewart, RN, CHPN, CHPPN, Patient Care Manager, received her Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse certification, making her the only certified pediatric hospice nurse in the Central Valley. Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing recipients are: Denyse Ashlock, RN, CHPN; Lana Frazzano, RN, CHPN; Martha Vallo, RN, CHPN and Jenifer Hoyt, LVN, CHPLN.

Prudential California Realty is pleased to welcome Sue Unger as the new Modesto Office Manager. Craig C. Lewis, President/CEO of PCR made the announcement. Unger has over 35 years of real estate experience and was a sales professional/manager with Prudential for 15 years. She has received numerous honors including the President’s Circle Award and the Paul Harris Fellow Award. She is also a Certified Distressed Property Expert. Unger can be reached at (209) 758-3133 or sunger@prucalifornia.com. P

carolynn Peterson

sue unGer

eConomiC development

Your comfortis our business.

523-4578dehartinc.com

Lic. # 724566

12 Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

Xfest 2012by Chris Ricci, Chris Ricci Presents, Inc.

Summer is here and the planning for X Fest 2012 is well under way. It is hard to believe that this is our 13th year in operation. Everyone knows that X Fest (short for Xclamation Festival ) is the biggest party and music festival in the Central Valley featuring 60 bands on 12 stages and boasts an attendance of upwards of 20,000 people. We’ve booked some amazing acts for this year that cover a variety of genres including rock, reggae, alternative, hip hop, DJs and EDM. We’re excited to welcome Sebastian Bach, The Expendables, Twista, DJ Qbert, Iration, Slaughter and the Moonshine Bandits as some of our headliners.

X Fest has continued to evolve every year and 2012 is no exception. This year we’ve added an additional three blocks of territory to the festival, increasing our capacity, and allowing us the space to add new stages and attractions. We’re proud to announce the La Perla Tapitia Latin Stage that features amazing Spanish language acts like El Gran Silencio and Banda Toro. Also new to X Fest this year is the appearance of the infamous Dancetronauts. These space-faring DJs will literally arrive in Downtown Modesto in their spaceships ready to dance and spread good cheer. If they do take over, I am sure it will be due to their killer kindness.

You’ll love X Fest 2012! Remember tickets are still only $20 in advance and are available at www.xfestmodesto.com, all Boyett Petroleum locations, Don’s Mobile Glass locations and La Perla Tapitia Markets. P

july 2012 13

51st annual harVest luncheon announced

Mark your calendar and plan to join us as we celebrate 51 years of Harvest Lunch! This sell-out event benefiting Modesto Junior College Ag students will be held at 11:30 a.m. September 14 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.

The event routinely features dynamic speakers who have their finger on the pulse of what’s happening in agriculture. Past speakers include Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross, former California Governor and U.S. President Ronald Reagan, Modesto’s own Bill Lyons, Jr., Congressman Dennis Cardoza and California State Senators David Cogdill and Jeff Denham.

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

For more information regarding tickets and event sponsorship, call the Chamber at (209) 577-5757. P

2011 luncheon

THE BUCK HERE.Shop Local.

MODESTO MEANS BUSINESS

Members 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

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.

1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354 • (209) 577-5757 • modchamber.org

BUY LOCAL,

Invest in your future

14 Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress14

Business, Commerce & Agriculture was the spotlight for the Modesto Leadership class held in May. The class spent the day learning a bit of local history and the economic importance of innovation and investment within business operations, ranging from family-owned to large publicly-traded corporations located in our local community.

Jan Marie Ennenga, Director of the Manufacturers Council, hosted visits and tours to local businesses that included E&J Gallo Winery, Beard Industrial Park, Duarte Nursery and Frito Lay.

The E&J Gallo Winery tour was remarkable! E&J Gallo clearly demonstrates continued success in innovation and investment that all began here, within our local community of Modesto.

Kennan Beard III gave a great presentation of The Beard Family’s history

and the economic growth of Modesto & Empire Traction (M&ET). Brian Terrell and John Duarte spoke about recycling and clean planting as we had lunch.

Frito Lay’s tour was without a doubt – “Good Fun!” General Manager Tom Melead, demonstrated to our group how a perfect potato chip is made.

Our day ended with a brief talk from Tom Orvis, a local farmer, Director of Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, giving us an overview of our local agricultural community.

We have a new appreciation for our local businesses that strive to keep our environment and community prosperous. Thanks to all who may this day possible! P

leadership modestoBusIness, CommerCe & agrICulture day

By Kimberly Manning, Wardens Office Products

Community development

Oak Valley COmmunity BankWe Mean Business

“Oak Valley understands the importance of taking care of their customers and helping them find solutions. They’re a true partner with a genuine desire to help

our businesses grow.”

– Phil and Jan Tilbury, owners of Almond Ace Packing and Tilbury Farms

Phil and Jan Tilbury of Almond Ace Packing and Tilbury Farms with Frank Middleton, VP Commercial Lender, 209.844.7563

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

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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 banking, our business.

kimberly manninG

july 2012 15

aG education thriVinG in modesto

By Mike Henderson, Enochs High School

Since 1917, with the passage of the Smith-Hughes Act, federal and state legislation has provided leadership for the implementation and improvement of agricultural education programs. Agriculture education began in Modesto City Schools in 1928. The Ag Program at Modesto High was the number two chapter in California. Successful Agriculture Education programs are currently in place at all high schools within Modesto City Schools. All students enrolled in Agriculture classes are affiliated as members of the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization, which is the largest student leadership organization in the world. The mission of FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through Agricultural Education.

District-wide during 2011-12, 2,562 students (approximately 18% of the total district high school population) are members of the FFA chapters at their respective school sites, accounting for nearly 3,000 enrollments in Ag-related courses. Approximately 500 of these students are “duplicated,” meaning they are concurrently enrolled in two or more Ag-related courses. A variety of course offerings are available that emphasize the integration of core and applied learning, range from general to specific areas of focus and provide skill-based vocational training as well as critical thinking and leadership opportunities for students. Several pathways are available for students who wish to take a sequence of courses with a particular focus culminating in a capstone course, such as Structural Ag Welding, Advanced Floriculture, Diesel Mechanics, Ag Small Engine or Veterinary Science.

Each year, schools and their FFA students participate in Supervised Agricultural Experience projects which culminate in competition at the annual Stanislaus County Fair. For students whose projects involve raising an animal (pig, steer, goat, sheep, rabbit, etc.), students assume full care and responsibility for the animal—keeping copious notes and records and preparing the animal for competition at the Fair. Students learn about disease prevention and control, proper nutrition, show and marketing techniques and judging criteria, among many other valuable lessons. There is a wide range of events in which students can compete. During the 2011 Stanislaus County Fair, MCS high schools won seven School/Chapter Awards and 63 MCS students won a total of over 90 awards, including several Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion, Advanced Showmanship and First and Best of Show Awards.

In addition to competition involving animals and/or metalworking, Ag students also focus on career development skills. During the 2011/12 school year, over 325 FFA students from MCS participated in Career Development Events across the state, which are designed to develop student skills in the areas of team building, critical thinking and public speaking. Throughout the spring, students traveled to many of California’s leading Agricultural Colleges, including UC Davis, CSU Chico, CSU Fresno, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a number of community colleges, and competed in over 16 competitive areas. Teams from Modesto City Schools have done very well this year, bringing home many top-placing awards, further demonstrating the strength and benefits of programs that are highly successful in producing well-trained and well-rounded youth. P

eduCation

16 Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

California CheCk Cashing417 mchenry ave.modesto, ca 95354(209) 222-3761

iCe Cream Company2401 e. orangeburg ave., #G50modesto, ca 95355(209) 578-3112

Village Baking Company1700 mchenry ave., ste.18modesto, ca 95350(209) 522-9057

modesto historiC graffiti Cruise routemr. chris murphy

payChex2365 iron Point rd., ste. 240 folsom, ca 95650(209) 499-3159

Barkers musiC519 mchenry ave.modesto, ca 95354(209) 526-0347

money ConCepts- rhodes finanCial group1317 oakdale rd., ste. 320modesto, ca 95357(209) 549-8000

lodi assoCiation of realtors1620 n. carpenter rd. d-48modesto, ca 95351(209) 523-5316

deJong finanCial group1130 l. st., ste. bmodesto, ca 95354(209) 409-8759

ribbon cuttinGs

networking & referrals

july 2012 17

networking & referrals

Business Before Hours hosted by:

it solutions|Currie

June } business before & after hoursCoffee

provided by:

IT Solutions|Currie (209) 578-9739 • www.itscurrie.com 1801 Tully Road, Suite E, Modesto, CA 95350IT Solutions|Currie has been keeping computers running smoothly at small and

medium businesses, government agencies, education and healthcare organizations

since 1979. We are the oldest and most experienced computer and systems provider

in the Central Valley. Additionally, our services include personal computer repair in

your home or our repair department. Our primary service area is Modesto, Salida,

Sonora, Tracy, Merced, Stockton, Manteca, Turlock and Lodi.

Flying Turtle Cast Concrete (209) 530-1611 • www.flyingturtlecastconcrete.com 1314 Coldwell Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350Flying Turtle Cast Concrete is a design/fabrication studio specialized in crafting

f ine, cast concrete products for kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, f ireplace

surrounds and more in both commercial and residential installations. Our mission

is to consistently exceed our clients’ expectations by providing them with the most

f inely crafted, highly durable and stunningly beautiful concrete products available.

Business After Hours hosted by:

flying turtle Cast Concrete

Which plan has the most physicians?

What program is the most affordable?

How do you manage your prescriptions?

Get Your Questions Answered.Call Debbie Sousa at 209.524.6366

www.tsminsurance.com1317Oakdale Rd #910 Modesto 95355license #0288149

DO YOU KNOW YOUR OPTIONS?65 + Health Plans

more choices... better coverage

18 Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

Community development

the chamber’s ag aware and harvest

lunch committee is made up of a group

of hard working business leaders who

are dedicated to ensuring the future of

agriculture. each year, these committees

raise over $30,000 in scholarship funds

for ffa students and mJc agriculture

students through sponsorships from area

businesses. if you are interested in joining

either of these committees and are

ready to roll up your sleeves and have some fun, please contact

me at the chamber (209) 577-5757. we are always looking for

volunteers to help with our various events. if agriculture isn’t

your interest, perhaps you would be interested in joining one of

our other hard working event committees, such as oktoberfest

or the annual awards Gala. Give us a call, we will be happy to

share meeting times and dates. P

{ minnie’s news bites }

minnie dodGe

(209) 523-8365

Keeping Modesto Cool Since 1957

AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING • SHEET METAL

AIR DUCT CLEANING • PLANNED SERVICE MAINTENANCE

W W W . N O R Q U I S T A I R . C O M

LIC. 872913

announcements

Oak Valley Community Bank Supports FDIC’s Partners in Education Program. Oak Valley Community Bank recently partnered with Mark Twain Junior High to provide students with basic financial education and money management skills early in life. Oak Valley Community Bank staff paired-up and taught Money Smart for three days, six periods per day during the week of May 14. This is the fourth consecutive year the Bank has taught Money Smart at Mark Twain Junior High. For more information please contact Ron Martin/ Chris Courtney at (209) 848-BANK (2265), Toll Free (866) 844-7500 or by visiting www.ovcb.com. P

real estate and land use. We assist you in

all aspects of real estate and land use law.

environmental and business regulation.

We help you comply with California’s

ever-expanding list of environmental and other

regulations on business and property so

regulators won’t knock on your door. If they

do knock, we help you navigate the

regulatory process.

advocacy and special projects. We

advocate for you during the government

permitting or other processes necessary for

your enterprise. And when politics, public

policy and law intersect, we help you chart a

course for these special challenges.

PETRULAKIS LAW & ADVOCACY, APC

1130 12TH Street, Suite B, Modesto, California 95354

Telephone 209.522.0500 Facsimile 209.522.0700

www.petrulakis.com

introducing

PETRULAKIS LAW & ADVOCACY, APC attorneys & counselors at law

Attorneys & Counselors At Law

George A. Petrulakis // george@petrulakis.com

Barbara J. Savery // bsavery@petrulakis.com

Planning & Policy Analysts

Gilbert D. Bostwick // gbostwick@petrulakis.com

Chris A. Esther // cesther@petrulakis.com

Client Service Representative

Andrea Coffman // acoffman@petrulakis.com

july 2012 19

Community development

Willkommen To Oktoberfest 2012

As we begin to prepare for our 29th Annual Oktoberfest, numerous things come to mind. We began with just a few tables and our Valley’s finest distributors offering samples of their best brews in a local hall. Today, we fill up all of John Thurman Field on the first Friday of each October with two 80’ tents filled with not only our local’s best but samples from beer purveyors from as far as Southern California and over to the coast. Modesto’s Oktoberfest is one of the largest in California, not to mention the area’s best!

As we set the stage for our 29th year and look to our members for sponsorships and donations, you should know why this event is important to the Chamber and its members. The event has grown from a small sampling of beers and a German band to 75+ samplings of beer, wine, food, center stage with a band and a midway. Oktoberfest is the Chamber’s biggest fund-raising event each year. Revenues from this event assist the Chamber in offering its members more services and support. This year we are offering ticket sales online, not only for Oktoberfest but for all our events moving forward. This event offers a tremendous opportunity for our members to exhibit their finest products to 2500+ attendees through sponsorships and vendor participation.

With this in mind, and keeping with our “Shop Local” campaign, we hope you will mark your calendars accordingly and plan to attend the 29th Annual Oktoberfest.

Larger event attendance means more exposure and marketing opportunities for Oktoberfest sponsors and vendors. Since accountability of marketing dollars means even more in this economic climate, we encourage you to invest in your success at Oktoberfest. The result of your support and commitment will yield a higher return on your investment.

Put your product or service in front of 2500+ potential customers for the evening, and see what can happen. We are excited to assist you in participating in what has become an established community event. For sponsorship information, contact Elizabeth Facanha, Events Manager at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce (209) 577-5757 or email efacanha@modchamber.org. P

offi ce 209.527.7878 | www.aps-hr.com• HR CONSULTING • EXECUTIVE SEARCH • TEMPORARY STAFFING • DIRECT HIRE • TEMP TO HIRE • HEALTHCARE STAFFING

Who Determines Your Success?

Your People Do!

Matching Great People with Great Business

20 Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

new chamber members

BECKWITH VETERINARY HOSPITAL Michael E. O’Brien 3232 Beckwith Court Modesto, CA 95358 ph (209) 524-9282 email@beckwithveterinaryhospital.comVeterinarians & Veterinary Hospitals

C.M.F. LEADERSHIP CONSuLTINGChris Fuzie ph (209) 652-3235 chris@cmfleadership.com www.cmfleadership.com leadership Mentoring Development

COLD STORAGE COMMISSARY INC., HISTORY COMMISSARYLynn Hethcock 500 - 7th Street, Suite D Modesto, CA 95354 ph (209) 338-3663 fax (209) 338-3665 lhethcock@historycommissary.comwww.historycommissary.com Commissary

GARY MCKINSEY - BuSINESS GROWTH STRATEGIST Gary McKinsey P.O. Box 972 Modesto, CA 95353 ph (209) 345-4230 gary@garymckinsey.com www.garymckinsey.com Business Consultants

ICE CREAM COMPANY Katie Warnock 2401 E. Orangeburg Ave., #650 Modesto, CA 95355 ph (209) 578-3112 fax (209) 522-0991 cbacree@sbcglobal.net www.ICCModesto.com Restaurants

PAYCHEX Michelle Townsend 2365 Iron Point Road, Ste. 240 Folsom, CA 95650 ph (209) 499-3159 fax (855) 280-1296 mtownsend@paychex.com www.paychex.com Payroll Services

RODARAKIS & SOuSA, A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORP.George Rodarakis 627 - 13th Street, Suite F Modesto, CA 95354 ph (209) 554-5232 fax (209) 544-1085 grodarakis@rodsoulaw.com www.rodsoulaw.com Attorneys

TAGRE LAW OFFICE Pablo Tagre 1500 Standiford Avenue, Bldg. C Modesto, CA 95350 ph (209) 877-7457 fax (209) 691-5552 admin@tagrelaw.com www.tagrelaw.com Attorneys

THE COLSTON COMPANY DBA POWERHOuSE REALTY Chris Colston 2130 Geer Road, Suite A Turlock, CA 95382 ph (209) 250-2121 fax (209) 250-0962chris@centralvalleyhousing.comReal Estate

WHITE CRANE RANCH, INC.Grant Weststeyn 1012 - 11th Street, Suite 101 Modesto, CA 95354 ph (209) 523-1437 fax (209) 523-2968 grant@whitecraneranch.com Farms P

networking & referrals

Rodarakis & Sousa, APC On May 7, 2012, the law firm of Rodarakis & Sousa, APC began providing legal counseling and representation to clients located throughout California. The firm’s founders, George P. Rodarakis and Eric J. Sousa, are natives of the Central Valley and experienced attorneys, practicing in the areas of business litigation, agricultural law, business transactions, real estate law and family law. The firm will also offer trial support services to other attorneys. For more information, please contact Rodarakis & Sousa, APC - 627 13th Street, Suite F Modesto, CA 95354 - (209) 554-5232 - www.rodsoulaw.com. Wild Game Jerky specializes in selling Buffalo Bob’s jerky. Wild buffalo has long been the main source of jerky. Buffalo Bob not only mastered the art of preparing jerky and buffalo jerky, he has introduced exotic meats such as alligator, ostrich and kangaroo, to name a few. We offer 35 different meats prepared and inspected for wholesomeness by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information about these wild products, please visit www.wildgamejerky.net or email justina@wildgamejerky.net and get ready to try something wild! P

new member Profiles

eConomiC development

BEFORE AFTER

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� GenerationClark BeggsSign Specialist

Brad LehmanSign Specialist

Cameron BoringProject Coordinator

Justin SouzaAgency Copywriter

Loyd SchutteMultimedia / IT Director

Clara ConstableMarketing Coordinator

Calvin CurtinMarketing Director

Julie OronaArt Director / Vice President

David BoringCreative Director / President

Joel SteeleFilm & Multimedia

Donna BarkerOffice Manager

Harold AvilaSign Manager

Kristin BowkerPublication Sales Associate

Danielle EwertMarketing Coordinator

Mandeep KhairaInteractice Director

Katie FloydGraphic Designer

Steve CaballeroSenior Graphic Designer

Amber VasquezOffice Assistant

Megan OttGraphic Designer

Heather DuffettGraphic Designer

Warren GroeschelSales Manager & Media Strategist

Building a successful business takes

expertise. If you’re not an expert in

marketing, advertising, public relations,

graphic design and commercial signage,

then you need professionals who are.

Never Boring has 21 creative professionals

at the top of their fields and we’re eager to

make your business thrive. Whether you’re

preparing to expand or fighting to stay

afloat, Never Boring has the expertise you

need to meet your challenge.

Call Never Boring today for a free top-down marketing evaluation

of your business that can give you the

strategies, tactics and deliverables you

need to boost your bottom line.

Clark BeggsSign Specialist

Brad LehmanSign Specialist

Cameron BoringProject Coordinator

Justin SouzaAgency Copywriter

Loyd SchutteMultimedia / IT Director

Clara ConstableMarketing Coordinator

Calvin CurtinMarketing Director

Julie OronaArt Director / Vice President

David BoringCreative Director / President

Joel SteeleFilm & Multimedia

Donna BarkerOffice Manager

Harold AvilaSign Manager

Kristin BowkerPublication Sales Associate

Danielle EwertMarketing Coordinator

Mandeep KhairaInteractice Director

Katie FloydGraphic Designer

Steve CaballeroSenior Graphic Designer

Amber VasquezOffice Assistant

Megan OttGraphic Designer

Heather DuffettGraphic Designer

Warren GroeschelSales Manager & Media Strategist

Building a successful business takes

expertise. If you’re not an expert in

marketing, advertising, public relations,

graphic design and commercial signage,

then you need professionals who are.

Never Boring has 21 creative professionals

at the top of their fields and we’re eager to

make your business thrive. Whether you’re

preparing to expand or fighting to stay

afloat, Never Boring has the expertise you

need to meet your challenge.

Call Never Boring today for a free top-down marketing evaluation

of your business that can give you the

strategies, tactics and deliverables you

need to boost your bottom line.

22 Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

President’s clubcircle of influence

PLATINuM LEVELkaiser Permanentewalmart

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 containersunPower

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 corporationsave mart supermarkets seneca foods, llcsysco food services of central californiataco bell

SILVER LEVEL5.11 tactical inc.aaaat&tacme construction company, inc.ambeck mortgage associatesamerican chevroletamerican medical responsearamark uniform servicesatherton & associates, llPbJ’s restaurant & brewhousebrandman university Part of chapman universitybrown, fink, boyce & astle, llPbunge oilscalifornia state university, stanislauscentral Valley ag Grinding/central Valley ag transportcentral Valley automotivecentral Valley chrysler, Jeep, dodgecentral Valley nissan central Valley Volkswagen hyundai central Valley medical Groupchildren’s hospital central californiachukchansi Gold resort & casinocitibankclark Pest controlcomcastconstruction management corporationcourtyard by marriottcovanta stanislaus, inc.covenant Village of turlock

curtis legal Groupdamrell, nelson, schrimp, Pallios, Pacher & silvadel monte foodsdelta sierra beveragedirectline technologies, inc.the eberhardt school of businessenglish oaks nursing & rehabilitation hospitalf & 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.mchenry medical Group, inc.mercer foodsmocse credit unionmodesto commerce bankmodesto toyotamraz, amerine & associatesnestle usaoak Valley community banko’brien’s marketolam 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 coachwayssunopta aseptic, inc.sutter Gould medical foundationturlock irrigation districtus bank Valley bio energy, llcValley first credit unionValley lexus-bmww.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.

eConomiC development

1130 12th Street, Suite B ● Modesto, California 95354 209.576.1197 ● www.berliner.com

Check Berliner Cohen’s website for upcoming seminars. Modesto ● Merced ● San Jose

Berliner Cohen is pleased to announce that Modesto attorneys Judy Jensen, Leslie Kalim McHugh and Edalina Mendonca, formerly with Petrulakis Jensen & Friedrich LLP, have joined Kevin Kelley, partner in charge of the firm’s Modesto and Merced offices, in its new Modesto office.

Serving our clients in business transactions, including corporate and tax, real estate, estate planning, probate administration, employment, hospitality, land use, public agency representation, and business litigation.

Committed to serving your legal needs

WE SHARE YOUR COMMITMENT TO SUCCEED

july 2012 23

...a series spotlighting entrepreneurial achievement

Prime Shine Car Wash presents:

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 Car Wash is proud to recognize the entrepreneurʼs ability to overcome obstacles and to honor their successes in their industry and in the community.

Mike HumbleI.J. Larsen PuMPs, Inc.

Since 1910, I.J. Larsen Pumps, Inc. has handled agricultural and residential water well systems for agricultural customers throughout the Central Valley. The company, owned and operated by Mike and Vicki Humble since 2002, now also offers crane services. Mike Humble Jr. now serves as company supervisor.

are you originally from this area and if so where were you born? I was raised in a nearby rural community, born

here in Modesto and I was so involved in church activities and football that it’s like family here. I know everybody. I know farmers, I know their kids. I went to school with them, I played sports either with them or against them. I have those relationships. It’s business, but it’s also personal. When times are rough, our community comes together and we try our best, just like we do in our business. We come together and try to solve our problems and issues.

Do you have any particular history that has contributed to helping you achieve your goals? My dad was the manager at Larsen Pumps for about 10 years before he purchased it. Bob Larsen, the previous owner, was like a grandfather to me. I was fortunate that I had these role models to teach me about the business. I’ve been doing this since I was seven years old, running the forklift since I was 10, now I’m in a supervisory position at the company. I’m good at what I do and I’m confident.

What challenges have you had to overcome in your professional life and how did you achieve that? I’m working on learning to humble myself. It’s the hardest thing you have to do in business. You need to know when to take a break, need to know how to help other people have self worth. You need to be able to say “you did a good job today” because that goes a long way. You can’t just keep pushing your people, you have to stop and look around and realize that if it wasn’t for everyone else around you, you wouldn’t be where you are.

You’re very much an entrepreneur. What do you think makes you such a success? What’s the definition of an entrepreneur? It’s about taking risks, taking initiative. It’s having an idea and running with it and seeing where it takes you. And if it takes you somewhere, figuring out how you can

make it better. But to do this you have to find your weaknesses and strengths and work on them.

What is the single biggest reason that you have achieved the level of success you have? Our company is blessed because we put God first. That’s the reason we’ve made it through the recession.

What do you like about your job? I like challenges and here we get to see the challenges before us and get to achieve them together. There’s a lot of joy and hard work at the same time, but it pays off at the end of the day. That’s the nice thing about a family business.

Do you participate in any community outreach efforts or clubs? I grew up packing food boxes for the Salvation Army. We probably feed 20,000 families per year through our shop. We have donated food coming through our shop all the time, it’s on the backs of our trucks and we drop it off at food banks on the way to jobs. I’m talking thousands of pounds of food. My mom has a knack for getting donations and organizing for food. It’s neat to help in some way. I think that giving back to the community comes back to us. That has a lot to do with our success: we’ve been blessed with work. We’re just going to keep rolling with it.

What are your plans for the future? I see us succeeding in the future. Even through hard times, we’ve shown growth when others haven’t. I want to see more employees, I want to see the generations behind us following in our footsteps, keeping our morals and the lessons we’ve taught them about business, and watching them take the initiative and keeping the ball rolling.

What advice do you have for business people when it comes to achieving their goals? If you have that something and you’re confident about it, run with it. Take the risk and work hard to be successful. If it’s what you want, you have to go get it.

What do you like about doing business in the Modesto community and why do you think this is the Land of Opportunity? I think it’s the land of opportunity because here in Modesto, people come together as a team and want to see you succeed. They’re willing to help you get your business started, willing to work with you on issues that get in your way and help you overcome your challenges. Modesto is like a big family to me.

mike humble

CelebratingOver 50 Years

Of Quality Care

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

* Registered Nurses 24/7* Long Term and Short Term Quality Care* 175 Bed Skilled Nursing Facility* Pleasant Environment* Inviting and Stimulating Social Activities* Inpatient & Outpatient Physical Therapy * Inpatient & Outpatient Occupational Therapy * Speech Therapy * 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 & Operated for over 50 Years

Engaged in your Care& your Life

WORK IN

Join the March for the Arch

{ modesto arCh restoration fund }

The Modesto Arch has been an iconic symbol in our city since 1912. After 100 years of welcoming people to Modesto, it’s time for our city’s most famous landmark to receive a facelift. As the Arch was constructed by the founders of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, it is appropriate that the Chamber take responsibility for its reconstruction. Planning for the restoration is spearheaded by Modesto Chamber Board Member Mike Moradian of Peace of Mind Home Inspection, and

many local businesses and individuals are volunteering their time and materials for the project. Renovation of the Arch will include replacing the outdated electrical and lighting, repainting the Arch to its original olive green, white and black colors, reinstalling the flag poles on top of each pedestal, repairing damaged bricks, stucco and steel and re-landscaping the Arch.

This is a huge project and will require nearly $120,000 to complete. The Chamber is now raising funds to help defray this cost. As part of this effort, the Chamber is offering delicious

chocolate “Arch Bars” in either dark or milk chocolate for $3.00 each. Ten Arch Bars contain a Golden Ticket. Holders of these special tickets will be invited to the Arch Lighting Celebration and One Lucky Winner will receive the honor of relighting the Arch! Ten additional bars contain Silver Tickets. Holders of Silver tickets will be eligible to win the honor of burying a time capsule at the foot of the Arch.

Many additional Arch Bars contain Bronze Tickets. Bronze Ticket holders will win various prizes contributed by Chamber members. Organizations are encouraged to purchase the bars in bulk and resell them at their businesses or locations. In addition, the Chamber is offering postcards featuring a copy of Rebekah Murphy’s c o m m e m o r a t i v e painting “Through the Arch”. These handy

postcards sell for only $10 for packages of ten. All proceeds will go to the

Arch Fund. As the restoration work begins, the Chamber encourages everyone to help us

ensure this beloved landmark will withstand another hundred years and then

some! Direct donations are welcome.

Please make checks payable to ‘Save the Arch Fund’ and mail to the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, 1114 J Street, Modesto CA, 95354. Sponsorship packages offering several levels of participation are now being created. Stay tuned for more information on all the ways you can get involved! P

Renovation of the

Arch will include

replacing the

outdated electrical

and lighting,

repainting the

Arch to its original

olive green, white

and black colors,

reinstalling the flag

poles on top of each

pedestal, repairing

damaged bricks,

stucco and steel

and re-landscaping

the Arch.

july 2012 25

last august, the 15-year old national ag

science center launched ag in motion,

a hands-on mobile classroom that helps

teach middle school students across the

Valley where their food comes from through

innovative agricultural science experiments

at no cost to local schools.

since its launch, ag in

motion has brought

strawberry dna extraction,

bug anatomy, light and

Photosynthesis and seed

disbursal labs to over 8,000

middle school students

in stanislaus and merced

counties. ag in motion

shakes up the old model

of bussing students to a

location for field trips and

instead creates an exciting

and unique field trip

experience that doesn’t

take students off campus.

as schools are challenged

with fitting the maximum

amount of learning into

each day, the short walk

to the mobile lab parked

on their campus has provided thousands of

students with a unique learning experience

in a fun and different setting, a 53-foot

trailer turned science lab.

through generous donor support, ag in motion

provides a state-of-the-art lab, all laboratory

materials and an on-board science teacher in

order to bring a fun and interactive educational

experience to students, said director michele

laverty, with the end goal being to inspire

and excite a new generation

of young people to pursue

careers in agriculture.

“today and into the future the

national ag science center is

looking to expand the reach of

the hands-on science provided

through ag in motion to

more students in stanislaus

county and throughout the

state of california,” added

laverty. “we would also like

to reach more adults to help

them connect with their food

and better understand the

abundant agricultural industry

in the Valley.”

with ongoing outreach and

new lessons covering the

chemistry of soil, density

and nutrition launching this

coming fall, ag in motion will continue to reach

out to schools across the central Valley and

move forward with their goal of bringing ag

science to youth. P

Ag in Motion – Bringing Ag Science to Youth Service when you need it

(courtesy of never Boring design Associates)

When business is booming, advertising is the last thing on your mind. But when times get tough, an aggressive ad campaign becomes the last thing you want to spend money on. By maintaining an advertising presence through thick and thin, you can keep your business rolling, stay at the top of your customers’ minds and keep slowdowns to a minimum. Never Boring Design is an industry expert at creating unique, effective and affordable advertising. Find out how we can keep your business moving forward, visit us today at neverboring.com

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 2012 directory at 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

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

“Today and into the

future the National Ag

Science Center is looking

to expand the reach of

the hands-on science

provided through Ag In

Motion to more students

in Stanislaus County

and throughout the state

of California”

-Michele Laverty Director, National Ag

Science Center

26 Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

chamber calendar

JulY 2012

AuGuSt 2012

12 BusIness Before hours

AvailABILITY Personnel Services Location: 2813 Coffee Road, Bldg A Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

19 BusIness after hours

American Chevrolet Location: 4742 McHenry Avenue Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

9 BusIness Before hours

Habitat for Humanity, Stanislaus County Location: 630 Kearney Avenue Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

16 BusIness after hours

Franklin & Downs Funeral Homes Location: 1050 McHenry Avenue Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

networking & referrals

Community development

awards and achieVements

Congratulations to Lucy Castrejon for her achievement in winning Welcome Team Member for the first quarter of this year! Out of 15 ribbon cuttings, Lucy attended every single one and even obtained a new member referral. She is a valued member of the team and dedicates countless volunteer hours to meet, greet and welcome businesses to our community. If you’ve had a ribbon cutting over the last four months, chances are you met and spoke with Lucy! If you are scheduled for an upcoming ribbon cutting, undoubtedly you will meet her and most likely never forget her. Thank you Lucy for all the hard work you do for the Chamber and our community.

Gene Carrillo Jr., Financial Advisor, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor has become an Ameriprise Platinum Financial Services advisor based on the success of his financial services practice in 2011. This status was achieved through exceptional performance, completion of specialized training and attainment of advanced industry recognized qualifications. Carrillo, with an office in Modesto, CA, is one of approximately 20 percent of the nearly 10,000 Ameriprise Financial advisors to achieve this status. For more information, please call (209) 574-1000.

Doctors Medical Center is proud to announce the first quarter honorees of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The three nurses are: Brenda Normoyle RN, Pediatrics; Starleen Richardson RN, Labor and Delivery; and Terrie Good RN, Emergency Room. They were honored for their compassionate care, concern, and dedication to patient health. Congratulations to our extraordinary nurses! For more information, please contact (209) 576-3500.

Thomas K. Thorson earned the distinction of ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant) from the American College. He successfully completed all assigned courses and 16 hours of supervised examinations and fulfilled stringent experience and ethics requirements. Tom is the President and CEO of Thorson Financial Estate Management, Inc. located at 1101 Standiford Ave., C2, in Modesto. As financial planning’s highest standard, the ChFC program prepares Tom to meet the advanced financial needs of individuals, professionals and small-business owners. ChFCs can identify and establish specific goals and then formulate, implement and monitor a comprehensive plan to achieve those goals. Congratulations Tom! For more information, contact Thorson Financial at (209) 522-0250.

Doctors Medical Center, the valley’s only primary stroke center, is proud to announce that it has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Awards. These awards recognize DMC’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally-accepted standards and recommendations aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients. P

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

While achieving this illustrious distinction is impressive on paper, it’s even more impressive to the patients whose very lives depend upon the clinical rigor required to earn the Joint Commission’s Certifi ed Primary Stroke Center designation. Doctors Medical Center received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines Stroke Silver Plus Award. We are also a recipient of the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Award for improving stroke care in patients who received thrombolytic therapy.

As the region’s fi rst and only Primary Stroke Center, Doctors Medical Center has demonstrated its ability to mobilize its rapid response team, employing synchronized stroke alert protocols that can signifi cantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.

Go to www.dmc-modesto.com and learn about the signs and symptoms of stroke. If you or someone you love has suffered a stroke, look no further than Doctors Medical Center.

PRIMARY STROKE CENTER CERTIFICATION

BY THE JOINT COMMISSION

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION/AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION’S

GET WITH THE GUIDELINES STROKE SILVER PLUS AND TARGET: STROKE HONOR

ROLL AWARD

FIRST AND ONLY Certifi ed Primary Stroke Center in the Region

Stroke Team Members (from left to right): Richard Haak, MD; Rudy Dale Davis, Lead CT Technician; Robert Donovan, MD; Erik Lacy, MD; Alan Schaffert, MD, Stroke Program Director; Deneya Maez, RN; Sara Jenkins, RN;Breanna Garrison, RN, Stroke Coordinator

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Take a FREE stroke risk assessment at www.MyFirstHospital.com

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