june progress 2013

“Checks Up”on Healthcare Education

June 2013

Vol. 34 Issue 6

modchamber.org

Cover Photo and Artwork by Aaron Vickery “Fasm”

Chamber’s Website Launches Valley Charter High SchoolBtoB Trade Show

Business of Graffiti Summer

THE

For us, it’s more than just practicing medicine

suttergould.org

01298

For more than 60 years, Sutter Gould has been committed to providing

state of the art medical care to its patients. From our robotically trained

physicians, specializing in minimally invasive surgery to ensure a speedy

recovery, to the construction of new care centers in Tracy and Turlock,

innovation and growth have always been important to us. For us, it’s

about developing partnerships to enrich all of our lives.

It has been a pleasure being an Ambassador with the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Entering into my 12th year, I feel it has given me the opportunity to meet other Chamber members and learn more about their businesses that I otherwise may have never known. I feel that the Ambassador Program provides a bridge between the Chamber of Commerce and its members. It is our goal to help the members understand what resources and tools are available to them in order to increase their business. There are many ways to get involved and we welcome and need your help. To learn more about the Ambassador Program, you can contact the Chamber or me. 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

Ambassador Corner

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

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, Internal OperationsPatricia Gillum, Patricia Gillum, CPA

Vice Chairman, External OperationsCraig Lewis, Prudential California Realty

Vice Chairman, Member RelationsBill Moreno, Fire2Wire

Vice Chairman, Events & Special ProjectsLaura Ward, Ward Promotional Marketing Solutions

DirectorsPamela Cullors, Sysco Food Services of Central California Dan Garcia, Tri Counties BankDavid Halvorson, American Chevrolet Brad Hawn, CHGDoug Johnson, Reach Business SolutionsWarren Kirk, Doctors Medical CenterSteve Madison, STANCOMichael Moradian Jr., Peace of Mind Pest Control Inc.Ron Owen, Bank of the WestChris Ricci, Chris Ricci Presents, Inc.Jim Ridenour, Individual MemberEric Tobias, F&M BankRuben Villalobos, The Villalobos Legal GroupJeremiah Williams, Oak Crafts by JeremiahAmy Wolfe, AgSafe

Ex-OfficioBill Bassitt, The AllianceKeith Boggs, Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office George Boodrookas, Modesto Junior CollegeDavid Boring, Never BoringGreg Nyhoff, City of Modesto

Cecil Russell, President/CEOModesto Chamber of [email protected]

Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce(209) 577-5757 • [email protected]

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

Printer: Parks Printing(209) 576-2568 • [email protected]

Distribution: Parks Printing(209) 576-2568

Advertising Sales: Kristin BowkerNever Boring(209) 526-9136 • [email protected]

© Copyright 2013 Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Some parts of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted, however, we require that permission be obtained in writing. (209) 577-5757, [email protected]

Mike Nash

Cover Photo: Mural by Aaron Vickery “Fasm” on the Modesto Chamber’s building located at 1114 J Street.

For us, it’s more than just practicing medicine

suttergould.org

01298

For more than 60 years, Sutter Gould has been committed to providing

state of the art medical care to its patients. From our robotically trained

physicians, specializing in minimally invasive surgery to ensure a speedy

recovery, to the construction of new care centers in Tracy and Turlock,

innovation and growth have always been important to us. For us, it’s

about developing partnerships to enrich all of our lives.

June 3

CONTENTS JUNE 2013

leaderShIp

4 Message from the CEO

4 Chamber Board Perspective

coVer Story

6 The Business of Graffiti Summer

communIty deVelopment

11 Awards and Achievements25 Work in Progress26 “Bowled Over” By Support for Boys & Girls Club of Stanislaus County

economIc deVelopment

15 New Member Profiles

20 People on the Move

networkIng & referralS

17 Business Before and After Hours26 New Chamber Members

26 Calendar

22 StanISlauS green team

leadership

Message froM the ceoBy Chamber CEO Cecil Russell

The artwork on the front cover of this issue of Progress is a mural painted on the side of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce building on J Street. It was painted by local artist Aaron Vickery. It is a great depiction of a ‘57 Chevy and supports the downtown mural project, featuring artwork illustrating our Graffiti heritage.

It is again time for Modesto’s “Graffiti Summer” Celebration. The celebration starts with a special showing of American Graffiti on June 1st at the

State Theatre; then on June 2nd, McHenry Village hosts the 8th Annual Graffiti Classic Car Show, produced by the Modesto Area Street Rod Association. Graceada Park Amphitheater comes alive as MoBand kicks off its Concert in the Park series on June 7th with “Graffiti Nites.” The North Modesto Kiwanis Club presents the 15th year of the Modesto Graffiti Classic Car Parade on June 7th in downtown Modesto. The parade is one of the biggest, annual celebrations to occur in Modesto and draws thousands of tourists to our area. It has become a huge economic boon for our community. We extend a big thank you to John Sanders, the North Modesto Kiwanis Club and their team for all of their hard work! John tells us that this year the parade will feature a record number of cars - over one thousand - not only in the parade, but also in the show and festival at MJC on June 8th and 9th.

This year the Modesto Graffiti Classic Car Parade will feature a very special guest as its Grand Marshal: GEORGE LUCAS! You will not want to miss this rare occasion when the legendary George Lucas returns to the city where he grew up and the city that inspired him to create the classic movie American Graffiti. The movie has become forever linked to Modesto’s civic identity. A special reception honoring Mr. Lucas will be held at the Gallo Center for the Arts and Chris Murphy will announce the rollout of the new Modesto “Walk of Fame.” Chris and his team launched the Modesto Historic Cruise Route last year which helped solidify our standing as Modesto, USA. This year George Lucas will be inducted into the Walk of Fame that will soon find its home embedded in the sidewalk of the 10th Street promenade. We are proud of our special connection with George Lucas and can only hope that our relationship will continue to grow.

There are many other Graffiti themed events throughout the month of June. The Gallo Center for the Arts will host a special concert featuring a tribute to the Platters, Coasters and Marvelettes on Saturday, June 8th; Graffiti Night with the Modesto Nuts is on June 15th; the Boogie Woogie Rock’n Roll’n Music and Art Dance Party on J Street will be held on June 22nd and many, many more. You can find information on all of these events at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce website. Please enjoy these events and help keep our heritage alive!

Your Modesto Chamber is proud to announce the launch of our NEW website. We have met with several of our members and have incorporated many of your great suggestions into our new website. The member directory alone has many new features that we believe will deliver even more value to our members. Please visit our new site and let us know what you think: www.ModChamber.org. P

cecil russellchaMber ceo

In a member driven organization, when the membership bill comes due, we often stop and ask ourselves if the annual dues are providing enough value. I’ve heard it too, when a few fellow business owners ask, “What has the Chamber done for me lately?” As it turns out — A LOT.

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is very active on many fronts lately, and it’s worth taking

note of. Recently, your Chamber has put together an ambitious plan to bring more business, jobs and prosperity to the area, addressing transportation and shovel-ready land needs. This is the first big step toward dialogue with area leadership and the business community at large to solve these pressing challenges. Your Chamber has taken the lead in this conversation.

Another great example of where our Chamber is making a difference is its participation in advancing downtown hospitality. We all know downtowns are what define cities and ours is no exception. By partnering with the City of Modesto, the Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Modesto Downtown Improvement District, we are seeking solutions to make our downtown more relevant and vibrant for our citizens, as well as progress as a valuable economic driver and destination.

We also have worked to preserve Modesto tradition. The Chamber has always promoted the value of American Graffiti and its importance to our community. Behind the scenes, we are part of a wave of enthusiasm and energy to create a Graffiti classic car museum that’s gaining support. The Chamber has a great mural (on this Progress cover) on the exterior wall of its building to show its dedication to preserving this valuable part of our past. The Chamber supports all efforts to both celebrate our heritage and encourage it to help produce much needed dollars for our community for years to come.

There’s more: the Chamber is launching a new website that will better showcase membership and Chamber information in a great new format with many great features. Be sure to check it out at www.ModChamber.org.

As the Chamber moves forward, there are several staffing changes that reflect their rededication to bringing added value to membership, more member communication and fresh energy to the task of leading business in this community. If you haven’t lately, I’d encourage you to attend a Business Before Hours or a Business After Hours event, to network with other business leaders. These events are also an opportunity to meet the Chamber’s new staff professionals and interns that are already making a big difference in how our Chamber does business.

Let’s not forget the number one way the Chamber stays relevant and important: that we, as members, stay engaged, speak up, join a committee, attend Chamber events and get involved. Our Chamber needs more than new initiatives and staff to be successful. We need YOU, too. P

chaMber board PersPectivewhat’S new at the chamber?

By David Boring, President, Never Boring

david boriNgboard MeMber

4 Modesto Chamber of Commerce I Progress

coNstaNce aNdersoNoPeratioNs MaNager

June 5

Our number one goal at the Modesto Chamber is to bring value to our members. We are thrilled to announce the renovation of the Modesto Chamber website. In addition to the cleaner, more user-friendly design, the new and improved website offers more than a dozen new opportunities to benefit our Chamber members.

One major improvement is the usability and search options available in our online member directory. The new directory allows members and non-members to search our directory in a number of

ways, making your company’s information available to potential customers seeking your services. In addition, more opportunity for the promotion of your business exists through the way your listing in the directory is displayed and with potential links to your website, Facebook page, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. All of these changes will help secure the Modesto Chamber website as a go-to resource for both our members and those looking for the services provided by our members.

Another important update is the creation of our “Members Only” section.This section will feature a unique login and password for each member and will allow members access to Member-to-Member discounts, special resources and the ability to update your company’s contact information or representatives at the touch of a button.

Interested in applying for Leadership Modesto, the Ambassador Group or for Chamber Membership itself? You can now do all of that

online! The new website also includes the opportunity to buy tickets to Chamber events or to pay your membership dues online via our secure payment system. Every process is as streamlined as possible to save members time and make the process straightforward and easy.

New opportunities will exist throughout the site for additional promotion of our members. Whether through advertising spaces on the homepage, or by featuring major sponsors on the pages of each event, there is even greater potential for members to see your business’ name and logo when they visit the Chamber website!

Of course the site will continue to feature the Chamber’s calendar of upcoming events, as well as a community calendar. It will also include updates on the work of each of our committees, schedules of Chamber University courses and information on programs like Leadership Modesto. And this is only the beginning of what we have to offer our members via our new, dynamic website! In the near future you can expect to see more resources for small business and those looking to start a business. There will be opportunities to redeem or offer exclusive Member-to-Member discounts and a mobile and smart phone application version of the site as well!

Providing the resources and information you need to help your business run as smoothly as possible, while providing increased exposure for our members. This is the mission of our new website, www.ModChamber.org. Tour the website and let us know what you think! Post your comments on Facebook for a chance to win tickets to Oktoberfest 2013! P

Your chaMber at Workchamber updateS webSIte – plenty of upSIde for memberS

By Constance Anderson, Operations Manager, Modesto Chamber of Commerce

leadership

There are certain things everyone who hails from the valley expects each June. Kids will be getting out of school for the summer, temperatures will be rising and Modesto will once again be taken over by classic car fever.

Classic car fans rejoice: Graffiti is back on the scene!

Tourism DrawEach year, Graffiti Summer’s month long selection of parades, classic car shows and festivals draws beautiful automobiles and huge crowds to locations throughout Stanislaus County.

This year marks the 40th since George Lucas’ classic film American Graffiti hit theatres and the festivities in the Modesto area are set to be larger than ever before. From huge car shows and festivals to film events—including the State Theatre’s annual one-night-only showing of their exclusive archive print of the film—and special events to welcome and commemorate local boy Lucas’ contributions to Modesto culture, this Graffiti Summer is sure to be hot!

But while Graffiti Summer might harken back to the days of cruising the strip, to business owners, this annual event represents a significant and reliable uptick in profits.

According to Jennifer Mullen, executive director of the Modesto Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Graffiti’s spate of events can mean big returns for local retailers because they transform Modesto into an essential tourism destination.

Because of the huge variety of events and destinations—all of which are managed separately—accurate visitor counts are all but impossible, but Mullen indicated that Graffiti activities draw people (and their cars) from national locations as far away as Colorado and Michigan as well as locations overseas.

{ Cover story }

The Business o f Graf f i t i SummerBy Justin Souza

“[Graffiti] is really the one thing Modesto can claim as our own, and people really associate us with it,” said Mullen. “There was a couple f rom Sweden here the other day who said that they watch American Graff iti every year. They were visiting California and wanted to come to Modesto specifically to see something American Graff iti related.”

The Business o f Graf f i t iThe tradition’s worldwide draw bears profitable fruit for local businesses.

Last year, the festival’s largest weekend—which included the North Kiwanis Car Show and Festival—brought just over a million dollars to the city, according to Mullen. From increasing room occupancy rates at local hotels and filling tables at area restaurants to providing booming business to Stanislaus County’s gas stations, Graffiti Summer has made a considerable impact on local businesses. But the dollars that Graffiti gets circulating in Modesto aren’t relegated to simply tourism. Local car lovers typically pitch in during April and May by patronizing local auto restoration shops and automotive parts sellers in the quest to polish their rides, fix the leaks and get ready to participate in one of the many local car shows happening in June.

The good tidings of Graffiti don’t end at the till, either. Local charities also greatly benefit from the festivities. Many festival and car show ticket prices are handed directly over to area nonprofits or charities. According to John Sanders, Chairman and founder of the North Modesto Kiwanis Car Show and Festival, the popular event raised over $70,000 for local charities last year. Sanders added that all work for the festival is handled by volunteers to ensure maximum benefits to charities. “It takes about 200 volunteers to put the thing on but we do it so that 100% of the net proceeds we can give to the charities we support.”

George Lucas Returns to ModestoGeorge Lucas, Modesto native and award winning director of the renowned Star Wars franchise and American Graffiti, will be acting as the Grand Marshal at the 2013 Kiwanis Graffiti Parade in Modesto.

According to Sanders, he expects this year’s event to be even larger than last year’s because of the draw presented by George Lucas, who will be serving as Grand Marshal for the Festival’s June 7 parade.

Graf f i t i Throughout the YearMullen indicated that the Graffiti festival’s yearly success has been good motivation to continue the celebrations throughout the year.

“People come during this month to experience cruising cars, but we’re getting set so that visitors can experience Graffiti all year long,” said Mullen. “We have a lot of people who come throughout the year looking for something American Graffiti.”

According to Mullen, she has traditionally directed tourists to the downtown A&W Drive In and Lucas Plaza, but the past two years the CVB has been able to add some new destinations to its list. “We were thrilled to be able to add the Historic Graffiti Cruise Route last year, and this year the introduction of the Walk of Fame will help us celebrate our history as the home of American Graffiti!”

The new Walk of Fame, which will start near the fountain at 10th Street Place will feature plaques honoring significant figures in the

cruising/Graffiti movement including local Gene Winfield, American Graffiti actors Candy Clark, Bo Hopkins and Paul Le Matt—who were all in attendance at last year’s events—and many more. The new tourist attraction will kick off when George Lucas is made the first official inductee at this year’s event.

In addition to these attractions, tourists will be welcomed by a number of major murals painted on prominent locations throughout Modesto by local artist Aaron Vickery. Vickery said he was commissioned in just the last few months to paint the series of classic car murals which speak to Modesto’s American Graffiti heritage.

Vickery, who has become well known as a mural artist in the area, was commissioned to paint larger than life, spray-painted murals, including the details of a ’57 Chevy located on the Modesto Chamber of Commerce’s building on J Street. Tom Nye “The Giant” also painted a mural of a classic car which is located on a building in McHenry Village.

“Cecil Russell from the Chamber spoke to John Black and Chris Murphy about getting a mural on the Chamber’s building,” recounted Vickery of the Chevy. “They pitched in and funded it and got me to paint it. It’s amazing that we were able to make it happen!”

For more information on these and other Graffiti Summer events, contact the Modesto CVB at visitmodesto.com. P

ribboN cuttiNgs

EndlEss PossibilitiEs thrift storE /sociEty for handicaPPEd childrEn & adults3124 Mchenry avenue, suite aModesto, ca 95350209) 524-3536

Jaunt advEnturE GEar1508 10th streetModesto, ca 95354(209) 622-0261

Gurnick acadEmy of mEdical arts4712 stoddard road, suite 200Modesto, ca 95356(209) 521-1821

bEckwith vEtErinary hosPital3232 beckwith courtModesto, ca 95358(209) 524-9282

loGical traininG solutions, llcP.o. box 56empire, ca 95319(425) 503-3129*Photo taken at the Modesto chamber of commerce

thE last rEsort3125 Mchenry ave., suite dModesto, ca 95350(209) 523-6910

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THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 AT MODESTO CENTRE PLAZA - HARVEST HALL, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Business AdministrationMedical AssistingMedical OfficePharmacy TechnologyTherapeutic Massage

Industrial Technology

ModProgress 7.75 x 5.pdf

June 9

guest ColumN

graffiti MoNth is all about Nostalgia —aNd that’s What the state theatre does best

By Sue Richardson, GM/Executive Director, The State Theatre

Graffiti Month is all about celebrating the past, and there’s nothing more nostalgic and more familiar to generations of Modestans than The State Theatre. Dozens of couples met at The State and married. Hundreds worked their first jobs here. And people still stop by who, as youngsters, collected bottles to cover the cost of a 10-cent matinee. Whether people come to see art and indie

films, or dance in the aisles at concerts, they regard The State as their hometown theater. It ’s as though it ’s always been here, and we hope it always will be.

It’s only fitting, then, that The State gets into the swing of the Graffiti thing. Park your rod following the Car Parade the evening of June 7 and see, for only $20, the best Johnny Cash tribute band -- ever! Below you can see what else is happening in June when we return, for one glorious month, to the good old days of cruising, hot rods and rock ‘n’ roll. P

DON’TPROMISE

WHAT YOU CAN’T

DELIVERWhat sets us apart from our competition….dependability.

WE DELIVER WHAT WE PROMISE

Lesson #1

printing • mailing • fulfillment • promotional items • cross media marketing

parksprinting.com | 209.576.2568

cash’d out: a tribute to Johnny cashfri. June 7, 2103Doors at 8; show at 9 p.m.General admission tickets: $20

Sing-a-long greaseSat. June 8, 2013Doors at 5:30; film at 6:30 p.m.Tickets are $5

Singles mingle at the State: Sock hop & graffiti celebrationwed. June 12, 2013Doors at 6; sock hop at 7 p.m.Admission is $10

Solar powered people, kid mud and Stop motion poetry Sat. June 15, 2013Doors at 7; show at 8 p.m.General admission tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door

hot rods and man food: a Special event for father’s daySun. June 16, 2013Doors at 1; film at 2 p.m.Tickets are $5 or $4 each for a family of four or more. Man Food Buffet: $5 per person

the Stray cat lee rockerfri. June 21, 2013Doors at 7; show at 8 p.m.Tickets are $25 and $30

sue richardsoN

For more information, please call (209) 527-4697 or visit www.thestate.org.


aWards aNd achieveMeNts

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts recently completed its national reaccreditation process with the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). We are pleased to announce the Academy received zero violations with commendations for exceeding expectations during our recent reaccreditation site visit. Our four California campuses achieved high standards in student retention, student satisfaction, licensure and job placement. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – Modesto Campus is proud of the dedicated employees who willingly share their expertise with our students, providing opportunities for achievement of educational goals leading to changed lives upon completion of our programs! For more information, visit www.gurnick.edu.

Michael O’Connor, owner of The O’Connor Insurance Agency of Modesto, is proud to present a $1,000 check to the Woodland West Community Neighborhood. The O’Connor Insurance Agency is part of the

Allstate Insurance Company. The Allstate Foundation offers Agency Hands in the Community grants to Allstate agency owners who volunteer by focusing on fostering strong communities that build safe and vital enviroments where people want to live, work, raise families and run businesses.Woodland West Community Neighborhood will use the money to publish their newsletter. For more information, call (209) 247-1824.

Valley Wealth Inc. was ranked 43rd among the nation’s top 50 emerging wealth management companies by Forbes. The company was started in 2008 by Jeff Burrow and Jason Gordo, both of whom were raised in the Central Valley. Last year, the company increased its managed assets by $110 million and has recently surpassed $300 million under management. The firm’s mission is to help clients achieve financial success by working closely with them to understand each of their client’s unique circumstances, wants, needs and desires. Half of the firm’s business comes from managing company retirement plans, while the other half involves managing private wealth. Contact Valley Wealth Inc., 1101 Sylvan Avenue Suite # C-203, Modesto, CA 95350, by calling (209) 579–5900 or e-mail [email protected].

Central Valley Specialty Hospital joined the Modesto Chamber of Commerce in January as a President’s Club Circle of Influence Member – Silver Level. Accepting Central Valley Specialty Hospital’s President’s Club plaque from Chairman Ralph Curtis is Gia Smith, Chief Executive Officer. By locating in Modesto, Central Valley Specialty Hospital provides a huge opportunity for job creation in our area. The Hospital expects to care for patients referred by about a dozen community hospitals and medical centers in the region. The Chamber appreciates Central Valley Specialty Hospital’s membership. For more information on Central Valley Specialty Hospital please visit www.centralvalleyspecialty.org. P

CommuNity developmeNt

June 11

PresideNt’s clubcircle of iNflueNce

PLATINUM LEVELkaiser PermanenteWalmartWalmart Neighborhood Market

DIAMOND LEVELbank of the Westcapax-giddings, corby, hynes, inc.doctors behavioral health center - dMcdoctors Medical center-dMcfrito-lay company, inc.Medamerica billing services, inc.Pacific southwest containersunPower

EMERALD LEVELe & J. gallo Winery

GOLD LEVEL5.11 tactical seriescostco Wholesalecrystal creamerydoubletree hotelevergreen Nursing & rehabilitation care centerJc Penney companyMemorial Medical centerthe Modesto beeModesto irrigation districtModesto Nuts Professional baseballracor, division of Parker hannifin corporationsave Mart supermarkets seneca foods, llcsysco food services of central californiataco bell

SILVER LEVELaaaat&tacme construction company, inc.ambeck Mortgage associatesamerican chevroletamerican Medical responsearamark uniform servicesatherton & associates, llPbJ’s restaurant & brewhousebrandman university, chapman university systemcalifornia 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 groupcentral valley specialty hospital children’s hospital central californiachukchansi gold resort & casinocitibank clark Pest controlcoit services inc.collins electrical comcastconstruction Management corporation

eCoNomiC developmeNt

courtyard by Marriottcovanta stanislaus, inc.damrell, Nelson, schrimp, Pallios, Pacher & silvadelta 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 technologyJs West & companykaplan collegeMercer foodsMocse credit unionModesto commerce bankModesto toyotaMraz, amerine & associatesoak valley community banko’brien’s MarketolaM spices & vegetables, inc.Pacific gas & electric companyPanelized structures inc.Pepsi bottling groupPost foods, llcPrime shine car Washrabobankraley’sraymond James & associates, inc.rizo-lopez foods, inc.rocha transportation san Joaquin valley collegesiemensseven 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 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.

wintonireland.com l Since 1913 l Lic # 0596517

MODESTO (209) 529-3480 l TURLOCK (209) 667-0995

Front Jeff Quinn, Marc O’Neil, Marcia Messer back Rick Moen, Dan Mello

Workers Comp I Agricultural I Health & Benefits I Professional

Crop I Commercial Packages I Home & Auto

Celebrating our100TH ANNIVERSARY

©

nev

erbo

ring.

com


“If you have knowledge, let others light their candle by it.” – Margaret Fuller, Journalist

As a constant advocate for business development in the Central Valley, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce regularly hears the term “qualified workforce” used ad nauseam. It is difficult to believe that with the number of high-quality educational opportunities available in our area – from trade and vocational schools to university options – that this could be the case. Perhaps the disconnect between educated graduates of all education levels and satisfied employers is experience. This is a gap that can easily be filled through internships.

How can you find the “qualified employees” your company is seeking? Help create them! Hosting an intern at your company can provide your business with additional, economical help and educate a student as to the experiences, expectations and knowledge they should have to make them a desirable choice as a potential employee.

An internship is a temporary work or volunteer opportunity. Internships can be paid, unpaid or “for credit,” in which the student may earn academic credits for the time spent “on the job.” Job assignments and the nature of the work assigned to an intern varies from company to company, but likely, with minimal training, guidance and supervision, interns are able to take ownership of the lingering projects you or your staff just haven’t been able to get to. During the school year, internships may have to work around a student’s schedule, but summer is often wide open for students – especially juniors and seniors looking for work experience to add to their resumes.

In most cases, each school will have a point of contact for their intern program, either school wide or through a specific department. Sometimes the process is as informal as a posting on a school bulletin board, or simply having a conversation with a student you know who may be interested in an opportunity. An amazing resource for students and employers looking to fulfill an internship opportunity is IgniteU. IgniteU is an online tool that helps match businesses looking to host an internship with an interested and qualified student. For more information on IgniteU, please visit www.IgniteU.com.

Offering an internship not only bolsters your work force, but furthers the education of our students in ways that a traditional classroom setting cannot. It provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained in their studies and experience what a potential career in a particular area might be like. It allows them to practice skills like professional interaction, meeting deadlines, organization and quality control. In addition, because interns are essentially treated as an employee of the business for which they are interning, their on-the-job experience educates them on a variety of other skills that can’t be taught from a book, including how to report progress on a project to a superior, taking initiative and responsibility. Students experience first hand what expectations they will be held to regarding timeliness, appearance and cooperation with co-workers. Ultimately, all of this learning produces a stronger, more well-educated, “qualified workforce.”

The Modesto Chamber has been fortunate to benefit from a number of interns in recent years, ranging from high school level through university students. While each came to us with a different skill set and level of learning, all of them made a contribution and left our organization that much farther ahead than when they started with us. Be a part of the solution in helping create a qualified workforce in the Central Valley. Help bridge the gap between “student” and “potential employee” by creating an internship opportunity at your business. P

chaMber ProMotes iNterNshiPs as MeaNs of buildiNg stroNg, local Workforce

By Constance Anderson, Operations Manager, Modesto Chamber of Commerce

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June 13

The 3rd Annual

STATE OF

EDUCATION

Forum

7:30 a.m.

Martin Petersen

Event Center

Modesto

Education Funding and

How it Impacts the Community

Don Gatti, Assistant Superintendent Business Services,

Stanislaus County Office of Education

Presentation of Future City Vintage Grove

Modesto Girl Scout Troop #225

Troop Leader: Lori Dexter

Destination Graduation

Tom Changnon, Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools

Stanislaus County Office of Education

Registration opens June 10, 2013 at

www.ModChamber.org.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Facanha

(209) 577-5757 or [email protected].

August 28

2 0 1 3the VelVet grIll & creamery

{ small BusiNess spotlight }

Our goal is simple: try our best to create unique, “signature flavors” in everything we make. From our fresh, early morning breakfasts to a wide variety of lunch items & dinner specialties. Oh, of course, then there is fresh, made-in-the restaurant ice cream!

Our pancakes are made from scratch, a special recipe, consisting of oatmeal, buttermilk and fresh ingredients. Everything is made to order. We NEVER precook anything, even bacon. Try the French toast.

We believe in full flavors, full seasoning - bland is not what you will get here. Our soups are interesting, healthy and flavorful. Dressings are house made. Burger buns are baked right here, everyday. We strive to give you the core items you might expect, but with our flavor and presentation twists.

Our employees are genuinely glad to serve you and will go out of their way to take care of you. We believe in hiring people, with good hearts and minds. Simply, everything falls into place if we succeed at that. Our current four locations offer something different to their unique local atmosphere, in employees, décor and feel. One thing is common throughout our locations:

our goal to serve you doesn’t change whether you are visiting our oldest locations in Modesto, (over 30 years), Lodi’s wine

country, or our newest location (opened August, 2012) in Historic Old Town Galt. To contact the Velvet Grill &

Creamery, call (209) 544-9029 or visit our Facebook page. P

Modesto Chamber of Commerce presents:

INVESTED.INFORMED.INSPIRED.

PLEASE MARK

YOUR CALENDAR

3900 Dale RoadModesto, CA 95356209.526.2053www.dalecommons.comRCFE #507004998

Dale Commons

Independent and Assisted Living Community

BE INFORMEDBE EDUCATEDBE AWAREBELONG

FIND OUT WHAT CAREGIVING IS MEANT TO BE

Caregiver Lecture Series

Modesto Police Department –“How To Prevent Identity Theft”

Thursday, June 20th, 20132:00 to 4:00 pm

PLEASE RSVP: 209.526.2053SPEAKER:

Sgt. DeAble, Modesto Police Department


Alzheimer/Dementia Support Center, Inc. is a locally-based nonprofit organization offering support, guidance, and educational resources on issues related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. ADSC hosts multiple, weekly caregiver support groups utilizing peer counseling to assist those caring for loved ones afflicted with dementia-related illnesses. ADSC also provides support to early and mid-stage memory-impaired individuals by hosting peer support groups featuring music and art therapy. ADSC is located at 700 McHenry Avenue, Suite B in Modesto. Contact us at (209) 577-0018 or visit www.adsc-modesto.org.

Globalkom LLC powered by Cricket Wireless is a company that has been around for over ten years and now has opened a new premier service location. Our main goal is to build our company around the community. We want to offer customers the best wireless experience at the most affordable prices. Modesto Cricket will give customers not only the best wireless experience, but the best customer service experience. We are open Monday-Friday from 10-7 and Saturdays from 11-7. We look forward to seeing you at our new location on 1421 Coffee Rd Suite F, (209) 524-6600.

Home Instead Senior Care is a locally owned and operated franchise that provides assistance with daily activities which may have become difficult for seniors to manage on their own. We provide companionship, care and personal assistance which enable your loved ones to remain in their homes. Our CAREgivers are thoroughly screened, extensively trained and matched to your preferences. You can rest assured that your loved one is treated with kindness, dignity and professionalism. We know how difficult these decisions can be and we’re here for you. For more information, call (209) 543-1277.

Logical Training Solutions, LLC is a locally based company that provides driving safety (defensive driving) training, onsite and online fleet driver solutions for companies, non-profits and governmental entities. Expert instructors engage employees in an interactive change process using proven strategies. We can customize our courses to meet your training needs and budgetary resources. Having well-trained drivers makes sense. Logical Training Solutions provides onsite classroom and in-vehicle solutions in addition to our engaging fleet online courses. Courses can be found at www.ecofleetsafety.com. Call us at (888) 982-9517 for a free quote or demo of our online courses.

Modesto Web & Host provides award-winning small business services including web hosting, domain names, website design and interactive programming. Speed, reliability, security and support are the cornerstones to all the web services we offer. When you need help, the Modesto Web & Host team is there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When you need advice, we have it in abundance. When you’re ready for growth, we have the cost-effective solutions you’re looking for. For more information, call (209) 846-2255.

Valley Recovery Resources is a non-profit organization that operates two Redwood Family Centers, which are working to create a community where individuals seeking recovery, and their families, have the opportunity and services necessary for a drug-free and productive future. Redwood Family Center provides a crucial component to the recovery process – a clean and sober living environment. Redwood Family Center partners with other Stanislaus County government, private and non-profit organizations to ensure that residents receive necessary drug and alcohol, mental health, social services, domestic violence and parenting treatment and case management services. For more information, call our office at (209) 550-7352 or visit www.valleyrecoveryresources.com. P

NeW MeMber Profiles


aNNouNceMeNtsThe Career Services Department at the Institute of Technology is committed to assisting our students and graduates identify opportunities in the community. We will be having an open to the public onsite job fair on July 18, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. To reserve a space or request additional information, please contact Grace Fitch or Wendy Jones at (209) 545-3100. We can also be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected].

Dr. Amy Shin has been named the new CEO of Health Plan of San Joaquin. She is taking over May 6th for the retiring Dr. John Hackworth. Earlier this year, HPSJ became Stanislaus County’s Local Initiative Health Plan in accordance with the Medi-Cal Two Plan Model for managed care, adding to the health plan’s extensive Medi-Cal provider network in San Joaquin County. HPSJ now has nearly 185,000 members in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties, with a provider network of over 300 primary care physicians and 3,000 specialists. P


Your comfortis our business.

523-4578dehartinc.com

Lic. # 724566

June 15

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce has a long history of supporting Valley Charter High School, the only classroom-based charter high school serving 9th through 12th grade students in Modesto. Chamber CEO Cecil Russell recalls the birth of Valley Business

High School in 1999 when Martin Petersen, then Superintendent of Stanislaus County Office of Education and a Chamber member, teamed with business leaders to educate students in an alternative environment with an emphasis on workforce readiness. Mr. Russell states that board members “volunteered to assist with the requirements and screening of the original students, providing internships and scholarships for the first couple of years and then continued to serve as advisors.”

Valley Business High School later reorganized with other schools chartered by the Stanislaus County Office of Education to more effectively deliver curriculum and to better implement the Early College High School Initiative in partnership with Modesto Junior College. As a result of the merging of schools, Valley Charter High School now offers three college-preparatory programs: both classroom-based and non-classroom-based programs for grades 9 through 12 and a hybrid Early College Honors program for juniors and seniors who attend MJC classes in addition to their high school coursework. All three programs share a common vision to equip students with confidence and competence for college, career and community success.

Acquiring marketable job skills is especially critical today. Valley Charter students combine academics with an emphasis on integrity and service as they develop a portfolio with a resume and letters of recommendation and practice professional behavior and dress. Earning a high school diploma and completing college courses and hands-on experience in the business world are essential to prepare for the highly skilled jobs of the future. The Chamber has offered such valuable experience to senior Denise Jackson, a former Chamber of Commerce office intern, that she requested to build her class schedule around her service. Mr. Russell encourages Chamber members to reach out to students. “We, the business community, can assist the schools by providing both mentorships for as many students as possible and internships for high school students. These services can be some of the most valuable training that the students will ever receive.”

Valley Charter is a free public school of choice, currently serving 245 students who reside in Stanislaus and contiguous counties, overseen by Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools Tom Changnon and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. To arrange for a summer or school-year internship or volunteer to mentor a class, contact Valley Charter at (209) 238-6800 or [email protected]. P

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

©2013 Principal Financial Services, Inc. “The Principal,” “Principal Financial Group,” the Edge design, “We’ll Give You An Edge” and the illustrated character are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc. Insurance products from the Principal Financial Group® are issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in New York) and Principal Life Insurance Company. Securities offered through Princor Financial Services Corporation, (800) 247-1737, member SIPC. Principal National, Principal Life, and Princor® are members of the Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, IA 50392. AD2071-05 | t1104040263

Peter Adamakis . . . . . . . .0C26584 CA LIC

Joel Balam . . . . . . . . . . . . 0F12164 CA LIC

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Mark Cook . . . . . . . . . . . 0558996 CA LIC

Susan Cunningham . . . . .0B04085 CA LIC

Angelo Giannosa . . . . . . .0B50859 CA LIC

Financial Services Representatives800-458-1257

www.principal.com/northerncalifornia

David Gingerich . . . . . . . . 0F58373 CA LIC

Vicky Johnson . . . . . . . . .0E97436 CA LIC

Mark Kleiderlein . . . . . . . 0538946 CA LIC

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VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOLBy Susan Nisan, Principal, Valley Charter High School

susaN NisaN


NetworkiNg & referrals

{ MaY } busiNess before & after hours

Business Before Hours hosted by: kaplan college

Kaplan College(209) 543-7000 • www.kc-modesto.com5172 Kiernan Court, Salida, CA 95368

Kaplan College Modesto provides career-focused education to more than 400 students and helps prepare them to enter the workforce through hands-on programs in allied health and criminal justice. Students receive the training and professional skills necessary to reach their educational goals and start a new career.

Brenda Athletic Clubs Modesto Sports(209) 571-2582 • www.brendaathletics.com200 Norwegian Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350

At Brenda Athletic Clubs, we are not just a gym or a health club — we are a family friendly f itness club. We offer spacious workout facilities in numerous locations including Modesto, Merced and Turlock. Our goal is to meet and exceed the needs of our members and guests. “Helping People Change Since 1978.”

Business After Hours hosted by: brenda athletic clubs modesto sports

© M

odes

to Ir

rigat

ion

Dis

tric

t

June 17

1-888-936-PLAN (7526) I www.hpsj.com

- No-cost and low-cost healthcare coverage

- Hundreds of primary care physicians and specialists

- Easy access to your personal doctor

- Choice of hospitals and pharmacies

- Local and nationwide emergency care

- Free 24/7 advice nurse

- Serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties

Eligibility guidelines apply and may be based in part on household income. Plan availability varies by county.

Making a DIFFERENCEone family at a time!

Course Name Course Date/Time Course Description Cost

Grow your Business with Social Media & Events Marketing – Imc consulting & training

June 4, 2013 9:00am - 11:00am

This is a SPECIAL double-feature workshop. See and hear strategist and expert Michael Loschke share how to use SOCIAL MEDIA to create buzz before and after your event. Sales meetings, seminars, fundraisers, arts and sports are all EVENTS that can attract new customers, deepen existing relationships, generate more revenue and increase loyalty. Learn about powerful, easy-to-use online event marketing tools that help make your promotion and registration fast, professional and most important - MORE PRODUCTIVE.

Members $10.00 Non-Members $20.00

S.C.O.R.E. Counseling Method© is an employee performance counseling method specifically designed using behavioral and social science theories, psychology, decision-making, and communication skills. S.C.O.R.E. Counseling Method© helps employers and employees improve behavior when the employee consciously or even subconsciously chooses to be deficient or defiant of satisfactory performance or behavior in the workplace. They make the decision to change, while we support them and the organization.

How to S.C.O.R.E. When You Counsel Employees - c.m.f. leadership consulting

June 11, 2013 9:00am - 10:30am


Join us for breakfast and learn about “The Modern Office.” Breakout sessions on: • Windows 8 - Modern tools for business. Come see what is new in the latest Microsoft OS • Office 365 - Your complete office in the cloud • Make Money with Social Media as a Small Business Owner - We will share the top 5 mistakes that small business owners make when delving into social media so that you can avoid (or fix them). You will also learn about some free and low cost tools to streamline your social media management and make it more profitable • Keynote on leveraging technology for profit by David Sahl • Windows 8 live Demo by Melissa Barry • Office 365 by Jhon Castiblanco

Inaugural Microsoft Small Business Tech Summit - the modesto chamber of commerce & It Solutions|currie

martin petersen center - 720 12th St, modesto

June 28, 20137:30am -12:00pm


Decision-making is a key skill in the workplace and is particularly important for effective leadership. In this class you will learn the essential steps in the decision-making process and how to use different decision-making strategies to ensure that your decisions meet organizational objectives.

The Power of Decision–Making – Singlepoint outsourcing, Inc.

To register for all SinglePoint Outsourcing, Inc. classes call (559) 625-4800

July 17, 201310:00am – 12:00pm


K-12 Classroom Technology Boot Camp – forge Integration

July 9, 20139:00am - 11:30am

We will: • Review 12 of the most helpful Web 2.0 sites for the classroom • Take a deep dive into at least 3 of the 12 tools (by consensus) • View and share some lesson exemplars using the tools guaranteed to leave with something you can use in your classroom.

Free to educators

*All Chamber University courses are provided at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, unless otherwise noted; call the Chamber to register: (209) 577-5757.

eduCatioN

1-888-936-PLAN (7526) I www.hpsj.com

- No-cost and low-cost healthcare coverage

- Hundreds of primary care physicians and specialists

- Easy access to your personal doctor

- Choice of hospitals and pharmacies

- Local and nationwide emergency care

- Free 24/7 advice nurse

- Serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties

Eligibility guidelines apply and may be based in part on household income. Plan availability varies by county.

Making a DIFFERENCEone family at a time!

June 19

Institute of Technology is pleased to present Sonia Pulido as the new Employer Relations Coordinator. Ms. Pulido’s experience in community outreach will benefit the graduates from Institute of Technology with their job search. She will connect with employers to assist them with their hiring needs. Her strong ties to the community and connection with the students combine to make a strong addition to the team. For more information, please call (209) 545-3100 Ext. 3134.

Laurie Fleming joined Data Path, Inc. on March 6 as its new Business Manager. Her responsibilities will include accounting and human resources. Ms. Fleming moved to Modesto in 1983, is a graduate of Beyer High School and currently resides in Ceres. She has worked in a professional office environment for the past 24 years and most recently was the controller of Solution Pro, a nationwide service company for the past nine years. For more information, please contact (209) 521-0055. P

PeoPle oN the Move

laurie fleMiNg

soNia Pulido


Let’s face it: You have better ways to spend 3 months and $50,000 than on a kitchen remodel. In 7 days and for less than $15,000, kitchenBOX delivers:

BEFORE AFTER

Kohler faucet with pull-out sprayer Garbage disposal Wall and ceiling paint Appliance removal and installation New electrical switches, outlets and faceplates

2 hour consultation with interior designer

Kitchen remodel.

Kitchen remodel. 7 days. Less than $15k.

Start your path to kitchenBOX today! (209)622-3610 CA License #947965

Granite countertops Granite or tile backsplash Complete cabinet refinishing Cabinet door and drawer hardware Dual-compartment Kohler kitchen sink

Kitchen remodel. 7 days. Less than $15k.

www.mykitchenbox.com

NOT THE GRAFFITI YOU EXPECTED?

WE CAN FIX THAT. You came for Graffiti Summer, but it looks like it’s time to visit another Modesto institution: Burnside Body Shop. Let the folks at Burnside get your vehicle back in shape with eco-friendly paint services and gentle dent repair.

Remember: you have the right to choose your body shop.


ModestoAGENCY1016 Fourteenth St.

Modesto, CA 95354tel 209.526.9136

CUSTOM SIGNS1025 Needham St.

Modesto, CA 95354tel 209.593.5844

StocktonAll SErvICES

445 W. Weber Ave., Ste. 124AStockton, CA 95203

tel 209.593.9136COLLEGE & NEEDHAM, MODEStOtel 209.593.5844 neverboringsigns.com

A S S O C I A T E S

Easy. A great wrap will fit your vehicle like a custom suit and drive customers to your door. the Wrap Pack are experts at turning drab vehicles into cool, mobile billboards that never stop working for you. Plus, with cats this cool, you know you’re bound to look better than anything else on the road.

Come in today to let the Wrap Pack create a custom wrap for you.

How Do You Get NoticeD bY 70,000 PeoPle everY DaY?

staNislaus greeN team

staNislaus greeN teaMBy Rikki Keenan, Stanislaus Green Team Coordinator

Interested in REACON Team membership or Stanislaus Green Team sponsorship? Call (209) 577-5757 or e-mail [email protected]

REACON Team MembersGreen Team Supporters

The Stanislaus Green Team is comprised of local businesses from all over Stanislaus County. The team discusses green initiatives & networks on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 10:00 A.M. The goal is to educate and encourage businesses to become more environmentally efficient using green practices that can potentially save them a substantial amount of money.

The program has been in operation since November of 2012 and already has participation f rom 110 area businesses. The REACON team of industry experts has visited and assessed 13 businesses and officially certified Gianelli & Associates as the first Green Sustainable Business in the county.

The Stanislaus Green Team has been very active throughout the county. The Team participated in the Earth Day in the Park Festival and was recently recognized by the City of Modesto for its efforts. Cecil Russell, President of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Garrad Marsh acknowledged four Stanislaus Green Team businesses at the Modesto City Council meeting on May 14: Dittos of Modesto, Schneider Electric, Cal-Green Recycling and McCoy’s Industrial Tire. These four businesses were the first to become Modesto Chamber members directly because of their desire to increase their involvement with and contributions to the Stanislaus Green Team. On June 20th the Modesto Chamber Business to Business Trade Show will feature the addition of a new Stanislaus Green Team Arena, in which Green Team businesses will make green resources available to local businesses.

The Modesto Chamber has brought tremendous value to its membership through the development of this program. Anyone is welcome to attend Stanislaus Green Team meetings and REACON efficiency assessments are free of charge to our members. We look forward to the July issue of Progress Magazine which will feature many of the inspiring “green” stories of our area. Watch for more amazing accomplishments to come as the Stanislaus Green Team continues to grow, educate and encourage more local businesses to improve efficiencies by going green. P

next Stanislaus green team meetingThursday, June 20, 2013

Kirk Lindsey Center1020 10th Street, Suite 102, Modesto, CA

(Across from Brenden Theater and right next door to Fuzio’s)

BEFORE AFTER


...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.

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

Pam O’Brien & Susan Fentonat hOme

At Home has served the Modesto, California community with beautiful home furnishings, great service, low prices and hometown relationships since 2003. The store is owned and operated by Susan Fenton and her daughter Pam O’Brien.

When was your company founded? how did it begin?Susan: In our family, we’re the 24th or

25th people to be involved in the furniture business. We were both teachers but we talked about it and both our husbands thought it would be a good idea to open a store. So we decided to leave teaching and have found success now for nearly 11 years. Pam takes care of all the business stuff, I take care of the floor. She has the hard part, that’s for sure!

how many employees do you have? Pam: We have twelve employees, plus us. So fourteen total. Most of the people who work for us have worked here since the beginning.

are you originally from this area? If not, where are you from and how did you come to the area? Susan: My husband and I have lived here for almost 47 years. So we know the community and get clients all the time that we know from just living in the Modesto area.

What are some of the accomplishments of which you are particularly proud?Susan: I’m proud that whatever conflicts we’ve had, we work them out. We really love At Home, we love it there. We enjoy going to work and it’s been good for us. We’ve had a good time, made some money on the way.

What is the single biggest reason that you have achieved the level of success you have?Susan: Because we are different, and we are local. We love our

work and it shows. We try to be innovative, we have an interesting website and we have the second Saturdays events which are seminars (which could be on anything from decorating to cooking to gardening), a sale and snacks that we have every second Saturday year round.

What do you like about your job?Susan: I like the people I work with. I like dealing with customers. I love to do that. The people are enjoyable, interesting. I think it’s difficult. The furniture business isn’t easy.

Pam: I don’t think any retail business is easy right now. When you have a retail business you’re now competing with the internet. But I still love dealing with interesting customers and the people we work with. I also like buying merchandise and knowing what’s happening and what trends are going on in home furnishings.

What advice do you have for business people when it comes to achieving their goals?Susan: It’s all about integrity. Being honest and keeping in touch with customers.

Pam: Also, your employees are important. Because we’ve had ours a long time they’ve built a rapport and a relationship with customers. That’s definitely been a part of our success.

What do you like about doing business in the modesto community and why do you think this is the Land of Opportunity?Pam: Here in Modesto, we get a lot of people from the Bay Area and from Stockton and Tracy along with Sonora and the mountains coming here looking for unique products and retailers. We have a lot of great independent shops here in our area, people like the fact that you can come here and go to a unique shop. We’re always encouraging people to shop local and encouraging people to think of shopping at other local businesses. If you shop online, your local community gets nothing. When you shop local, money comes back to your community!

susaN feNtoN & PaM o’brieN

REACON Team Members

June 23

WORK IN

Do you have a classic car that you want to supe up for the Graffiti Parade, but you don’t know where to start? Follow these steps and you’re sure to have the hottest rod cruising the strip in no time!

First things first, set a budget! Make sure you budget for sound mechanics first, then focus on looks. You don’t want to risk damaging a nice paint job. The engine is one of the most important factors of any restored classic or muscle car. If you plan on entering your car into competitions and parades, your engine compartment should look factory-new. Order a catalog of parts that focuses on the particular make, model and year of your classic car. This will ensure that your car is as original as possible! Once you have the engine up and running, see about repairing or replacing the transmission and drivetrain as well.

Next, your car needs to sound the part! Everyone loves a classic car with an exhaust that rumbles when it cruises down the street. Make sure your ride’s exhaust tips and mufflers have been replaced to help you sound your best.

Last but not least, paint and detailing are the finishing touches you need to make your classic car really shine in the Graffiti Parade. Your car’s signature emblem should stand out among the crowd, so you’ll want the chrome to be shined and detailed with fresh paint. Same goes for your car as a whole. A fresh coat of high-gloss paint and detailing can make all the difference between a hunk of junk and a righteous roadster.

And of course, don’t forget to always consult your favorite body shop for all of your car repair needs! P

restoriNg Your classic carBy Burnside Body Shop

{ asks the expert }

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

www.ovcb.comOakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock

Patterson • Ripon • Escalon • Stockton • Manteca

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.

We mean businessOak Valley COmmunity Bank

Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group officers, flanked by Oak Valley’s Ron Davenport, Area Manager, 343-7627

and Patrick Burda, Commercial Loan Officer, 579-3385

“When it came time to grow our business, Oak Valley was a true business partner and made financing our

new project easy. We enjoy having a great relationship with a

locally owned bank that helps make us more

successful.”

– Chris Murphy, Sierra Pacific

Warehouse Group

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock Patterson • Ripon • Escalon • Stockton • Manteca

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.

Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group officers, flanked by Oak Valley’s Ron Davenport, Area Manager, 343-7627

and Patrick Burda, Commercial Loan Officer, 579-3385

Stan and the AllianceTaking Careof Business!

Whether existing or expanding the Alliance is an experience your business won’t find anywhere else. We work with companies of all sizes and provide local businesses with resources and assistance to help them become more competitive and profitable!

We can find the information you need to stay competitiveRESEARCH

We can help get your business get off the groundENTREPRENEURS

We will help you find the right applicant for the jobWORKFORCE

We will determine your eligibility for business tax incentivesENTERPRISE ZONE

We can help your business expand, grow & thriveBUSINESS

209-567-4985

lliancestanislaus economic development & workforce alliance

When the bottom fell out of the economy a few

years ago, the local automotive market was deeply

affected. according to david halvorson, owner of

american chevrolet, the long-standing dealer’s

business dropped 65% overnight. “We went from

selling 180 vehicles a month to 54. it was like a

runaway train and there was nothing we could do to

slow it down.” but luckily for american chevrolet, a

drop, which could have been a business killer, was

survivable due to solid boom time planning.

“sometimes you learn

your lessons in life,” said

halvorson. “When we first

opened in 1990, we almost

went broke early. that

scared me. so when things

were good, i was paying off

debt. When the crunch hit,

even though we were losing

money in buckets, we were in

a position where our balance

sheets still looked good.”

even while the business

was staying afloat, halvorson said that the drop

necessitated difficult cuts in staffing. “there are

people who would say i wasn’t very smart, that

i should have cut 25 people the first month. but

my dad always told me: the day i’m not sick to

my stomach when i have to let somebody go is

the day i need to get into a different line of work.

so what we did is cut a few people at a time and

let it settle out a couple months to see where

we were. over the course of a year, we ended up

cutting about 26 people. and i have to tell you it

was hard to let those people go. My employees

are family.”

by the time the economy started to turn around

in 2009, halvorson said american chevrolet was

down to a trim 83 employees. in the four years

since, the auto industry

has gained a little more

traction every year, but

halvorson suggested that

he anticipates it will still be

2016 before we see a full

recovery in the industry.

until then, he said that

the down economy has

taught him to make even

more careful choices

in managing finances.

from minimizing debts

to managing growth,

halvorson and american chevrolet are taking it slow

and keeping up the cautious optimism that helped

the business survive the downturn.

“at this point we know that the light at the end of the

tunnel isn’t a train,” laughed halvorson. “and that’s

a good thing.” P

SERvICE whEN yOu NEEd IT(Courtesy of Never Boring)

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.

© N

ever

Bor

ing

• ne

verb

orin

g.co

m

WORK INThe Light at the End of the Tunnel:

American Chevrolet Finds Business Solutions in the Down Economy

according to david

halvorson, owner of

american chevrolet, the

long-standing dealer’s

business dropped 65%

overnight.

June 25

In a previous issue, I introduced the Boys & Girls Club of Stanislaus County. The founding of a local Boys and Girls Club has been met with overwhelming support, and “Benefit Bowl” is one recent example of the community’s generosity.

On Saturday, May 18, 2013, our Mayor, Garrard Marsh and his wife, Dallas, hosted the 13th Annual Benefit Bowl at McHenry Bowl. Each year the event selects a charitable organization to benefit f rom

the event and this year the newly formed Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County was chosen as beneficiary. McHenry Bowl generously covers the entire cost of the event, which includes tremendous food, an incredible silent auction, a prize raffle and of course, lanes and lanes of bowling! This year, over $30,000 was raised at Benefit Bowl and 100% of the funds raised went to the Boys & Girls Club of Stanislaus County! The Modesto Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the Marsh’s for supporting the Boys & Girls Club and for all they do to generously give back to our community!

In addition to the huge boost in funding made possible by McHenry Bowl and the Marsh’s, the Boys and Girls Club of Stanislaus County has even more good news to share. At a recent meeting, Sylvan School District voted to approve a contract with the Boys and Girls Club, giving after school Club activities a home on two of the District ’s school campuses. I am also excited to announce that the Boys and Girls Club of Stanislaus County has recently been joined by their new leader Lincoln Ellis. Mr. Ellis grew up as a participant of Boys and Girls Club programs in Stockton, California. He has since helped guide and grow Boys and Girls Clubs in many different states. We are thrilled to bring him back to the Central Valley to lead our new Club. To get involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Stanislaus County, please contact them at [email protected]. P

(209) 523-8365

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JANITORIAL INC.Cheryl Sensenbaugh 2937 Veneman Avenue, Suite C125 Modesto, CA 95359(559) 681-8433 [email protected] Service

MCCOY’S INDUSTRIAL TIRESandra McCoy3005 Central Ave. Ceres, CA 95307 (209) 537-4881 (209) [email protected] mccoysindustrial.comTire Dealers & Distributors

MODESTO WEB & HOSTWil Hatfield Modesto, CA 95354(209) 846-2255(866) [email protected] Design & Development

RECOUPONAlex Ewell (209) [email protected] Raising

STANDIFORD PLACE GRACIOUS RETIREMENT LIVINGBarbara Arrington3420 Shawnee DriveModesto, CA 95350 (209) 521-7000(209) [email protected] www.holidaytouch.comRetirement Housing & Living

WOODRUFF - SAWYER & CO.Bruce Coughlin 7005 Del Rio DriveModesto, CA 95356(209) 606-9543(916) [email protected]

NetworkiNg & referrals

chaMber caleNdar

JUNE 2013

7 offIcIal kIwanIS graffItI

claSSIc car parade Location: Downtown, 10th and I Street, Modesto Time: 7:00 p.m.

13 buSIneSS before hourS: IT Solutions|Currie Location: 1801 Tully Road, Suite E Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

20 StanISlauS green

team meetIng

Location: Kirk Lindsey Center, 1020 10th Street Plaza Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

20 9th annual buSIneSS to

buSIneSS trade Show

and buSIneSS after hourS:

Location: Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L Street Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

28 mIcroSoft Small buSIneSS

technology SummIt

Location: Martin Petersen Center 720 12th Street Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

JULY 2013

11 buSIneSS before hourS:

AVAILABILITY Professional Staffing Location: 2813 Coffee Road, Bldg A Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

18 StanISlauS green

team meetIng

Location: Kirk Lindsey Center, 1020 10th Street Plaza Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

18 buSIneSS after hourS:

Solid Networks Location: 5686 Pirrone Road, Salida Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

“boWled over” bY suPPort for boYs & girls club of

staNislaus couNtYBy David Gianelli, Gianelli & Associates

david giaNellichairMaN - elect



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Progress_PortOCall_June_9.25x11.75.indd 1 5/15/12 12:04 PM

june progress 2013

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