Chamber Summer Connect

FRESNO CHAMBER

SUMMER 2017

Summer 2017

chairman column

Spotlight: Noble Credit Union

State of the city luncheon

SPONSORED BY CHEVRON

F R I D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 6 : 0 0 P.M. T O 1 0 : 0 0 P.M. SAN JOAQUIN RIVER PARKWAY AND CONSERVATION TRUST

W I N E , C RA F T B E E R & W H I S K E Y TA ST I N G, H O R S D ' O E U V R E S& S I L E N T A U C T I O N

$ 7 5 .0 0

P E R

P E RS O N

TO SECURE RESERVATIONS BY PHONE O R E M A I L , P L E A S E C O N TAC T T H E F R E S N O C H A M B E R (559) 495-4800

INFO@ F R E S N O C H A M B E R. C O M

FEDERAL TAX ID 94-0489640

2

CHAMBER CONNECT SUMMER 2017

CEO COLUMN CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN NEW MEMBERS CALENDAR PROFILE: NOBLE CREDIT UNION STATE OF THE CITY LUNCHEON GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS RIBBON CUTTINGS

Comcast Community Medical Centers The Evans HR Group The Fresno Bee Jeffrey Scott Agency Kaiser Permanente KMJ 580/Cumulus Media KSEE24/CBS47 Lyons Pacific Gas & Electric Company Table Mountain Casino ValleyPBS Valley Yellow Pages The Zinkin Family

Gold Bank of America The Business Journal Caglia Environmental Chevron Fresno County Federal Credit Union Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board

Bronze

EVENTS staff

Platinum

Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland Fresno Grizzlies

Nathan Ahle President/CEO

Terry Graham Membership Director

Kristie Preuss Controller

Nathan Alonzo Government Affairs Manager

Rebecca Johnson Programs & Events Manager

Angela Vasquez Operations Manager

Leticia Cooksey Member Service Representative

Laura Maciel Communications Manager

Tamara Gimbarti Membership Sales

Madelean Perea Administrative Manager CHAMBER CONNECT SUMMER 2017

3

As we move into the second half of 2017, it’s time for us to start looking ahead to our planning for 2018. Just as in your businesses, your Chamber board and management start planning for the new year very early. This fall we’ll go on a retreat and develop the organization’s priorities for the year.

2018 is an election year, so I imagine we’ll be very busy on the political action front as the year develops. But – the purpose of today’s message is to discuss the role of chambers in our current climate. We recognize that in 2017, many of the traditional responsibilities of a Chamber – networking, community information, etc. – are either very different from the old days or gone altogether, thanks to social media and online information resources. While at the Fresno Chamber we strive to make sure we’re always a trusted resource and provide fantastic networking opportunities, it’s also important to us to offer something our members and the community can’t get anywhere else.

Research tells us that the “chamber of commerce” brand is a trusted one. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that shoppers are nearly 60 percent more likely to patronize a business that is known to be an active member of a local chamber of commerce. That brand carries weight in our community as well, as we work to be a convener of like-minded organizations who want to move Fresno forward. But above all Nathan Ahle, else, rest assured that your chamber will be a tireless champion for Fresno. Be sure to let President/CEO us know how we can improve in that goal.

Fresno Chamber of Commerce

Chairman Column

One of the things I love most about Fresno is its diversity.

The diversity in culture, race, political views, backgrounds and countless other characteristics makes us who we are as a community. We are unique – as a community and as an economy. We have an incredibly diverse business sector which boasts representation from manufacturing, agriculture, technology, clean energy, hospitality and retail just to name a few. The diversity and uniqueness of our businesses and community is something that we often take for granted, but it is what drives progress and innovation.

Every one of our 1,200 members are unique and each has its own unique set of customers, needs and barriers. Each day, the Fresno Chamber works to offer an assortment of tools that will help our businesses flourish, regardless of whether you’ve been in business for 50 years or you just opened your doors or whether you are a large manufacturer or a sole-proprietor. We have something for everyone and I would encourage you to explore the ever-improving programs and events we offer.

Our mixers offer a chance to mingle with others in the business community and generate exposure and, in-turn, more business. Our Lunch and Learn and Small Business 4

CHAMBER CONNECT SUMMER 2017

University workshops give our members more information on important topics such as digital marketing tools, new business laws and regulations and energy efficiency.

Regardless of your industry, these tools will help you and your employees improve and prepare for the future.

Just as important as growing business is protecting our businesses. Our business community is facing more regulations and hurdles than ever before. The Fresno Chamber plays an important role in breaking through those barriers and in many cases, making sure they’re never put up in the first place. We have an incredible political advocacy arm that is fighting for business on the local, state and federal level every day. If you haven’t attended one lately, I would encourage you to join us for a Government Affairs Council meeting or attend our next Eggs and Issues breakfast. We maintain close relationships with elected officials and policy makers to ensure that our leaders understand how the policies that they are implementing are affecting our many local businesses and our community.

The Fresno Chamber knows that building a better community depends on building and maintaining a diverse and robust economy.

We are proud to advocate, support and protect our diverse membership so that they are able to flourish in business and propel our community into the Anna Brooks future.

NEW MEMBERS

Sensiba San Filippo, LLP Dooring Media IT Strategy, Inc. The Kelly Enterprise Opportunity for Learning Veterans Sales Training & Recruiting Service Center Iron Key Real Estate US Army Pacific Shore Stones Dex Media- Jason Smith Deli Delicious Breakaway Fitness and Athletics Kepler Neighborhood School SEWA 247 Fresno Pacific University - North Fresno Center KGCommunications Sterling Electric & Sons, Inc. Omni Family Health ApexTechnology Management Jalen’s Bakery Valley Wide Ag Insurance Total Wine & More Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Aesthetics McDonald’s Restaurant One Main Financial City Wide Home Loans Lost Realms Pets Capital Insurance Group Optimizi ScreenWorks (Bitwise Industries Building) Gymnastics Beat Inc. Compass Charter Schools KMPHFox 26& KFRE CW59 Edward Jones Investments Brookdale Fresno Thiesen Dueker Group City of Fresno - Information Services Department Fresno County Department of Social Services myCentralValley - KAIL TV Starrr Hub TOFAS Mediterranean Grill It’s Your Dream Foundation Enterprise Fleet Management A & A Property Management Valley Pride AG City of Fresno PARCS Toyota of Clovis Franciscan/ Town & Country MHP Smallcakes Cupcakes and Creamery Scheidt Home Inspection Blackburn Consulting Inc. El Toro Mexican Deli Manpower KWReal Estate - Rhonda Metzler The Isaksen Group KBIF Radio Fresno CDFI Pagamento.Solutions FRI Poutinerie KBHH- FM La Campesina Radio Western States Petroleum Associates The Vineyards Bay Equity Home Loans Professional Sports Catering @Chukchansi Park 420College

(559) 437-0700 (559) 321-7373 (559) 578-4800 (209) 675-3045 (559) 266-2168 (559) 363-1001 (559) 296-8044 (559) 446-1920 (559) 498-0584 (559) 246-0144 (559) 840-2739 (559) 374-5560 (559) 495-0849 (559) 797-9364 (559) 573-7801 (559) 500-1334 (559) 348-1333 (661) 459-1900 (800) 310-2739 (559) 492-6175 (559) 842-8590 (559) 547-3160 (559) 354-8282 (559) 221-1377 (559) 432-1695 (559) 270-2727 (559) 970-4881 (831) 233-5500 (559) 900-2649 (559) 259-1891 (559) 271-9400 (855) 937-4227 (559) 255-2600 (559) 298-3002 (559) 298-4900 (559) 448-8190 (559) 621-7101 (559) 600-2300 (559) 230-1980 (559) 276-9504 (559) 840-1206 (559) 825-7450 (916) 297-7382 (559) 360-6036 (559) 439-2750 (559) 621-2900 (559) 291-5544 (559) 251-2236 (559) 835-3240 (559) 470-7102 (559) 438-8411 (559) 253-1200 (559) 431-1121 (559) 907-7972 (210) 259-6024 (559) 222-0900 (559) 263-1351 (559) 403-3868 (559) 232-3175 (559) 283-8787 (661) 321-0884 (559) 899-9200 (559) 899-3838 (559) 320-2523 (855) 420-8255

Heather Montiero Tong Vang Brian Horton Julian Kelly Armando Valdez Okonko Nwachukwu Maurice Gonzales SGT Juneau Yolanda Santos Jason Smith Eric Sha Kim Johnson Christine Montanez Ed.D Mandeep Narwal Alia Bogdanoff Jessica Wills Leslie Scow Josue Fernandez George Passidakis Sharhonda Mahan Donna Kern Fagundes Chad Powell Angela Estrada Eddie Ortega Leslie Young Dan Mueller Nicholas Crawford Susan Stephen Ashmith Singh Eric Sha Samuel Shima Miguel Aguilar Jack Peck Eric Larsen Kelly Metz Stephen Spach Sarah Beye Delfino Neira Krystal Garcia Harpreet Bali Tobias Teran Elle Ellison Laura Slater Rama Khammy Yang Kristina Chamberlin Jon Hagan Ana Mauricio Arguelles Sukhi Nahal Sylvia Jalomo Jason Paul Rafael Moran Jennifer Goodrich Rhonda Metzler Amy Isaksen-Fudge Kong Her Joi Eubanks Josh Martinez Tony Maria Ojeda Jenifer Pitcher Ren Ramshaw Molly Meeker Valerie Braden Julio Guzman

CALENDAR Friday, August 25 Casino Royale Dante Club • 6176 N. Grantland Ave, Fresno, CA 93723

Wednesday, August 30 Piccadilly Airport Hotel 5115 E. McKinley Ave, Fresno, CA 93727t 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, September 14 State of the County The Bankers Ballroom • 1058 Fulton Mall, Fresno, CA 93721 • 11:30 a.m.

Friday, September 22 Barrels & Bottles San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust • 11605 Old Friant Rd, Fresno, CA 93730 • 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 1 Agricultural Awards Luncheon Clovis Veterans Memorial District t808 4th Street, Clovis, CA 93612 To see our full calendar of events, visit www.fresnochamber.com CHAMBER CONNECT SUMMER 2017

5

TRAINING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE Career and Technical Education Programs are available in: • Air Conditioning and Heating • Architecture and Computer Aided Drafting • Automotive Technology • Graphic Arts and Design • Construction Trades • Culinary Arts • Electrical Systems • Public Safety • Health Care • Industrial Maintenance • Computer Aided Manufacturing • Photography • Welding • Computer Networking

(559) 442-8273 www.fresnocitycollege.edu 6

CHAMBER CONNECT SUMMER 2017

State Center Community College District

Meet the New Noble Credit Union Trustworthy, honorable, dependable, reputable. to our team,” said President and Chief Executive Officer These are only a few words that describe the type of Susan Ryan, “Those core values are 1) to honor our commitment that Noble Credit Union has been providing members’ dignity and treat their needs with the utmost respect, 2) we are dedicated to improving the financial to its members for over 76 years.

As a credit union, Noble’s mission is to provide low strength of our members, 3) our commitment to team values is absolute, and 4) we each cost financial services to its members. contribute to being part of something Expanding on this mission, the Credit “Our name has changed, special.”

Union leaders have established a culture but our commitment to our Along with Noble’s new name, of dignity, honor, and respect. This has also came a new branding statement, resulted in a Net Promoter Score of 94% members is unwavering” “Where you’re worth more,” to further - indicating very positive and enthusiastic reflect their commitment to their support from its membership base.

Noble Credit Union was originally established in 1941 members. Noble has a variety of products and services as Fresno County Employees Credit Union to represent that continue to save members money.

“Our name has changed, but our commitment to our their founding sponsor organization, the County of Fresno. In the 1980s, they began to welcome members members is unwavering,” states Ryan. from local businesses and organizations, which led them They serve just over 85,000 members over eight fullto convert to a federally chartered credit union in the service branch locations (five in Fresno, one in Clovis, 1990s and alter the name to Fresno County Federal one in Selma, and one in Madera).

Credit Union. Early the 2017, the Credit Union changed Members of the Fresno Chamber are eligible their name to Noble Credit Union. for memberships at Noble Credit Union. For more “We chose Noble because we wanted a name that was information about Noble Credit Union visit www. going to represent our core values to our members and NobleCU.com or call (559) 252-5000.

CHAMBER CONNECT SUMMER 2017

7

State of the City Luncheon Mayor Lee Brand took the stage on June 21st for his first State of the City Luncheon at the Fresno Convention Center presented by Chevron, Lyon, California State University, Fresno, and Noble Credit Union.

With about 900 people in attendance, Mayor 8

CHAMBER CONNECT SUMMER 2017

Brand shared the City’s accomplishments, opportunities and plans for the future.

Over the first few months of 2017 the City has had many accomplishments, including passing the Rental Housing Improvement Act, adding 21 additional sworn police

personnel, launching the new FAX-15 service, and much more.

Mayor Brand announced his “10 Years to Prosperity” plan that he says will ultimately bring 10,000 new jobs to Fresno by the year 2027. This plan would help in developing 1,000 acres of industrial property.

Earlier this year, Ulta Beauty announced their 670,000 square-foot facility that will bring 542 full-time workers.

Amazon e-commerce also announced their construction of their 855,000 square-foot fulfillment center, which will bring another 1,500 full-time jobs.

Along with Mayor Brand’s plan to create more jobs, his plan also includes to partner more with educational institutions to focus with career technical training.

Every year, the Mayor of Fresno also presents two awards, the Community Partnership Award and the Key to the City. This year, Dr. Joseph Castro and Fresno State were honored with the Community Partnership Award for their work in the community and their partnerships with many public and private organizations on projects that have improved the Fresno community. Former Mayor Ashley Swearengin, now President and CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation, was awarded the Key to the City, which is presented to an individual to recognize their vision, service and passion for the Fresno community.

Fresno County Supervisor Chairman Brian Pacheco is going to be giving the State of the County Address on September 14th at the Bankers Ballroom. Tickets may be purchased online at www.fresnochamber. com.

Government Affairs

by Nathan Alonzo

In the blink of an eye we have together traveled through the first half of 2017. In the field of public policy and politics this has been quite a year, without an election or campaigns this has still managed to be one of the most action-packed years in recent memory. Let’s look at the run down at each of the layers of the “government onion.”

At the local level, the city of Fresno, at their June 22nd meeting approved Mayor Lee Brand’s $1.148 Billion budget, the largest in city history.

The budget contained important funding measures for public safety, infrastructure, pensions, and debt servicing. At that same meeting, the council took on a much talked about measure relating to banning the sale of recreational marijuana in the City of Fresno. The Council would vote to ban the sale and keep in compliance with the bare minimum of the recent Prop. 64 provisions, which allow for the growth and personal consumption of 6 plants in a private residence per person.

At the state legislative level, as always, our organization has been monitoring an engaging on the issues making their way through the legislature that affect our members, jobs and the regional economy. Some of the issues that have happened in the last quarter of this year have been monumental issues like; the introduction and swift passage of

SB-1, which was the Governor and legislative leadership’s transportation funding measure. This transportation legislation will and has raised Californian’s gas prices about $.12 a gallon for gasoline and a significantly larger amount for diesel, and licensing fees. Our organization and a consortium of other business and industry partners joined together in opposing this measure and lobbying legislators to understand the point of view of residents in our region, who drive more than other Californian’s and would therefore be paying a higher share of the new gas tax.

So, what’s coming up next at the state level? The rest of the legislative session will be focused heavily on stopping some of the priority pieces of legislation that our organization has identified as harmful to our business community. These legislative bills are things like; SB-562 by Senator Ricardo Lara which would create single-payer healthcare in California.

Another is SB-63 by Senator Jackson which would expand the scope of parental family leave in California, the passage of this bill would result in higher productivity loss and additional costs to employers.

Finally, the renewal of the state’s controversial Cap and Trade program came before the legislature at the beginning of July, with legislators on both sides of the aisle coming together to work with affected industries and

other groups in helping to form a palatable compromise. The vote on the legislation required a 2/3 majority, so both democrats and republicans came on board to help get this program renewal over the finish line.

The Fresno Chamber of Commerce along with other business, Ag, Energy, and Utility groups supported this legislation. We believe that Cap and Trade will help give the market certainty and an ability to forecast costs.

At the federal level, we will continue to monitor legislation on important issues like water, tax reform, and of course healthcare. With the house passing the American Healthcare Act a few months ago it will now be interesting to see the markup process that occurs in the US Senate, and what final language will look like, we will be working together with our partners at the US chamber to engage our members and educate them on the proposed healthcare law.

That’s a quick overview of the issues we have been working on in the last few months, and the work will continue to ensure that the voice of the local business community is being heard at every level of government.

We invite you to stay up to date with the issues happening by signing up to receive our weekly video update, “This Week in Government Affairs,” sign up at the Fresno Chamber website.

CHAMBER CONNECT SUMMER 2017

9

Inspire Charter Schools 1781 E. Fir Ave. Ste. 101 Fresno, CA 93720 (559) 376-0215 Contact: Janell Gaetig

Real Change Fresno Fresno, CA 93721 Leadership Class 33

B.A.T.S. Traffic Solutions Inc. 3686 S. Bagley Ave. Fresno, CA 93725 (559) 741-6736 Contact: Janelle Evans

McDonald’s Restaurant 4176 E. Dakota Ave. Fresno, CA 93726 (559) 221-1377 Contact: Eddie Ortega

Suncrest Bank 663 W. Nees Ave Fresno, CA 93711 (559) 225-1700 Contact: Jennette Williams

Tofas Mediterranean Grill 8482 N. Friant Rd. Fresno, CA 93720 (559) 840-1206 Contact: Tobias Teran

Steak n’ Shake 5085 E. Kings Canyon Rd. Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 251-1503 Contact: Anthony Sauceda

Breakaway Fitness 2960 N. Miami Ave. Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 374-5560 Contact: Greg Johnson

Total Wine & More 7925 N. Blackstone Ave Fresno, CA 9372 (559) 547-3160 Contact: Chad Powell

JD Food 4671 E. Edgar Ave Fresno, CA 93725 (559) 445-1123 Contact: Mark Ford

Haircuts Plus 230 E. River Park Circle Fresno, CA 93720 (559) 447-1599 Contact: Jim Ingels

Deli Delicious 264 N. Fresno St. Fresno, CA 93701 (559) 840-2739 Contact: Eric Sha

Kepler Neighborhood School 1537 Fulton St Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 495-0849 Contact: Christine Montanez

Educational Employees Credit Union 4986 E. Clinton Way Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 437-7700 Contact: Elizabeth Dooley

Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Aesthetics 9491 Ft. Washington Rd. #101 Fresno, CA 93730 (559) 354-8282 Contact: Angela Estrada

Rita’s Italian Ice Fresno 1102 E. Champlain Dr. #108 Fresno, CA 93720 (559) 353-2175 Contact: Eric Sha

Lost Realms Pets 8059 N. Cedar Ave. Fresno, CA 93720 (559) 970-4881 Contact: Nicholas Crawford 10

CHAMBER CONNECT SUMMER 2017

Ribbon Cuttings

Ambassadors: Danny Aleman, Fotini Alfieris, Lupe Beltran, Leslie Beninga, Amber Boatwright, Jodie Bohner, Whitney Campbell, Steven Campos, Jennifer Christensen, Hap Cluff, E.J. Cutliff, Anthony Elliott, Eric Escoto Jr., Sharon Essick, Danielle Evans, Nancy Gasson, Albert Gonzales, Maurice Gonzales, Edward Gonzalez, Wayne Goudreau, Kristin Groth, Patricia Gutierrez, Julia Hamilton, Carin Hodge, Janie Hokanson, Gary Honeycutt, Dana Irola, Kyle Loreto, Erin Lussier, Leslee Minas, Jim Oliphant, Maria Ojeda, Mary Pond, Jennifer Speck, Jason Smith, Ron Stumpf, Patti Thornton, Linda Titus, Jessica Vera, Michelle Rios, Haley Wagner, Nina Waste, Ric Wisler

Events

The Fresno Chamber holds several events throughout each month to offer our members an opportunity to network and expand their business connections. We encourage you to head over to our website to check out our events, like our mixers, workshops & luncheons. For more information about our events, please contact the Fresno Chamber at (559) 495-4800 or email info@fresnochamber.com.

To see more photos, visit our website at www.FresnoChamber.com or visit our Facebook page.

Small Business Expo – March 23, 2017 The Falls Event Center 4105 W. Figarden Dr, Fresno, CA 93722

March Mixer – March 16, 2017 Fresno Art Museum 2233 N. First St, Fresno, CA 93701

April Mixer – April 20, 2017 Dave & Buster’s 212 E. River Park Circle, Fresno, CA 93720

Eggs & Issues – May 19, 2017 TorNino’s Banquets 5080 N. Blackstone Ave, Fresno, CA 93710

May Mixer – May 24, 2017 Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater – 1226 N. Wishon Ave, Fresno, CA 93728

Lunch & Learn – May 31, 2017 Fresno Pacific – North Campus 5 River Park Pl W #303, Fresno, CA 93720 CHAMBER CONNECT SUMMER 2017

11