Progress September 2022

Modesto Chamber oF COMMERCE

VOL. 43 | ISSUE 09 | september 2022

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS West Modesto Community Collaborative Gerbo Designs Grimbleby Coleman CPAs

Celebrating

August 1867 to 2022

Since 1867, we have been providing the highest level of service and innovation for

our customers. From business loans to expand a growing venture, to real estate loans to help you buy your first home, we’re here for all your banking needs.

We are grateful for the relationships we have built and are committed to providing you with the tools, convenience and service to help families and businesses grow, succeed and flourish throughout the many communities we have the pleasure of serving. Visit a branch near you or check us out online and let us add you to our list of happy customers!

bankofstockton.com

IN MODESTO 1302 J St. & 4204 Dale Rd.

Mission Statement

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area, regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity and business education.

september 2022 | CONTENTS

Executive Committee

Chairman - Michael Gaffney, PG&E Past Chairman - Steve Rank, Rank Investigations and Protection, Inc. Vice Chair, External Operations - Michael Moradian Jr. - Peace of Mind Pest Control Vice Chair, Internal Operations, Treasurer - Patricia Gillum Pat Gillum CPA Chairperson Elect - Kirstie Boyett Zacharias, Executive Director at American Leadership ForumGreat Valley Chapter

serotonin

board of Directors

Garrett Ardis- Huff Construction Company Inc. Dennis Bettencourt - Blue Diamond Growers Brad Blakeley, Edward Jones Investments David Halvorson Jr. Debra Hendricks - Debra Hendricks Consulting Amy Jefferies - Gianelli Nielsen Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Rachell Le Viege - Lift-A-Hand Home Care Agency Eric Mangal, Grimbleby Coleman CPAS Inc. Brian McDermott Kymber Miller- Sysco Central California Inc. Peggy O'Donnell, Mid-Valley Productions Edgar Perez - F&M Bank Jason Pineda, Freshpoint Inc. Bill Robinson, Principal Financial Group Kari Santos - I.J. Larsen Pumps DeJeune Shelton- Modesto Junior College Madhu Singh, Bank of Stockton John Villines- Modesto Gospel Mission

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COMMUNITY Announcements 7 9 Confidence in Security 10 Family Wellness Festival 11 Women in Business membe highlight

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President & CEO

Trish Christensen Modesto Chamber of Commerce tchristensen@modchamber.org

ADvocacy

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California Climate Action Corps California Green Business Network Stanislaus Green Team Candidate Forum

Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce

209.577.5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org

Graphic Design: 209 Magazine

209.634.9141 • www.209magazine.com

West Modesto Community Collaborative

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Printer: 209 Magazine

209.634.9141 • hvanderveen@209magazine.com

Distribution: 209 Magazine 209.634.9141

Advertising Sales:

crogers@oakdaleleader.com 209.845.4074 © Copyright 2021 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, Progress@ModChamber.org

Grimbleby Coleman CPAs

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Staff: Administrative Assistant, Hope Gyorfi Sustainability Coordinator, Jolene Camarena Events Coordinator, Felicia Lopez Membership Coordinator, Sabrinna Gonzales-Fewell Staff Accountant, Jaime Lastra

RELATIONSHIPS

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Ribbon Cutting State Farm Ribbon Cutting Adrian’s Bail Bonds Members Mix and Mingle Milestones President’s Circle

EDUCATION

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Is Your Website SEO Recession Ready?

SERVICE

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Financial Focus

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in

this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

leadership modesto

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PROGRESS MAGAZINE 1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354 209. 577.5757 • Fax 209. 577.2673 www.ModChamber.org • Progress@ModChamber.org september 2022

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A Message From The President & CEO Business and Economics

By Trish Christensen

W

hat a great time to focus on these two interconnected topics. Things have been booming around us in so many ways. We all see and feel the energy in full eateries and wine and beer lounges. We see occasional lines in markets, stores, and retailers. We see the bypass progress coming together, the rail and bus station renovation work in motion, and we see shopping centers and store fronts getting refreshed looks and at times new faces launching new businesses altogether.

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One of the most common concerns I am still hearing is the need for workers. This remains true at all levels: entry level to executive, blue collar to professional. Although it seems that trend is also seeing improvement as the months go along. With this common need, there are many great job opportunities to be found. I have spoken with numerous people who have taken their skill set and experience and moved to quite different lines of work, to very different companies/organizations, and to completely different titles and roles. Those types of fresh starts can be great for the soul and happiness for individuals. It is also wonderful for those companies and organizations that have new hires coming on board who are excited, passionate, and energized.

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As all industries build on their talent pool, the success of these organizations is thriving. An example that stuck with me recently came when I attended the Golden Valley Health Center’s National Health Week celebration at their new Central Valley Pace Center. They took an abandoned space and completely reinvented how it is used. They expanded their team with some familiar faces

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

from previous affiliations. They hired a well-rounded team providing a long list of services, and they now offer an incredibly comprehensive, caring, and enriching place for our 55 and older population to spend time and access services and support. Take a minute to look through their website if you are not familiar: https://cvpace.org/ The chamber team was thrilled to be invited to lead not a ribbon cutting for a new member, but their groundbreaking ceremony in late August! There is a fun and engaging new company and service coming to our greater community.

Quick Quack Car Wash hopes to open for business in early 2023 at Mitchell and Service Roads in Ceres. They are an ever-growing company with a deep commitment to the communities they serve. Their team was a very warm group of individuals, and they have one of the cutest mascots around. More to come when they are ready for their formal ribbon cutting.

September is bringing us the full return of the Chamber’s 60th Annual Harvest Luncheon, a scholarship funder benefitting MJC Ag Students. We will also be co-hosting with Opportunity Stanislaus on a candidate forum and networking breakfast. Early October will bring our inaugural Family Cycling and Wellness Day. We have an array of other fun and exciting projects in the works that we are anxious to share once we have each fully ready to launch.

Sending you wishes for much prosperity. With warm regards, Trish

Each member of the Chamber is important, no matter the size of business. We desire for local businesses and organizations to succeed and thrive. To reach this goal we provide exposure, opportunities to engage with Regional Electeds and community partners, as well as networking with businesses and organizations across industries. We work to better our community by providing up-to-date education and training, certifying qualifying businesses as Green, and providing advocacy on City, State, and Federal levels. The Chamber is a family of dedicated professionals striving to make a difference in their business and way of life.

Whatever your business needs are, we invite you to join us.

To execute our adopted mission we have developed an acronym that helps keep us focused. That acronym is “CARES: Community, Advocacy, Relationships, Education and Service.”

C - Community At its heart, the Modesto Chamber is a community of like-minded business owners who share the vision for enjoying a thriving economy and creating and maintaining our community as a vibrant place to live, work and play. With over 100 years of history and experience in the Greater Modesto Area, we understand what it means to be a business owner and customer in our community, with featured events such as local and regional forums, Ag Aware, Harvest Luncheon, and Family Day. Chamber members get the opportunity to actively engage in and influence the community they live and work in.

A - Advocacy The Modesto Chamber supports local businesses and is an active advocate for the common interest of its members.

The Chamber has an Economic Development Committee and a Government Relations Council. These advocacy committees are dedicated and proactive in representing our members and community. They work to address business initiatives and relieve the regulatory burdens businesses face may face. The Chamber is also honored to certify local businesses and organizations through our California Green Business Network Stanislaus Program. Through this we create more conscientious and sustainable ways of life while lowering the cost of doing business for our community and future generations.

R - Relationships The Modesto Chamber of Commerce specializes in building relationships and serving as the nexus to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies. With over a dozen Committees, Programs, and Events in which our members can participate, the Chamber offers ample opportunity to meet and connect with other business owners in our community. As a relational organization, the Chamber works with its members to ensure the opportunity to connect and grow in every niche and industry to help build and cultivate long-lasting relationships among business owners and community partners alike.

E - Education The Modesto Chamber of Commerce values education and offers members the opportunity to stay on the leading edge with new and emerging information and training that will set your business apart from the rest. In partnership with Modesto Junior College, the Chamber is pleased to offer an assortment of trainings applicable to any business or industry for credited completion through our Chamber University platform. Our Chamber also works with members to provide a platform to speak to their own industry expertise and invite other members to learn from those leading our local industries.

S - Service The Modesto Chamber of Commerce offers its members a wide range of opportunities to promote and engage their business across industry and community lines. The Chamber Weekly E-Blast, Website, and our Progress Magazine provide opportunities to advertise and promote your business, keep up to date with articles about local businesses in our community, and stay in the loop about up-and-coming Chamber and community events. Our Chamber also offers indemand materials, such as Member contact list, Federal and State compliance posters, export document services, and so much more. Chamber members can also personalize their business profile within our website and have access to our Member-Only Information Center, where members can connect with other members, boost their social media presence, promote job postings, public events, and member-to-member discounts.

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CHAMBER CALENDAR september

october

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Economic Development Committee-TBD *Register on website, in person & Zoom 11:30 A.M.

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Economic Development Committee Ben Goudie, Director of Member Relations North Blue Diamond Growers *Register on website, in person & Zoom 11:30 A.M

Rising Professionals Boomer of Modesto 4215 Bangs Ave, Modesto, CA 95356 5:00PM - 6:30PM *Register on website, $16 per person appetizers included

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Clean Air Family Ride and Festival 9:00AM – 1:00PM Location TBD

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Harvest Luncheon MJC Ag Pavilion , 11:30AM-1:00PM

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Stanislaus Green Team Meeting Valerie Thorsen- San Joaquin Valley Program Manager CALSTART *In person & Zoom 12:00 P.M. Register on website

Tech Connect *In person – Location TBD 5:00pm-6:00pm Register on website

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Women in Business Mixer Location TBD 5:00PM - 6:30PM *Register on website, $16 per person appetizers included

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Stanislaus Green Team Meeting TBD *In person & Zoom 12:00 P.M.

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Member's Mix and Mingle - Wardens 4101 Technology Dr, Modesto, CA 95356 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

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Ambassador & Welcome Team Meeting *In person & Zoom 8:00 A.M

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Government Relations Council Meeting *In person & Zoom 11:30 A.M. Register on website

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Member's Mix and Mingle - Valley Builders Exchange Co-Hosted with Central Valley Hispanic Chamber 1118 Kansas Ave, Modesto, CA 95351 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

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Rising Professionals Modesto Chamber of Commerce 1114 J St, Modesto, CA 95354 Lunch & Learn, 12:00PM-1:00PM *Register on website, $16 per person lunch included Labor Day- OFFICE CLOSED

Ambassador & Welcome Team Meeting *In person & Zoom 8:00 A.M Government Relations Council *In person & Zoom 11:30 A.M. Register on website Women in Business Lunch & Learn Modesto Chamber of Commerce 1114 J St, Modesto, CA 95354, 12:00PM-1:00PM *Register on website, $16 per person lunch included Ribbon Cutting - State Farm Francois Farhat 1705 Coffee Rd. Suite 3 Modesto CA 95355 11:30PM-12:30PM *Register on website, $16 per person lunch included Candidates Forum The Double Tree Hilton - 1150 9th St, Modesto, CA 95354 8:00AM -9:00AM Register on website

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Ribbon Cutting and Mixer - Pacific Bay Equipment 609 G St, Modesto, CA 95354 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM

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Ribbon Cutting - Adrian's Bail Bonds 1220 H St, Modesto, California 95354 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

*See website for more detail.

Find Zoom Registry links and more at www.modchamber.org Please note that calendar events and details are subject to change.

AnNOUNCEMENT People on the move

Community Hospice Announces New President/ Chief Executive Officer Alisa Bettis

Melinda Marshall was recently promoted to the position of Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Golden Valley Health Centers.

Marshall began her career at the Center in 1987, as a front office receptionist.

Community Hospice, Inc., the Central Valley’s oldest and largest nonprofit hospice and community-based palliative care provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alisa Bettis as the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer effective Sept.

6, 2022.

Bettis replaces C. DeSha McLeod, Community Hospice’s President/CEO, who resigned after eight years in October of 2021, and John E. Renner, Director of Logistics and Operations who has served as the Interim President/CEO.

Melinda Marshall

Having served as a patient account biller, front office supervisor, site administrator, center manager, and for the past seven years, as a Director of Operations, she is well-positioned to fill this executive role and looks forward to the challenge ahead. Her personal mission has always been to help the underserved population in our community and advocate for community health centers, promoting access to quality health care with no barriers.

Alisa Bettis

“We welcome Alisa to the Community Hospice family,” shared Susan Donker, Community Hospice Board of Directors Chair. “Her background in clinical operations, quality and planning and compliance, along with her compassionate character, will play a pivotal role as we extend our excellent care to more families in need.”

Bettis has been employed the past six years as the Associate Director for the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency. In her current role, she managed a $60 million annual budget, 500 employees, 55,000 patient visits a year, clinical operations for family medicine, multispecialty, physical rehabilitation, and urgent care clinics.

Prior to her position with the county, Bettis worked in leadership roles at both Bloss Memorial Healthcare District/Castle Family Health Centers and Kaiser Permanente.

HIGHER EDUCATION WITHIN REACH Humphreys University is a nonprofit university accredited by WASC with campuses in Modesto and Stockton. We have been in continuous service to our community since 1896. We offer certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, teaching credential, and juris doctor degree programs.

Accounting Business Administration Community Studies Court Reporting

Modesto Campus

Criminal Justice Early Childhood Education Education Law

5172 Kiernan Court Ste. D Salida, CA 95368 (209) 543-9411

Legal Studies Liberal Studies Multi. Subject Credential Paralegal Studies

www.humphreys.edu september 2022

community

OUR PROGRAMS

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THE CARE YOU NEED, THE WAY YOU WANT IT. THE CARE YOU NEED, THE WAY YOU WANT IT. Health care should be hassle-free. At Kaiser Permanente, it is. With connected teams Health care ways should hassle-free.

Ateasy Kaiser Permanente, it is.

With connected teams and flexible tobe access care, it’s to get the support you need to stay healthy

and flexible access — when and ways wheretoyou needcare, it. it’s easy to get the support you need to stay healthy — when and where you need it.

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kp.org/centralvalley kp.org/centralvalley Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Confidence In Security

Mid Valley IT is on a mission to educate and help protect our local businesses and organizations from these predatory cyber-threats!

First, we educate. We will explain how to protect not just your data, but your equipment and workforce, too! By way of presentations and seminars, we will be sharing our knowledge throughout our Central Valley, and all presentations are at no cost.

Secondly, we protect! In addition to the educational programs, we offer assessments of the technology in your environment. These assessments will test your network for vulnerabilities and provide you a report with actionable recommendations, so that you can make adjustments, immediately.

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Cyber-insurance is also a great form of protection, but the requirements are increasing regularly. How much do you really know about your cyber-policy and how it stacks up to others in your industry? We will tell you, during a cyber insurance review, so that you can understand your current or potential policy.

We are on a mission to educate and protect!

Visit our website for upcoming presentations and seminars or schedule a private one where we can talk specifically about your organization and the industry’s security measures.

You can do that by scanning the QR code, calling, or sending me an email. All of that information is below.

Now, you can be confident in your security!

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$

per year

community

More than 50% of all cyber-attacks are against small-to-medium-sized businesses because they are the least protected. Many of our local businesses and organizations don’t have the knowledge, or believe that “high-tech security” is unaffordable, so they and become low-hanging targets for cyberattacks. Even worse, due to the cost of remediation, more than 60% of those targeted organizations go out of business within 6 months after an attack.

The damage and the dangers are very high!

SUBSCRIBE

AM

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COMING SOON! FAMILY WELLNESS FESTIVAL CLEAN AIR DAY TRAIL RIDE OCOTBER 8TH 2022 9:00AM-1:00PM The Family Wellness Festival is a family friendly event for anyone who enjoys bicycling, being outdoors and helping promote clean air. Folks of all ages can share in the excitement and community camaraderie as they enjoy a scenic ride through our city.

Join us after your ride and partake in:

Health/Wellness booths

Kids Zone

Community informational booths

Trail ride

Food vendors

More details to come!

For more information or to register to be a vendor please visit www.modchamber.org

community

or contact info@modchamber.org

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

WOMEN IN BUSINESS MEETING

SEPTEMBER 20TH,2022 12:00PM - 1:00PM

LUNCH & LEARN 1114 J ST, MODESTO, CA 95354

LUNCH & LEARN

community

$16 registration - Lunch to be included Register at: https://business.modchamber.org/events/details/ women-in-business-lunch-learn-9188

september 2022

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

CALIFORNIA GREEN BUSINESS NETWORK STANISLAUS CAGBN-S is a program of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce with the goal of leading our County in the direction of Sustainability.

SMALL TO LARGE SIZED

ADVANTAGES

BUSINESSES QUALIFY

Future Benefits

We have a checklist available for all sectors of business types and sizes. We can certify any business from an at home office to a large manufacturing facility. Once you register your business, you will be provided a checklist according to your sector category. Simply fill out the checklist online and submit it, From there our Coordinator will go over it with you in person.

Conserve Resources Prevent Pollution in your facility Conserve water, energy, and air quality Save money yearly with conservation

Marketing Benefits Business name in the Statewide green Business website Green Ribbon cutting Ceremony Chamber recognition in magazine, social media, eblasts and more

OUR GOAL We are focused on spreading the word of this program to the business community in an effort to build enhanced community partnerships and developing awareness of the program. CAGBN-S is FREE to businesses, Chamber member or not. Once you register on the platform, we walk with you down the path of becoming green certified.

JOIN THE GREEN BUSINESS COMMUNITY

https://app.greenbiztracker.org/business/index

advocacy

Register at:

The California Green Business Network leads the state and nation in working with small to medium sized businesses to create a vibrant green economy. Led by a coalition of cities and counties, we contribute by helping to make our communities healthier and more livable while also conserving resources and saving money, right here in Stanislaus County. september 2022

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Serotonin is a Creative Brand-Building, Content Creation, and Social Impact Consultancy

BY Casey Hogue, Serotonin Creative Consultancy Founder/Executive Creative Director At Serotonin we build and amplify the impact of purpose-driven brands and organizations in the public and private sectors. We specialize in sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Why sustainability and CSR? “71% of Consumers want to buy from companies that share their values,” explained Paul Hawken of Project Drawdown.

Companies today not only need to do good; they also need to tell stories about the good that they’re doing. One of the greatest benefits of telling these stories is that doing so will not only help your company’s bottom line—it’ll encourage and empower your audience to take meaningful action.

Serotonin Creative works with businesses, thought leaders, content creators, government organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and NGOs of all sizes to help them tell their stories and connect with their audiences.

Here’s a few ways we can help: Branding, Visual Identity, Logo Development, Color theory, Typography, Voice & Tone, Digital/ Physical Collateral, Master Brand Guidelines, Strategy, Market Research, Competitive Analysis, Audience Personas, Brand/ Market Positioning, Product Architecture, Messaging Frameworks, Analytics and Optimization, Content, Social Media, Photography, Videography, Blog Content, Copywriting, Web Design, Illustration, and Animation.

We work with companies to help find ways to redefine goals, missions, and communications that evolve out of authentic purpose.

We aim to help fundamentally refocus your efforts on sustainability by helping you develop a triple bottom line business model, which not only prioritizes profits but also people and the planet.

Our talented team of art directors, writers, photographers, videographers, designers, directors, and producers have come together over the years to pursue a singular mission— crafting industry-leading content for some of the most influential and brightest brands in the world.

We look to empower forwardthinking brands, and organizations to create their best and most effective communication which creates meaningful and lasting connections with their audience.

advocacy

For more information visit serotonincreative. com or contact Casey Hogue at (510) 697-5626 or email at casey@ serotonincreative. com.

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

advocacy september 2022

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATION RIBBON CUTTING FOR FRANCOIS FARHAT STATE FARM AGENT!

September 21st, 2022 11:30 PM - 1:30 PM 1705 Coffee Rd. Suite 3 Modesto CA 95355

Join us for networking, and fun!

About State Farm® Like a good neighbor Customers and communities rely on us to help them face life's uncertainties. They trust us for guidance with insurance needs, financial planning, and strengthening the community.

Check out all the different ways we strive to help.

relationships

INSURANCE PRODUCTS OFFERED Auto, Homeowners, Condo, Renters, Personal Articles, Business, Life, Health, Pet OTHER PRODUCTS OFFERED Banking, Mutual Funds For more information please contact info@modchamber.org

september 2022

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PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATION RIBBON CUTTING FOR

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2022 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM 1220 H St, Modesto, California 95354

Join us for networking, and fun!

relationships

ABOUT US We are your friendly, honest, and professional one stop shop for all of your: Bail Bond, Notary, and Process Service needs. Adrian's Bail Bonds has a background in Law Enforcement, working in the jail and court facilities for a combined total of 16 years which helps you understand and get through the process much easier. We make it swift and discrete keeping your privacy our priority in any situation. Our process is simple, smooth, and straightforward.

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Bail Bonds Nationwide Quick Affordable Payment Plans Stress Free Available 24 HOURS

Process Service Divorce Claims Same Day Delivery Routine Service Court Filings Subpoenas

For more information please contact info@modchamber.org

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Mobile Notary Stanislaus County San Joaquin County Merced County

member highlight Grant’s Corporate Consulting

By Grant Armstrong

I feel my best when I am assisting my clients by doing anything from handling their accounting work for them to empowering them with the training to manage the books on their own. I take every step I can to help ensure you and your business are set up for success. I offer both remote and on-site work to make things as convenient as possible.

My specialties include: Quickbooks Desktop, Quickbooks Online, Sage Peachtree, Catch-up Accounting, Financial Statement Preparation, Cash Management and Projections,

Budget Development and Implementation, Process Streamlining, Payroll Preparation and Tax Reporting, Audit/Tax Return Prep Work, Staff Training, Process Documentation, 1099 & W2 Preparation, Accounting Software Conversions, Accounts Payable Assistance, Business Reporting and Metrics, and more.

Please feel free to visit my website or give me a call at (209) 232-5733 for a free consultation and discussion about your situation. I can be as involved as you prefer - whether that means providing a single supplemental service or taking on more of the accounting work to free up your time and relieve the stress of bookkeeping. I also have several referrals available upon request.

I look forward to learning more about you and your business, and can't wait to hear from you!

Email: grantscorporateconsulting@gmail.com Website: www.grantscorporateconsulting.com

relationships

My name is Grant Armstrong and it is my mission to offer affordable accounting and consulting services to business owners in my community. With over 10 years in the accounting industry, I strive to offer services to business owners who find larger CPA firms too expensive, but still need accounting help. The pandemic has also put many business owners in a situation to take on a more proactive approach to their bookkeeping as employees leave for another job or have difficulty coming back into the office.

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member highlight West Modesto Community Collaborative West Modesto Community Collaborative is a non-profit organization based in West Modesto in the King-Kennedy Memorial Center. It was established and founded in the year 1991. Our mission is to uplift our Modesto communities by providing outreach services focused on Health, Safety, and Education for all individuals through community engagement and advocacy. Through this we provide a variety of different resources and programs to our community. Our program includes the following: • Mental/Behavioral Health Programs at our Zephyr Clarke Wellness Center • California Workers Outreach Project • ORALE Project • The Navigation Project • Community Builders • Mark Twain Wellness Program • Vaccine Equity Grant • PlanetBaby!

• Lightning Bug Program • Girl Scouts

relationships

Our programs each focus on a type of service such as mental health support, Worker Rights information, Navigation Services, Family and Children resources, Covid-19 vaccination and rapid testing, food assistance, etc. All of these efforts are to help better the Modesto community and provide opportunities for families/ and or individuals who need assistance, no matter their background.

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Not only do we provide resources to our community but we are constantly discovering new fun ways to get the community engaged with our organization as well as with each other! We have done events such as Cinco de Mayo, Community Yard Sales, Family Movie Nights, Youth days, Community Builders Meetings and Outreach events.

Through these events we are able to better connect with members of the community as well as give them the opportunity to come together and unite as one!

To learn more about West Modesto Community Collaborative and the programs we offer or to make a donation, you can visit our website at https:// westmodestocollaborative.com/community-outreach If you would like to keep up to date on our events and the work we are doing you can follow us at: IG: @ WestModestoCollaborative; Twitter: @ WMCommCollab; Facebook: West Modesto King Kennedy Neighborhood Collaborative.

relationships september 2022

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50% OF BUSINESSES DON'T HAVE A CLEAR MARKETING STRATEGY

By Sally Gerbo, Owner, Designer, Gerbo Designs Whether you need a logo, new marketing strategy, swag, or a full rebrand – we’re on it! We’re a team of dedicated creative thinkers, here to make your brand great. Specializing in brand management with meticulous attention to detail, Gerbo Designs has been developing unique, distinctive business identities, marketing materials, promotional items and apparel for businesses since 2007. Founded by branding expert Sally Gerbo, the team continues to grow! In addition to branding and graphic design, Gerbo Designs now offers full service marketing for mid-sized businesses.

Clients come to us unsure of how to structure effective For the Image: left to right, social media campaigns or where to start with digital Kate - Marketing Strategy, Sally - Branding and Marketing, Shannon - Brand advertising. As a brand communications firm we’re Communications, Peyton - Brand Communications, Shelly - Promotional thrilled to create collaborative strategies that resonate Marketing, Andres- Digital Marketing (not pictured) with a target audience and communicate the benefits of We are now accepting new clients. Get in touch with us at your products and services.

GerboDesigns.com or on social media @GerboDesigns We’re in the business of promoting your business.

We celebrate Gerbo Designs for seven years of membership with the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, cheers to many more years!

Our new services now include Digital Marketing, Digital Ad Consultation, Social Media Management, Promotional Products, Web Design, and Logo & Branding. We’re a woman owned and operated “one-stop-shop” combining business, marketing, communications, and design thinking to develop meaningful, differentiated, authentic, consistent and cohesive brands.

TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!

Relationships

Aero Aggregates (610) 447-8900 http://www.aeroaggna.com 3093 Finch Road Modesto, California 95357

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Screen Image (650) 491-4074 Modesto, CA 95351

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Congratulations to this MONTH'S milestone memberships

60 + years

10 + years

American AgCredit Doctors Medical Center-DMC

Visually Impaired Persons Support H.E.D. Seed Productions, Inc. Physician Referral Service-DMC Bertolotti Disposal Direct Flooring & Home

Sanders Construction Co.

30 years +

Pegboard Yosemite Farm Credit Vision Faire Optometry Principal Financial Group Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department

20 years +

Stanislaus County Free Library Precision Automotive Modesto Junk Co., Inc. Robert Half Modesto Radiological Medical Group, Inc. Law Offices of Leslie Jensen Goldenland Seed Co, Inc. Yosemite Foods Inc. Fresh Ideas Flower Co. Marie B. Kelly & Assoc.

Panelized Structures Inc.

5 + years Central California Art Association/Mistlin Gallery MOVE Stanislaus Transportation Erin Milan Salon & Spa Commercial Architecture, Inc. Gerbo Designs

1 + years Los Amigos Tire Pros IHeart Media Audi Modesto VIP Management, Inc. Sousa Insurance Services, LLC Rose Bouquet The Farmacy Nine3One Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton The UPS Store G3 Enterprises, Inc. JaniTek Cleaning Solutions Bay Valley Tech Wellspring Anglican Church Pelandale Dental Care California Mentor Debra Hendricks Consulting Wildfire Public House

RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION

40 + years

september 2022

23

Relationships

president’s club Circle Of Influence

24

Elite

enthusiast

Food Maxx

Seven-Up Bottling Co. of Modesto/Varni

E & J Gallo Winery

Alpine Protective Solutions

FreshPoint

Brothers Corporation

Kaiser Permanente

American Chevrolet

Gianelli Nielsen

Solecon Industrial Contractors

American Medical Response

Gilton Solid Waste Mgmt, Inc.

Stanislaus Food Products Co.

Keystone

Astound Business Solutions Powered by

Golden Valley Health Centers

Stifel Investment Services

Beard Land and Investment Co.

Wave

Grover Landscape Services, Inc.

Storer Coachways

Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc., a HUB

Atherton & Associates, LLP

Infiniti of Modesto

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

International Company

Audi Modesto

International Paper Co.

The Century

Doctors Behavioral Health Center-DMC

Bank of Stockton

JS West & Companies

The Farmacy

Doctors Medical Center-DMC

California State University, Stanislaus

Maxx Value Foods

The Modesto Bee

Frito-Lay Co., Inc.

Care One Home Health and Hospice, Inc.

Mister Car Wash

The Parks Group

Pacific Southwest Container, Inc.

Central Valley Automotive

Mocse Credit Union

TSM Insurance & Financial Services

Physician Referral Service-DMC

Central Valley Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge

Modesto Toyota

Turlock Irrigation District

Stockton Heat

Central Valley Nissan

Nine3One

Union Bank

Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai

O'Brien's Market

US Bank

Visionary

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

Oak Valley Community Bank

Valley BMW

Blue Diamond Growers

Clark Pest Control

Opportunity Stanislaus

Valley Children's Healthcare

Crystal Creamery

COIT Services Inc.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

Valley First Credit Union

Doubletree by Hilton Modesto

Collins Electrical

Panelized Structures Inc.

Valley Lexus

EMOE, Division of Parker Hannifin Corp.

Comcast

Pepsi Bottling Group

Vintage Faire Mall/Macerich Company

Fiscalini Cheese Company

Del Monte Plant #1

PMZ Real Estate

Walmart

IHeart Media

English Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation

Residence Inn by Marriott Modesto North

Warden's Office Products Center

Modesto Irrigation District

Hospital

Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc.

Wells Fargo Bank

Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball

Exceed GPR & Locating, LLC

Rose Bouquet

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance

Sutter Health Valley Area

F&M Bank

San Joaquin Valley College

Agency

Sysco Central California Inc.

Flowers Baking Co. of Modesto, LLC

Save Mart Supermarkets

Yosemite Foods Inc.

Contact the chamber to learn more about our president's club level benefits

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Grimbleby Coleman CPAs is Accounting for the Future

By Ian Grimbleby, CPA,Managing Partner/CEO

Since 1973, families and businesses in the Central Valley have trusted Grimbleby Coleman CPAs to tackle every challenge with deep skill, insight, and experience. Clive Grimbleby purchased his father Roy’s bookkeeping and tax practice in 1981, forming Clive Grimbleby CPA and setting the business on a new path. Jeff Coleman joined in 1989, becoming Principal by 1992 and giving Grimbleby Coleman CPAs its namesake. Then in 2021, Clive’s son, Ian Grimbleby, transitioned into the Managing Partner role, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to our firm while working alongside our other 13 Principals.

Keeping an advisory mindset allows us to be the best partner to our clients. When businesses come to us looking for our help, we welcome the opportunity to begin a partnership. The advisory team is often asked questions like, “I heard that businesses sell for five times their earnings. Is that true?” or “I’m worried about estate taxes. Is there a way of reducing my estate by transferring part of my business to my kids?”

Whether we are presented with questions about current business value, tactics for increasing value, or plans to sell a business, our advisory team has the skill and patience to handle concerns big and small.

With expertise in Agriculture, Construction and Real Estate, Estate and Trust planning, and Business Advisory services, our seasoned team has the tools to help businesses build solid foundations and farmers weather any economic climate.

The Grimbleby Coleman team has always embraced change, and with it, the chance to increase efficiency, grow the team and utilize innovative technology to offer the best service. With our 50th anniversary approaching, exciting new developments are coming.

We wouldn’t miss the opportunity to make our 50th year one worth celebrating!

Look for more news about our upcoming anniversary and future plans in the coming months.

Local Knowledge + National Resources The Best of Both W rlds Our partnership with HUB International has made it possible to offer our clients more than ever before. The combination of our local knowledge and expertise along with the resources of one of the nation’s premier insurance companies allows us to bring you creative and cost-effective solutions that can make a world of difference to you and your business. Call us today and find out what we can do for you.

Risk & Insurance | Employee Benefits | Retirement & Private Wealth hubinternational.com

education

Our team’s collective expertise has propelled our expansion over the years, growing the firm to almost 100 people in the process. Throughout the growth, we never lost sight of our mission, vision, and core values.

We have remained deeply committed to our people during the expansion and evolution of our company and to our enduring client relationships.

800-942-2729 • 209-550-3783 Giddings, Corby, Hynes Lic# 0144783

september 2022

25

Modesto Is A Pro-Business Community Business is thriving in the Central Valley and more specifically Modesto. That was never more evident than during Leadership Modesto’s Business Day. A day spent learning about the business community, employment programs, opportunities and challenges facing businesses today. Leaning into businesses of varying sizes to better understand how they thrive; their operating model and what challenges lay ahead. We had the honor of spending time with Workforce Development, Graceada Partners, Never Boring, Bay Valley Tech, O’Brien’s Market, Availability Professional Staffing and Stanislaus Equity Partners Community Development Corporation.

Modesto’s Economic Development, a division focused on attracting and growing business in Modesto, will tell you that it is the perfect central location for business, visitors and residents. Located within 90 minutes from Sacramento, the Bay Area, Fresno and Yosemite, offering big city amenities, dining and shopping with a hometown feel.

Modesto prides itself on being pro-business. The city offers low total cost structure, ideal location access to markets and partners, great infrastructure for all types of businesses and workforce development.

A climate that is not only business friendly but visitor and family-friendly as well.

Over 11,000 companies call Modesto home employing more than 108,000 people. The largest employers are those in the healthcare, accommodation and food services and public administration sectors. Although, the majority of businesses to call Modesto home have fewer than 20 employees, statistics which are actively tracked and made available through the Workforce Development, Stanislaus County Office of Education.

education

Companies of all sizes rely on advertising and marketing to sustain and grow their business. Local media company, Never Boring started in 1983 as a local sign shop and grew into a full-service marketing agency providing creative solutions to help grow business. Proof positive that businesses find fertile ground here in Modesto. Servicing clients from a multitude of industries including, but not limited, to auto restoration, construction, staffing and education.

It is a company focused on helping businesses succeed in today’s

Continue to page 27 26

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Modesto Is A Pro-Business Community

(Continued from page 26

competitive environment. Their creative solutions have earned over 350 awards.

Independent commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm, Graceada Partners will tell you business is all about the people. In order to have a competitive advantage you need to create a working environment that fosters creativity and supports employees “making their best call.”

Graceada Partners started in 2008 with 2.2 million square feet under management and now boasts over $500 million in assets under management and over 50 team members.

The program is made possible through generous partnerships with educational, government, non-profit and corporate partners.

Through community collaboration and partnerships and despite the challenges the past two years have presented, business is thriving in Modesto.

education

Along with Workforce Development, there are many businesses making a difference here in the Valley, working to educate and provide training to help job seekers access higher paying jobs. One such company is Bay Valley Tech which provides a tuition free training program to help people transition to digital based careers. The company has flourished this past year. Starting with just 25 students in its first year, through partnerships with the county and local companies they are now training 1,000+ students a year and providing paid internships.

september 2022

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Is Your Website's SEO Recession Ready?

Among the first things impacted by a bear economy is your marketing budget. Recession-ready business owners know the best time to prepare is before things get worse.

That’s why a solid SEO strategy for organic ranking is so crucial- with solid SEO and good ranking you can make it through a recession without ads.

Yet many owners react after the fact, making it tougher to catch up. Instead, here are some helpful tips for keeping your website recession ready. And the best way to do that is making sure your website's SEO is recession ready.

Sure, ads may reach new customers, but they also stop running when you stop paying. If your ads are your primary marketing strategy, you may want to consider beefing up your websites on-page SEO.

Review SEO Best Practices

Use Metrics Efficiently

Many factors contribute to your ranking, meaning best practices must get followed. Bounce rates, slow loading times, and missing objects on the page work against you.

Sure, you want to see your overall traffic improve, but it isn't the only metric. Understanding where to improve your site helps you to increase your rankings.

At a minimum, a site must operate how it will with potential users. Other problems will soon arise with your pages when it already has structural issues.

Bounce rate is the users who visit your site that then leave.

Higher rates mean users don't want to stay on your pages, choosing competing ones instead.

Shoppers and crawlers alike prefer clean, organized pages with relevant information. Making text sections simple to read can also improve your search ranking score.

Device sources allow you to see where you connect with customers best. Time on Page also shows how long you keep users' interest before they leave. These are all things an SEO strategy looks at, and there’s no better time than to start.

Ad Importance When times get tough, you cut back on your advertising budget. However, once you stop paying for them, your ranking score plummets.

For more information managing your online presence go to www.sisbroinnovation.com or call Sisbro Innovation at (800) 291-9102

Lending in Your Community At Oak Valley Community Bank we’re committed to supporting the borrowing needs of the communities we serve. Here are a few examples of projects we’ve recently financed for clients.

$1.0M

Jeff Hushaw Commercial Lending

education

844.7544

Laura Weaver

Area & Branch Manager - McHenry

343.7633

28

Victoria Gaffney

Lynnette Fletcher

Commercial Lending

Commercial Lending

343.7601

844.7552

Pamela Swift

Branch Manager Dale Road

758.8020

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Cesar Camarillo

Branch Manager 12th & I

343.7611

Contractor Line of Credit

$4.5M

Commercial Industrial & Equipment

$900K

$3.7M

$16M

$9M

Asset Based Manufacturing Line of Credit

Ag Real Estate Acquisition

www.ovcb.com

SBA 504 Loan

Commercial Real Estate

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

FINANCIAL FOCUS: Should You Own Bonds When Interest Rates Rise?

BY Brad Blakeley, Edward Jones Investments Financial Advisor

To begin with, let’s look at what’s happened with bond prices recently. Inflation has heated up, leading the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates to help “cool off” the economy. And rising interest rates typically raise bond yields — the total annual income that investors get from their “coupon” (interest) payments. Rising yields can cause a drop in the value of your existing bonds, because investors will want to buy the newly issued bonds that offer higher yields than yours.

is now

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Your local news source.

Now locally-owned.

And yet, despite this possible drop in their value, the bonds you own can still help you make progress toward your financial goals. Consider these benefits of bond ownership: • Income – No matter what happens to the value of your bonds, they will continue to provide you with income, in the form of interest payments, until they mature, provided the issuer doesn’t default — and defaults are generally unlikely with investment-grade bonds (those rated BBB or higher). Your interest payments will remain the same throughout the life of your bond, which can help you plan for your cash flow and spending.

• Diversification – As you’ve probably heard, diversification is a key to successful investing. If you only owned one type of asset, such as growth stocks, and the stock market went into a decline, as has happened this year, your portfolio likely would have taken a big hit — even bigger than the one you may have experienced.

But bond prices don’t always move in the same direction as stocks, so the presence of bonds in your portfolio — along with other investments, such as government securities and certificates of deposit — can help reduce the impact of volatility on your holdings.

(Keep in mind, though, that by itself, diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses in a declining market.)

• Reinvestment opportunities – As mentioned above, rising interest rates and higher yields may reduce the value of your current bonds, but this same development may also offer you some favorable reinvestment opportunities. If you own bonds of varying durations — short-, intermediate- and long-term — you should regularly have some bonds maturing. And in an environment such as the current one, you can reinvest the proceeds of your expiring short-term bonds into new ones issued at potentially higher interest rates.

By doing so, you can potentially provide yourself with more income. Also, by owning a mix of bonds, you’ll still have the longer-term ones working for you, and these bonds typically (but not always) pay a higher interest rate than the shorter-term ones.

It might not feel pleasant to see the current value of your bonds drop. But if you’re not selling them before they mature, and you take advantage of the opportunities afforded by higher yields, you’ll find that owning bonds can still be a valuable part of your investment strategy. september 2022

service

As you know, the stock market has attracted a lot of attention – and for good reason, as we’ve seen considerable volatility almost from the beginning of the year. But if you own bonds, or bond-based mutual funds, you might also have some concerns. However, it’s important to understand why bonds should continue to be an important part of your portfolio.

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LOCAL NEWSPAPERS KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES INFORMED IN CHALLENGING TIMES.

Visit www.cnpa.com/AB5/ to learn more about how the future of your local newspaper is being threatened.

30

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

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Modesto Irrigation District programs that Modesto Irrigation Districthas has various various programs that cancan helphelp your your business unplug conserveenergy energy and to to sustainability. business unplug to to conserve andplug-in plug-in sustainability.

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