Port O Call - April 2010

PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.stocktonchamber.org

Vol. 55 No. 12

APRIL 2010

Small Business Awards Nominations Needed

Local Business Owner’s Cleaning Services Achieve

National GS-42 Certification

by Green Seal™

Spearheading History PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA

Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography

A Tall Green Stalk is Stockton’s Most Popular (and giving) Rock Star

PORT CALL

15

Spearheading History

CONTENTS Events

4

President’s Column

5

CEO Column

6

Leadership Stockton

7

Programs

10

Visitors Bureau

12

New Members

13

Cover Story

15

News Briefs

23

Calendar

25

Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography

Asparagus Festival Local Business Owner’s Cleaning Services Achieve

National GS-42 Certification by Green Seal™

22

4 10

Small Business Awards Nominations Needed

Don’t Miss!

April Chamber Mixer Hosted by the Stockton Ports Baseball Club Thursday, April 1, 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Banner Island Ballpark 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, CA 95219

PORT CALL Official publication of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. Serving the Greater Stockton area business community since 1901.

CHAMBER OFFICERS PRESIDENT Rick Goucher, CB Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate SR. VICE PRESIDENT Dick McClure, Woodwork Institute FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Debbie Armstrong, Old Republic Title Company VICE PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers VICE PRESIDENT Stephen Barney, F&M Bank IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Dennis Goldstrand, Goldstrand Planning Group CHAMBER DIRECTORS Phil Acosta, Delights Waterfront Eatery Blaine Bibb, ServiceMaster Melvin Boles, ATM R US Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications Steven Crabtree, Herum Crabtree Dan Keyser, Grupe Commercial Company Dan Durst, Durst Contract Interiors Bill Harr, Hormel Foods Corporation George Kaplanis, Hilton Stockton Kenneth Levy, Wells Fargo Advisors Terry Lightfoot, Kaiser Permanente Mike Long, Bekins/ Pacific Storage Co. Brian Martucci, Berberian European Motors Knute Momberg, Momberg Consulting Fred Walkover, Comcast CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.

209.547.2766

PROGRAM & PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR/ BEA Frank Ferral 209.547.2763

Stockton Mailing & Printing Service, Inc. Full Service Commercial Printing and Mailing Facility

Save time! Complete all your printing and mailing needs in one place.

SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR Heidi Altamirano

209.547.2764

OPERATIONS/FINANCE DIRECTOR Sandy Dwyer

209.547.2770

VISITORS BUREAU DIRECTOR Wes Rhea

209.547.2770

VISITORS BUREAU/ GROUP SALES Monica Slingerman

209.547.2770

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Michelle Flores

209.547.2770

MEMBERSHIP SALES CONSULTANT Teri Manley

209.337.2723

SCAP COORDINATOR Carmen Lamas

209.337.2718

SCAP COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mikki Gilbert 209.337.2730

• We can print most anything - from postcards to publications and everything in between!

• Full Color and High Quality • Automated Folding, Inserting, and Tabbing available • Let us take care of your direct mailing • Ink-Jet addressing and barcoding • Standard, Periodical, and First-Class Mail • We can provide mailing lists for your direct mail project!

SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD. Timm Quinn 209.547.2960 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FINANCE DEPARTMENT Lia Her 209.547.2770 RECEPTIONIST/ CUSTOMER SERVICE Alyssa McConnell 209.547.2770 PUBLISHER Stockton Chamber of Commerce

209.547.2770

GRAPHIC DESIGN Never Boring Design Associates

209.526.9136

ADVERTISING Amanda Boyer

209.988.5800

PRINTING Snyder Lithograph

209.466.9026

MAILING Stockton Mailing & Printing Inc.

209.466.6741

Greater

4133 Postal Avenue Stockton, CA 95204 Serving the Central Valley since 1956

Photo by: Arturo Vera Photography/Tidewater Gallery

GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 445 W. Weber Avenue, Suite 220, Stockton, CA 95203 209.547.2770 fax 209.466.5271 schamber@stocktonchamber.org

Events

Carpet Cleaning

by: Heidi Altamirano

2010 Asparagus Festival Volunteers Needed There is still time to join Tortellini Timm or Angel Hair Heidi as a volunteer in the Chamber’s Pasta Booth at the famous, worldrenowned Stockton Asparagus Festival April 23, 24 and 25! If you’re into having some weekend fun with some great people, while raising

It’s more than just carpet

funds for our Chamber programs, then you will love preparing pasta

r thei . . . . it’osg park d

with some like-minded folks. Only a few time slots open so act fast.

To add your name to the volunteer list please call or e-mail Timm Quinn, 209-547-2960 or TQuinn@stocktonchamber.org.

2010 Golf Tournament The good news is that our 29th Annual Golf Tournament is not yet sold out! However, we suggest you sign up your foursome before it is. Elkhorn Country Club will host our day on the greens April 12, beginning with registration at 10:00 a.m., lunch at 11:00

schedule online at www.stanleysteemer.com or call 209-474-7771

15% Off Commercial Cleaning OR Tile & Grout Cleaning

SAVE $40 (Reg. Price $139) 2 Rooms and a Hallway OR a sofa cleaned for $99

Some restrictions may apply. Call for more details.

Some restrictions may apply. Call for more details.

www.stanleysteemer.com

www.stanleysteemer.com

209-474-7771 or 1-800-STEEMER

209-474-7771 or 1-800-STEEMER

ⓒ2009 Stanley Steemer International, Inc.

a.m. and a shotgun start at noon. After the tournament, we’ll have an awards reception honoring the top players of the day.

If you’re looking for an easy way to highlight your business products or services, consider donating a prize for our posttournament raffle. It’s an ideal way to market your business to other high-profile business people supporting and participating in our tournament.

So make at least one of your Mondays in April a fun one by joining us at Elkhorn Country Club. Just give Timm a call at 547-2960, and he’ll be happy to sign you up.

continued on page 22

Golf Tournament Sponsors Annika Sorenstam Sponsor: Food 4 Less/ Rancho San Miguel Fred Couples Sponsors: National University Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 442 Ricky Barnes Sponsor: Builders Exchange of Stockton

@

Beverage Sponsor: Delta Sierra Beverage Hole-In-One Sponsors: Gary J Long Jewelers Roger Dunn Golf Shops Special Thanks to: SJC Economic Development Association

Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764

As of 3/4/10 www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APR2010

4

From Your President... by: Rick Goucher

From the desk of……..The “King of the Wok”

Come Saturday April 24th, I will be stationed at my usual post next to Frank Ferral making the best

As many of you may have heard I will be serving as your Chamber President again next

year marks the 25th anniversary of the Asparagus

year, as my successor changed careers and wouldn’t

Festival and is sure to be fun for all. So whether

be able to make the commitment next year. I

you like the pasta (and who doesn’t), the deep-fried

am humbled and honored that the Executive

asparagus, or the spirits make sure you come out to

Committee and Board of Directors voted to allow

the event.

me to serve this second term. I look forward to

tournament, so make sure you get your foursome

economic times.

together and sign up. Remember an “Event a

As noted in the opening line, yours truly was dubbed “King of the Wok” by Chef Martin Yan, of Yan Can Cook, at last year’s Asparagus Festival.

PORT CALL

April is also the month of the Chamber golf

helping our members work through these tough April is great month to be a Chamber member.

5

Asparagus Pasta known to man (or woman). This

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Week” is all I ask. See you at the Golf Tournament and the Asparagus Festival.

From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit

Homer lived in the 8th century and I think there were folks around then like the authors of the Forbes senseless “ranking lists”, and someone like Mr. David Mori whose letter to the editor ran in The Record on March 6. Mr. Mori referred to the Forbes ranking of Stockton as the “Most Miserable City” in which he described in part as, “nothing to do”, “cultural dead zone”, “no entertainment”, “no independent cinema”, etc. He went on to say, “There’s nothing for young people to do, because the malls and the movie theaters aren’t affordable every day.” He also added that he “will be looking elsewhere as soon as [he] can afford to leave.” Certainly he is a product of the sad state of affairs within our society today—a generation living off “entitlements” in which personal responsibility is not taught nor practiced. He must not have ever heard that

Delta College Tillie Lewis Theatre. Wow, did he miss something

“nothing in life is free.”

very, very special. Congratulations to all the students, Director

I think Homer had Forbes and/or Mr. Mori in mind when he wrote three things.

1) “Young men’s minds are always changeable, but when an old man is concerned in a matter, he looks both before and after”

Kevin Costello, parents, sponsors, and Delta College for allowing we “miserable Stocktonians” to witness a performance that was just a exciting on the Tillie Lewis Stage as it has been on Broadway and cities around the country.

2) “Miserable mortals who, like leaves, at one moment flame

For Forbes and Mr. Mori I will list JUST A FEW (space will not

with life, eating the produce of the land, and at the other moment

allow me to list them all) of the cultural opportunities available to all

weakly perish”

if they only took the time to explore and educate themselves: Alan

3) “It is equally wrong to speed a guest who does not want to

Short Gallery, Ballet San Joaquin, performances and entertainment

go, and to keep one back who is eager. You ought to make welcome

of all types at the Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre, Cambodian Buddhist

the present guest, and send forth the one who wishes to go.”

Temple, Children’s Museum of Stockton, Pacific’s Brubeck Institute

It has been my experience that one who thinks the “grass is greener” elsewhere soon finds out that is not always the case!

After the letter appeared, Wes Rhea, the outstanding director

and Festival, Conservatory of Music and Reynolds Gallery at Pacific and Pacific Long Theatre, Delta Center for the Arts, Friends of Chamber Music, Haggin Museum, Stockton Opera, 86th Season

of the Chamber’s Conference and Visitors Bureau, wrote a response

of Stockton Symphony Orchestra, LH Horton Jr. Gallery at San

and I hope it is in The Record prior to this April issue of Port O Call

Joaquin Delta College, Goodwin Gallery, Stockton Chorale,

hitting the streets. He did a great job responding to Mr. Mori and

Stockton Civic Theatre, Stockton Empire Theatre (always packed

Forbes regarding subjects they addressed.

with young people), Delta Center for the Arts, Tidewater Art

I bet you lunch at Stockton Golf and Country Club the

Center and Gallery, and there are many more. But here is one real

“miserable” and “nothing to do” Mr. Mori who stated we are a

special one for Forbes and Mr. Mori replying to his comment of “no

“cultural dead zone” did not take the time to attend the wonderful

independent cinema”, The San Joaquin Film Society, home of the

St. Mary’s High School Theatre Department presentation of Les

International Film Festival.

Miserables, held February 25-March 7, 2010 at the San Joaquin

If anyone reading this knows Mr. Mori I am www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

continued on page 17

APR2010

6

Leadership Stockton

“We Do Windows”

A Q W

by: Timm Quinn

by Chitwood Construction

Over 30 years of quality service

466-3881

Evening Appts • Free In-Home Consultations

Community Serving Community Session

Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty © Never Boring Design • neverboring.com

Storefront Commercial Residential

Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union

Window Replacement Patio Doors Glass Replacement

Lunch Sponsor: F.J. Dietrich & Co.

Also specializing in custom remodels & new construction

Visit Our Showroom…

2233 Cherokee Rd. Stockton

Community-based organizations have always been essential Senior & Veteran Discounts

Cal. Lic 284101 Bonded & Insured

to our local community. Charitable, nonprofit groups play an important role in our lives, extending help to our community in many ways. That is why each year we devote an entire day exploring some of Stockton’s finest community-based organizations.

For the participants the day began like no other. The class was divided into six teams, each assigned to a different communitybased organization. The six organizations were: Women’s Center of San Joaquin, St. Mary’s Interfaith Community Services, Stockton Shelter for the Homeless, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin, and Gospel Center Rescue Mission.

LOCAL # (209) 465-2616

Once the teams arrived at their host locations each were

ON CALL 24 HOURS SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

given tours, an information session, and got right to work. After

FOR EMERGENCY PLUMBING, DRAIN CLEANING, HYDRO JETTING, CAMERA LINE INSPECTIONS, GREASE AND SEPTIC PUMPING, TRENCHLESS SEWER REPLACEMENT

working hard all morning the class met at the Yosemite Club for a great lunch sponsored by F.J. Dietrich & Co. The mayor joined the class for lunch and applauded the class for their choice to join the Leadership Stockton program and stressed the importance of volunteering in the community. After lunch, the teams walked to the offices of United Way of San Joaquin County. There, President and CEO Andy Prokop introduced the wonderful staff of United Way, and thanked the class for their commitment to the community and their participation in Leadership Stockton. Andy spoke about United Way and how Leadership Stockton participants are already well on their way to being the future of Stockton.

Each team then had the opportunity to share their experience with the other members of the class. They used words such as “eyeopening”, “deep respect”, “life changing”, “better understanding”, “amazing”, and “extremely impressed” when speaking about their time spent at the various non-profit agencies serving our

7

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960

community. Most participants felt it was one of their favorite sessions this year.

I would like to thank the following people for their

.

contributions to the success of this session: Andy Prokop and the

.

.

.

United Way team for all of their help and for the generous use of

Retail Shopping Centers Senior Housing Medical Offices Industrial Facilities

their facility, and to each hosting non-profit director who helped

Office Buildings Private Schools Churches Restaurants Hospitality

.

.

.

.

make the day so special: Lindy Turner (LS ’01), Uyen Do (LS ’08), Tim Viall (LS ’93), Edward Figueroa, John Reynolds and Joelle Gomez (LS ’95)—Thank you for opening your doors!

Leadership Stockton Accepting Applications for the 2010-2011 Class Leadership Stockton, California’s oldest adult community

4917 Stoddard Road, Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 545-7505 • www.huffcon.com

leadership program, is accepting applications for the Class of 2011. Tuition for the 11-month program is $900. Applications and class schedule can be found at www.leadershipstockton.com or by calling 209.547.2770. Deadline is June 18, 2010.

The selection process involves a written application and personal interview. Approximately 26 applicants will be chosen to attend the program, representing a cross-section of the greater Stockton community.

For information or an application, visit www.leadershipstockton.com, call Timm Quinn at 547-2960 or email tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APR2010

8

Nominate an Outstanding Business for Community Recognition!

3

P Stewardship Award P3 Stewardship stands for Policies, Practices and Purchasing Stewardship. This award was created by the Green Team San Joaquin's REACON Team to draw attention to distinguished businesses that implement green procedures that helps the environment and reduces their cost of doing business in Stockton and San Joaquin County.

For a business to be eligible for the P 3 Stewardship, they must demonstrate best practices: What procedures are being utilized for recycling?

What steps are taken to conserve energy?

How are they reducing air pollution?

What are they purchasing that is green?

What cost-savings have been realized with going green?

The award will be given at the 2010 Chamber Business Awards Luncheon held at noon on June 3rd, 2010 at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. in Stockton.

P 3 Stewardship Award nomination forms can be found at www.stocktonchamber.org

Green Team San Joaquin Sponsors:

REACON Sponsors:

Green.edu Sponsors:

Buy Local, Buy Green Sponsors:

www.greenteamsanjoaquin.com

Programs Department by: Frank Ferral

(GTSJ), in which he serves as the Chairman of this trailblazing and successful program, and on the Board of Directors for the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. It seemed a natural fit to first test and use the Green Seal cleaning standards at the Chamber’s facility.

The auditor of the program inspected their location and we could not have accomplished this without their cooperation.

ServiceMaster Building Maintenance became a leader in the

Local Business Owner’s Cleaning Services Achieve

green cleaning movement by using the proprietary and patent-

National GS-42 Certification by Green Seal™

pending Capture and Removal Cleaning® system, a highly effective,

Stockton, CA (February 19th, 2010) – ServiceMaster Building

environmentally-friendly cleaning system which reduces toxins and

Maintenance is pleased to announce that we have achieved the GS-42

improves indoor air quality—contributing to a healthier workplace.

certification for our cleaning services. As a proud Stockton business

ServiceMaster Clean partnered with Green Seal to implement GS-42

for 3 years, our team worked closely with Green Seal, a respected U.S.

certifications of local businesses because we determined that the

environmental leadership eco-label. In order to attain the coveted

guidelines established by Green Seal and 3rd party verification of our

GS-42 certification - the environmental standard for green cleaning

cleaning program would set us apart in the industry.

services - our team completed a rigorous certification and audit of our

Our Green For® cleaning products are free of surfactants and wetting agents, and contain no ingredients that are considered

cleaning services.

Located in Stockton, CA, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance

corrosive, alkaline or acidic. They have no VOCs (volatile organic

started green cleaning in 2007. Since then we have seen our business

compounds). ServiceMaster Building Maintenance is committed to a

grow at double-digit rates in this tough economy. As a local business

core value of environmental stewardship.

owner, Blaine Bibb is also a member of the Green Team San Joaquin

• • • •

Business Records Storage Media/Vital Records Vault Certified Document Destruction Document Imaging Services

Mike Long, Director of Marketing

209-320-6618

www.pacific-records.com

@

For more info, contact Frank Ferral at fferral@stocktonchamber.org

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APR2010 10

R&S Erection of Stockton, Inc. ®

Rolling Steel and Sectional Doors • High Performance Environmental Doors Gate Systems and Access Controls • Automated Equipment Entrance Systems & Storefronts • Loading Dock Equipment & Material Handling Security Cameras & DVR Recorders • SQF 2000 Food Service Compliance General Building Maintenance & Service

Do the Math: Largest service fleet in the valley + Consistently the fastest response time + Most reliable service + Strongest warranties + Best trained technicians + Most current diagnostic equipment + Largest parts inventory + 24 hour emergency service

The BEST Value in the Industry!

When you want the BEST...

CALL R&S

209-465-2213 Lic.#745947

www.myrsdoors.com Look for the Red Truck

Conference & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea

Be sure to become a fan on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Stockton.Restaurant.Week

The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out! Don’t forget that from April 1-11 Stockton will celebrate locally grown asparagus during the Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out. The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out invites Stocktonarea foodies and families to enjoy delicious dishes prepared with fresh, locally grown asparagus at participating restaurants. These restaurants will be featuring asparagus-related menu items , from Asparagus Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus Ravioli to Rice and Asparagus Pudding and Asparagus Margaritas.

Check out the participating restaurants and menu offerings at www.DineOutStockton.com.

JOE Three Generations Strong

Joe Bryson Plumbing, Heating & Air, Air Duct Cleaning

ALL YOUR FURNACE & AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE & REPAIR NEEDS Get California Travel Info The mobile California Welcome Center (CWC), a Californiabranded Airstream trailer will return to the Stockton Asparagus Festival, April 23-25. The trailer will have travel information on California and specific regions within the state. Sponsored by the California Travel & Tourism Commission, the Airstream visits the largest festivals and events in California, including the Amgen Tour of California bike race.

Be sure to stop by and take a picture with Joe Tourist! By the

. . . . . . . .

Forced Air Units Emergency Service Wall & Floor Furnaces Residential & Commercial Fully Trained Technicians Estimates Cheerfully Given Service All Makes & Models Duct Cleaning

HONESTY - INTEGRITY - DEPENDABILITY

You’ve Come to Count On!

Call Today! 941-2841 State Contractor’s Lic. #783227

way, California travel info is available year-round at the Visitors Bureau here at the Chamber offices.

@

Wes Rhea: wes@stocktonchamber.org 209.337.2721

TING

HEA

CO.

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APR2010 12

New Members

For more information on becoming a new member, please contact Teri Manley at 209.337.2723 or email tmanley@stocktonchamber.org. Please allow up to 90 days for your listing to show.

Social Media Marketing

Animal Shelters

Insurance - Agents & Brokers

Advanced Networking Group

Delta Humane Society

Medina Insurance Agency

1110 W. Kettleman Ln., #24 Lodi, CA www.advancenetworkinggroup.com

4590 S. Highway 99 Stockton, CA www.deltahumanesociety.com

7488 Shoreline Dr. Suite B-4 Stockton, CA www.medinainsuranceagency.com

Construction - Consultants

Coffeehouse

Mortgage Bankers

Associated Builders and Contractors Golden Gate Chapter 2433 Tejon St. Lodi, CA

www.abcggc.org

Empresso Coffeehouse

Metlife Bank - Reverse Mortgage

1825 Pacific Ave .

Stockton, CA www.empressocoffeehouse.com

PO Box 2236 Murphys, CA

Distribution Center

Locksmiths Big Valley Lock & Key 3706 E. Hammer Lane #102 Stockton, CA

Hotels Clarion Inn & Suites 4219 E. Waterloo Rd. Stockton, CA www.clarionhotel.com/hotel/cac18

www.mlbreversemortgage.com

Night Club/ Restaurant

GBM Manufacturing

Taste Ultra Lounge

620 North Monroe St. Stockton, CA

510 E. Main St. Stockton, CA

www.gbmceramics.com

Economic Development

www.tasteultralounge.com

Cosmetics & Perfumes - Retail

Humanists Development Foundation , CA

Mary Kay Costmetics

1459 Venice Cir. Stockton, CA

110 W. Fremont St. Stockton, CA

www.hdf4u.org

www.marykay.com/nalferez

Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel 110 W. Fremont St. Stockton, CA

www.lexingtonhotels.com

For additional member info, go to www.stocktonchamber.org

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1.800.NAT.UNIV (628.8648) getinfo.nu.edu 13 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

The University of Values Š 2009 National University

Ribbon Cuttings

For additional member info, go to www.stocktonchamber.org

March 2010

Cash and Carry Smart Foodservice

Creekside Care Center

6502 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA

Attending Ambassadors * Liaison of the month John Paval WSB Mortgage Services

* Honorable Mention - Liaison Kamie Long Mainstay Staffing

Ana Golden

* Welcome Squad of the Month Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan Gourmet Gifts

Ana Golden Insurance Services

Tracee Bucio BodyBliss Holistic Wellness Center

Skip Benz Innovative Merchant Solutions

Quick Connect Sprint Outlet

9107 N. Davis Rd., Stockton, CA

Bama Thompson BodyBliss Holistic Wellness Center

Blair Hake Ameriprise Financial

Bob Hurst Educational Psychology

Bruce Wert ACN Telecommunication

Carol Clemons Angel’s Caring Helpers

Ella Holman Omega Funding

4343 Pacific Ave Ste. A1, Stockton, CA

Geri Blas Stockton Post Office.

Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan Gourmet Gifts

Janice Herechski Sunflower Presents

Jeannie Compton Camlu Assisted Living

Marshallistic Saulsbury Dazzlin’ Cleaning Service

Matthew Grizzle The Record

Pattie Gulick New Image Sign Co.

Richard Valenzuela Wadell & Reed

Josie Martinez Merrill Gardens

Kamie Long Mainstay Staffing

Linda Stockton Entravision Radio

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APR2010 14

COVER STORY

Spearheading History A Tall Green Stalk is Stockton’s Most Popular (and Giving) Rock Star by: Patricia Kutza

Name recognition. For many Californians,

By the Numbers

converted when they saw the long lines of cars

The 25th Annual Stockton Asparagus Festival

the city of Gilroy is synonymous with garlic.

queued up on I-5, on their way to that initial

And likewise, Stockton is inextricably

Asparagus Festival.

5,500: Volunteers who run the festival 100+: Non-profit groups benefiting from the Festival’s profits 100,000: Average number of people who attend 40,000: Pounds of homegrown fresh asparagus that will be served 11-20: No. of spears in 1 lb. of large asparagus 4: Calories in 1 spear of asparagus 2.2: Grams of protein in 3.5 oz. of boiled and drained asparagus 2: Cups that equate to 1 lb. of trimmed asparagus 1852: First year asparagus was grown in California 7lbs 5.81oz.: Amount of asparagus eaten by the 2009 winner of the Deep-Friend Asparagus Eating Championship, Patrick Bertoletti 1: Stockton Asparagus Festival is the largest charitable food festival in CA 4,700,000: Dollars distributed to 100+ local non-profits since the Festival started

connected with asparagus. Matches made in

Stats compiled from the 25th

Stockton. Doubters who questioned whether

Annual Stockton Asparagus Festival Cookbook, 2010 Edition

15 PORT CALL

“We debuted Asparagus Alley that very

heaven? Truth be told, they were actually

first year,” Post—now the Festival’s Executive

made right here on earth.

Director—recalls. The Festival’s signature

In Stockton’s case, it hearkens back to

dish, deep-fried asparagus spears, was also

1985 when a bunch of San Joaquin County

introduced then. “And to this day it remains

promotional gurus descended on Gilroy’s

our best-seller,” Post adds. Since that time, a

Garlic Festival to see what all the fuss was

host of chefs have had great fun concocting

about. This group included Kate Post who

a series of additional asparagus-inspired

was then co-founder of GAMUT Promotions

favorites, such as asparagus pasta, burritos,

and Advertising and then Supervisor, Doug

steak sandwiches, and ice cream.

Wilhoit, they recall that this exploratory group came back from that event wondering what other single crop could attain the same kind

Lovely but Limited With a lake in the middle of the Park,

of rock star status that garlic had established

Oak Grove was a lovely location for the

in Gilroy. And a consensus emerged: Why not

Festival for its first 18 years, Post remembers.

audition asparagus in the San Joaquin County?

But the Festival needed industrial-grade infrastructure that could accommodate its

Started With a Thousand Pounds It must have been quite a scene in 1985:

rapid growth. “With attendance growing by leaps and bounds, we had to think about

Trucks laden with a thousand pounds of

capacity - like more parking and better access

asparagus, picked fresh from neighboring

to utilities,” she says. For many reasons,

farms, hauling down Eight Mile Road en route

downtown Stockton was the perfect place to

to the site of the first Stockton Asparagus

migrate the Festival. Move it did to Stockton

Festival – Oak Grove Regional Park, north of

in 2004 where it remains today.

When the Festival opens on April 23, the

asparagus could pull in the size of crowds

biggest challenge, says Post, will be managing

that garlic was pulling in Gilroy quickly were

the ‘normal chaos’ that happens when nearly

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

In a faltering economy, a number of fundraising festivals have gone away. We are delighted that we are still around and still able to give back so much to so many.

100,000 visitors negotiate through the maze of food and arts/

There is also the immense pride that comes with knowing

crafts booths, entertainment, and all the other activities

the Stockton Asparagus Festival is now the largest charitable

planned for three days. It’s a big anniversary - 25 years - and

food festival in California. “Many of the non-profits that

the historical value is not lost on Post.

volunteered at our very first festival are still with us,” says Post.

“In a faltering economy, a number of fundraising festivals have

A Big Twenty-Five To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Stockton

gone away. We are delighted that we are still around and still able to give back so much to so many.”

Asparagus Festival, there are some exciting features. There is a commemorative Festival cookbook dedicated to the Festival’s founders: Bill DePaoli of the California Asparagus Commission, Joe Travale of the Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Gordon Medlin of the Bank of Stockton. Also featured are the presence of such perennially popular celebrity chefs like the host of Yan Can Cook, Chef Martin Yan and marquee talent names like Pete Escovedo, Blue Oyster Cult, and Sha Na Na.

Photo by: Arturo Vera Photography

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APR2010 16

CEO

Cont’d from pg. 6

sure he can use a computer for more than playing games, so

this is the 25th anniversary! It promises to be one of the best.

direct him (and you too) towards www.VisitStockton.org to

Volunteers and attendees alike always have a great time and

see what is really happening here in Stockton and around the

feel good that they are helping those in need. Volunteer at the

region. It takes more than just looking up the website, it takes

Stockton Chamber booth will be serving asparagus pasta and

experiencing what is available to residents and visitors of all

this year we have added Asparagus Ice Cream (featured on this

ages.

month’s cover), a treat concocted by Wes Rhea and Gleason’s Ice With that said, it is the month of the Chamber Golf

Tournament held at the Elkhorn Country Club on Monday, April 12. Hopefully you have already signed up your foursome

Cream. Contact Timm Quinn here at the Chamber for available volunteer hours.

Also from April 1-11 enjoy the Great Stockton Asparagus

because they go fast. If not, you can go to our website www.

Dine Out, featuring many Stockton restaurants showcasing

StocktonChamber.org for a sign-up form. Always a great event!

locally grown asparagus in delicious dishes. Please go to

Hey, Mr. Mori: April means Asparagus Festival! How

www.DineOutStockton.com to find which restaurants are

about volunteering to help over 100 non-profits continue to

participating and a list of their special menu items celebrating

provide much needed services to your fellow citizens and at the

San Joaquin-grown asparagus and kicking off the 25th

same time have a great time to sooth your boredom?

anniversary Asparagus Festival.

The Festival is April 23-25 in Downtown Stockton and

Stockton Scavengers Working to Meet Your Needs

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• Industry & Manufacturing • Commercial Businesses • Construction • Special Events • Agriculture

We Also Provide: • Equipment Storage Containers • Trash Compactors • Recycling Balers

Portable Sanitation 209.538.2210

Serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced Counties

• Portable Toilets • Trailer Units • Handicap Units • Handwashing Units • Prompt Delivery

Containers up to 40 cubic yards. We’ll help you manage a wide variety of waste and recyclable items in an efficient and cost effective manner.

Waste Management - Committed to Customer Service Give us a call. We’ll tailor a program to meet your specific needs.

17 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Room with a View

Introducing our new Patient Pavilion Step through the doors of St. Joseph’s new Patient Pavilion and you’ll be impressed. From its innovative architectural design, the modern two-story foyer, soothing colors, and the original works of art, you might think you are entering a 5-star hotel, but even better . . . you’re entering a 5-star hospital.

While you won’t find Egyptian cotton linens or chocolate truffles on the bed, you will find highly trained and compassionate staff, state-of-the-art technology, and a healing environment designed with you, the patient, in mind. And yes, all of our spacious, private rooms have a window – because although we want to give you the ultimate patient experience, we know that you want to be out living life to the fullest . . . and we want that, too.

The new Patient Pavilion includes: Women & Infants Center • Neonatal Intensive Care • Adult Intensive Care Oncology Care • Medical/Surgical Care • Healing Gardens Meditation Room • Expanded Parking • All Private Patient Rooms

1800 North California Street Stockton, CA 95204 - StJosephsCares.org

March 4 Mixer Photos @ Residence Inn by Marriott

REXPO - March 11

From left to right: Lloyd Evans, Michelle Sherlock, Debbie Mason

1st Floor

From left to right: Rick Goucher, Andrew Ysiano, Gary Anderson, Guillermo Perez

From left to right: Lynn Quijada-Splan, Pati Delahunty, Warden’s

From left to right: Randy Howard, Heidi Moorefield, Gary Torre

Shelley K. Burcham, San Joaquin Partnership

From left to right: Margaret Morrison, Toni Taboada

From left to right: Connie Rill, Ed Wanket San Joaquin County Enterprise Zone www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APR2010 20

Events Cont’d from pg. 4

Small Business Awards Nominations Needed This year our 2010 Small Business Awards ceremony will

or concerns you may have. At noon, lunch will be catered by Outback Steakhouse followed by speaker presentations. After the

take place at the Hilton Stockton on June 3rd at noon. This is your

presentations, exhibits will stay open until 2:30 p.m. Invite your

chance to nominate those businesses, managers, and employees

clients, friends and neighbors to join you so you’ll all be in on the

that you consider to be exceptional in their field. Awards will

reasons we’re so proud of our great city.

be presented in each of the following categories: Small Business

Sponsorships are still available, so take advantage of this

Person of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Business Manager

high-profile marketing opportunity for your business. For more

of the Year, Business Employee of the Year, and the P3 Stewardship

information, call Heidi Altamirano at 547-2764 or email to

Award. Nomination forms can be found on the front page of the

heidi@stocktonchamber.org.

Chamber website, www.StocktonChamber.org We look forward to you joining the Chamber in recognizing the top honoree in each category. The deadline for nominations is April 9th. You may also nominate your own business, as well as your employees. For more information, visit the website or call the Chamber at 547-2770.

June Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer Sign up now for the June 3 Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. Expose your products and services to over 300 business attendees, meet some new people, and grow your business. Tables are just $250 for Chamber Members. Table space is going fast, so sign up now!

To sign up or receive more information please call Timm Quinn at 547-2960 or e-mail him at tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.

State of the City 2010 Is Just Around the Corner!

If you’re ever in doubt that we live in a great community, just attend our annual State of the City 2010! This year the State of the City will be held May 13th at the Port of Stockton. Sponsored by the City of Stockton and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, this event features exhibits showcasing the critical and inspiring

State of the City 2010 Sponsors Platinum: A.G. Spanos Companies Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Bekins/Pacific Storage Company Big Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury Builders Exchange of Stockton City of Stockton Delta Sierra Beverage - Bud Light Lime Financial Center Credit Union Food 4 Less/Rancho San Miguel Green Team San Joaquin Grupe Commercial Company Herum Crabtree Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin Humphreys College J.R. Simplot Company Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel Metro PCS National University Neumiller & Beardslee Oak Valley Community Bank Park West Place/Pacifica Retail Management

Port of Stockton San Joaquin Delta College San Joaquin Magazine San Joaquin Partnership, Inc. San Joaquin Regional Transit District St. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton Conference & Visitors Bureau Stockton East Water District Stockton Ports Baseball Club The Record/San Joaquin Media Group United Way of San Joaquin County University of Phoenix University of the Pacific University Advancement Wells Fargo Advisors

Gold:

Great Valley Center/ UC Merced

Silver: Arturo Vera Photography Devcon Construction, Inc. R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc.

services available to you, your loved ones, and neighbors—all in the

As of 3/4/10

interest of maintaining a wholesome community.

Mayor Ann Johnston will hold her second State of the City and will share the many exciting ideas and visions she has to better our great city. The day begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Port of Stockton, allowing you to get an early start visiting the exhibits, as well as with exhibitors ready to answer any questions www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APR2010 22

News Briefs

Submission Guidelines: News Briefs must be submitted before the 1st of each month to schamber@stocktonchamber.org.

Please put “PORT O CALL” in the subject line. Submissions must be no longer than 50 words total and should include contact information. News Briefs will be included on a space available basis and may be edited for content.

Opening Day of Yachting Season! On April 24, Stockton Yacht

Network. Ms. August will share the top 3 mistakes that most

Club is sponsoring its annual opening day parade and celebrating

businesswomen make which leads to burnout. Networking begins

its 80th anniversary. Weber Point Events Center is the location of

at 11:30 a.m. at Elkhorn Country Club (1050 Elkhorn Drive). Visit

judging at 2pm and will return to Stockton Yacht Club after. For

www.StocktonWomensNetwork.com for more information.

information email drienhart@comcast.net. $10 entry fee will be donated to the Red Cross for Haitian disaster relief.

Romanian-born Pianist Peter Takacs will be featured at Stockton Symphony’s “Fantastic Finale” Concert in Schumann’s Piano

The Stockton Opera Guild is pleased to announce its 35th

Concerto. The two concerts will take place at Delta College’s

Emerald Anniversary Gala to be held 6 p.m., Sunday April

Atherton Auditorium on Thursday, April 15 at 8pm and on Saturday,

11th at the Stockton Golf & Country Club. Fine wine, hors

April 17 at 6pm. Tickets range from $20 to $55 and can be purchased

d’oeuvres, dinner and live music for $85 per person. For

by calling 951-0196 or visiting www.StocktonSymphony.org.

reservations or information visit www.StocktonOperaGuild.org or call Chairperson Betsy Erhardt at 954-0219.

Greater Stockton Employer Advisory Council (GSEAC) is meeting April 16, 2010. Keynote Speaker is Vida Thomas from Carlsen Thomas LLP on Preventing and Responding to Workplace Violence. 7:15 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Buffet Breakfast/Raffle included.

RSVP: Colleen Martin 825-2723 or cmartin2@edd.ca.gov.

Jenn August, C.H., a certified hypnotherapist, will speak at the April 7th luncheon meeting of the Stockton Women’s

23 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Romanian-born Pianist Peter Takacs

lose sight.

RISE TO THE OCCASION. We始re all aiming for peak performance, but when caught in an economic blizzard, it may be time to hold fast to your position and reach for a lifeline. Even the most skilled climbers need a Sherpa; let us help you keep advancing with a fresh marketing strategy.

Calendar

April 2010 Highlights 4/1 - Chamber Mixer - 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. @ Stockton Ports - Banner Island Ballpark 404 W. Fremont St. 4/23 - 4/25 - Asparagus Festival

1

UNIVERSAL SERVICE RECYCLING BUYER OF ALL SCRAP METALS WE PAY THE HIGHEST PRICES FOR: -

STEEL, COPPER, BRASS, ALUMINUM, ETC.

-

E-WASTE SUCH AS TV’S, COMPUTER MONITORS, COMPUTER TOWERS (guaranteed destruction of hard drives), FAXES, PRINTERS, ETC.

-

New Member Meeting - 10:30 a.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room Chamber Networking Mixer - 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

@ Stockton Ports Great Stockton Asparagus Dine-Out

8

MIDR - 7:30 a.m. @ TBA

9

GRC - 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room Leadership Stockton Economy Session - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

@ Hilton Stockton

12

29th Chamber Golf Tournament

@ Elhorn Country Club - 10 a.m.

14

Green Team San Joaquin - 9 a.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room Chamber Executive Committee - 7 a.m.

@ Stockton Golf & Country Club

19

Liasion Meeting - 12 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

23

GRC - 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room Asparagus Festival Begins

28

Business Education Alliance - 3:30 p.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

29

Chamber Board Meeting - 4 p.m.

@ Chamber Board Room

Coming Up: May Mixer

May 6 @ F&M Bank, 4612 McGaw Street, Stockton

CRV ALUMINUM CANS, PLASTIC, AND GLASS BOTTLES

BINS AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL SCRAP CUSTOMERS OPEN Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:15pm Sat. 8:00am-2:15pm 3200 South El Dorado Street Stockton, CA 95206 209-944-9555 Fax 209-944-5552 www.usrscrap.com

25 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

*

Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info

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