PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.stocktonchamber.org

Vol. 56 No. 10

FEBRUARY 2011

REXPO VII Downtown Stockton Alliance Events and Promotions

One Hundred and Ten Years Young PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA

Photograph by: Bank of Stockton Historical Collection

…and Counting

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PORT CALL

One Hundred and Ten Years Young…and Counting

CONTENTS Events

4

President’s Column

5

CEO Column

6

Leadership Stockton

7

Programs

10

Visitors Bureau

12

New Members

13

Ribbon Cuttings

14

Cover Story

15

News Briefs

19

Calendar

21

15

Photographs by: Bank of Stockton Historical Collection

REXPO VII

12

10

2011 Downtown Stockton Alliance Events and Promotions

Don’t Miss! Networking Mixer THE Office City Thursday, February 3, 5:15- 7:15 p.m. 2495 Station Drive

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 Blain Bibb, ServiceMaster Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications Steven Crabtree, Herum Crabtree Dan Durst, Durst Contract Interiors Bill Harr, Hormel Foods Corporation George Kaplanis, Hilton Stockton Dan Keyser, Grupe Commercial Company Kenneth Levy, Wells Fargo Advisors Mike Long, Pacific Records Management Rich McDonald, Class One Safety Ren Nosky, Downey Brand Fred Walkover, Comcast Tina Williams, Pacific Gas & Electric Bob Young, Stockton Golf & Country Club CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.

209.547.2766

PROGRAM & PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR/ BEA Frank Ferral 209.547.2763 SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR Heidi Altamirano

209.547.2764

OPERATIONS/FINANCE DIRECTOR Sandy Dwyer 209.547.2770 VISITORS BUREAU DIRECTOR Wes Rhea

209.547.2770

MEMBERSHIP SALES Matt Anderson

209.337.2723

SCAP COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mikki Gilbert 209.337.2730 SCAP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Karla Gonzalez 209.547.2770 SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD. Timm Quinn 209.547.2960 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 Warren Groeschel

209.526.9136

PRINTING Snyder Parks

209.466.9026

MAILING Pre-Sort Center of Stockton

209.941.2467

Greater

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

by: Heidi Altamirano

Sponsorships are still available, so take advantage of this

2011 Golf Tournament The good news is that our 30th Annual Golf Tournament has not

high profile marketing opportunity for your business. For more

sold out yet! We suggest you sign up your foursome before it does.

information, call Heidi Altamirano at 209.547.2764 or

Brookside Country Club will host our day on the greens on April 4,

email heidi@stocktonchamber.org.

beginning with registration at 10 a.m., lunch at 11 a.m., and a shotgun start at noon. After the tournament, we will have an awards reception honoring the top players of the day.

State of the City 2011 Sponsors Platinum Sponsors

We still have some terrific sponsorship packages available, which offer high visibility at this signature event. You may join us as a $150 tee or green sponsor, or as a $700 sponsor, which includes signage on a tee or green, and registration for a foursome. Single player registrations are available for $160. If you are looking for an easy way to highlight your business products or services, consider donating a prize for our post-tournament

A.G. Spanos Companies Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Financial Center Credit Union Grupe Commercial Company Heald College Herum Crabtree Neumiller & Beardslee

Pacific Records Gold Sponsors Management Builders Exchange St. Joseph’s of Stockton Medical Center Stockton East The Record/San Joaquin Water District Media Group Silver Sponsors United Way of National University San Joaquin County R & S Erection of University of Stockton, Inc. the Pacific Waste Management

raffle. It is 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 Monday’s in April a fun one by

2011 Asparagus Festival Volunteers Needed Don’t even think of leaving town on the weekend of April 15,

joining us at Brookside Country Club. Can’t wait for your invitation to

16 and 17! No parking in front of the TV, renting videos, or doing

arrive in the mail? Just give Timm a call at 209.547.2960, and he will be

any other things that keep you indoors and away from one of the top

happy to sign you up. Also, call today to have a spectacular sponsorship

festivals in the country, here in Stockton. Instead, sign up as a Chamber volunteer to work

opportunity packet sent to you.

the Pasta & Ice Cream Booth at the ever-famous, world-

Thanks To Our Sponsors Fred Couples Sponsors: Heald College National University

Ricky Barnes Sponsors: Berberian European Motors Builders Exchange of Stockton

renowned Stockton Asparagus Festival! If you are into having some weekend fun with some great people, while raising funds for our Chamber programs, then you will love preparing pasta with some likeminded folks.

State of the City 2011 to be held in May If you are ever in doubt that we live in a great community, just

You will get free admission, lively entertainment, and some very savory food.

attend our annual State of the City 2011! This year the State of the City

Different shifts are available on each of the three

will be held in May at the Port of Stockton. Sponsored by the Greater

days, so call today to get your preferred time. Ask for or Tortellini

Stockton Chamber of Commerce and the City of Stockton, this event

Timm or Angel Hair Heidi at 209.547.2770, and they will make sure

features exhibits showcasing the critical and inspiring services available

you get the whole scoop on this fun, annual event.

to you, your loved ones and neighbors, all in the interest of maintaining a wholesome community.

@

Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

FEBRUARY2011

4

From Your President... by: Rick Goucher

Even at a ripe young age of 110, the Greater

achievements of the Stockton community. Though

Stockton Chamber of Commerce is still making

ground breakings and mixers have always been a part

an impact in the community. As most of you are

of the Chamber, what makes this Chamber shine is our

aware the Record’s top story of the year was the

award-winning programs, the Green Team San Joaquin,

prison hospital. I can’t tell you how proud I was of

the Business Education Alliance, Leadership Stockton,

your Board of Directors when they unanimously

Conference and Visitors Bureau, and the ATHENA

voted to fund the filing of the lawsuit against the

Awards to name a few. As the 93rd president of the Greater Stockton

Federal Receiver and the State of California (with their own funds). If the Board had not filed the

Chamber of Commerce, I am proud to have been

Writ of Mandate when we did, the City of Stockton

at the helm during the prison settlement. I am also

and the County of San Joaquin would not have

proud to have been one of the few who have served

received a settlement.

more than one term. It is safe to say that the record

Much has changed since the Chamber was

of three years held by Warren Atherton and W. L.

formed in 1901, but one thing that has not changed

Maxwell is safe. Until next time, remember to buy

is the Chamber playing a major part in important

local first.

www.bankbac.com

A Unique Community Banking Experience

We Help You Succeed

Claudia Cozad

Eddie Lira

claudia.cozad@bankbac.com 209-473-6857

eddie.lira@bankbac.com 209-444-3356 Member FDIC

5

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit

As we enter the second month of 2011, the birth month of your Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce in 1901, we know we have many challenges ahead of all of us. Pointing fingers, blaming others, or saying it is someone else’s responsibility to move this community and businesses forward does not “hold much water”! You will read later what I mean by that. We ALL have a responsibility to look at problems and work on each collectively, without anger, condemnation, political/ personal malice, or selfishness, in order to transform serious situations into better ones. If not, you are truly part of the problem and not part of the needed solutions. Some will be easy with realized results seen immediately and some will be difficult, but once accomplished we will see long term positive results for all. Virgil, who lived from 70 to 19 B.C., said it best: “Happy is the man [or woman] who could search out the causes of things.” Simply put, do not sit at your computer or in front of the TV and gnash your teeth and clench your fist – get up, go into the

with me. It really jumped at me that no matter how negative we

community, and search out those who are trying to make our

are looked at, we do have so much to be proud and happy about.

community better. Join minds and hands so that we will truly

The new year is a time to make resolutions. The process of

all make a difference, as we work together to get through these

creating a resolution for the new year is a bit mystifying. It really

difficult times.

says that one is not good as they are; that they are flawed in some

All too often we become cynical and do not take time to

way. Why the rush to improve? Are you really that deficient?

smell the roses. I for one know that, as stated above, we have

What if you were just fine just the way you are? How would THAT

many problems as a city, county, state and nation. Such is life and

attitude improve your life? Consider the following story:

to dwell on it ad nauseum does not accomplish one darn thing.

A water bearer had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a

We have to tackle the negative, but as I have written so many

pole, which he carried across his neck. One pot had a crack in it,

times before, for every one negative we are experiencing there

while the other pot was perfect. At the end of the long walk from

are scores of positive things happening in Stockton, San Joaquin

the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. Of

County, California, and in the greatest country in the world, the

course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But

“UNITED” States of America!

the cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection. It spoke to

Bottom line is that I feel we are too hard on ourselves here in

the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself,

Stockton and it is time to celebrate the good and work on the not

because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way

so good.

back to your house.”

A new member of your Chamber, Craig LaFargue of

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you not notice that there

Leadership Effectiveness Solutions, shared the following story

were flowers only on your side of the path? That’s because I have continued on page 20

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

FEBRUARY2011

6

Leadership Stockton by: Timm Quinn

Leadership Stockton Local Government Session

the County and Board of Supervisors does. Manuel Lopez,

Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union

County Administrator, followed with a presentation on what a

Special Thanks: City of Stockton, County of San Joaquin, Stockton

County Administrator does. The Stockton Fire Department finished off the day as the

Fire Department

class traveled down to Fire Station # 2 on Sonora Street. There,

The Local Government Session gave the class a unique perspective

the class received a presentation on the history of the Stockton

on the workings of the city council as well as a taste of local politics. For the sixth year, the Leadership Stockton class participated in a

Fire Department, a tour of the station house, the dispatching

full-scale mock city council meeting as part of the Local Government

center, and the expansive training grounds from Fire Captain

session, held at Stockton City Hall Council Chambers on December 10.

Brian Jones. A big thank you to Bonnie Paige, Dora Sidrian, and Bret

The meeting was staffed by Dora Sidrian, who acted as the City Clerk.

Hunter for their help in making the mock city council meeting

The class elected fellow class members as their city council at the September Leadership Retreat. The remainder of the

run so smoothly. Thank you to Tonnie Mallory (LS Class of

class participated in one of three groups vying for the mock city

’07) for scheduling and coordinating the County portion of

council’s vote.

the day. And thank you to Katherine Miller, Gabriel Karam, Lois Sahyoun, Manuel Lopez, and Captain Brian Jones for

The meeting came with a full agenda and proposals from the teams. The premise of the public hearing was to consider public

taking time out of their busy schedules to speak and share their

comments/testimony regarding the appropriation of funds from

knowledge with the class.

the STATE COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT GRANT (CEG). The CEG was a one-time, $9 million allocation from the State of California, which had to be used for a public good. The funds could be divided to fund more than one project. After the mock council meeting Vice Mayor Katherine Miller ( LS Class of ’00), spoke to the class about her journey into local politics and how the Leadership Stockton program helped her. The class then walked to the County Administration Building and had a great lunch together. After lunch they received an all-access tour from Gabriel Karam, P.E., LEED AP, Director of Facilities Management. It was a treat to tour the building with one of the great minds that helped make it a reality. The tour was followed by a presentation by Lois Sahyoun, Clerk of the Board, on what

7

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960

Networking Mixer January 6 at UOP Spanos Center

Arturo Vera

, Ana Vera

, Ed

Bruce Wert

cDonald, Han, Rich M

r

Jared Foste

Exodie Roe

Roy Mendez, Bar

o

ngela Arroy

Mullen, A III, Meghan

ney Haas, Deni D

eBon

Marsha Saulsbur Kevin Williams y, Brian Regnart, Gloria Blaine,

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

FEBRUARY2011

8

Programs Department by: Frank Ferral

Come and Experience REXPO VII:

environmental and economic development issues, and create a

Sustainable Collaboration

nexus to enhance the delivery of Chamber services in Stockton

•

WHAT: REXPO VII: Sustainable Collaboration

•

WHEN: March 9, 2011 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

•

WHERE: Hilton Stockton

and all of San Joaquin County. Are You a Manufacturer of a Product in San Joaquin County?

2323 Grand Canal Blvd. Stockton, CA Improving the quality of our business and physical

The RMDZ works to divert significant quantities of recoverable resources from San Joaquin County landfills.

environment in the San Joaquin Valley is important to all

The Zone stimulates the usage of recycled materials by local

of us who reside here. That is why the Greater Stockton

manufacturers. The use of recycled materials will help create a

Chamber of Commerce’s Green Team San Joaquin and Valley Clean Air Now (CAN) invite you to attend REXPO VII:

local market for recyclables and products made from recycled materials. The RMDZ has loans for up to $2 million at a low 4 percent interest rate for qualifying businesses. For more information, please call Frank J. Ferral at 209.547.2763.

Sustainable Collaboration. Learn how businesses and jurisdictions can incorporate energyefficient methods, recycling, water conservation, and clean air values into everyday operations to reduce their cost of doing business and to meet state climate change policy. In addition, the event will showcase businesses and services that proactively promote environmentally sustainable business practices. Valley business and elected leaders are in the unique position to lead by example and demonstrate that environmental consciousness and business prosperity can go hand-in-hand. Only by working together, we can achieve.

We Buy Gold & Old Jewelry Bring in broken, damaged, unused or unwanted jewelry and get top dollar! - Local business for over 25 years - We buy gold year round - No waiting to get paid by mail

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WE PAY CASH!

Don’t risk being paid by out of town checks that might bounce

Schedule A REACON Visit Today! The Recycling Energy Air Conservation (REACON) team is the outreach arm of the Green Team San Joaquin. REACON is a collaboration between the Greater Stockton Chamber, private businesses, municipal and county solid waste divisions, economic development professionals, and the communities of San Joaquin County. Our purpose is to promote environmental stewardship solutions, address

Gary J. Long J E W E L E R S

your jeweler for life’s celebrations

320 lincoln center, stockton 477-6881 gjlongjewelers.com

@

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

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

FEBRUARY2011 10

HEALTH PLAN OF SAN JOAQUIN MEANS...

I

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Conference & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea

Celebrate Events!

3rd Annual Stocktoberfest

2011 Downtown Stockton Alliance Events and Promotions

October 8, 2-10 p.m.

With a host of weekly, monthly and seasonal events and promotions, 2011 is the time to celebrate in downtown Stockton.

Located at the Waterfront Warehouse Modeled after a traditional German Oktoberfest, participants

The purpose of these celebrations is to stimulate the local

enjoy collectable glass beer steins, micro and mainstream brews,

economy, draw visitors to downtown Stockton and support

authentic German beer, a variety of competitions, and live

the Celebrate! Stockton branding initiative. The mission of the

entertainment ranging from polka to local rock.

Downtown Stockton Alliance is to develop, promote and maintain historic downtown Stockton as a regional business, cultural and

Downtown Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market

entertainment destination.

On hiatus in 2011.

Here’s a look at what’s coming up in 2011:

Since 1998, the Market has offered fresh, locally grown and organic produce, baked goods, as well as original, handmade arts and crafts. To free resources to support economic development

2nd Fridays Held on the 2nd Friday of each month, January through

activities, the DSA will take a one-year hiatus from organizing the

November, 2nd Fridays include “behind the scenes” property

Farmers’ Market. “In 2011, it is our hope that by taking a one-year

tours, live entertainment, holiday activities, and promotions.

intermission from organizing this event, this will create a business opportunity for a private sector event organizer to produce a

Downtown Stockton Pub CRAWL

Farmers’ Market during the week in downtown. In the meantime,

Singles Pub CRAWL, February 11, 5 p.m.-midnight

we will direct our resources to promoting the Farmers’ Market

Costume CRAWL, October 29, 5 p.m.-midnight

held on Saturday mornings under the Crosstown (4) Freeway,”

Crawlers start downtown and enjoy drinks, appetizers,

said Emily Baime, Marketing Director.

live entertainment, sports events, fireworks and safe trolley transportation. Over 10 bars and restaurants participate on each CRAWL. Discounted student and designated driver tickets are

More information For more information about the Downtown Stockton Alliance and the celebrations listed above, please visit downtownstockton.

available, as well as reduced hotel pricing.

org or call 209.464.5246. For information in Spanish, call the

Taste of San Joaquin and Way Out West

Spanish hotline at 209.888.8637. For daily updates on downtown Stockton, find us on Twitter

BBQ Championship June 25 (Date subject to change) 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

at @D_townStockton, on Facebook under Downtown Stockton

Located at Weber Point Events Center

Alliance, and at Myspace.com/DowntownStockton.

The Third Annual Taste of San Joaquin features a wide variety of food at affordable prices, top flight local entertainment, Way Out West BBQ Competition (a “Food-Network-Style” barbecue cook-off), and classic car show. Celebrate Independence Day weekend on the downtown waterfront with over 10,000 attendees!

@

Wes Rhea: wes@stocktonchamber.org 209.337.2721

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

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

FEBRUARY2011 12

New Members

For more information on becoming a new member, please call 209.547.2770. Please allow up to 90 days for your listing to show.

Restaurant Supplies Fat City Griller Supply 6036 Pacific Avenue Stockton www.fatcitygrillersupply.com

Logistics Weber Logistics 7199 South Longe Street Stockton www.weberlogistics.com

Septic Windmill Septic, LLC 20504 South Highway 99 Ripon www.windmillportables.com

We Mean Business

Mokelumne River Forest Products with Oak Valley’s Loretta Trevena and Gary Stephens

Oak Valley offers the perfect blend of personal service and modern technology to meet your every need. Let us make your business, our business. “We enjoy working with local people who understand the needs of Central Valley businesses. – John Diederich and Gordon Roby Mokelumne River Forest Products Inc., Lodi 13 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

2935 W. March Lane • 209.320.7850

www.ovcb.com

Ribbon Cuttings

Fat City Griller Supply 6036 Pacific Avenue Stockton

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

one.Charter Academy of Visual & Performing Arts

Outback Steakhouse 1243 W. March Lane Stockton

800 Douglas Street Stockton

Attending Ambassadors John Bertilacchi Bertilacchi Insurance

Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan Gourmet Gifts

Carol Clemons Angel’s Caring Helpers

Becky Deal Rabobank

Shannon Ding Assemblymember Bill Berryhill’s Office

Gary Ghan Brookfalls Water Co.

Patti Gulik New Image Signs

Martha Ingraham Dameron Hospital Occupational Health

Loretta Lee California State Department of Rehabilitation

Rich McDonald

Colleen Moreno

*

Boboli International

Cindy Ward

Liaison of the Month John Paval – WSB Mortgage Service Ambassador of the Month Colleen Moreno – Boboli International

Xango

Sam Ward Xango

Bruce Wert Focus Capital Group, LLC.

Not mentioned last month: Carol Clemons, Angel’s Caring Helpers

Class One Safety

Become an Ambassador Today Chamber Ambassadors are the ‘friendly face’ of the Chamber.

Chamber events. The Liaison Committee visits and surveys

We are in search of dedicated members who want to represent

business owners and managers who are members of the Chamber.

the Chamber by attending ribbon cuttings, mixers and Chamber

Surveys are conducted with each member once a year. These

events. Ambassadors have made a commitment to developing and

surveys are vital to the Chamber’s efforts to develop and promote

maintaining a feeling of goodwill and understanding between the

an economically vibrant business community. If you are interested

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, government agencies,

in joining one of these committees, please call the Chamber at

and the community at large. While they perform their Chamber

209.547.2770. We need your support!

duties, Ambassadors are encouraged to discuss their own business with new and potential Chamber members. Ambassadors meet hundreds of new people every year and each new face is a potential sales lead! The program consists of two committees, the Welcome Squad and the Liaison Committee. The main duty of the Welcome Squad is to attend ribbon cuttings for new and existing members. They also assist at monthly networking mixers and similar www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

FEBRUARY2011 14

COVER STORY

One Hundred and Ten Years Young …and Counting By Patricia Kutza

This year the Greater Stockton

at the Pan-American Exposition. In

Chamber this year celebrates its 110th

1976, the Chamber launched what

1901 – Stockton banker Fred West becomes the first Chamber president.

anniversary. There will be toasts all

might be considered its most ambitious

around and a lot of great stories to

agricultural promotion, the Stockton

1924 – University of Pacific, then 73 years old and the first co-ed US College, relocates its campus from San Jose to Stockton.

share. The combined version of those

Ag Expo, which in the peak years of

stories, in many ways, is a saga of vision

its 32 years of operation attracted over

and determination.

20,000 visitors.

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce Major Milestones

1927 – Congress approves funds for the dredging of a Stockton deepwater channel. 1967 – Crosstown Freeway construction finally begins, as the result of the Chamber’s concerted efforts (it was finished in 1993). 1976 – Stockton Ag Expo launches the first of 32 annual expositions. 1982 – Stockton real estate broker, Karylene Riggs Mann, became the Chamber’s first female president. 1998 – The Chamber, teaming with local groups, persuades the San Francisco 49ers to establish their summer training base at the University of Pacific. 2006 – Green Team San Joaquin is created.

2008-2010 – Hospital

2010 – Stockton Marina opens. 2010 – Green Team San Joaquin receives Golden Arrow Award.

Supporting education was also

has fought hard to put Stockton’s

an early mission for the Chamber. It

business community on the regional,

endorsed a bond issue that culminated

state and national maps. The Chamber

in the construction of Stockton High

has always been a leader in championing

School. The Chamber’s influence helped

efforts to stimulate Stockton’s

bring the University of the Pacific to

growth, says its CEO, Doug Wilhoit.

Stockton, as well as aided the passage of

“We developed a proud history by

Measure G, the Stockton Unified School

understanding that we wanted to shape

District’s bond issue. The Chamber’s

an important future.”

current Business Education Alliance (BEA), a public/private partnership

Shaping the present with vision When turn-of-the-century fruit growers were looking for ways to

between the Chamber and San Joaquin County academic institutions, continues this strong tradition.

raise their visibility, the Chamber launched its “Packed in Stockton” marketing campaign. Early on, the

Prison Settlement

15 PORT CALL

For over a century this organization

Shaping the future with tenacity With its vision, the Chamber also

Chamber understood how strategic

brings tenacity of purpose. It took

partnerships could boost the exposure

more than 25 years of concerted efforts

of San Joaquin County’s agricultural

and financial backing to convince

and manufacturing products. In one

Congress to release the funds that

of its earliest efforts, the Chamber

would transform Stockton’s waterways

cooperated with the State Board of

into a profitable deep-water channel.

Control to open a California Exhibit

And it took almost twice as long for the

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Joaquin and the Recycling Market

Chamber to shepherd the Crosstown Freeway from concept to completion. In the last decade the Chamber has focused its considerable influence, representing Stockton’s interest with regards to the prison hospital slated to

We developed a proud history by understanding that we wanted to shape an important future.

community develop an environmental consciousness in an economically effective way. “This Team is actively involved with business leaders, community leaders and others to increase the awareness of available

be built east of the city. The Chamber’s current president,

Development Zone help the business

The Chamber has also

resources, programs and incentives that can help them reduce the cost of

Rick Goucher, describes the result: “Had

been quick to recognize and

the Chamber not filed a lawsuit (against

award great leadership throughout

the State of California), the State would

the Stockton community. Such

have built this hospital without any

recognition programs as the

may test the mettle of the Stockton

regard for hiring local or reimbursing

Industrial & Technology Barbecue

business community, Wilhoit says this

local agencies for the considerable

and the ATHENA Awards continue to

is the best of times to be a Chamber

impacts that it would incur.”

acknowledge exceptional

member. “In good times and bad

community leaders.

we continue to fight for them. Today

hallmark of the Chamber from its

Mission unchanged “Though the goals of the Chamber

beginnings, says Wilhoit. Its roster of

may change from year to year, our

past presidents shows that the Chamber

mission remains constant,” says

benefited from their wide-ranging

Goucher, “to aggressively develop and

expertise. They have included bankers

promote an economically vibrant

(such as Doug Wilhoit’s great-great-

business community.”

uncle, E.L. Wilhoit, the president of the

Both Wilhoit and

Stockton Savings and Loan Association),

Goucher agree that one

educators, interior designers, attorneys,

of the Chamber’s biggest

general contractors, grain brokers,

strengths is its ability to

grocers, newspaper publishers, and auto

change with the times. They

dealers, to name just a few.

say that the Green Team San

Photography by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography

While the current economic climate

businesses need all the support they can

Leading from all walks of life Strong leadership has been a

doing business.” Goucher adds.

get. The Chamber will continue to be there for them, protecting their interests at the local, state and national level.”

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

FEBRUARY2011 16

Established 1901 Stockton Chamber of Commerce

17 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Photography by: Bank of Stockton Historical Collection and Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography

2.28.11

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

FEBRUARY2011 18

News Briefs

Submission Guidelines: News Briefs must be submitted before the first 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.

Stockton Symphony Celebrates Valentine’s Day Charm your valentine with music that

Call Sharon at 209.955.1625, email SharonV@arc-sj.org, or Facebook search Arc San Joaquin.

will tug at her heartstrings. The Stockton Symphony, conducted by Music Director,

Chris Williams, Sacramento’s saleswoman of the year, will share her

Peter Jaffe, presents its Valentine Pops

strategies for using social networking sites to create leads for your

concert entitled “Embraceable You: An

business at the Stockton Women’s Network’s February 2 event at

Evening of Gershwin and Cole Porter”

Elkhorn Country Club. Visit www.stocktonwomensnetwork.org for

on Saturday, February 12 at 6 p.m. at San

more information.

Joaquin Delta College’s Atherton Auditorium. For more information, visit www.stocktonsymphony.org.

United Way of San Joaquin County Super Bowl Raffle Another Success Over $300,000 Raised for Local Charities

The 10th Annual Souper Supper is Friday, February 18, 2011

The third annual Super Bowl Raffle was held to benefit individuals

at the Scottish Rite Center, 33 E. Alpine Avenue, from 5:30-9 p.m.

throughout the region. The goal was to raise $300,000 that would be

This is the 10thyear for this sell out event featuring hand crafted

shared by more than 34 local nonprofit agencies. With the support of

souvenir pottery bowls and a menu of eight gourmet soups, breads,

the Spanos family, the community, and United Way’s partner agencies,

wines and desserts. Call 209.463.4033 or email tidewatergallery@att.

the raffle raised $320,000.

net for reservations. Arc San Joaquin is accepting applications for Board Membership Arc SJ is a nonprofit organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1954. Membership categories include people with disabilities, family members of people with developmental disabilities, professionals and other interested people.

19 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Keep your finances safe and healthy Rabobank, N.A. is part of the Rabobank Group, one of the safest banks in the world with a 110-year history of trustworthy service.

Rabobank. Let’s grow together. STOCKTON 1889 W. March Lane (209) 870-3200 1547 E. March Lane (209) 870-2200

LODI 501 W. Kettleman Lane (209) 371-8500

TRACY 2850 Tracy Boulevard (209) 820-1400

Rabobank, N.A. Member FDIC www.rabobankamerica.com

CEO

Cont’d from pg. 6

always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your

Thank you Craig and hopefully you will all take the time to

side of the path. Every day you’ve watered them. For two years I

understand that in this age of instantaneous gratification, it still

have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.

takes a clear vision, faith, hard work, patience, love, compassion,

Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this

respect for one another, and community pride to plant, cultivate

beauty to grace the house.”

and harvest to be able to take the time to “smell the roses!”

We’re all cracked pots. It’s the cracks and flaws we each have

Our constant resolution is to make Stockton and San Joaquin

that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.

County a better place now and into the future. As Virgil also said:

So, this new year, resolve NOT to make a resolution to repair one

“As long as rivers shall run down to the sea, or shadows touch the

of your cracks. Instead, resolve to accept yourself the way you are.

mountain slopes, or stars graze in the vault of heaven, so long shall

If you apply this to yourself and others, you will find life a lot more

your honor, you name, your praises endure.”

rewarding, and certainly less stressful. And you will be surprised in the increased performance of those around you in your home, work, and the entire community.

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

FEBRUARY2011 20

Calendar

February 2011 Highlights 2/3 -Networking Mixer — 5:15-7:15 p.m. @ THE Office City, 2495 Station Drive 2/21- Chamber Office Closed, Presidents Day

3

New Member Meeting – 10:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

3

Networking Mixer – 5:15-7:15 p.m. @ THE Office City, 2495 Station Drive

9

Green Team San Joaquin Meeting – 9 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

10

Manufacturers Industrial Distribution Roundtable Meeting – 7:30 a.m. @ TBA

11

Government Relations Council – 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

11

Leadership Stockton: Community Serving Community Session – 8 a.m.-5 p.m. @ Local nonprofits and United Way

14

Liaison Committee Meeting – 12 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

16

Executive Committee Meeting – 7 a.m. @ Stockton Golf & Country Club

21

Chamber Office Closed, Presidents Day

23

Business Education Alliance – 3 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

24

Chamber Board of Directors Meeting – 4 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

25

Government Relations Council – 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

also don’t miss... 3/3 - Networking Mixer – 5:15-7:15 p.m. @ The Lexington Plaza Hotel 110 W. Fremont

21 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

*

Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info