Port O Call - December 2013

PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.stocktonchamber.org

Vol. 59 No. 8

DECEMBER 2013

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA

Cover Photograph by Fritz Chin Photography

THE POWER OF AUNITEDDOLLAR: WAY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OPENS HEARTS DURING HOLIDAYS Angie McKinney, Community Impact Consultant; Andy Prokop, President and CEO and Donna Ng, Director of Operations

YOU DON’T PROFIT FROM SICK EMPLOYEES. WHY DOES YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER? In an industry built on fee-for-service care, Kaiser Permanente succeeds because we’re built around prevention and the highest quality care. One Harvard Business Review article described our care as “untainted by any economic conflict of interest.”* And in an industry report by The Economist, Kaiser Permanente’s care was described as promoting economy and quality care with “no financial motive to order unnecessary procedures.”†

Discover a better way.

* Lew McCreary, “Kaiser Permanente’s Innovation on the Front Lines,” Harvard Business Review, September 2010. †

”Another American Way,” The Economist, May 1, 2010.

kp.org/choosebetter

PORT CALL The Power of a Dollar: United Way of San Joaquin County Opens Hearts During Holidays

CONTENTS

14

DON’T MISS!

From Your President

5

From Your CEO

6

ANNUAL BUSINESS DIVERSITY MIXER Haggin Museum

Ribbon Cuttings

7

5:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Convention & Visitors Bureau

8

@ 1201 N. Pershing Avenue, Stockton

Events

9

News Briefs

9

JANUARY NETWORKING MIXER University of the Pacific Athletics

Leadership Stockton

11

Mixer 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Basketball Game 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Programs and Public Policy Department

12

@ University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos Center

Cover Story

14

Free tickets will be given out at check in to that evening’s game

November Mixer

17

against the University of San Francisco Dons.

New Members

18

Calendar

18

Come for the Mixer, Stay for the Basketball Game!

Mixer will be held on the South Concourse inside the Spanos Center.

Grow it, make it & ship it! @ San Joaquin, USA

• Northern California's center of commerce serving the western US and Asia. The best location solution for expanding manufacturers and supply chain providers • The San Joaquin Partnership provides centralized confidential information and connection to key business and community decision makers

Connect with the San Joaquin Partnership.

Call Mike at 800-570-5627 • sjpnet.org • mammann@sjpnet.org

DEC

5 JAN

9 2014

San Joaquin County Office of Education Prepares All San Joaquin County Kids for College and Careers!

San Joaquin County Office of Education provides educational leadership, resources, and services to support San Joaquin County schools. With its highly regarded programs, innovative staff, and community partnerships, SJCOE ensures that every student in San Joaquin has the opportunity of a quality education.

December 4: San Joaquin County Spelling Bee Finals (Grades 4-6 & 7-9)

All-Yearlong: Venture On Challenge Course is a series of individual and group physical challenges that require a combination of teamwork skills and individual commitment.

All Year Long: Career Academy of Cosmetology offers convenient day and night classes allowing students to attend full or parttime to fit in your schedule.

Find out more information about programs by visiting www.sjcoe.org/wherekidscomefirst

PORT CALL

FROM YOUR PRESIDENT BY: STEVEN CRABTREE

Official publication of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce.

Serving the Greater Stockton area business community since 1901.

The holidays will soon be upon us. Let

CHAMBER OFFICERS

us remember to shop local as we think

PRESIDENT Steven Crabtree, Herum/Crabtree

of what presents to buy for our friends

SR. VICE PRESIDENT Blain Bibb, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance

and family members. Remember, local

FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications

dollars stay in our community. But let us not forget the reason for the season and

VICE PRESIDENT Dan Durst, Durst Contract Interiors

especially those who are less fortunate

VICE PRESIDENT Bakul Patel, Dorfman Pacific Co.

than us. This month, we acknowledge

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers

and celebrate all of those not-for-profits

CHAMBER DIRECTORS Michael Cera, SMG /Stockton Arena/Bob Hope Theatre Donna DeMartino, San Joaquin Regional Transit District Doug Dinjian, Change DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Agency, Inc. Pat Filippone, Stockton Ports Baseball Club Dr. Lewis Gale, University of the Pacific - Eberhardt School of Business Rick Goucher, CBRE, Inc. Clint Harless, Stockton Auto Glass/Quick’s Glass Service Mikey Kamienski, Charterhouse for Families Deitra R. Kenoly, The Record/San Joaquin Media Group Robert Melrose, Brookside Optometric Group Darryle Oakman, San Joaquin County Rental Property Association Justin Redman, Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Joey Steelman, Lord’s Gym Joy Sweger, California Nuggets Diane Vigil, Dameron Hospital Foundation Bob Young, Stockton Golf & Country Club

in our community who are making a

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

difference in the lives of so many people.

STEVEN CRABTREE

They do the heavy lifting day in and

day out serving others. They especially deserve our help at this time of year because the demand placed on their limited resources is often at its greatest. They need every dollar as they seek to bestow some measure of Christmas joy upon others. Let’s not forget them this holiday season.

Everyone should take some time to attend this year’s Business Diversity Mixer on December 5th at the Haggin Museum. The food is always great and plentiful, and there could not be a better location to meet old friends or make new ones.

It gives everyone an opportunity to really appreciate one of the gems of our community. Hope to see you there!

STAFF ACCOUNTANT Lia Her 209.547.2768 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Margaret Sacchet 209.337.2723 SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD. Timm Quinn 209.547.2960

From your friends at Allied Waste, a division of Republic Services

SCAP COORDINATOR Dylan Bacon 209.337.2730 SCAP-SE COORDINATORS Michael Morales 209.337.2716 Gabrielle Almanza

209.337.2715 Malissa Luvianos 209.337.2726 BEA COORDINATOR Frances Richardson

209.547.2770

Thank you for your loyalty and support.

Wishing you all the very best this Holiday Season and a happy and prosperous 2014.

RECEPTIONIST/ CUSTOMER SERVICE Mai Vang 209.547.2770 PUBLISHER Stockton Chamber of Commerce 209.547.2770 GRAPHIC DESIGN Never Boring 209.526.9136 ADVERTISING Victor Randolph

209.988.5800

PRINTING Parks Printing 209.466.9026 MAILING Parks Printing 209.466.9026

Greater

1145 W. Charter Way, Stockton

Phone (209) 466-5192 Fax (209) 465-0631 www.republicservices.com

GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

445 W. Weber Avenue, Suite 220, Stockton, CA 95203 209.547.2770 fax 209.466.5271 schamber@stocktonchamber.org

FROM YOUR CEO BY: DOUG WILHOIT turn us back.” He also said, “Build for your

Award inductees and welcome to a

team a feeling of oneness, of dependence

wonderful organization filled with great

upon one another and of strength to be

Stocktonians! The event was wonderful

derived by unity,” and “The difference

and thank you to the ATHENA Co-Chairs

between a successful person and others

Judith Buethe and Kristin Birtwhistle,

is not a lack of strength, not a lack of

the selection committee, the ATHENA

knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.”

members as a whole, Chamber staff

The above speaks directly to what the

SANTA CLAUS When you read this, we will have all just finished what I know was a very Happy Thanksgiving and started thinking about the most joyous and happy time of the year, the Christmas and holiday season. I know Santa has been making his list and checking it twice and has put a “good” check mark by the Stocktonians who took their CIVIC DUTY AND RIGHT seriously and voted on Measures A & B on November 5th! How each and every one of them voted is not the reason for the “good” check mark on Santa’s list, but the fact that they took the time to do so as responsible citizens of this great City of Stockton with the intent of moving us forward to a better future and quality of life for all.

Vince Lombardi once said the following powerful words: “We know how rough the road will be, how heavy here the load will be, we know about the barricades that wait along the track, but we have set our soul ahead upon a certain goal ahead and nothing left from hell to sky shall ever

6

PORT CALL

members (Heidi and Timm and the

voters gave to the Mayor, City Council,

others who helped at the event) and all of

the acting or new City Manager (I will

you who attended and helped make the

hold off from any comment on the first

recognition and celebration a success.

unsuccessful attempt for we all know how

Also, a big thank you to the San

that worked out), great department heads

Joaquin Housing Authority, PG&E and

and a number of dedicated city employees

the KABOOM organization, sponsors

and that is a “Golden Tool Box” from

and volunteers for their hard work in

which to draw the proper tools necessary

bringing the playground to the children

to do everything Measures A & B stated.

of Conway Homes. I was honored to

They must withstand self-serving special

participate at both the beginning of the

interest groups or individuals who we

project on Saturday, November 2nd when

know are out there, and instead as both a

the full team was there, and then again

council and individuals do what is right

on Wednesday, November 6th when the

for the citizens now and into the future.

playground was dedicated. I was able to

You can rest assured that the Board of

watch the young residents scramble to the

Directors, members, staff and all level

playground as the ribbon was cut and saw

headed and responsible citizens will be

the appreciation on the residents’ faces.

watching very closely and any attempt to

The joy and happiness on children’s faces

use the will of the voters to build a little

was wonderful to behold and I know that

fiefdom for oneself or cronies will not

they were very thankful. Hopefully they

be tolerated and we will call them out

will also remember how their community

publically if they tread there!

worked as one, as all those that made

Now back to more pleasant thanks,

that day possible did, and will return that

thoughts and wishes: Congratulations

same kindness and sense of community to

again to Dr. Kathy Hart and Monica

others as they grow to be good citizens.

Streeter, the 2013 ATHENA Award

As we approach the Christmas and

and Young Professional Leadership

holiday season, it is important to do your

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

shopping locally where your family, friends and neighbors work

8.

Put “your” taxes to good work

every day of the year. The top ten reasons for shopping locally are:

9.

Buy what you want from a local person, not what some

1.

Buy local—support yourself

unknown Internet person wants you to buy

2.

Support community groups

10.

3.

Keep our community unique

Remember: please keep it local by shopping Stockton and San

4.

Reduce environmental impact

5.

Create and keep more good jobs

6.

Get better service

7.

Invest in your community

Encourage local prosperity!

Joaquin first and always!

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays to all of you from all of us at your Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce!

RIBBON CUTTINGS For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org or e-mail Margaret at Margaret@StocktonChamber.org.

For more ribbon cutting photos, visit www.facebook.com/stockton.chamber.of.commerce.

Computer Link

Visit Stockton & Downtown Stockton Alliance

4343 Pacific Avenue #E2, Stockton

125 Bridge Place, Stockton

Central Valley Community Bank

Junior League of San Joaquin

2800 March Lane, Suite 120, Stockton

3443 Deer Park Drive, Stockton

Attending Ambassadors Joel Carignan Edward Jones Investments Blair Hake Stockton Host Lions Club Ella Hoffman Collins Realty Inc. Loretta Lee Stockton Women’s Network Jen Lewis Hilton Stockton Chester Lum ABC Wallace Teri Manley Stop the Presses Bryan Meadows Stockton Ports Lisa Peterson Stockton Ports Victor Randolph Never Boring Justin Redman Central Valley Community Bank Annie Wilson Allied Waste

www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2013

7

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU BY: WES New Site for Stockton Holiday Gifts!

The Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau is happy to

site features listings for things

introduce stocktonsouvenirs.com —just in time for the

to do, restaurants and hotels in

holidays! You can now order all of our great Stockton

Stockton. Users can also easily

souvenirs online, and even have them shipped to friends

search listings by proximity to

and relatives! Stockton t-shirts, coffee mugs and tumbler

their current location, search for

cups are currently available on the site and in-person at the

information or listings on the

Visit Stockton offices at 125 Bridge Place, 2nd floor, next to

site, access the Visit Stockton

the Downtown Cinema.

social media pages and even

For souvenir information, call Megan at 209.938.1555.

Visitors Bureau Launches Updated Mobile Site The ability to access the Stockton area’s largest events calendar from the convenience of your mobile device just got a little better. We have just launched our new, fullfeatured mobile site—accessible from any mobile device at visitstockton.org. In addition to our calendar, the mobile

@

Wes Rhea: wes@visitstockton.org 209.938.1555

enjoy the mobile version of the Stockton virtual tour and photo gallery.

To visit the mobile and tablet-friendly versions of the website, just go to visitstockton.org from your preferred device.

Remember, we also have an iPhone and Android app available for download that offers the same features and more! Questions or comments? Call 209.938.1555.

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

EVENTS BY: HEIDI ALTAMIRANO Sign up now for Taking Care of Business!

There is still time to get in on the Taking Care of Business Sponsorship program for our remaining 2014 events like the Golf Tournament, State of the City, Business Awards Luncheon and Installation Dinner.

The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes the following companies for their year round support of the Chamber through our Taking Care of Business Sponsorship Program.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS SPONSORS 2013-2014

A.G. Spanos Companies

Neumiller & Beardslee

Bank of Agriculture & Commerce

Oak Valley Community Bank

businesses a wealth of marketing and sponsorship opportunities

Builders Exchange of Stockton

Pacific Records Management

for the upcoming year. This popular program was created to

California Water Service Co.

R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc.

give Chamber members an excellent way to receive exposure

Collins Electrical Company, Inc. -

San Joaquin Delta College

The Taking Care of Business Program offers our member

throughout the year at a dramatic discount off normal pricing.

Sponsoring companies typically select several options

Stockton Branch

San Joaquin RTD

Dorfman Pacific Co., Inc.

St. Joseph’s Medical Center

from the events line up. The Chamber allows its members to

F&M Bank

Stockton Convention &

wisely choose a yearlong program that meets their marketing,

Financial Center Credit Union

consumer exposure and community involvement goals. Package

Herum\Crabtree

Stockton East Water District

prices enable sponsors to select from several marketing and

Housing Authority of the

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

promotional opportunities at a significant savings.

County of San Joaquin

Visitors Bureau

The Record/San Joaquin Media Group

Kaiser Permanente

United Way of San Joaquin County

Taking Care of Business, contact Timm Quinn, Events Coordinator, at

Lincoln Center

University of the Pacific

209.547.2960 or e-mail tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.

Moss Adams, LLP

For more information on stretching your marketing dollars through

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.

Community Hospice , a community-based nonprofit since

Community Bank of San Joaquin is pleased to appoint John

1979, recently opened a branch office at 2105 West March Lane,

McGrath as bank President/CEO. Understanding the unique

Suite 2 in Stockton, under the direction of branch administrator

benefits locally-owned banks provide to communities, he has

and hospice industry veteran Lori Davis, RN. Community

a reputation of guiding independent banks to build on such

Hospice is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation

strengths with long-term strategies for serving current and future

Program (CHAP) and provides hospice care in San Joaquin,

customers. Mr. McGrath’s experience will prove invaluable for his

Stanislaus, Tuolumne and Merced Counties. For more

new responsibilities with Community Bank of San Joaquin.

information, visit www.hospiceheart.org.

Sylvia Hanania appointed Assistant Vice President, Community Banking Support Officer at Bank of Stockton Headquarters Office. She will work out of the bank’s Headquarters Office in Stockton. Sylvia has over 20 years of experience in bank operations. Sylvia will assist the Director of Community Banking in overseeing the community branch managers

S an t a Sunday returns to T he Hag gin Museum Santa Claus is coming to…The Haggin Museum! Bring your camera on Sunday, December 8 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. for a family photo with Santa. The museum will be beautifully decorated for Christmas and complimentary punch and cookies will be provided. Admission is $8 for adults and free for children less than 10 years old. For more information, call 209.940.6311 or visit www.hagginmuseum.org.

and customer service managers bankwide.

@

Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764

www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2013

9

AIR FORCE BAND

•

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

DIOCESE OF STOCKTON •

•

•

The greatest joy

isn’t found in what you BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

CATHOLIC CHARITIES,

•

CENTER FOR HUMAN get, but in what you give. This holiday season, SERVICES CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ART ASSOCIATION

CENTRAL VALLEY FAMILY BUSINESS CENTER CRIME •

•

we offer our thanks to the local community organizations to whom we lend support and all

STOPPERS

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THE FIRST TEE GALLO CENTER FOR •

THE ARTS GRACE M. DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL DMC others that give so much to so many. Thank you FOUNDATION HAVEN WOMEN’S CENTER HOWARD TRAINING CENTER MCHENRY MUSEUM for your commitment to spreading the spirit of AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY MODESTO CHAMBER •

•

•

•

•

OF COMMERCE BUREAU

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•

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MODESTO COMMUNITY CONCERT giving year round. You make the world a better ASSOCIATION MODESTO CONVENTION & VISITORS •

MODESTO DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT

place to live, one act of generosity at a time.

DISTRICT (DID)

•

MODESTO INDEPENDENT

BUSINESS ALLIANCE MODESTO MARATHON MODESTO ROTARY SALVATION ARMY SIERRA VISTA CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES SAN JOAQUIN ENTREPRENEURIAL •

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CHALLENGE SOCIETY FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN & ADULTS SOROPTIMIST: INTERNATIONAL OF MODESTO NORTH STANISLAUS COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION •

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STANISLAUS SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT THE STATE THEATRE UCP OF STANISLAUS COUNTY - LEMONADE DAY UNITED SAMARITANS UNITED WAY WOUNDED WARRIORS •

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ADVERTISING I GRAPHIC DESIGN I WEB DESIGN I MARKETING I PROMOTIONAL SOLUTIONS I FILM & MULTIMEDIA I CUSTOM SIGNS & FLEET GRAPHICS

Br a n d i n g. S t ra t e gy. D e s i gn .

10 PORT CALL

Modesto

Modesto

Stockton

AGENCY

CUSTOM SIGNS/PROMOTIONAL SOLUTIONS

SAN JOAQUIN OFFICE

1016 Fourteenth St. Modesto, CA 95354 tel 209.526.9136 neverboring.com

1025 Needham St. Modesto, CA 95354 tel 209.593.5844 neverboringsigns.com

445 W. Weber Ave., Ste. 124A Stockton, CA 95203 tel 209.593.9136 800.317.9136

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

LEADERSHIP STOCKTON BY:TIMM QUINN Stockton: History, Arts and Culture

Arts Foundation do to help. She was followed by Glenn Pillsbury

Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union Session Sponsors: Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau, Haggin Museum

and Scott Rooker from the Stockton Chorale. Scott and Glenn

Whether you are new to Stockton or have lived here a lifetime, you are sure to learn something during the Leadership Stockton “Stockton: History, Arts, and Culture” session. Held each year at the Haggin Museum, the day is full of fascinating information, spanning from the founding of our great city to the present day and including a look at our arts and cultural resources.

Tod Ruhstaller, CEO & Curator of History for the Haggin Museum (and Stockton history guru), was the guide for the first part of the day, taking the class through a PowerPoint history lesson of Stockton from the time before settlers arrived to the present day.

After our history overview, Tod guided the class through the entire museum, explaining the history of the museum and its contents.

After the history lesson and tour, the class enjoyed lunch in the beautiful scenery of Victory Park, a true Stockton gem.

After lunch, the class returned to the museum and heard from Wendi Maxwell (LS Class of 1984), who spoke on the importance of the arts and what the Stockton Arts Commission and Stockton

shared the long history of the Stockton Chorale and let the class know about their upcoming performances and programs. Next, Wes Rhea (LS Class of 2004), CEO of the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau, spoke with the class to debunk the myth that “there is nothing to do in Stockton.”

The day finished with Maestro Peter Jaffe from the Stockton Symphony. Peter spoke of the long history of the Stockton Symphony (third oldest continuously operating symphony in California) and previewed the upcoming season. The class was jazzed to hear Peter play a few pieces from the upcoming year.

A big THANK YOU to the following: Ramon Valez (LS Class of 2006) for all your help throughout the day; to Tod Ruhstaller, Susan Obert (LS Class of 2003), Kristen Anema (LS Class of 2011) and the hard working staff of the Haggin Museum for the use of the Museum and the all access tour; Peter Jaffe and the Stockton Symphony; Wendi Maxwell and the Stockton Arts Foundation; Glenn Pillsbury, Scott Rooker and the Stockton Chorale; and Wes Rhea and the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau.

This 2013

Season of Giving M

Donate December 1-31and earn 200 rewards to y redeem for a Pay It Forward t-shirt (or whatever your heart desires!) | bloodsource.org | 866.822.5663 | not-for-profit since 1948

@

Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960

www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2013 11

PROGRAMS AND PUBLIC POLICY DEPARTMENT BY: FRANK FERRAL Refreshments with the Recyclers Coming December 11th

(SCAP-SE) is a program of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Human Services Agency and

In the spirit of “Lunch at the Landfill” and

CalWORKs. The goal of the program is to work collaboratively

“Munchies at the MuRF,” the Greater Stockton

with HSA and CalWORKs to place CalWORKs recipients into

Chamber of Commerce’s Green Team San

subsidized employment through employers in San Joaquin County.

What are the benefits to using SCAP-SE to find your employees?

Joaquin brings you “Refreshments with the Recyclers” on Wednesday, December 11 between

There is a 50% reimbursement of wages paid for hours worked for 6

11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Stockton.

months. We also offer an employment-ready labor pool.

Interview fewer applicants! SCAP-SE coordinators pre-

Come for a great lunch! Price for entry is a new unwrapped toy! Also on hand will be many of

screen individuals based on business needs, job descriptions and

Stockton and San Joaquin County’s recyclers

requirements, which help reduce human resource cost. Therefore,

displaying their services.

your business is only interviewing qualified candidates that fit

As in previous years, this annual luncheon

your criteria.

SCAP-SE program is available at zero cost to businesses and

brings the important message of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle with the urgency to keep our recyclables and jobs here in

has proven to be a great financial benefit for many companies.

California. The event also serves as a toy drive for the Child

By using the SCAP-SE program, your business may also be

Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County.

eligible for additional tax credits.

The SCAP-SE program has also been recognized by the

To register for this annual event, please go to www.greenteamsanjoaquin.com and click the Santa.

California Association for Local Economic Development and has won the Regional Gold Award of Excellence from the San

Give the Gift of a Job This Season

Joaquin Council of Governments. How does a business

Trying to find a way to give back to the community this

get involved?

season? Why not give the gift of a job? What is the Stockton Chamber Apprenticeship Program (SCAP)? The Stockton

For more information, please contact a SCAP Coordinator at 209.547.2770 or go to www.scapworks.com.

Chamber Apprenticeship Program-Subsidized Employment

+

= JOBS

Thank you to our generous Sponsors: American Recycling

Granite Construction Co.

San Joaquin County Public Works

Big Valley Ford

Healthy Air Living

San Joaquin RTD

Carpenters Local Union 152

Newark Recycled Paperboard Solutions

SAWS

CBC Steel Building

Onsite Electronics Recycling

ServiceMaster Clean

City of Stockton

Optony

Sims Metal Management

CRResourceContracting, Inc.

Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Surtec

DART Container

Queirolo’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Universal Service Recycling

Diamond Foods, Inc.

RGS Energy/Real Goods Solar

Valley CAN

Dorfman Pacific

San Joaquin Council of Governments

Member FDIC

Deposit checks from anywhere with Mobile Deposit.

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Friends you can bank on.

THE POWER OF A DOLLAR: UNITED WAY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OPENS HEARTS DURING HOLIDAYS

by Dana Koster

D

uring the holiday season, most people take time off work to be with their families. But Christmas is, at its

heart, a time for giving, and the philanthropic spirit of the season ensures that the staff members at United Way of San Joaquin County are as busy as elves during the last two weeks of December.

“It’s important that there’s somebody here in this office on

DR. KATHY HART

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to answer the phones and accept donations,” said Andy Prokop, President and CEO of the San Joaquin County United Way. “We need to be here when folks are thinking about giving, and during the holidays, everybody’s hearts open up and they want to give more.”

Prokop’s enduring commitment to the community means he is often the one in the office on Christmas Day. “I have to be here between Christmas and New Year’s because our largest donor comes in that week, and he never tells us when he’s coming!”

In and out of foster homes for most of his childhood, Prokop knows firsthand the importance of community generosity. “If it weren’t for families opening their hearts and

TOP Andy Prokop, President and CEO BOTTOM Donna Ng, Director of Operations, and Angie McKinney, Community Impact Consultant, have been with United Way for 35 and 48 years, respectively.

Photos by Fritz Chin Photography

homes to people like me, I’d have been a throwaway, probably

Koster, Director of Revenue and Resources at the San Joaquin

in jail or dead. It was because of foster families and their

County United Way. “People are surprised at how powerful a

willingness to shape me and mold me, show me another side

dollar really is – if they give up just one bottle of Coke a week,

from the way I lived at home, that I had a chance to choose.”

or one bag of M&Ms, they can give as much as $130 a year to United Way.”

As a child, Prokop said, he often got his food at food

Though many charities tend to focus on big donors, the United

banks and his clothes at the Salvation Army. Now, as President/CEO of the San Joaquin County United Way,

Way truly believes in the giving power of the community as a

he helps to ensure those same agencies have the funding

whole. The key is to get as many people as possible to pitch in.

they need so they can help other folks who are down on

In short, United Way can only be successful if the county stands

their luck. Even if that means giving up time with his own

united behind them.

“Hungry children must be fed, homeless families must be

family during the holidays, Prokop works tirelessly to pay

sheltered, sick and elderly citizens must be comforted and cared

that generosity forward.

for,” said Prokop. “You never know when you or someone you

And pay it forward he has. Every year, Prokop and his staff at the United Way raise between three and four million

love will need the assistance of one of the many nonprofits

dollars to help the helpless in San Joaquin County. That

within our community.”

money then gets distributed to thousands of local nonprofits,

And that’s where you, the reader, come in. “If everyone

funding everything from the American Red Cross to the

who reads this gives one dollar to United Way, think of

Children’s Museum of Stockton to numerous homeless

how much impact that could have on the community,” said

shelters and women’s centers across the region.

Donna Ng, Director of Operations. Prokop, Koster, Ng and the rest of the leadership team at United Way of San

“The fact is, what we all do here is our heart’s work,”

Joaquin County challenge everyone to help their cause.

said Prokop. “We are able to do this job because we love to

“That might be the greatest holiday gift this United Way

do it. Our passion is to help people go out and live better.

has ever seen!” Prokop said. “Just imagine.”

Advancing the common good is less about helping one person at a time and more about changing systems to help all

For more information about how you can get involved, visit United Way of San Joaquin County’s website at

of us.”

www.unitedwaysjc.org or call 209.469.6980.

United Way generates the majority of its funds through workplace campaigns, a method of fundraising that’s unique to the organization. Through cold calls, door-knocking and referrals, the small staff in Stockton connects with businesses throughout the county and asks them to open their doors and hearts for a brief presentation to employees. Their goal

THREE WAYS TO GIVE:

is to encourage as many employees as possible to donate to the United Way through small and easy payroll deductions. Employees can fill out a form pledging as little as one dollar a paycheck to the United Way, and voilà – they’ve helped the community for less than the cost of an Eggnog Latte.

It may not seem possible, but such a small donation spread out across the whole year has the potential to change lives. “I like to talk about the power of a dollar,” said Darcy

MONICA STREETER

ction u g d e jc.or ll D s o y r a y a dw – P unite t a sh, e a n c i l h n it – O ift w g e m card e-ti n t i O d e – or cr k c e ch

We know you have a CHOICE. We thank you for choosing R&S. Happy Holidays from all of us at R&S!

16 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

NOVEMBER TRADESHOW MIXER Massage Envy , 5757 Pacific Avenue, Stockton

•

www.massageenvy.com

www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2013 17

NEW MEMBERS

CALENDAR DECEMBER 2013

Storage Service Arco’s Self Storage 1120 E. March Lane, Stockton www.arcostoragestockton.com

Social Service Agency Central Valley Senior Service 178 W. Adams Street, Stockton www.centralvalleyseniorservices.org Nursing Services Non-profit

Financial & Insurance Services RL Financial Concepts 6507 Pacific Avenue #296, Stockton Investment Services

Health Care Services Health Net 678 N. Wilson Way #16, Stockton www.healthnet.com

Engineers Tierra Luna Engineering, LLC 445 W. Weber Avenue #200, Stockton

5

Chamber Board Meeting 4:00 p.m. @ Haggin Museum’s Malloy Room

5

Business Diversity Mixer 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. @ The Haggin Museum 1201 N. Pershing Avenue, Stockton

6

Leadership Stockton Local Government Session 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. @ City Hall & County Administration Building

11

Refreshments with the Recyclers 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. @ Hilton Stockton

13

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

18

Chamber Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 a.m. @ Stockton Golf and Country Club

United Way Workplace Giving Campaigns are as easy as 1 - 2 - 3

1

THE EMPLOYER opens their heart and their workplace doors to a United Way Campaign.

2

EMPLOYEES volunteer to make regular payroll donations designated to their favorite charity of $1 or more per payday for the next year.

3

UNITED WAY sends these life changing & life saving donations to our local non-profits for their use in improving lives in our community.

Giving can start during holidays, but continue all year long.

Please visit us at www.unitedwaysjc.org

Please contact United Way of San Joaquin County to arrange your Workplace Campaign today.

18 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

(209)469-6980 *

andy@unitedwaysjc.org dkoster@unitedwaysjc.org dng@unitedwaysjc.org

Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info

www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2013 19

FOR CHRISTMAS! COAT & SOCK DRIVE November 17 – December 18

Donate new or gently used coats and new socks to the Salvation Army, Women’s Center & St. Mary’s Dining Room.

Drop off locations: American Hearing Aids Artesian Natural Foods Best Wishes Flair Boutique Parkwoods Cleaners Podesto’s Market

Remedy Theadora Village Cleaners The UPS Store Zuesters

FILL THE TRUCK FOOD DRIVES

Saturday, December 7 & 14 9am – 3pm Podesto’s & Trader Joe’s

Food to be donated to the Emergency Food Bank.

WHEEL OF WISHES November 17 – December 18 Spend for a chance to Spin!

HOLIDAY HOURS Starting December 9

Monday - Friday: 10am - 7pm Saturday: 10am - 6pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm

S TO C K TO N ’ S P R E M I E R E S H O P PI N G & D I N I N G D E S T I N AT I O N AT PAC I F I C AV E & B E N J A M I N H O LT D R W W W. L I N CO L N C E N T E R S H O P S . CO M