Port O Call - January 2014

PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Vol. 59 No.9

www.stocktonchamber.org

JANUARY 2014

GOOD FOR STOCKTON: THE CHANGING STORY OF THE STOCKTON ARENA

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA

Cover Photograph by Fritz Chin Photography

Jim Johnson, SMG; Brian Sandy, Stockton Thunder; Michael Cera, SMG; Rich Kromm, Stockton Thunder

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.”† To learn more about Kaiser Permanente, call 1-800-464-4000 or visit kp.org/choosebetter.

Discover a better way.

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

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PORT CALL Good for Stockton: The Changing Story of The Stockton Arena

CONTENTS

14

DON’T MISS!

From Your President

5

From Your CEO

6

News Briefs

7

Come for the Mixer, Stay for the Basketball Game!

Ribbon Cuttings

7

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

Convention & Visitors Bureau

8

@ University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos Center

Leadership Stockton

10

Programs and Public Policy Department

12

Cover Story

14

Events

16

New Members

18

Calendar

18

December Mixer

19

JANUARY NETWORKING MIXER University of the Pacific Athletics

JAN

9

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

Free tickets will be given out at check in to that evening’s game against the University of San Francisco Dons.

FEBRUARY NETWORKING MIXER CBRE, Inc. 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

6 S. El Dorado St., Stockton, CA Mixer will be held in the In-Shape Building on El Dorado St.

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

FEB

6

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

January 11: San Joaquin County High School Honors Concert

January 25: San Joaquin County Academic Decathlon

community partnerships, SJCOE ensures that every student in San Joaquin has the opportunity of a quality education.

All Year Long:

All-Year Long:

Career Academy of Cosmetology

San Joaquin Regional Conservation Corps (SJRCC) provides young adults, ages 18-25, with academic instruction, employment, green job training, and life skills.

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.

With the New Year, we wanted to

CHAMBER OFFICERS

bring everyone’s attention to one of

PRESIDENT Steven Crabtree, Herum/Crabtree

the gems of our community lest it be

SR. VICE PRESIDENT Blain Bibb, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance

forgotten—the Stockton Arena. The

FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications

Stockton Arena is not just the home of our Stockton Thunder, but it is an

VICE PRESIDENT Bakul Patel, Dorfman Pacific Co.

important economic driver providing

VICE PRESIDENT Diane Vigil, Dameron Hospital Foundation

a venue for various events that come to

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

Stockton. These events generate needed

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, Central Valley Community Bank Joey Steelman, Lord’s Gym Joy Sweger, California Nuggets Robert Young, Stockton Golf & Country Club

dollars in this community and enrich

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.

209.547.2766

PROGRAM & PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR Frank Ferral 209.547.2763 SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR Heidi Altamirano 209.547.2764 STAFF ACCOUNTANT Lia Her 209.547.2768 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Suzie Bowers 209.337.2723 SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORDINATOR 209.547.2960 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

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

GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

STEVEN CRABTREE

the lives of our citizens. All of us should support the Arena, so when given the

opportunity attend a concert or go to a hockey game. What better way to showcase Stockton and what it has to offer than the Stockton Arena!

Everyone should take some time to attend the Chamber mixer at UOP on January 9th and get in some hoop action to boot. Free tickets are provided to those who attend and who want to stay for the basketball game after the mixer. You can support the Chamber and cheer for the Tigers at virtually the same time. See you all there!

FROM YOUR CEO BY: DOUG WILHOIT Stockton) pulling big fish out of the water.

Congratulations to Jane Butterfield for

It is fun to watch them and the seagulls

becoming the newest Stocktonian of the

that fly around getting the scraps left by

Year! It is a well deserved recognition of

these wonderful creatures of nature. This,

Jane’s love for this community and the

along with so many good people/things

continuation of her mother, Gerry Roach

about our hometown Stockton, makes all

Dunlap’s, example to us all of giving back

my days here at the Chamber a joy and I

to a community that gives so much to all

have much to be thankful for as we enter a

of us. Also, a thank you to the committee

new year and era in Stockton.

made up of the Central Valley Board of

If you missed the Annual Diversity Mixer

Realtors, Chamber Board members and

at the Haggin Museum, another wonderful

past Stocktonians of the year for their

Stockton attribute, make sure you plan on

deliberations in choosing Jane from a large

next year for it is always a wonderful event

list of fine nominees. Just for the record,

hope your Christmas and holiday season

and shows how wonderfully diverse this

I make it a practice not to know who

with family and friends was wonderful

community is. It also shows that with us all

the nominees are, nor do I take part in

and joyous!

working together, and in this case socializing

the selection meeting, so nobody can

together, we will get to know each other

say, though some have in the past, that I

column for January 2014 (wow, where did

much better, allowing us to work toward a

directed the outcome. It is done on merit

2013 go?), I am thinking of all the things

common goal of a better community. Many

and merit alone as determined by the

that are so good about our community. If

thanks to all those who worked with Heidi

independent selection committee.

we resolve in this New Year to all be one

and Timm on this event and the other

community and not little conclaves of

Chambers and CVB for being great partners.

DOUG WILHOIT A very Happy New Year to you all and I

As I sit here at my desk writing this

The 32nd Leadership Stockton Class under the direction of Chamber Staffer

Another shout out to Frank Ferral and

Timm Quinn is stepping right up to

citizens, we shall make it even better

his team that make up the Chamber Green

the plate in not only learning about

and have a wonderful 2014 and beyond.

Team San Joaquin for a very successful

the community, but also taking on a

“Refreshments With the Recyclers” held

leadership role with a great project at

the Downtown Marina where the Port of

at the Stockton Hilton on December 11th.

Fremont Park. They are following many

Stockton, Rick Hatton and others worked so

Close to 180 attendees learned how to do

other classes from the historic program

hard to clean up the hyacinth mess so one

more to improve both the environment

and I thank them for keeping the tradition

of our greatest attributes, the waterfront,

and their bottom line with good business

going and look to see many of them join

could shine during the Annual Boat Parade.

practices. I am very proud of Frank, the

LS graduates in the future to lead the way

This along with the lighting of the Weber

Chamber staff and the Green Team of

to a prosperous and better Stockton!

Point Christmas Tree by the Mayor and

San Joaquin Committee under the co-

three Council Members should shine on as

chairmanship of our Chamber Senior

we all resolve to work as one in the bright

a symbol of working together all year long

VP Blain Bibb and Eddie Tolentino

light as we move this community forward

for the betterment of all in this wonderful

(Newark Recycled Paper Solutions) for

with one strong voice and not a clamoring of

community. As I look outside onto the

making this Chamber program known

whispers, plotting in dank and dark places

“wide open and hyacinth free water,” there

around the Valley as an innovative

or minds that do no one any good at all!

are three sea lions (yes, there are several

and positive program for business and

who live under the docks at the Port of

government alike.

political, personal, self-serving or selfish

Looking out my office window, I see

6

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Again, a very Happy New Year and may

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.

Author Minnick to speak, sign copies of new memoir at Haggin Museum

lifelong learners, enjoy a light lunch and discover what’s new

Author Sylvia Sun Minnick will talk about her new memoir, Never

209.946.7658. For more information, visit www.go.pacific.edu/olli.

a Burnt Bridge, at The Haggin Museum on Thursday, January 16 at

about the spring semester of lectures, classes and tours. RSVP to

occupied Malaya during World War II, Minnick’s inauspicious

It’s with great pleasure that we announce the 60th Stocktonian of the Year 2013, Jane Butterfield. Jane was

beginnings honed her will to survive. Complimentary wine

the CEO and President of Community Bank of San Joaquin,

and snacks will be available as part of the museum’s 1st & 3rd

which she recently retired from. She has served on several local

Thursdays series. For more information, call 209.940.6312 or visit

nonprofit boards, including Goodwill Industries, Children’s

www.hagginmuseum.org.

Home Foundation, Haggin Museum and many more. She was also

7 p.m. Abandoned as an infant and raised as a refugee in Japanese-

honored with the ATHENA Award by the Stockton Chamber in

OLLI@Pacific at University of the Pacific is hosting a Welcome Reception and Art Show on Thursday, January 16 at

2005. We will honor Jane at a dinner on February 5, 2014 at the

11:30 a.m. in the DeRosa University Center. Meet other

by calling Central ValleyAssociation of Realtors at 209.858.1700.

Stockton Golf & Country Club. Tickets are $60 and can be reserved continued on page 8

RIBBON CUTTINGS For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org. For more ribbon cutting photos, visit www.facebook.com/stockton.chamber.of.commerce.

Community Hospice

Haven of Peace

2105 W. March Lane, Suite 2, Stockton

7070 S. Harlan Road, French Camp

Attending Ambassadors Matt Anderson Pacific Records Management Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan Joel Carignan Edward Jones Investments Alan Freeman Servpro of Stockton 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

Health Net

Wilson Allied Waste

678 N. Wilson Way, Suite 16, Stockton www.stocktonchamber.org

JAN 2014

7

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU BY: WES RHEA • 87% of diners are likely to return to a RW restaurant they tried

Stockton Restaurant Week Returns for Fifth Year Restaurants across Stockton’s dining scene will come together for

during the event.

what has become one of Stockton’s most anticipated annual culinary

• 52% of diners participate (dine out) more than once per event.

events, Stockton Restaurant Week, January 17-26, 2014. The 10-

• 74% of diners participate (dine out) in order to try a new restaurant.

day event was moved to January to correspond with California

Participating restaurants for 2014 (as of 12/9/2014): America

Restaurant Month.

Waffles, Angelina’s Spaghetti House, AVE on the Mile, Bud’s Seafood

During Stockton’s fifth annual Restaurant Week event,

Grille, Canal Street Bar & Grill at the Hilton Stockton, Casa Flores -

participating restaurants will offer special fixed-price meals that

Marina, Ciao Bella, Delta Bistro at the University Plaza Waterfront

showcase some of the region’s most talented chefs and the culinary

Hotel, De Vega Brothers, French 25, Masa Contemporary Japanese

diversity of Stockton. The three-course menus will be priced at

Lounge, Mezzo, Midtown Creperie & Café, Mile Wine Company,

$15, $20 or $25 per person for dinner, exclusive of

Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar, Seoul Soon Dubu, Stockton

beverages, tax and gratuity. Some restaurants will also

Joe’s, Valley Brewing Company and Whirlow’s Tossed

be offering $10 two-course lunch menus as well.

and Grilled.

Stockton Restaurant Week was created in 2009 to

The official Stockton Restaurant Week

highlight Stockton as a diverse dining destination

website StocktonRestaurantWeek.com will

and allow our many local foodies and families the

list participating restaurants and menus. Find

opportunity to enjoy fixed-price menus from a diverse selection of

additional promotions and giveaways on the Stockton

participating local restaurants. Stockton Restaurant Week will allow

Restaurant Week Facebook page.

diners to discover new restaurants and support their favorites while

Visit Stockton/the Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau

enjoying their meals at a reduced price. With these special prices,

(SCVB) coordinates Stockton Restaurant Week annually,

we hope Stocktonians may take the opportunity to dine out more

along with the Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out scheduled

than once during the event.

for the spring and Stockton Beer Week in late summer.

A 2012 national Open Table survey related to restaurant weeks (RW) showed that: • 90% of diners are likely to recommend a RW restaurant they tried

For general information about Stockton Restaurant Week, please contact Heather Duffett at 209.938.1553 or heather@visitstockton.org.

to a friend or family member.

NEWS BRIEFS continued from page 8

Attorney Joins Local Law Firm

Stockton Symphony takes on the role of

Bill Carlson has joined the Stockton law firm of Herum\Crabtree as

presenter when pianist Jon Nakamatsu, 1997

an associate attorney. Bill holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with

Van Cliburn Competition winner and Stockton

a specialization in Business Administration from UCLA and earned

favorite, returns for a special solo piano recital!

his law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law

Nakamatsu delivers a program of Romantic

where he graduated Cum Laude in the top 10% of his class. Carlson

period masterpieces on Saturday, January 25th,

lives in Stockton with his wife and two sons and practices in the areas

6:00 p.m. at Atherton Auditorium, Delta College.

of civil and business litigation. Bill is a member of the Chamber’s current Leadership Stockton class.

@

Wes Rhea: wes@visitstockton.org 209.938.1555

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

Successful Companies Have NEVER BORING Websites.

NAOMI LAYLAND Huff Construction Company Marketing Director

.

Our Website redesign is indicative of our dedication to continually improve on ways to interact with our clients. Our Website provides the vital ‘first impression’ to potential customers. Never Boring has made sure that the impression we make is a very positive one.

Call 209.526.9136 today to find out how a Never Boring website can help you get more from the web!

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

B r a n d i n g . S t r a t e g y. D e s i g n .

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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

LEADERSHIP STOCKTON BY:TIMM QUINN Leadership Stockton Economy Session

After lunch, the class heard from Katie Patterson, Deputy County

Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union

Administrator with San Joaquin County. Katie spoke with the class

Stockton’s economy is influenced by many factors. During

about all the things San Joaquin County is doing to make our area

Leadership Stockton’s annual Economy Session, the class got

an attractive place for business and some of the projects already

a glimpse of a few of those factors and learned about what lies

in the works. She shared her passion for our area and the County’s

ahead in Stockton’s future.

strategies for selling this area to perspective businesses.

The day began at the newly remodeled Financial Center

Mark Tollini, Deputy Port Director with Port of Stockton,

Credit Union on Center Street, and after a welcome from

stopped by and gave the class information on the new M-580

Doug Wilhoit and a brief overview of the day, it was time to

Marine Superhighway. What a great project and addition to

start the information-filled day.

help better the local economy. He was followed by Michael

The first presenters of the day, Phil Brumley, LS Class of

Duffy, President/CEO of Financial Center Credit Union, LS

1991, and Bruce Blodgett, with the San Joaquin Farm Bureau

Class of ’95, and the host for the day, who gave the class a

Federation (SJFB), shared why agriculture is so important to

brief lesson about the state of the current economy.

our local economy. They addressed current issues and recent

The class finished the day with a presentation on Tourism

successes and provided a glimpse of what lies ahead. Phil also

in Stockton, by none other than former Leadership Stockton

gave great insight on what challenges local growers are facing.

Program Coordinator and LS Class of ‘04 Grad, Wes Rhea,

We look forward to continuing and expanding our relationship

Director of Visit Stockton. Wes spoke of the impact of

with the Farm Bureau in the future.

tourism and all the new and exciting things Stockton is doing

Following agriculture on the agenda was Frank Ferral with the Stockton Chamber and Green Team San Joaquin/Valley Green Team. Frank shared great info on the new and expanding green economy and explained how businesses can save money and the environment by going green.

Next on the agenda was Nate McBride, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Nate shared how small business makes up a big part of the economy and detailed all of the great services the SBDC offers to the small businessperson to help them succeed.

The class then had a fantastic lunch catered by Outback Steakhouse. The food was great!

to attract tourists and more importantly tourist dollars.

It was a great day and the class learned a lot about what drives the Stockton economy.

@

Chairman Stephen Griffen, Vice-Chairman Victor Mow, Commissioners R. Jay Allen, Elizabeth Blanchard, Gary Christopherson, Patrick Duffy, Sam L. “Butch� Toccoli and Port Director Richard Aschieris. Visit us online at portofstockton.com.

Timm Michael Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960

PROGRAMS AND PUBLIC POLICY DEPARTMENT BY: FRANK FERRAL $12.5 Million in Low Interest Loans Available for Recycled-Content Product Manufacturers in San Joaquin County The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery

What is the interest rate?

The interest rate is equal to the State’s Surplus Money Investment Fund (SMIF) rate, but no less than 4.00%. CalRecycle will announce the interest rates semiannually in February and

(CalRecycle) administers a Recycling Market Development

August, after public announcement by the State Controller’s Office.

Zone Loan Program to encourage California-based

The rate will be fixed for the term of each loan.

recycling businesses to site new manufacturing facilities

Examples of eligible projects:

and expand existing operations. This program provides

• Manufacturing plastic pallets or lumber

low-interest loans for the purchase of equipment and other

• Producing mulch or compost

relevant business costs. The intent of the Recycling Market

• Projects using anaerobic digestion to convert

Development Zone Loan Program is to help California

biodegradable feedstock, such as food waste, green waste and

manufacturers increase their processing capabilities and

agricultural residuals into high-value products, including

create additional markets for recycled-content products.

but not limited to soil amendments, fertilizers, renewable

What can the funds be used for? Businesses and non-profit

natural gas or hydrogen and electricity • Manufacturing colorful glass tableware, trophies and gift

organizations can use the funds for: • Machinery and equipment

• Working capital

items from recycled glass • Making rubberized asphalt and molded rubber products

• Real estate purchase (maximum of $1,000,000)

• Real estate improvements

from crumb rubber • Converting rolls of recycled paper into such products as

• Refinancing of onerous debt that results in increased diversion

Funds can also be used for financing loan-closing points.

RMDZ loan recipients are required to agree that when

boxes, kitchen towels, table napkins and facial tissue For more information, e-mail Frank Ferral at

fferral@stocktonchamber.org.

purchasing products with loan funds in the 11 SABRC categories, the borrower agrees to purchase recycled-content products when available and fitness and quality are equal to that of non-recycled products.

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

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 12 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

1974

HEADLINES

printing mailing

fulfillment promo items

cross media marketing

The “Post-It” Note Invented It became widely used and available in 1980

Cost of a SuperBowl Ad was raised to $103,000

First U.P.C Barcode

was placed on a pack of Wrigley’s gum

JOIN THE COUNTDOWN TO OUR

40 ANNIVERSARY

Text “1974” to 75309

to find out who and what was cool in 1974!

Year-round Quality Service • 30 Years Experience

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Also Servicing Refrigeration & Air Dryer Equipment

All Makes & Models www.AirTechHeatingAndAC.com

Walt & Kim Prato Owners License #661572

www.stocktonchamber.org

JAN 2014 13

JIM JOHNSON, SMG

MICHAEL CERA, SMG

it opened in 2005, the Stockton Arena has garnered some Sbadince press for San Joaquin County. But take a closer look and it’s

Underwood, Vicente Fernandez and Cirque du Soleil speak to

clear that today’s Stockton Arena doesn’t fit the popular conception.

Stockton’s profile as an in-demand location for entertainers that

In fact, over the last three years under management by SMG

audiences are anxious to see.

Stockton, the local venue has made a tremendous recovery. The

the efficacy of SMG Stockton’s rejuvenation efforts and help raise

In addition to these public acts, SMG Stockton has been able to

recent success of the Arena and its related venues have helped

attract many large corporations that utilize the Arena as a meeting

transform a popular story of failure into a redemption tale for the

destination. “These are events that go unnoticed among the general

benefit of the Stockton community.

public, but we routinely bring in corporate meetings that draw

Getting a Foothold

up to 1,000 people to Downtown Stockton,” said SMG Stockton

According to Mike Cera, General Manager for SMG Stockton Venues including the Arena, Bob Hope Theater and the Banner

Marketing Manager Chris Kay. “My staff and I hear more about the positive aspects of the

Island Ballpark, some of the bad press that the entertainment

Arena than we do the negatives,” added Cera. “It’s certainly been

venues have gathered in the last few years has been based on

a challenge but we’re at the point where it’s definitely a much

outdated information. “When we first took over [from former

more positive message that we get back. Our efforts are getting

management company IFG] about three years ago, we needed

recognized by the public.”

to overcome a negative stigma surrounding the Arena in the

Bringing the Thunder

community,” said Cera, who has led this effort with his staff by

But bookings at the Arena only tell part of the story. The venue

focusing on interfacing with the community’s needs as well as

is also home to one of the area’s most popular sports teams: the

working to draw high profile entertainment acts to the venues.

Stockton Thunder. According to Brian Sandy, General Manger of

“Our first step was to bring events in to town and then to ensure that people in the area knew about the events and were aware— even when we were hosting private or corporate events—that the building was actively being utilized,” added Cera.

This effort to increase utilization of the Arena has been a

the Thunder, one of the things that drew him to join the team was Stockton’s base of passionate fans.

“We are lucky to have an incredibly passionate fan base in both the local and regional market,” said Sandy. “The people of Stockton are very supportive of the team so it’s incumbent on us to support

tremendous success. Over the last three years, SMG Stockton has

and grow the fan base for them. And until we’re selling out every

been able to increase event activity at the Arena by over 27%. As the

game, we still have room to grow.”

profile of the Arena grows, so too do its booking prospects.

Recent sell out shows by high profile artists including Carrie

Growing the fan base also means growing community connections, said Sandy. “Scientific evidence shows that fans of

BRIAN SANDY, STOCKTON THUNDER

RICH KROMM, STOCKTON THUNDER

teams have a much higher affinity to purchase from sponsors, so

monetary returns. Cera indicated that SMG Stockton is committed

we’re always trying to be great community partners and a friend to

to utilizing the Arena to help the community.

local business.”

“At the end of the day, this isn’t about winning and losing hockey

One recent example of this commitment was November’s first annual Stockton Cares Coat, Blanket & Sock Drive, which saw

games,” added Sandy. “It’s about ensuring that our fans have

the Arena partnering with The Record, United Way, The Stockton

access to affordable family fun in the region and creating unique,

Ports and St. Mary’s Dining Room in collecting over 6,000

compelling opportunities to engage local business.”

coats, blankets and socks which were then distributed to needy

An Economic Engine for Downtown

individuals within the Stockton community.

According to Cera, an evaluation completed last year shows that the true economic impact of the Arena is overwhelmingly positive.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is making sure people

According to Jim Johnson, Director of Booking and Business Development with SMG Stockton, “what struck me about this effort was that all the items were donated within the Stockton

realize the Arena is an economic engine to Downtown Stockton,”

community and were given to people in the community, as well.

said Cera. Not counting the impact brought to the community by

It really showed how much tremendous local support there is

the Stockton Thunder or the Ports, the venues bring at least $17

in Stockton.”

million in economic impact to the community.

Approximately 60% of SMG Stockton’s patrons visit from outside

“We put a lot of emphasis on helping the community,” said Cera. “My staff and I are all out in the community on a daily

the Stockton/Modesto area, with around 20% of crowds coming

basis finding out how we can help. We continually look for new

in from the East Bay Area. “These patrons are filling up their gas

community involvement opportunities.”

tanks in Stockton, eating in our restaurants, staying overnight in

Good for Stockton

our hotels and paying sales tax,” said Kay. “In addition, marketing

According to Cera, the largest hurdle remains simply

for these shows has brought $400,000 in revenue to local radio,

changing the minds of those in Stockton and across the country

print and TV advertising venues in 2013 alone.”

who believe the bad press.

“I think that message gets lost,” added Cera. “People hear about

“We’ve been showing through our results that the City of

the Arena running at a deficit and don’t realize that the return is in

Stockton’s financial difficulties don’t change that we have a great

the form of a net-positive economic impact for Stockton.”

ticket-buying public,” added Cera.

Community Impact The Arena’s benefit to San Joaquin County doesn’t end at

“We want folks to know that we’re still here, we’re still local, we’re going to be here for a long time and we will continue to improve.”

THE CHANGING STORY OF THE STOCKTON ARENA

EVENTS BY: HEIDI ALTAMIRANO New Golf Committee Members Needed The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is hosting

2014 Golf Tournament Reserve Monday, April 14th on your calendar and prepare

its 33rd Annual Golf Tournament on April 14th at Elkhorn

yourself for a day of good times and good friends at Elkhorn Golf

Golf Club. We are looking for new members to join the

Club. Now in its 33rd year, the Golf Tournament always fills up fast.

Golf Tournament Committee. Golf Committee members are

Don’t miss your chance to play! Call the Chamber to reserve your

required to:

space today!

• Be a Stockton Chamber member in good standing, or be employed by a company who is a Stockton Chamber

member in good standing.

business sponsor. Business sponsorship includes signage on a tee or green and registration for a foursome of players. Single

• Actively solicit sponsorship from local businesses.

• Bring in at least 2 foursomes of golfers for the tournament.

You can also join us as a tee sponsor, a green sponsor or a

registration is also available.

Donating a prize to our post-tournament raffle is a great

• Get raff le prizes donated from local businesses.

way to highlight your business. Many high-profile business

• Attend golf committee meetings every other Wednesday,

people participate in our tournament and donating a prize

sometimes every Wednesday as the tournament nears.

gets their attention!

This is a great way to advertise your business while showing

For more information about the Chamber’s 33rd Annual Golf

support for the Chamber, as well as the business community as

Tournament or to volunteer, call Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or

a whole. The Chamber will use tournament proceeds to support

e-mail him at tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.

its ongoing business retention and development programs.

Should you have any questions or would like to join, please call or e-mail Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.

Fred Couples Sponsors:

Builders Exchange of Stockton

Neumiller & Beardslee

Beverage Sponsor:

F&M Bank

Collins Electrical Company, Inc. - Stockton Branch

R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc.

DBI Beverage

Oak Valley Community Bank

Dorfman Pacific Co., Inc.

San Joaquin Delta College

Tee Sponsors:

Lincoln Center

The Record/San Joaquin Media Group

Bank of Agriculture & Commerce

Moss Adams, LLP

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 16 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

We've made a habit out of giving!

Supporting community by giving of our time and talents!

www.stocktonchamber.org

JAN 2014 17

NEW MEMBERS

CALENDAR JANUARY 2014

Bail Bonds

9

All Pro Bail Bonds 223 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton

Hypnosis California Hypnosis and Herbal Center 1625 W. March Lane, #101, Stockton www.suziebowers.com

10

Builder & Developer Caresco Homes 3350 Deer Park Drive, #C, Stockton www.carescohomes.com

Financial Planning Hank Klor & Associates 7330 West Lane, #5, Stockton www.hankklorandassociates.com

Hotels Howard Johnson Inn 33 N. Center Street, Stockton

Jhamat Insurance Agency/Nationwide 1743 Grand Canal Boulevard, #2, Stockton www.nationwide.com/jhamat

Leadership Stockton Law Enforcement Session 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. @ San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office

22 30

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

FEB

February Networking Mixer CBRE, Inc. 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

6 S. El Dorado St. Stockton, CA 95202 Mixer will be held in the In-Shape Building on El Dorado St.

6

Insurance - Agents & Brokers

January Mixer hosted by University of the Pacific Athletics 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Mixer 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Basketball Game @ University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos Center Come for the Mixer, Stay for the Basketball Game! Mixer will be held on the South Concourse inside the Spanos Center. Free tickets will be given out at check-in to that evening’s game against the University of San Francisco Dons.

Chamber Board Meeting 4:00 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

www.bankbac.com

BAC

Bank of Agriculture & Commerce

Why not pay yourself when paying others?

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Our debit cards now pay up to 1% cash back.* Track your earnings each month with a CardCash™ eStatement, just provide your *Terms and Conditions apply. Visit www.cardcash.us/bankbac for details. email address.

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**E-statement required

Stockton 2001 W. March Ln. (209) 473-6832

18 PORT CALL

Lodi 1610 W. Kettleman Ln. (209) 367-9400

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Stockton Cal-Weber 517 E. Weber Ave. (209) 944-1807

@

Modesto 2605 Coffee Rd. (209) 544-2227

Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info

BUSINESS DIVERSITY MIXER Haggin Museum

•

1201 N. Pershing Avenue, Stockton

•

hagginmuseum.org

www.stocktonchamber.org

JAN 2014 19