Port O Call - April 2013

PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.stocktonchamber.org

Vol. 58 No. 12

april 2013

The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out 2013

Stockton Tourism on the Rise PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA

Cover Photograph by: Fritz Chin Photography, Inc.

On the cover: Allison Morse, Room Division Manager, Hilton Stockton

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PORT CALL

Stockton Tourism on the Rise

CONTENTS Icons of Stockton

5

From Your President

6

From Your CEO

7

Events

8

Leadership Stockton

10

Convention & Visitors Bureau 11

The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out 2013

14 11

Don’t Miss!

Networking Mixer 4/4 - Neumiller & Beardslee, Professional Corp.

5:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m. @ 509 W. Weber Avenue, 5th Floor

New Members

12

Ribbon Cuttings

12

also don’t miss..

Programs and Public Policy Department

13

Cover Story

14

5/2 - May Networking Mixer 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Delta Protective Services @ 141 E. Acacia Street

News Briefs

17

Calendar

18

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

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

CHAMBER OFFICERS PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers SR. VICE PRESIDENT Steven Crabtree, Herum Crabtree

N

o matter where you were

According to Reiff, the establishment

raised, chances are you grew

of the Banner Island Ballpark has “really

up familiar with Stockton’s

gone a long way to build opportunities

iconic baseball team. If this seems

for professionals here in Stockton and

like a far-fetched assertion, rediscover

to draw people who may not have

E.L. Thayer’s legendary 1888 poem

even considered moving here. We’re

“Casey at the Bat.” After 125 years at

a successful organization because of

bat, Casey is one of Stockton’s most

the support of the community and the

famous (if fictional) residents, and

work that our ownership has done over

CHAMBER DIRECTORS Michael Cera, SMG/Stockton Arena/Bob Hope Theatre Donna DeMartino, San Joaquin Regional Transit District Pat Filippone, Stockton Ports Baseball Club Lewis Gale, Eberhardt School of Business Rick Goucher, CB Richard Ellis Clint Harless, Stockton Auto Glass/Quick’s Glass Service Mikey Kamienski, Charterhouse Center for Families Dan Keyser, Grupe Commercial Company Robert Melrose, Brookside Optometric Group Darryle Oakman, San Joaquin County

Rental Property Association Bakul Patel, Dorfman Pacific Justin Redman, Central Valley Community Bank Tina Williams, Pacific Gas & Electric Company Diane Vigil, Dameron Hospital Foundation Bob Young, Stockton Golf & Country Club

the poem’s Mudville Nine plays on

the years.”

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.

FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Blain Bibb, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance VICE PRESIDENT Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications VICE PRESIDENT Dan Durst, Durst Contract Interiors IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Debbie Armstrong, Old Republic Title Co.

209.547.2766

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

209.547.2764

STAFF ACCOUNTANT Lia Her

209.547.2768

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Margaret Sacchet 209.337.2723 SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD. Timm Quinn 209.547.2960 SCAP COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mikki Gilbert 209.337.2730 SCAP-SE COORDINATOR Michael Morales

that same Banner Island today as the Stockton Ports.

The Stockton Ports have officially

In addition to being a tremendous tourism draw for the community, the Ports have actively given back to the

played in Stockton since the team

Greater Stockton community through its

became a founding member of the

Anchor Fund since 2007. “The Anchor

California League in 1941. Since 2005,

Fund is built around giving back to local

the Stockton team has been a Single

youth sports,” said Reiff. “We feel strongly

A feeder team for the Oakland A’s, and

that youth involvement and recreation in

in its 61 seasons has sent 240 Ports

the community is our most fertile ground

players into the major leagues and four

here at the ballpark. The Anchor Fund is

players into the Olympics.

meant to give back to youth sports and

Since 2005, the Ports have played at

throughout the year we give money to

the luxurious Banner Island Ballpark in

other causes as well. Our pink night for

Stockton. The field, which was part of the

breast cancer awareness is a big night

city’s downtown revitalization, has not

for us with St Joseph’s. We also do a

only given San Joaquin County residents

blue night for prostate cancer awareness

and visitors a great place to watch a

among many other causes. We’re very

game, it has helped Stockton continue to

excited and proud to be able to support

grow over the last eight years, said Ports

these causes.”

209.337.2716

General Manager Luke Reiff. “I grew up

BEA/ SCAP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Dylan Bacon 209.547.2770

in Indiana, and like a lot of my staff and

4, 2013. For more on the Ports, visit

players, I came to Stockton and stay here

Stocktonports.com.

RECEPTIONIST/ CUSTOMER SERVICE Mai Vang 209.547.2770

The Stockton Ports season starts April

because of this ballpark.”

PUBLISHER Stockton Chamber of Commerce 209.547.2770 GRAPHIC DESIGN Never Boring Design Associates 209.526.9136 ADVERTISING Victor Randolph

209.988.5800

PRINTING Snyder Parks

209.466.9026

MAILING Snyder Parks

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

5

From Your President... by: Gary J. Long

residents and visitors alike would be missing had not the venues been built by visionary leaders 8 plus years ago.

That is a great lead into the theme for this month’s Port O Call cover story on tourism, which is a huge industry both in our community and county.

I, along with your board and staff, are very proud of the great work being done

by Wes Rhea, former Chamber employee who served you as BEA coordinator, then Leadership Stockton Coordinator and from 2007 to 2011, our Chamber Conference What a great time of the year we are

and Visitors Bureau Director. He truly did

Don’t forget that the biggest

entering with spring upon us! Stockton and

a great job moving the Bureau into the 21st

San Joaquin County are ablaze with trees,

century and has continued to do so since

event of the year,

both residential and agricultural, showing

the CVB became a standalone successful

the Asparagus

the rainbow of colors that brighten our

organization. He and his team do a great

Festival, is April

spirits and make the phrase “Hope Springs

job in letting the world know of all the

Eternal” a reality.

great things that we have to offer in our

26-28 in the

entire area, and I would hope that our own

great downtown

challenging, and at times frustrating,

residents would get out and really see what

venue that

days in our wonderful city, but I have

we have. If they do so for the first time, I

full faith that we shall come out a better

think they will be pleasantly surprised.

As we all know we are in very

highlights the

community. Generations to come will look

Don’t forget that the biggest event of

at these difficult times as days that made our

the year, the Asparagus Festival, is April

gem of the city, our waterfront

community and citizens stronger and better.

26-28 in the great downtown venue that

and surrounding

It has been very gratifying to see all

highlights the gem of the city, our waterfront

the folks out shopping locally in our

and surrounding improvements. The

neighborhood shopping centers and

festival not only helps to support so many

businesses. Also, prior to events at the

wonderful non-profits, but it also allows the

Arena, Bob Hope/Fox Theatre, Stockton

city to shine, raises tax dollars and generates

Ballpark and other venues in Stockton,

positive press that money can’t buy. Hope to

dining had increased at many of our

see you all there!

wonderful restaurants that offer a plethora

And, remember to SHOP LOCAL

of cuisine choices. Just think of the first class

because $.70 of every sales tax dollar

events, concerts and sporting events our

stays here!

6

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

improvements.

From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit

On the local level, I am seeing a divide that will not bode well for Stockton if it is not quickly ratcheted back a great deal as we deal with serious issues.

French General and President Charles De Gaulle once said, “History does not teach fatalism. These are moments when the will of a handful of free men breaks through determinism and opens up new roads. People get the history they deserve.” It is also important to note that any and all public personal attacks or “stealth of the night attempts to get someone” serves nobody and only creates further problems. That is what we are seeing now at so many levels of our government and society, and if those who are engaged in that type of behavior think that history will treat them well they had better take a second look at what they are doing if making a good future for all and a positive remembrance in history for themselves is “truly” their end game.

Each day, we are bombarded by many forms of public or social media that make us wonder, “What the h*** is going on around us locally, statewide, nationally and internationally?” It seems that the “me generation” has fully

Now with that said, I am truly, as President Long noted in his article, so ready for the 2013 edition (28th Annual) Stockton Asparagus Festival!

I have had the good fortune of being with the festival since the

taken over and forgotten that we are all one people, no matter where we are,

inception back in 1986 and it has been so exciting to watch it grow to the

our circumstances and/or station in life. It also appears that people at all

Best Food Fest in the West due to the hard work of so many dedicated

levels of the public and government have forgotten manners, civility, decency,

folks who are just the opposite from the ones I talked about in previous

common sense and just plain “do onto others as you would have them do

paragraphs. They work hard as a team and with the goal of helping

unto you!” Yes, I have no problem using Golden Rules to make a point.

so many people with the proceeds from the Festival. Each year, my

Recently, we have seen outbreaks of personal attacks and public displays of the “it is my way or the highway mentality,” and that is not the way to get things done. Working as one, yes, with honest and logical disagreements

excitement level for the Festival continues to grow and that’s not bad for an old guy (that’s for you, Mr. Long and Mr. Goucher)!

Location, Location and Location is a much used declaration, but it

being perfectly acceptable and necessary, is the only way to come close to

is so true, and downtown Stockton only took the Festival to a higher

solving the problems and issues facing all of us at this point in time.

level. I was thinking about that on Saturday, March 9 on a road trip to

Public displays of “negativism” or “one up-person ship” has a downer

Kingsburg (just south of Fresno). As we passed the towns of Highway

effect on a whole community, state and nation, and we are seeing too much

99, I could just imagine what they would give to have the attributes

of it to the detriment of all. Please keep in mind that for every one negative

that Stockton has in the waterfront, venues, working, shopping, living

comment there are hundreds of positive comments that can be made about

and playing areas, the Delta, the arts, etc., etc., etc. Not only does the

our community, state and nation, but it is sad to see that the negative gets the

Festival do so much for the non-profits it supports, but it also brings

attention and not the positive. Hence that is why I refuse to do interviews

needed tax revenue to the City and yes, worldwide positive attention

with outside of San Joaquin County media, as I did the other day when I

to Stockton, California.

got a request from a reporter from Japan, because as I have found out, along

Hope to see you all at the Festival and out and about at all the

with your Chamber President Gary Long, after a very bad experience with

areas of our great community that we, the CVB and most of you are

a visual media team that no matter how they say they “really are not

very proud of and also proud to call YOUR HOME, Stockton and San

looking for negative,” they really are.

Joaquin County!

www.stocktonchamber.org

apr2013

7

Events

by: Heidi Altamirano

2013 Asparagus Festival Volunteers Needed

of the City are only $35 per person. The luncheon is sure to please everyone with great food provided by Outback Steakhouse.

There is still time to join

As always, this event is sure to sell out quickly. Tickets for the

Tortellini Timm or

15th Annual State of the City are going fast! This event always sells

Angel Hair Heidi

out so reserve your tickets today. To purchase tickets or for more

as a volunteer in

information, call the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce at

the Chamber’s

209.547.2770. We hope you can join us at this important celebration

Pasta, Ice Cream,

of our City and our community!

and Aspara-

Thank you

Berry Shortcake

to our Sponsors:

Booth at the ever famous,

Platinum:

San Joaquin Partnership

world renowned

A.G. Spanos Companies

San Joaquin RTD

Bank of Agriculture &

Sims Metal Management

Stockton Asparagus Festival April 26, 27 and 28th! If you’re into

Commerce

having some weekend fun with some great people, while raising

Bank of the West

funds for our Chamber programs, then you will love preparing

California Water Service Co.

pasta and scooping ice cream with some like-minded folks. Only

City of Stockton

a few time slots open, so act fast!

Dameron Occupational Health Delta Sierra Beverage

To add your name to the volunteer list, please call or e-mail

Dorfman Pacific Co., Inc.

Timm Quinn, 209.547.2960 or tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.

EZ Network Systems, Inc. F&M Bank

2013 State of the City Come share in the excitement surrounding the Chamber’s 15th Annual State of the City! Mayor Anthony Silva will be delivering his first State of the City Address and laying out his plans for the future of Stockton.

Financial Center Credit Union Grupe Commercial Company GSEAC - Employer Advisory Council Heald College Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin

The Annual State of the City is co-sponsored by the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Port of Stockton and City

Humphreys College Kaiser Permanente

St. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Sutter Gould Medical Foundation The Record/San Joaquin Media Group United Way of San Joaquin County University of the Pacific Visionary Home Builders of California Gold Herum/Crabtree San Joaquin Delta Community College

Lincoln Center

Stockton East Water District

Metro PCS

Silver

information which is useful for businesses of any size. The

Moss Adams, LLP

Atria Bayside Landing

Chamber guarantees attendees will walk away with pride in the

Neumiller & Beardslee

Devcon Construction, Inc

Pacific Records Management/

Table

of Stockton. Exhibits by local and state programs will provide

City of Stockton while discovering valuable sources of information and expertise.

The biggest local public event of the year will be held on Thursday, May 16th! This year the Port of Stockton, Shed 20, will provide the setting for our State of the City. Exhibits will be

Pacific Shredding

California Water Service Co.

Port of Stockton

Capital Feed

R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc.

San Joaquin County Office of

Robert Half International San Joaquin County WorkNet

Education as of 3.19.13

open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the Annual State 8

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764

Mixer Photos March 7- Sherwood Executive Center

Business Awards nominations needed!

Nominations are now being accepted for our June 6th Business Awards Luncheon. We are seeking nominations in the categories of: • Small Business Person of the Year • Business Employee of the Year • Business Manager of the Year • Business Person of the Year • P3 Stewardship Award To learn the nomination criteria and download the nomination forms, please visit the Chamber website, www.stocktonchamber.org, and click on the “Chamber Message” tab or call 209.547.2770.

Nomination deadline is April 19, 2013.

June Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer Sign up Now for the June 6th Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. Expose your products and services to over 300 business attendees, meet some new people, and grow your business. Tables are just $250 for Chamber Members. Table space is going fast, so sign up now!

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

Trusted Advisor to Successful Business Owners and Families Since 1976.

Dennis J. Goldstrand

2800 W. March Lane, Suite 326 Stockton, CA 95219-8202

www.goldstrand.com

@

ChFC

AEP

209-472-7000 | 800-507-9911 209-472-1551 fax

dennis@goldstrand.com

Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960

Never Boring•neverboring.com

CLU

www.stocktonchamber.org

apr2013

9

Become a Certified Green Business!

Leadership Stockton Save money & gain customers by:

Reducing waste

by: Timm Quinn Conserving water and energy

Protecting public health Using recycled-content in your products

Stockton participants are already well on

Leadership Stockton

www.GreenTeamSanJoaquin.com there way to being the future of Stockton.

Community Serving Community Session SMALL BUSINESS Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center

Then it was across the street to the United

HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL * Offices for a quick tour and the class was Way Credit Union Affordable Hazardous Waste Management for Your Business to play in the pile of thousands of stuffed A Program of San Joaquin County Publicable Works Community Based Organizations www.SJCrecycle.org

(209) 468-3066

animals that were collected at the Thunder have always been essential to our local i Low cost way to safely dispose of hazardous materials.

(Costs depend on your waste types.)

Teddy Bear toss night. community. Charitable, non-profit groups i Documentation that you properly manage hazardous waste.

Each team then had the opportunity to play an importantthat role our lives, i Assurance theinmaterial will be disposed of properly. *Conditionally

Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG)

extending help to our community in many

share with the other members of the class

ways. That is why each year we devote an

their experience at each community based

organization. They used words such as “eyeentire day exploring some of Stockton’s We also accept universal and electronic waste. finest community-based organizations.

Green Your Bottom Lineopening,” “deep respect,” “life changing,”

with Product Stewardship!

For the participants, the day began like no “better understanding,” “amazing,” and

Economic benefits abound: reduced operating energy savings, other. The classcosts, was divided into seven teams, reduced disposal costs, the creation of green jobs.

extremely impressed” when speaking about

organization. The seven organizations were:

agencies serving our community. Then Peter

Women’s Center of San Joaquin, St. Mary’s

Johnson (LS ’02), Director, University of the

Interfaith Community Services, Stockton

Pacific Westgate Center for Leadership and

Shelter for the Homeless, Child Abuse

Management Development, talked with the

Prevention Council, Emergency Food Bank of

class about being an impact board member

Stockton, Family Resource & Referral Center/

and leaving your legacy. The day ended at the

Podesto Teen Impact Center and Gospel

Women’s Center with a nice mixer for the

Center Rescue Mission.

class. Most participants felt it was one of their

each assigned to a different community-based www.CalPSC.org

their time spent at the various non-profit

Design it Green | Make it Clean | Conserve Resources | Reduce | Reuse | Eliminate Toxics | Take it Back!

Once the teams arrived at their host locations, each were given tours, an

favorite sessions this year.

I would like to thank the following

information session, and got right to

people for their contribution to the success

work. After working hard all morning, the

of this session: Andy Prokop and Donna

class met for a group lunch in downtown

Ng from the United Way team for all of

Stockton! After lunch, President and CEO

their help, Peter Johnson (LS ’02), and to

of the United Way of San Joaquin County,

each hosting non-profit who helped make

Andy Prokop, talked to the class about his

the day so special: Lindy Turner (LS ’01),

journey into the world of non-profits and

Uyen Do (LS ’08), Rebecca Knodt, Edward

thanked the class for their commitment

Figueroa, John Reynolds, Kay Ruhstaller,

to the community and their participation

Leslie Reese, Kim Miller (LS ’09), and Joelle

in Leadership Stockton. Andy then spoke

Gomez (LS ’95)—thank you for opening

about all the great things United Way does

your doors!

They used words such as “eye-opening,”

“deep respect,” “life changing,” “better understanding,” “amazing,” and extremely impressed” when speaking about their time spent at the various non-profit agencies serving our community.

for our community and how Leadership

10 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960

Convention & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea

The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out 2013 Returns Local restaurants, featuring locally grown asparagus, will be showcased during the first part of April during the Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out, taking place April 1-14. Restaurants will serve locally grown asparagus in a variety of dishes in celebration of our most famous spear and the Stockton Asparagus Festival (April 2628, 2013). Over 20 restaurants are expected to participate.

“The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out was created by the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau, following the successful autumn-time Stockton Restaurant Week, to showcase locally grown asparagus and its use in local cuisine,” noted Wes Rhea, CEO of the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The trend of focusing on local cuisine that utilizes locally grown and sourced ingredients is growing nationwide. The Dine Out is here to remind locals of the rich bounty of locally grown asparagus available fresh only during this time of year. Look for our famous locally grown spear, which will be featured in appetizers, entrées, desserts and drinks throughout participating Stockton restaurants!”

Past years’ featured dishes have included: Asparagus Pasta, Asparagus and Baby Clam Linguini, Asparagus Pizza, Asparagus Ravioli, Deep Fried Asparagus, Asparagus Risotto, Asparagus Sauté, Asparagus Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus Enchiladas, Grilled Asparagus, Asparagus Parmesano, Asparagus & Beef Short Ribs, Tempura Asparagus Roll, Asparagus Crepes, Asparagus Soup/Chowder, Asparagus Quiche, and Asparagus Margaritas.

Participating Restaurants as of 3/21/13: Angelina’s, AVE on the Mile, Bud’s Seafood Grille, Casa Flores-Downtown, Casa FloresMarina Center, Centrale Kitchen & Bar, Ciao Bella, Commercial Exchange Club, Delta Bistro at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, DeVega Brothers, Masa Contemporary Japanese Lounge, Mezzo, Midtown Creperie & Café, Misaki Sushi & Bar, Orchard Grill at the Hilton, Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar, Seoul Soon Dubu, Stockton Joe’s and Valley Brewing Company.

Explore the restaurants and their menus at dineoutstockton.com!

@

Wes Rhea: wes@visitstockton.org 209.938.1555

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

www.visitstockton.org

apr2013 11

New Members

For more information on becoming a new member, please call Margaret Sacchet at 209.337.2723 or margaret@stocktonchamber.org. Please allow up to 90 days for your listing to show.

Logistics All American Logistics, LLC

Grocers Wholesale Smart & Final

Stockton

Youth Organizations Boy Scouts of American Greater Yosemite Coun.

147 N. Wilson Way Stockton www.smartandfinal.com

Tutoring

1545 St. Mark’s Plaza, #7 Stockton www.yosemitescouting.org

Sylvan Learning Center

Restaurants Midtown Creperie & Café

878 W. Benjamin Holt Drive Stockton www.stockton.sylvancenter.com

Uniforms – Sales or Rentals

2319 Pacific Avenue Stockton www.midtowncreperie.com

Unifirst Corporation

Aircraft Service & Maintenance

819 N. Hunter Street Stockton www.unifirst.com

new Welcome members The Plane Exchange

6364 S. Lindbergh St. #101 Stockton www.ThePlaneExchange.com Aircraft

Ribbon Cuttings For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org

Creative Vision Printing & Signs

South Bay Auto Auction

4 Wheel Parts

2232 Stewart Street,

Stockton

6622 Sampson Road,

12 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Stockton

4101 South Airport Way,

Stockton

Programs and Public Policy Department by: Frank Ferral Bea Helps You “Spring” Into The Classroom As we get ready to move into spring with the longer days and the warmer weather, there are many opportunities for our members to get involved with the Business Education Alliance (BEA). Although the reasons why a business gets involved may vary, there is one common objective-our students, our “future workforce.” You may

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

wonder how your business can make a difference, how one intern

• Northern California's center of commerce serving the western US and Asia. The best location solution for expanding manufacturers and supply chain providers

in your business or one presentation in a classroom can change the thinking and lives of so many students in our community.

Here are just a few ways your outreach to our students makes an

• The San Joaquin Partnership provides centralized confidential information and connection to key business and community decision makers

impact on their future: • Teaches the student the basics of career development • Helps identify prospective employees in various careers • Outlines the basic skills and characteristics employers want • Provides a networking opportunity to students outside of their

family and friends

Connect with the San Joaquin Partnership.

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

The variety of programs that the Business Education Alliance offers can be tailored to meet both the needs of the business and the students.

Don’t hesitate to give us a call and find out how your business can change the future of our students and help them on a career path that can be beneficial to you, the students and our community.

One event that is always a delicious experience and provides

C.Y.A.*

Auto • Home • Business • Life • Health

Insurance Solutions with over 50 different insurance companies and programs.

*Cover your Assets!

scholarships for our graduating seniors is the Outback

*aka, call your agent

Steakhouse Semi-Annual Scholarship Luncheon scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2013. Held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Outback Steakhouse, this event gives our local business community an opportunity to dine on great food for only $15.00 and all proceeds go toward the scholarships. To purchase your ticket in advance, checks may be sent to Outback Scholarship Luncheon, GSCC, 4455 W. Weber Avenue #220, Stockton, CA 95203. Please specify your meal choice (steak, chicken or pasta).

If purchasing by MC/Visa, call our office at 209.547.2770.

If you have any additional questions about the scholarship luncheon or any of our other programs If you have any additional questions about the scholarship luncheon or any

MODESTO: 209.338.5500 1165 Scenic Drive, Ste A

of our other programs please contact Dylan Bacon, BEA

STOCKTON: 209.451.9010

Coordinator at 547-2770 or bea@stocktonchamber.org.

877.75.omega (66342) www.trustomega.com

@

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

445 West Weber Avenue, Ste 140

www.stocktonchamber.org

lic# of74463

apr2013 13

Stockton Tourism on the Rise by: Justin Souza Photo by: Fritz Chin Photography, Inc.

Allison Morse, Room Division Manager, Hilton Stockton

W

hen you think of California

trip planners and sports team managers,

travelers. Wes Rhea, CEO of the Stockton

tourism destinations, what

the destination of choice has become the

Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB),

do you picture?

sunny vistas and thriving sports scene of

said that Stockton has long been poised

Stockton, California.

for a rebirth and the growth of tourism in

If you’re like most people, you probably conjure up an image of Santa Monica’s

Stockton’s growth as a tourism

the area is simply the first major sign of

sun-drenched beaches, the Hollywood sign

destination reflects a shift in the way

the city’s resurgence taking hold. “With

glistening in the hills above Los Angeles

the city—and San Joaquin County in

all that Stockton has to offer, it’s only

or the Golden Gate peeking through San

general—presents itself to the world.

surprising that it took this long to see

Francisco’s foggy shores. But over the last

Instead of a beleaguered city on the brink

these increases.”

few years, a revolution has been brewing

of bankruptcy, Stockton is becoming

in California’s tourism industry. For an

known as an area with a promising future

indicators of Stockton’s growth in tourism

increasingly large number of tourists,

and a vibrant selection of offerings for

is found in the room occupancy for

14 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

According to Rhea, one of the largest

Stockton’s hotels in 2012. Last year, San Joaquin County outpaced

launch of the Stockton Tourism Ambassador Program this May.

California’s overall growth in this category by almost 300%,

With this introduction, Stockton becomes an affiliate of the major

bringing in an explosive 9.8% year over year growth in occupancy

nationwide Certified Tourism Ambassador Program (CTA).

compared to the state’s 3.6% average. This figure, which provides

According to Rhea, the Stockton Tourism Ambassador

an overall outlook on the proportion of hotel rooms rented

Program “is a national certification and a respected professional

throughout the year, brings Stockton closer to pre-recession

achievement. The program is aimed at empowering and equipping

levels and is projected to show continued growth across 2013,

locals to be ambassadors for the Stockton experience visitors

said Rhea. As a result, Stockton’s hotel industry showed strong

receive. Through the program, frontline employees, ambassadors

RevPAR (revenue per available room) growth of 13.4% last year,

and volunteers can improve their knowledge of the region, craft

far outpacing the California average of 9.6%, and had a boost in

answers to frequently asked visitor questions, interact with peers,

overall hotel revenue of 15.4% over 2011’s returns. Rhea added

share best practices and develop a better understanding of their

that while these numbers are relegated to hotels, they are simply

role in increasing tourism.” The goal of the program, which has

the first indicators of Stockton’s rebirth as an area that offers great

previously improved the visitor experience in myriad cities across

things for tourists.

the country, is to enhance the experience of everyone who visits

Over the last few years, Rhea and the rest of the SCVB

so that a single negative customer service experience doesn’t cast

team have moved to more aggressively promote the city as a

a pall over a tourist’s entire trip and ultimately harm the area’s

great destination. “In 2012, we took an aggressive approach

image through negative word of mouth.

by investing more into marketing, meetings and sports sales

Here in Stockton, the Stockton Tourism Ambassador Program

than in past years.” According to Rhea, these trends reflect

will require a certification process in which individual residents

Stockton’s strong selling points. The area’s temperate climate,

complete required reading and learning assignments, attend

prime location and the growth of entertainment options

a half-day classroom session, pass an open-book examination

in Stockton itself provide the city many advantages in the

and pay a $25 enrollment fee. “When they complete the course,

search for valuable tourist traffic, as does the city’s overall

participants will be a Certified Tourism Ambassador and will

revitalization—including the huge efforts at the downtown

have all the tools and knowledge to create a memorable visitor

waterfront and the Banner Island Ballpark.

experience,” said Rhea.

Over the last few years, these selling points have been the bread

Stockton’s Ambassadors will be required to renew their

and butter of the SCVB’s approach as the organization lobbies

certification annually, which Rhea said he hopes will encourage

sports teams, corporations and individuals to make Stockton their

residents to continually grow their skills and expand their knowledge

destination of choice. “We are extremely happy with these results,”

of all the wonderful benefits that Stockton offers tourists from year to

noted Rhea. “We are fortunate to have great hotels to partner with

year. “The Stockton Tourism Ambassadors will come from a diverse

as we continue to work to bring more group and leisure business

group of front-line hospitality employees, volunteers and general

to Stockton. We have put extra efforts into the leisure, meetings

public with an interest in enhancing the visitor experience,” added

and sports markets this year and it appears this has paid off.

Rhea. Nationwide, over 8,000 workers and volunteers have earned

While these numbers show great growth for hotels, we also know

the Certified Tourism Ambassador designation to date and the SCVB

that there is a positive impact on shopping, dining and general

hopes to add 200 Stockton Ambassadors who are ready to enhance

sales tax revenue citywide.”

the visitor experience by the end of 2013.

Stockton Tourism Ambassador Program In the push to establish Stockton as a tourism destination, the SCVB has recently made another major step forward in the local

For more information about the Stockton Tourism Ambassador Program, including the curriculum and enrollment information, visit the SCVB website at Stocktonambassadors.com.

www.stocktonchamber.org

apr2013 15

HEALTH PLAN OF SAN JOAQUIN MEANS...

- Hundreds of primary care physicians and specialists - Easy access to your personal doctor - Choice of hospitals and pharmacies - Local and nationwide emergency care - Free 24/7 advice nurse - Serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties Eligibility guidelines apply and may be based in part on household income. Plan availability varies by county.

16 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

I

1-888-936-PLAN (7526) www.hpsj.com

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.

2013 Golf Tournament Sponsors:

“Blissful Living by Reducing or Eliminating Stress” is the topic of

A rock band once professed “You can’t always get what you

guest speaker Rochele Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS at the Stockton

want…” But if you want an evening of fun and great music,

Women’s Network luncheon on Wednesday, April 3. Lawson is the

you can get exactly that on Saturday, April 27, at the Stockton

President of The Health, Healing and Wellness Company bringing

Symphony’s Pops & Picnic concert! Spanos Center, UOP. Tickets

holistic health and wellness into the lives of individuals. A

$22-$60. StocktonSymphony.org or 209.951.0196.

successful entrepreneur and author, she also has a weekly syndicated radio show “Blissful Living” helping individuals live well and stress free. The luncheon is at 11:30 a.m. at Stockton Golf and Country Club. For reservations, call 209.472.0359.

April 11, 5-8 p.m. Brookside Country Club fundraiser introducing “Let’s Face It Together” a nonprofit foundation committed to families in our community despite healthcare challenges, sponsored by Kimberly Cockerham MD, Zeiter Eye and SWN. Enjoy wine, cheese and olive oil tasting. Mingle, network, win raffle prizes and bid on silent auction items!

Questions? Contact aleshialerine@hotmail.com.

The Haggin Museum invites families to the “Art All Around Family Festival” on Saturday, April 13, 1:30-3:00 p.m. In celebration of the 82nd Annual McKee Student Art Exhibition, there will be hands-on art activities and a

FIREWORKS NIght

ApRIl 20th

performance by the Don Riggio String Orchestra. For more information, call 209.940.6315 or visit www.hagginmuseum.org.

For Tickets Call 644-1900 www.stocktonchamber.org

apr2013 17

ESTATE PlAnning

Presenting...

Keeping the Gold in your Gold en Years Planning Information Sunrise Series 2013 Brookside Country Club

Social Security

3603 St. Andrews Drive 7:30 a.m. ~ 9:00 a.m.

$10 donation recommended to Hospice of San Joaquin

Light Breakfast

Series No. 1

Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013

Estate Planning: Are your legal affairs in order?

Seth Shapiro, Attorney - Herum/Crabtree

Long Term Care heaLTh Care CosTs

Series No. 2

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Advanced Social Security Strategies Gail Buckner, CFP - Franklin Templeton

Series No. 3

April Networking Mixer - 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

4

@ Neumiller & Beardslee, Professional Corp.

509 W. Weber Avenue, 5th Floor, Stockton, CA 95203

New Member Meeting – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

4

@ Chamber Conference Room

Stockton Chamber Golf Tournament – 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

8

@ The Reserve at Spanos Park

10

Green Team San Joaquin – 9:00 a.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

10

Outback Scholarship Luncheon – 11:30 a.m.

@ Outback Steakhouse Industrial Distribution Roundtable – 7:30 a.m.

11 Manufacturers @ TBA

Relations Council – 7:30 a.m.

12 Government@ Chamber

Conference Room

12

Leadership Stockton Health Care Session – 8:00 a.m . – 5:00 p.m.

@ Health Plan of San Joaquin Effective Strategies Group – 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

16

@ Chamber Conference Room Executive Committee Meeting – 7:00 a.m.

17

@ SGCC

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013

Business Education Alliance – 3:30 p.m.

24

@ Chamber Conference Room

Hilary Miller, RN, BSN, Education Coordinator Hospice of San Joaquin

Chamber Board Meeting – 4:00 p.m.

25

@ Chamber Conference Room

End of Life Issues & Care Giving

Series No. 4

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013

Saving for Health Care in Retirement Long Term Care (Living options) END OF LIFE ISSUES CarE GIvING

Calendar April 2013

Nationwide Insurance/Karen Jimison, Genworth

Asparagus Festival – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

26

@ Weber Point

thru

28

For information: (209) 473-4045 fpaofsanjoaquin@aol.com fpaofsanjoaquin.wordpress.com

Proceeds benefit Hospice of 18 PORT CALL

San Joaquin

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

*

Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info

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