Port O Call - April 2011

PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.stocktonchamber.org

Vol. 56 No. 12

APRIL2011

State of the City 2011

Is Just Around the Corner

Great Stockton

Asparagus Dine Out

The Stockton Asparagus Festival PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA

Is All About Giving Back

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PORT CALL

The Stockton Asparagus Festival Is All About Giving Back

CONTENTS Events

4

President’s Column

5

CEO Column

6

Leadership Stockton

7

15

Programs and Public 10 Policy Department Visitors Bureau

12

New Members

13

Cover Story

15

News Briefs

19

Calendar

21

State of the City 2011

Is Just Around the Corner

12

Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out

Don’t Miss!

Networking Mixer

Bob Hope Theatre hosted by Friends of the Fox Thursday, April 7, 5:15-7:15 p.m.

242 E. Main Street

4

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

CHAMBER OFFICERS PRESIDENT Rick Goucher, CB Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate SR. VICE PRESIDENT Dick McClure, Woodwork Institute FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Debbie Armstrong, Old Republic Title Company VICE PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers VICE PRESIDENT Stephen Barney, F&M Bank IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Dennis Goldstrand, Goldstrand Planning Group CHAMBER DIRECTORS Blain Bibb, ServiceMaster Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications Steven Crabtree, Herum Crabtree Dan Durst, Durst Contract Interiors Clint Harless, Stockton Auto Glass George Kaplanis, Hilton Stockton Dan Keyser, Grupe Commercial Company Kenneth Levy, Wells Fargo Advisors Mike Long, Pacific Records Management Rich McDonald, Class One Safety Sonya Morgan, External Resources Ren Nosky, Downey Brand Fred Walkover, Comcast Tina Williams, Pacific Gas & Electric Bob Young, Stockton Golf & Country Club CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.

209.547.2766

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

209.547.2764

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

209.547.2770

MEMBERSHIP SALES Matt Anderson

209.337.2723

SCAP COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mikki Gilbert 209.337.2730 SCAP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Karla Gonzalez 209.547.2770 SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD. Timm Quinn 209.547.2960 RECEPTIONIST/ CUSTOMER SERVICE Alyssa McConnell 209.547.2770 PUBLISHER Stockton Chamber of Commerce 209.547.2770 GRAPHIC DESIGN Never Boring Design Associates 209.526.9136 ADVERTISING Richelle Alexander

209.988.5800

PRINTING Snyder Parks

209.466.9026

MAILING Pre-Sort Center of Stockton

209.941.2467

Greater

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

Events

by: Heidi Altamirano

State of the City 2011 Is Just Around the Corner If you are ever in doubt that we live in a great community, just attend our annual State of the City 2011! This year, the State of the City will be held May 19 at the Port of Stockton. This event features exhibits showcasing the critical and inspiring services available to you, your loved ones, and neighbors, all in the interest of maintaining a wholesome community.

Mayor Ann Johnston will hold her third State of the City, and will share the many exciting ideas and visions she has to improve our great city. The day begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Port of Stockton,

State of the City 2010 Photo Courtesy of Arturo Vera Photography

allowing you to get an early start visiting the exhibits, as well as visiting with exhibitors who are ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have. At noon, lunch will be catered by

Business Awards Nominations Needed There is still time to nominate a deserving business person for

Outback Steakhouse, and speaker presentations will follow. After

our June 2 Business Awards Luncheon! We are seeking nominations

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

in the categories of:

clients, friends, and neighbors to join you so you will all know the

•

Small Business Person of the Year

reasons we are so proud of our great city.

•

Business Employee of the Year

Sponsorships are still available, so take advantage of this

•

Business Manager of the Year

high-profile marketing opportunity for your business. For

•

Business Person of the Year

more information, call Heidi Altamirano at 209.547.2764 or

•

P3 Stewardship Award

email heidi@stocktonchamber.org.

For nomination criteria and to download the nomination forms, please visit the Chamber website, www.stocktonchamber.org

State of the City 2011 Sponsors Platinum Sponsors

A.G. Spanos Companies American Medical Response, Inc. Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Big Valley Ford Lincoln California Water Service Co. Carpenters Local Union 152, Manteca City of Stockton Delta Sierra Beverage Financial Center Credit Union Green Team San Joaquin Grupe Commercial Company and CSU Stanislaus Stockton Center Heald College Herum Crabtree J.R. Simplot Company Neumiller & Beardslee Metro PCS Pacific Records Management

and click on the links under the digital version of Port O Call, or call

University of the Pacific Port of Stockton - Eberhardt School San Joaquin Building & of Business Construction Trades Waste Management Council Wells Fargo Advisors San Joaquin County WorkNet San Joaquin Gold Sponsors Partnership, Inc. Builders Exchange San Joaquin RTD of Stockton Sims Metal Stockton East Management Water District St. Joseph’s Medical Center Silver Sponsors St. Joseph’s Arturo Vera Occupational Health Photography and Rehab Services Devcon Construction, Stockton Conference & Inc. Visitors Bureau UC Merced Stockton Ports National University Baseball Club R & S Erection of Stockton Thunder Stockton, Inc. Professional Hockey The Record/San Joaquin Table Sponsor: Media Group California Water United Way of San Service Co. Joaquin County NuStar Energy L.P. University of the Pacific

209.547.2770. Nomination deadline is April 8.

June Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer Sign up now for the June 2 Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Boulevard. 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 209.547.2960 or email him at tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.

(as of 3/2/11)

@

Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APRIL2011

4

From Your President... by: Rick Goucher

From the desk of the “King of the Wok”:

As most of you know by now, Forbes Magazine has

April is a great month to be a Chamber

named Stockton as America’s Most Miserable Place

member. As noted in the opening line, yours truly

to Live. If you have not seen the five-star video by

was dubbed “King of the Wok” by Chef Martin

Greg Basso, you can see it on the home page of the

Yan of “Yan Can Cook” two years ago at the

Chamber website. I find it truly amazing that Forbes

Asparagus Festival. Come Saturday, April 16, I will

can make this determination without spending any

be stationed at my usual post next to Frank Ferral

time in Stockton. I would challenge them to send a

making the best asparagus pasta known to man

reporter to spend a week with me in Stockton and I

(or woman). For the past 25 years, the Asparagus

guarantee we would not be in the top 50 next year.

Festival has been one of the premier events in

April is also the month of the Chamber golf

Northern California, and this year’s event promises

tournament, so make sure you get your foursome

to be no different. So whether you like the pasta

together and sign up. Remember an event a week

(and who doesn’t), the deep-fried asparagus, or the

is all I ask. See you at the golf tournament, the

spirits, make sure you come out to the event.

Asparagus Festival, or watching your Stockton Thunder advance through the ECHL playoffs.

5

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit

April truly denotes the start of one of the most beautiful seasons we have here in Stockton. I know we all look forward to the warming of the air, the buds bursting, spring cleanup, and most of all the Best in the West Food Fest, the 26th annual Stockton Asparagus Festival to be held this year April 15-17.

The staff, board members, and the large number of committee chairs have a supporting cast of over 5,000 volunteers, and have been working for months to make sure this year is the best ever. Right after the gates close at 7 p.m. on April 17, planning will immediately start for next year. They will make sure the festival that raises so much money for local charity, and helps the community thumb their collective noses at the folks at Forbes will always get better and better, and continue to do so much for folks of Stockton and the region. In advance, thanks to all who will work so hard to make this year great. I am looking forward to seeing you all out there enjoying our No. 1 community event, and at the same time knowing you are helping so many people in need.

As I noted above, the festival is really many, many people working together as a family to get the job done. As in all families, we have so many people we love and admire. We always hope for happy and good times, but unfortunately some sadness enters into the picture, sometimes when you least expect it. This happened this year to our Asparagus Festival family, with the untimely passing of Stockton Police Department Sgt. Jason Christensen on Friday, February 25. Jason became a proud member of the SPD in 1998, and for the last four years he has been the Event Commander for the SPD. One of his major assignments and accomplishments was the smooth running of the festival under his command. He was a fine officer, man, father, and community partner, and meant so much to all of us who had the good fortune to know him and work with him. I personally had the honor of knowing him since he was a youngster, since his mother, Claudia, worked at the SPD when I did. She retired after 36 dedicated years of service to the SPD and the people of Stockton. His father, Jim, was a member of the Stockton Police Reserve, so the family all served this community well. We all send our condolences to his

family and his fellow officers at the SPD. At the same time, we want to let them know that he was such a big part of all our lives.

He shall always remain in our hearts along with the founders of the festival, Gordon Medlin and Joe Travale, and the first Asparagus Board President, Ed Coy, who sadly passed away March 1 and shall always be remembered for being a true Stocktonian!

You will probably have received this Port O Call before April 4, which is the day of our annual golf tournament, being held this year at Brookside Golf and Country Club. I know from past experience it is going to be a great day on the links, and thanks to Brookside, our committee, sponsors, volunteers, and players for helping to make it another successful tournament.

Start looking for information on our annual State of the City to be held again, with a big thank you, at the Port of Stockton on Thursday, May 19. Keep looking out for information and opportunities on sponsorships, exhibitors and attendees on our website www.stocktonchamber.org. And while on the topic of the website, hopefully you are checking our Facebook section on our continued on page 20

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APRIL2011

6

Leadership Stockton by: Timm Quinn

Leadership Stockton

the class. They used phrases such as eye-opening, deep respect, life

Community Serving Community Session

changing, better understanding, amazing, and extremely impressed

Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union

when speaking about their time spent at the various nonprofit agencies

Community-based organizations have always been essential to our local community. Charitable, nonprofit groups play an important role in our lives, extending help to our community in many ways. That is

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

I would like to thank the following people for their contribution

why each year we devote an entire day to exploring some of Stockton’s

to the success of this session: Andy Prokop and Donna Ng from the

finest community-based organizations.

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

For the participants, the day began like no other. The class was

facility; and to each hosting nonprofit director who helped make the

divided into six teams, each assigned to a different community-based

day so special: Lindy Turner (LS ’01), Uyen Do (LS ’08), Tim Viall (LS

organization. The six organizations were: Women’s Center of San

’93), Edward Figueroa, John Reynolds, Kim Miller (LS ’09), and Joelle

Joaquin, St. Mary’s Interfaith Community Services, Stockton Shelter for

Gomez (LS ’95). Thank you for opening your doors!

the Homeless, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Emergency Food Bank of Stockton, and Gospel Center Rescue Mission.

Once the teams arrived at their host locations, they were given tours, an information session, and got right to work. After working hard all morning, the class met for a group lunch. After lunch, President and CEO of the United Way of San Joaquin County, Andy Prokop, talked to the class about his journey into the world of nonprofits, and thanked the class for their commitment to the community and their participation in Leadership Stockton. Andy then spoke about all the great things United Way does for our community and how Leadership Stockton participants are already well on their way to being the future of Stockton.

Each team then had the opportunity to share their experience

“Equipment for Agriculture and Industry” Manteca 209-522-3271 • Sacramento 916-372-0707 • Fresno 559-233-0187 • Patterson 209-892-6294 7

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960

© Never Boring Design • neverboring.com

at each community-based organization with the other members of

Networking Mixer March 3 at Lexington Waterfront Hotel

John Cammack, Karri

nis

Rivard , George Kapla

k Zenet, Fran

Wes Rhea, Pat W illi

ny Lucas

Lucas, Gin

s, Christopher G

amble n Cort, Jeff

ilton, Mega Shane Ham on Matt Anders

Shaw,

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an, Brent Hip Daniel Corona, Angie Guzm Ann Johnston

Tim Aragon, Loralee McGaughey, Lawrence Borgens

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APRIL2011

8

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9

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

TRACY 2850 Tracy Boulevard (209) 820-1400

Programs and Public Policy Department

Lead Executive Mike Dozier (at podium) moderates the first panel at REXPO VII

Exodie Roe with Congressman McNerney’s office drops off e-waste and Styrofoam at the REXPO VII

Attendees enjoy lunch at the REXPO VII

Lunch Keynote speaker Panama Bartholomy with the California Energy Commission at the REXPO VII

Dan Durst displays at the REXPO VII

The Officers, Board of Directors, members and staff of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce appreciate and thank all those who helped to make REXPO VII a huge success.

Look forward to an even bigger and better REXPO VIII in 2012!

Attendees at REXPO VII enjoyed networking with green companies

@

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

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APRIL2011 10

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Conference & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea

Show Your Stockton Pride!

Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out

Display your love for our great city proudly! “I

Don’t forget that from April 1-10, Stockton will celebrate locally grown asparagus during the

Love Stockton” stickers are currently available at the

Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out. The Great

Chamber office. These vinyl stickers, created by the

Stockton Asparagus Dine Out invites Stockton-area

Stockton Conference & Visitors Bureau, will look

foodies and families to enjoy delicious dishes prepared with fresh

great on your car, office window, or wherever else you want to show

locally grown asparagus featured in asparagus-related menu items at

off your city pride. Stickers are only available for a limited time. Get

participating restaurants throughout Stockton.

yours while they last!

2011 menu offerings include asparagus pasta, garlic asparagus, asparagus kimchee, deep-fried asparagus, asparagus mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, asparagus pizza, asparagus risotto, tempura-fried asparagus, asparagus chowder, asparagus ravioli, asparagus enchiladas, asparagus margaritas, and more.

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

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

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APRIL2011 12

New Members

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

Commercial Cleaning

Equipment Sales & Service

Screen Printing/Sportswear

The Mint Clean Inc.

Watts Equipment CA, Inc.

Impact Promotions

115 N. Sutter Stockton

1813 Moffat Boulevard Manteca

3233 Lance Drive, #A Stockton www.wattsequipment.com

www.promotionsbyimpact.com

Event Planning

Service Organizations

Computer Consultants Coneth Solutions

Q Productions LLC

Native TANF Program

574 Commerce Court Manteca

189 W. Adams Street Stockton

306 E. Main Street, Suite 300 Stockton

www.coneth.com

www.qproductions.com

Construction

Insurance – Agents & Brokers

Shopping Centers

Haggerty Construction

Stemler, McTighe, Lewis

Excel Trust, LP

3038 Seagull Lane Stockton

445 W. Weber Avenue, #200 Stockton

10742 E. Trinity Parkway Stockton

Employment Temporary Service

www.smlins.com

www.exceltrust.com

Organizational Services

Storage Service

Kelly Services

San Joaquin Community Data Co-Op

Storkwik Stockton, LLC

1101 Sylvan Avenue, Suite A21 Modesto

900 E. Oak Street, #310 Stockton

2118 E. Charter Way Stockton

www.dataco-op.org

www.kellyservices.com

Public Relations

Energy Products & Services

www.storkwik.com

Title Companies

Holas Energeia

Ross & Associates

North American Title Company

3790 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, #7 Stockton

1215 K Street Sacramento

3520 Brookside Road, Suite 151 Stockton www.nat.com

13 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

We Mean Business .

. . . . Hospitality . . .

Restaurants Churches Schools Private Office Buildings

Retail Shopping Centers Senior Housing Medical Offices Industrial Facilities

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Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

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www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APRIL2011 14

COVER STORY

The Stockton Asparagus Festival Is All About Giving Back

By Claudia Newcorn

Help Benefit Local Charities!

Come for the food and stay for the fun!

Enjoy the best locally grown asparagus in the world, grown right here in our Delta.

And remember every bite you take benefits over 100 local charities.

Dates: April 15-17 Time: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Website: www.asparagusfest.com Tickets: Adults (18-59): $12 College Students with Proper ID: $7 Teens (13-17): $7 Children 12 and Under: FREE with paying adults Seniors (60 and older): $7 Active Military Cardholder (with I.D) Discount : $7 Highlights: Saturday 8 a.m. – Michelob Ultra Great Spear-It Run 12 p.m. – Deep Fried Asparagus Eating Competition, sponsored by Bud Light 1 p.m. – Department of Rock, best rock music of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond 4:30 p.m. – Smash Mouth Sunday 1 p.m. – Life in the Fastlane, an Eagles tribute band 4:30 p.m. – Little Texas, an American country music band founded in Nashville

Between April 15 and 17, nearly 100,000 guests will pour through Stockton’s Downtown Marina district,

Working Together For The Greater Good “Volunteers are the workforce

enjoying the Asparagus Festival that has

of the festival,” explains Executive

earned the title “The Best of the West

Director Kate Post. “There are over

Food Fest!” from Sunset Magazine.

6,000 volunteers representing over 120

Extensive entertainment, vendors,

local nonprofits. We couldn’t do the

activities, events, and of course the

festival without them. When you see

ubiquitous asparagus, have made this

workers serving Asparagus Alley dishes

award-winning annual event a family

or your favorite beverage, those are our

destination since its inception in 1986.

volunteer organizations. Many of these

But the real ‘spear-it’ behind the

‘Spear-It Staff Volunteer’ organizations

event, the magic ingredient that fuels its

have volunteered since the very first

success, is the simply incredible amount

festival in 1986. So by now, in our 26th

of volunteer effort that goes into making

year, we maintain well trained groups.

it happen, all driven by the festival’s

We do keep a waiting list just in case we

mission to donate the event proceeds

create a new position or lose a group.”

to local nonprofits and help make a difference in the community.

The Asparagus Festival is the largest charitable festival in California. The 2010 event attracted 85,000 people, and

15 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

raised $361,574 for 100 local nonprofit

with street banners, billboards, and a

organizations. Festival volunteers

multimedia ad campaign that showcases

San Joaquin, brings over 30 years of food

contributed over 29,000 hours to make

our civic pride. The International

industry expertise to his Head Spear

this distribution possible. Over $5.1

Festivals & Events Association

role. He and believes that because guests

million has been contributed back to

estimated the 2010 economic impact at

know that the money raised is going

local charities since it began in 1986.

$19,035,000. Corporate sponsorships

to help people, it adds to the pleasure

The monies are presented at a Volunteer

are an important part of the financial

of the event. “They have a wonderful

Celebration in June.

success of the festival and currently we

time. There’s something for kids of all

are in a sold out position with a waiting

ages to enjoy, music for all tastes, and

list for 2012 festival openings.”

unbelievable food experiences. But they

The Asparagus Festival’s recipients span a diverse breadth of organizations

Prokop, CEO of the United Way of

and charities that reach out to many

also know that the end result of all this is

segments of the community. Among

that it will help somebody’s life get better

the impressive list of charities

because of all the charities that benefit.

that benefited in 2010 were the American Heart Association, Boy Scout troops, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior League of Stockton, Last

Volunteers are the workforce of the festival...

This also helps to attract even more volunteers. It really is about giving back to the community. From Day 1, our Board of Directors constantly emphasize

Chance Recovery, Pioneer Little League,

that our mission is to spend as little

Stockton Art League, United Cerebral

money as possible and raise as much

Palsy, United Way, and Wagner Holt

“It’s like a well-oiled machine,”

money as we can for local charities. We

Parents for Science Camp.

explains ‘Head Spear’ Andy Prokop,

never lose sight of this.”

Success Through Organization Behind all the fun and eats is the fact that organizers approach the Asparagus Festival as a business, with clear objectives and a roadmap for success.

“We give more ‘green’ to charity than any other food festival,” Post says.

“It has become a positive moniker for our city. We decorate and celebrate

who has been the Director of Asparagus

The event takes a year of planning,

Alley for 13 years, and serves as one

10 days of set up, and three days of

of several co-chairs for the event. “We

operation. Prokop shares that the day

are all working together for a common

after the festival wraps up, an evaluation

cause, and the festival has become a well

is conducted of what worked and where

put-together organization that works

there are opportunities for improvement.

efficiently. We have job descriptions, we have recipes, we have everything in writing. There are templates for the floor plan. It’s all very buttoned up.”

continued on page 17

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APRIL2011 16

COVER STORY

burritos (4,000 orders), and pasta dishes

more. You have to see the Deep-Fried

(8,500 orders), the green machine

Eating Competition on Saturday. Seven of

works at many levels. Prokop says that

operated at full bore. New this year is the

the top “eaters” in the world will compete

when he first took over as Head Spear,

Foster Farms aspara-chicken wrap, and

including No. 1 Joey Chestnut. People can

there were 24 fryers and hundreds of

like everything else, this new product was

check out all the headline entertainment

volunteers. Today, he oversees nearly

carefully evaluated before adding it to the

on our website, asparagusfest.com.There

4,000 volunteers in Asparagus Alley

menu. “We paneled it and got outstanding

are 200 booths to shop and eat, Celebrity

manning 40 fryers. Guests eagerly

response,” Prokop says. “It’s a large-sized

Kitchen, Home Expo and Small Business

wait for the delectable deep-fried

portion, people said it’s a lot of food for

Expo. New to the festival this year is the

asparagus, asparagus ice cream, and

the money, and it tastes great.” All 6,000

Art & Wine shopping area with over 100

an extraordinary array of foods that

volunteers will get a free one for lunch.

vendors. There is so much to see and do

Growing the Green It is evident that this formula

creatively incorporate asparagus.

And then there is all the

you can’t cover it in one day!” Post notes

entertainment, with the waterfront

that guests can park at the Shima Parking

asparagus were happily devoured by

serving as the stunning backdrop. “The

lot at Delta College (Saturday and Sunday

guests. From deep-fried asparagus

entertainment venues at the festival

only) and take the bus, which will drop

(40,000 orders), to asparagus tri-tip

are unique and professional,” Post says.

them off at a special entrance, and save

sandwiches (9,000 orders), asparagus

“We have everything for the family: Sea

them from searching for parking.

In 2010, over 36,000 pounds of

Lion Encounter, Velocity Circus,

“Every year, we make it better,”

Skyy Dogs USA, and Tyson the

Prokop concludes. “It’s really about the

Skateboarding Bulldog, and much

passion of helping others. It does the heart good, knowing that by volunteering a little time – and having fun while doing it – you are going to have either a direct or indirect effect on somebody living better, and that the money you’re helping to raise is going to improve and save lives.

Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of the Asparagus Festival?”

17 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

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.

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Bank of San Joaquin as Vice President and

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Locally owned and locally managed, Community

careers in the Central Valley. Call 209.551.5627 for information.

Bank of San Joaquin offers a variety of business and personal banking services. www.cbsjbank.com.

Your Chamber announces a new member-to-member benefit.

Because of the strength of our collective members, we have arranged

The Preventing Sexual Harassment Seminar, on April 21, is

for a discounted 401k/Profit Sharing program. It offers significantly

presented by Gary Waters Management Consulting, Inc. at The

lower fees, less staff time required, fiduciary risk mitigation, and

University of the Pacific’s Office for Professional and Continuing

no audit for larger plans. For more information, plan to attend an

Education. Visit www.garywaters.net for additional information and registration, or call 209.815.9760.

The Stockton Women’s Network presents CHARACTER COUNTS!

informational workshop on Thursday, April 28, from 8-8:45 a.m. at the Chamber conference room. Or to request a proposal for your firm, contact Dennis Goldstrand of Goldstrand Planning Group at 209.472.7000 or dennis@goldstrand.com.

“The Six Pillars of Character” on April 6 at Stockton Golf & Country Club. For reservations, visit www.stocktonwomensnetwork.org or call 209.472.0359.

The Haggin Museum presents “Fairy Tale Art: Illustrations from Children’s Books”, scheduled to open April 21 and run through June 19. The exhibition features 59 original illustrations from well-loved classic fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood, as well as modern variations on traditional tales. Visit www. hagginmuseum.org for more information.

Pak Mail Centers of America, Inc. named the Quail Lakes Center Pak Mail owners, Chuck and Molly Argus, its Most Valuable Players (MVP) for 2010. This prestigious award is memorialized by the presentation of “The Franny,” the International Franchise Association’s Distinguished Achievement Award. Contact them at 209.478.9827 or visit them at the Quail Lakes Shopping Center.

19 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

4.30.11

CEO

Cont’d from pg. 6

site. Matt Anderson and Wes Rhea are working very hard to make

the general contractors and their teams understood that, and

this another tool for members and the community alike. And,

during the RFQ process each made that a very visible part of

mentioning Wes, please go to his site, www.visitstockton.org, so

their presentations. The final three in each bid package will be

you are in the know on what is going on.

put to the test again in April and May when the final selections

I also want to give you a quick update on the prison

are made. Also, the demolition bid winner will be announced

hospital matter. I have been on the selection committee, as a

soon. There were a number of firms at the walkthrough on the bid

nonvoting member, for the first two bid packages. They include

package in January. It is moving along, and I’m very proud of the

the infrastructure, electric fencing, and guard towers in package

partnership that has grown between the community and CDCR.

one, and the buildings in package two. I can honestly say that

Look for further updates and information on our website, www.

Chris Meyer and Mike Meredith, who are the men in charge of

stocktonchamber.org. You can find more information on who the

the construction for California Department of Corrections and

finalists are, so if you have a company that fits in the bid package

Rehabilitation (CDCR), have stressed over and over again the

you can contact them.

importance of following the agreement that has been hammered out, especially in the area of local hires and sub-contractors. All

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

APRIL2011 20

Calendar

APRIL 2011 Highlights 4 Golf Tournament – 11 a.m.

@ Brookside Country Club 7 Networking Mixer – 5:15-7:15 p.m.

@ Bob Hope Theatre

4

Golf Tournament – 11 a.m.

@ Brookside Country Club

7

Networking Mixer – 5:15-7:15 p.m.

@ Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main Street

7

New Member Meeting – 10:30 a.m

@ Chamber Conference Room

8

Government Relations Council – 7:30 a.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

8

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

@ University of the Pacific

11

Liaison Committee Meeting – 12 p.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

13

Green Team San Joaquin – 9 a.m

@ Chamber Conference Room

14

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

15-17

Asparagus Festival

20

Executive Committee Meeting – 7 a.m.

@ Stockton Golf & Country Club

22

Government Relations Council – 7:30 a.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

28

Chamber Board of Directors Meeting – 4 p.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

also don’t miss...

5/5 Networking Mixer – 5-7 p.m. @ Chitivas Salsa and Sports Bar Waterfront Warehouse, 445 W. Weber Avenue

21 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

*

Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info

A Program of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce Schedule a REACON Appointment Today !

(209) 547-2763 or e-mail fferral@stocktonchamber.org