Port O Call - December 2016

PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Vol. 62 No. 8

DECEMBER 2016

www.stocktonchamber.org

a SHOPPING

g AND h

GIVING

LOCAL

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA

A BETTER WAY TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS

Get employees walking for a healthier business Employees who exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week are up to 27 percent less likely to miss work.* A workplace walking program is a great, low-cost way to get your employees moving — and we can help. Visit us online to download our no-cost walking toolkit, a step-by-step guide to building and managing your program.

Choose better. Choose Kaiser Permanente. * Merrill et al., JOEM, January 2013.

kp.org/workforcehealth

SHOPPING AND GIVING:

Keep Them Local This Holiday Season!

CONTENTS From Your President

5

From Your CEO

6

News Briefs

8

New Members

8

Cover Story

10

Leadership Stockton

12

10

PORT CALL

DON’T MISS! DECEMBER DIVERSITY MIXER 5 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. @ University of Pacific Vereschagin Alumni House 1022 Dave Brubeck Way, Stockton, CA 95211

REFRESHMENTS WITH THE RECYCLERS 11:30 a.m. @ Hilton Stockton

Good News from San Joaquin Partnership

13

November Mixer Photos

13

2323 Grand Canal Blvd., Stockton, CA 95207 RSVP Required to gogreen@stocktonchamber.org

DEC

8

DEC

13

Bring a new unwrapped toy for the CAPC ToyDrive and lunch is on us!

Programs and Public Policy Department

14

Visit Stockton

16

Events

16

Calendar

18

Ribbon Cuttings

18

NETWORK 4 SUCCESS Meets every Thursday.

Contact the Chamber for location, and time. joe@stocktonchamber.org (No Meetings Dec 22 & 29) LIAISON COMMITTEE Meets every 2nd Tuesday at 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Stockton Chamber Conference Room. www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2016

3

Here’s to another year of making sure your brand sticks.

Happy holidays from all of us.

neverboring.com

PORT CALL Official publication of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce.

Serving the Greater Stockton area business community since 1901.

FROM YOUR 2016-17 PRESIDENT BY: BAKUL PATEL Wow, I can’t believe the holiday season is upon us

CHAMBER OFFICERS PRESIDENT Bakul Patel, Dorfman Pacific Co.

SR. VICE PRESIDENT Diane Vigil, Dameron Hospital Foundation

and Thanksgiving is already over. I hope you all had a safe and fun time with friends and family in November.

This month is a busy time of the year for all and the

FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Deitra R. Kenoly, The Record/San Joaquin Media Group VICE PRESIDENT Doug Dinjian, DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Agency, Inc. VICE PRESIDENT Dr. Lewis Gale, University of the Pacific - Eberhardt School of Business IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications CHAMBER DIRECTORS Bob Berger, Cumulus Radio Becky M. Deal, Bank of Stockton Rick Goucher, CBRE, Inc. Ryan Haggerty, Haggerty Construction, Inc. Chris Kay, ACE Rail Loretta Lee, Junior League of San Joaquin County Frank Lucas, Evergreen Professional Hypnotherapy Dr. Robert Melrose, Brookside Optometric Group David Meier, Pacific Gas & Electric Company Laura Ochoa-Sanchez, San Joaquin Delta College Laura Pinkerton, Community Business Bank Victor Randolph, Never Boring Design Associates Kay G. Ruhstaller, Family Resource & Referral Center Bob Young CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.

month goes so fast. With all the different mixers, parties,

BAKUL PATEL

shopping, and preparing for visitors, we all have a lot of extra tasks on our list of things to do.

As the Chamber President, I would like to share a story about my experience of shopping and entertainment in Stockton. I recently had some friends visit from the San Ramon area and it was our turn to take them out for a local treat. What an eye-opener it was for them—we went to Lincoln Center and started with drinks and appetizers at Midgley’s and then went to Papapavlo’s for their flaming cheese and cocktails. I share this experience for two reasons: one, it was great to be in a local area where you actually saw people you knew—in fact, we saw our very own Timm Quinn and his family walking around Lincoln Center, and towards the end of the evening saw our friends Shannon Ding and Sylvester Aguilar, who commented how

209.292.8432

PROGRAM & PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR Frank Ferral 209.292.8428 SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR LEADERSHIP STOCKTON DIRECTOR Timm Quinn 209.292.8423 OFFICE MANAGER Lia Her 209.292.8421 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Joe Curtis 209.292.8439 PROGRAM COORDINATOR GREEN TEAM/FRESH Mario Supnet 209.292.8436 SCAP ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR Christy Hang 209.292.8433 SCAP EMPLOYMENT SPECIALISTS My Duong 209.292.8435 Felicia Hurtado 209.292.8434 Jeffrey Natividad 209.292.8425 Chris Rivera 209.292.8440 Dennis Thao 209.292.8424 Lee Yang 209.292.8426 BEA COORDINATOR Sophie Soth 209.292.8430 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Lorice Harrison 209.292.8427

great it was to see me support our local restaurants. The second reason I share this experience is towards the end of the night as we walked around the center and even though most of the stores were closed we got in the car and my friend (who has her own perception of Stockton) said “I’m very impressed—that was really nice.” We explained again to her how Stockton and San Joaquin have some really cool places and this was just a small sample of great places to eat and shop. As local residents, we just need to continue to remind people of that and continue to support local shops and restaurants—especially this time of the year.

This month we also had United Way representatives come out to kick off our 2017 Dorfman Pacific Employee Giving Campaign. Rachel Randolph from United Way and Amber Saunders from the Mary Graham Children’s Foundation both did such an excellent job in sharing the need for funds for both United Way, a number of great nonprofits and how we can help youth at the foundation turn their simple dreams into reality. As a company, Dorfman Pacific has done a great job of being part of the campaigns for over 15 years and it is great to work with Andy Prokop and his team to

OFFICE COORDINATOR Mai Vang 209.292.8431

help them make this community a better place and help all the nonprofits in the area.

PUBLISHER Stockton Chamber of Commerce 209.547.2770

Thank you United Way for all you do for the community, I wish you lots of success

GRAPHIC DESIGN Never Boring 209.526.9136

with this years’ campaign goals.

Finally, I would like to extend to all of you, on behalf of my wife Taruna, daughter

ADVERTISING Victor Randolph

209.988.5800

Tejal, and myself, a very Merry Christmas and hope to see you at a December

PRINTING & MAILING The Parks Group

209.466.9026

Chamber event, like the mixer on Thursday Dec. 8, this year at a new location the University of the Pacific Alumni House.

GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2016

5

FROM YOUR CEO BY: DOUG WILHOIT Happy December, and yes Mr. Frank Ferral, this year has gone by quickly!

Before I get into the body of

DOUG WILHOIT

Wilhoit Hodgkin’s and Mary Wilhoit Hodgkin’s (yes they married brothers), R.E’s Grandson and my Grandfather, John Newton Woods Wilhoit and my beloved father, Douglass Woods Wilhoit,

my December article, I want to

Sr. along with my equally beloved Mother Olympe Bradna Wilhoit,

wholeheartedly congratulate both

sharing with me that this community of Stockton has been so

Carol Ornelas, 2016 ATHENA AWARD

wonderful to and for our family (I also share the same with my

recipient and Erin Guy Castillo,

son, Matthew Woods Wilhoit) and to never forget to take every

ATHENA YOUNG LEADERSHIP

chance to give back so others can have a better quality of life. Just

Award recipient, which were presented to them on Nov. 17 and

a note, they always practiced what they preached. I have tried and

witnessed by a sellout audience at the Stockton Golf and Country

hope they are looking down and agreeing but also know they are

Club. I also want to thank all who attended, the sponsors, the

saying: Never stop!

ATHENA selection committee, the SG&CC and the Chamber

To that end, on page 11, you will see a listing of the nonprofit

staff for a job well done. Another example of YOUR Chamber

charitable organizations that belong to your Chamber. The

working as a team for the betterment of the community.

wonderful nonprofit charitable organizations in Stockton and

Now, on behalf of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce Officers, Board of Directors, Staff, and members we hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday where we all gave

San Joaquin County are very important to so many—not only at this time of the year but all year long.

Your Chamber works very closely with many of our member

thanks for all our blessings and we want to be one of the first to

nonprofit organizations to help in any way we can and we

wish all of you a Merry and Blessed Christmas/Holiday Season!

encourage all nonprofits to join us so we can help when necessary

As you can see the theme of the December Port O Call is a

and possible within our time, space, and monetary limits. To

combination of SHOP LOCAL and GIVE LOCAL! That is a

that end your Board of Directors has designated a nonprofit

rally cry that your Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

(charitable) rate of the minimum membership level. Contact

has espoused since its inception on Feb. 21, 1901 and will

Joe Curtis, our Membership Director at 209.292.8439 or

continue forever!

joe@stocktonchamber.org and he can help sign you up to become

Let me expand on that with the words of a true genius, Albert Einstein: “A hundred times a day I remind myself that my life

part of our family.

Shopping Local is also a way of helping improve the quality

depends on the labors of other men (I will add women), living

of life in Stockton and San Joaquin County for you will be

and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give, in the

doing business and receiving services from many locally-owned

measure as I have received, and am still receiving.”

businesses who employ your family members, friends, and

This is something each of us should do on a daily basis and now let me explain why I have the photo of my Great Great Grandfather, R.E. Wilhoit to the left.

As many of you know, I am so very proud of being a fifth Generation

neighbors. At the same time, you help the local economy grow so many needed services can be provided to all residents.

I invite each of you to visit our website on a regular basis, www.stocktonchamber.org, and our Facebook page so you can keep up to date, see the great things your Chamber is doing, see what charitable opportunities exist, and enhance your business.

Stocktonian and he is the man who

Let us not look the other way when it comes to helping each

started it all on Aug. 9, 1850 when he

other or our local businesses or as President Theodore Roosevelt

came to Stockton to first seek his fortune in the Mother Lode but

once said: “Get into action. Seize the moment. Man (Woman)

decided to settle in Stockton instead. His strong philosophy of

was never intended to become an oyster!” Just think about that

community has permeated down to me through many generations.

for a moment, please!

I recall from my earliest memories hearing his children: his son and my Great Great Uncle Eugene Wilhoit (Past President of your Chamber in 1921-22), R. E.’s daughters, my Great Great Aunts Elsie

6

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2016

7

NEWS BRIEFS Submission Guidelines: News Briefs must be submitted before the first of each month to schamber@stocktonchamber.org. Please put “PORT O CALL” in the subject line.

Submissions must be no longer than 50 words total and should include contact information. News Briefs will be included on a space available basis and may be edited for content.

Stockton Ports Anchor Fund Donates Nearly $39,000 Through the organization’s nonprofit sector, the Anchor Fund,

on Oct. 14 for her actions in saving the life of a person who was trapped in their car on the railroad tracks. Her quick thinking

the Ports gave approximately $38,683 in monetary donations

and selfless action saved the life of the passenger, and for that

and $258,576 of in-kind donations to local nonprofits within the

she was presented with the Lifesaver Award by the SJRRC

San Joaquin community in 2016.

board of directors. For more information on ACE, please visit

Through various fundraisers held at Banner Island Ballpark, the Ports were able to raise over $16,000 with the help of generous fans. The two revenue-leading events included the tenth annual Pink Night, in which $5,192 benefited St. Joseph’s Medical Center,

www.acerail.com.

Exhibition at the Haggin Museum Oct. 6, 2016 to Jan. 8, 2017 “Medieval To Metal: The Art & Evolution Of The Guitar” is a

and the fourth annual Prostate Cancer Awareness night, which

touring exhibition that celebrates the artistic development of the

raised $4,450 for Sutter Gould Medical Foundation. Additional

guitar. Organized by The National Guitar Museum, it features

fundraisers included Root Beer Float Day, Youth Baseball Camps,

objects ranging from the intricately inlaid Moorish oud to the

FanFest, and Anchor Fund Weekend.

modern Italian design of the Eko and transparent acrylic body of

To view the Community Relations Report and receive ticket information on the 2017 season, please visit

California’s BC Rich guitars.

Dave Brubeck’s illustrious 70-year career as a composer,

www.stocktonports.com.

performer, and spokesman for the arts is detailed in “Dave

Stephanie Marino Recognized by San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission for Rescue on Jun. 8

Brubeck: Jazz Ambassador.” This exhibition was originally

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) board of directors recognized Stephanie Marino at their board meeting

designed as a collaborative Jazz at Lincoln Center event in New York. The Haggin Museum is thrilled to be partnering with the Brubeck Institute to highlight it in our community.

NOVEMBER NETWORKING MIXER @ BROOKSIDE COUNTRY CLUB Family Owned & Operated

CONTINUING THE TRADITION STARTED BY MY FATHER IN 1954

ST-0001081472-01

CSL# 863345

Robert P. Queirolo Never Forgotten

Thanks for awarding us in the Best of San Joaquin 6 Years in a Row!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

(209) 464-9658 3934 Coronado Ave, Suite C, Stockton, CA 95204 David R. Queirolo - Owner | Knight10@aol.com | www.Queirolos.com

8

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2016

9

SHOPPING

g AND h

GIVING

LOCAL

BUSINESS LEADERS, NONPROFIT AGENCIES, AND ECONOMIC EXPERTS

chain stores,” pointed out Nate McBride, director, San Joaquin

ARE ALL ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO SHOP LOCAL AND GIVE LOCAL

Delta College Small Business Development Center. “Local

this holiday season because money circulated locally benefits the

businesses spend more on local products, services, and labor than

entire community.

chain stores—between three and four times more, according

“The health of our community is directly tied to the success of local, independently-owned business,” explained Cindi Fargo, CEO, Downtown Stockton Alliance.

“Local businesses pay local wages, which are redistributed

to many studies. That creates more jobs and generates more local tax revenue.”

“Local spending leads to more local spending, creating an economic multiplier effect, whereas most revenue from chain

through the community in the purchase of goods and services, rent

stores leaves the area,” McBride continued. “Shopping local not

and utilities, and tax payments,” Fargo said. “Those investments

only generates more local sales, taxes and jobs, but it also typically

are recycled over and over again in the community.”

provides a greater variety of goods and services to smaller niche

Shopping local creates a place for small-scale entrepreneurs to

markets than the larger chain stores. In many instances, local

enter the market and become successful, Fargo noted. “Shopping

businesses are better able to provide specialized customer service

local also supports reinvestment in property, which keeps our

and goods compared to larger competitors.”

neighborhoods and historic districts healthy, and desirable

Local charitable giving also yields significant benefits.

neighborhoods supported by local business often become

“Giving locally makes our neighborhoods, our community, and

destinations for visitors, bringing in outside dollars.”

Independent local businesses support the community with

our neighbors’ lives better,” stated Andy Prokop, president and CEO of United Way of San Joaquin County. “If you have the means

donations and sponsorships, help sustain property values, and

to share some of your hard-earned income with others who need

preserve the unique character of the community, said Fargo.

it, why not do it? You never know who that person in need is—it

Sustaining local ownership also insures that local people are

could be someone in your family, or your neighbor, or tomorrow it

involved in the civic and political life of the community.

could be you.”

“Shopping at independent local businesses generates greater economic impact to our local economy versus shopping at

10 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

“Like local businesses, community nonprofits contribute to the local economy by hiring employees who pay taxes, pay rent, and

buy supplies that help other local businesses,” noted Rick Goucher,

Prokop added. “Some agencies have dollars but not a person

chair-elect of United Way of San Joaquin County and member of

to do the work, and a volunteer is just the thing they need to

the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

serve our community.”

United Way of San Joaquin partners with all local 501(c)(3)

And while local businesses and nonprofits welcome holiday

nonprofit organizations, Prokop explained. “United Way is an

shopping and giving, it’s also important to remember them

instrument to help people make donations to local nonprofits;

throughout the rest of the year.

we do it efficiently and we’ve done it in this community for over

“For nonprofits, the need is here all year round,” Prokop said.

90 years. We send checks to more than 1,500 nonprofits in San

“Independent local retailers need regular, frequent visits and

Joaquin County every year.”

purchases to sustain their business,” Fargo confirmed.

While more than 150 local charities are listed on the www.unitedwaysjc.org website, Prokop said, “We invite people to

Fargo’s tips for shopping local:

Giving locally makes our neighborhoods, our community, and our neighbors’ lives better.

call and ask about how to support their favorite causes. If you have a passion to help, we’ll connect you

ANDY PROKOP, President and CEO of United Way of San Joaquin County

with the right organization.”

“Investigate downtown, our great neighborhood business districts, and the unique business clusters in Stockton,” she advised. “Plan to shop there, and even plan to purchase holiday gifts throughout the year instead of in one big week

Many businesses participate in workplace giving through the United Way of San Joaquin County, Goucher added. “That makes it easy to donate to the charity of your choice, allow the

before the holidays. This lightens the burden on your purse and on your nerves, and will give you something fun to do all year.”

“Relationships with local retailers mean that you put another

United Way to make the donation for you through its Community

person on your shopping team,” Fargo added. “Give them a chance

Impact Grant process, or contribute toward the United

to help you. When you work with unique local makers and vendors

Way’s overhead costs.”

you will probably find that you are giving better gifts, having

Currency isn’t the only donation that’s needed.

more fun, investing in your community, and maybe even saving

“Volunteer time is just as important as a volunteer dollar,”

a little money!”

STOCKTON CHAMBER NON-PROFIT MEMBERS (for a full listing of non-profit members visit stocktonchamber.chambermaster.com/list/) Alan Short Center Alliance of Guardian Angels American Cancer Society American Heart Association American Red Cross San Joaquin County Chapter Animal Friends Connection Humane Society Animal Protection League Arc San Joaquin Art Expressions of San Joaquin Assistance League of Stockton Associated Filipino Organizations Bread of Life California Tribal TANF Partnership Cambridge Court Kids First Program CARE LINK - Community Medical Centers, Inc. Central Valley Asian-American Chamber of Comm Child Abuse Prevention Council of S. J. Co. Children's Home Of Stockton Children's Museum of Stockton Chinese Cultural Society of Stockton Community Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired Community Medical Centers, Inc. Dameron Hospital Association DAV Charities of San Joaquin County Delta Blood Bank Delta Health Care Downtown Stockton Alliance

Dress for Success Stockton Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin Family Resource & Referral Center Friends of the Fox Girl Scouts Heart of Central California Goodwill Industries of San Joaquin Valley Gospel Center Rescue Mission Greater Stockton Employer Advisory Council Habitat for Humanity of San Joaquin County Haggin Museum Hanot Foundation Haven of Peace Health Plan of San Joaquin Hospice of San Joaquin Hospital Council Jose M. Hernandez Reaching For The Stars Junior League of San Joaquin County Kaiser Permanente Medical Offices Lao Khmu Association Leadership Stockton Alumni Association Lodi Health March of Dimes Pregnancy Help Center Rotary Club of Stockton San Joaquin County Health Care Services San Joaquin Human Resource Association San Joaquin Pride Center

SCORE Shelter Thrift & Donation Center SJ County Historical Society & Museum St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church St. Joseph's Medical Center St. Luke's School St. Mary's Dining Room Stockton Art League Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame Stockton Civic Theatre Stockton Host Lions Club Stockton Sunrise Rotary Stockton Symphony Association Superior Thrift Store The Salvation Army The Salvation Army Adult Rehab. Center Trinity Lutheran Church United Cerebral Palsy Association United Way Of San Joaquin County Victor Community Support Services, Inc. Victor Treatment Center Women Inspiring Women Women's Center - Youth & Family Services Women's Success Group YMCA of San Joaquin County

www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2016 11

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

After lunch the class heard from Wes Rhea, (LS Class of 2004),

Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union

CEO, Visit Stockton, who spoke with the class to debunk the myth

Session Sponsors: Visit Stockton, Haggin Museum

that “there is nothing to do in Stockton.”

Nick Elliot, Stockton Civic Theatre, shared the long history of the Stockton Civic Theatre and upcoming performance calendar at the Stockton Civic Theatre with the class.

Up next was Maestro Peter Jaffe from the Stockton Symphony.

Peter shared the history of the Symphony (third oldest continuously operating symphony in California) and previewed the upcoming season. He gave the class a special treat when he got on the piano and played some beautiful music for them.

Whether you are new to Stockton or have lived here a lifetime,

The class then heard from Joel Reyna (LS Class of 2006),

you are sure to learn something during the Leadership Stockton, “Stockton: History, Arts, and Culture” session. Held each year

Chair, Stockton Arts Commission, about all the great things the Art

at the Haggin Museum, the day is full of fascinating information

Commission does.

spanning from the founding of our great city to the present day, and

Joel was followed by Scott Rooker & Barb McBroom from the Stockton Chorale who shared the long history of the

including a look at our arts and cultural resources.

Stockton Chorale and let the class know about their upcoming

Tod Ruhstaller, Executive Director & Curator of History for

performances and programs.

the Haggin Museum (and Stockton history guru) was the guide

A big THANK YOU to the following: Tod Ruhstaller, Susan

for the first part of the day, taking the class through a PowerPoint history lesson of Stockton from the time before settlers arrived

Obert (LS Class of 2003), and the hard working staff of the

to the present day. After our history overview, Tod guided the

Haggin Museum for the use of the Museum and the all access

class through the museum, explaining the history of the museum

tour and all the speakers who joined us to share their love of arts

and its contents.

with the class.

12 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.292.8423

On the Road Again: Marketing San Joaquin USA

FROM THE

GOOD NEWS

Internet Advisor radio show in Detroit and talked about the

The mission of the San Joaquin Partnership is to lead a

impact of ever-changing technology, met with site consultants

cooperative countywide competitive economic development

in Cleveland, networked with corporate real estate executives,

partnership that improves the economy and quality of life by

and met the Governor of Indiana (who is currently the Vice

attracting investment that results in new jobs.

President Elect) in Indianapolis and finally listened to the impact

To accomplish this mission the San Joaquin Partnership

of rapid technology change real estate with industrial brokers

develops and executes a national marketing strategy that

and developers at Society of Industrial & Office Realtors in

involves prospect sales calls, participation in special events, and

New York City.

conferences. Although local community economic development

Of course my message to them all was the progress that

staff participate in many of these activities, the Partnership is the

San Joaquin County has made in becoming the crossroads of

only economic development agency that consistently markets and

international commerce in Northern California. For example,

makes sales calls out of state to national site selection decision

they learned that in the last two years, over 14.5 million sq. ft. of

makers and location influencers over the last 25 years.

new industrial and logistics space was built and occupied. That

As the chief marketer for San Joaquin County, this means a minimum of three weeks on the road during September and

construction alone created an estimated 5,500 new jobs.

Overall my impression of the country’s economy is that we are

October of each year meeting with prospects, location decision

all doing well. How do I know? I look around as I travel and ask

makers, and key executives that influence the final location of a

people how they are doing. Here’s a few examples. All the planes

major facility investment decision.

seats were full. Everyone has a smartphones, laptops, or both,

Yes, getting up at 3 a.m. to make a flight out of Sacramento International Airport before 6 a.m. is not fun. As a member of the Stockton Metro Airport Advisory Board appointed by the

taking orders in between flights. And talks with taxi drivers, hotel, and wait staff all had optimistic outlooks.

So no matter what the media, politicians, or economists say or

San Joaquin Board of Supervisors, I’m working with the staff to

write about the bad state of our nation’s economy, I think they

get a connection into a major hub like LAX.

are wrong. As I traveled, the economy seemed by my assessment

So this year I flew or drove through Denver, Detroit, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and New York City. I sat in on The

to be doing just fine. And in comparison, San Joaquin County is doing even better.

NEW MEMBERS Child Care Centers, Preschools The Campus Downtown, Inc. 123 N. Sutter St. Stockton, CA 95202 209.594.1879

Hospitals Lodi Health 975 S. Fairmont Ave. Lodi,CA 95240 209.339.7487

Safety/Risk Management Turner Safety 4686 E. Waterloo Rd. Stockton, CA 95215 209.561.7373

Retail Ashley Furniture Homestore 10904 Trinity Pkwy.

Stockton, CA 95219 608.863.3546

Office Suites Tech Sprout 95 W. 11th St., #205 Tracy, CA 95376 209.221.9699

Financial Advisors Stifel Financial 10100 Trinity Pkwy., #520 Stockton, CA 95219 209.888.2007

Non-profit Dress for Success Stockton 445 W. Weber Ave., #221 Stockton, CA 95202 209.598.2692

Landscape Supplies In Season Market and Nursery 215 E. Alpine Ave. Stockton, CA 95204 209.949.2499

Web Page Design & Services Zero BS Marketing 95 W. 11th St., #205 Tracy, CA 95376 209.221.9699

Tour Boats Opportunity Cruises 445 W. Weber Ave., Dock #C - end tie Stockton, CA 95203 209.259.3815

Restaurants Chick-fil-A 2628 W. March Ln. Stockton, CA 95207 209.477.5936

Etiquette School Diva Darlings and Debonaire Dudes 1774 W. Hammer Ln. Stockton, CA 95207 209.263.1371

Women’s Wearing Apparel Lularoe-Kelsey & Taylor kelstaylularoe@gmail.com 209.518.2358 www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2016 13

PROGRAMS AND PUBLIC POLICY The Places You Can Go on RTD! Always on the move, San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) is community driven and goes beyond simply providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation.

Soon there will be many new places you will be able to reach by riding a RTD bus. New express routes will open in 2017 along Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Boulevard and Fremont Street. The route on MLK will feature clean, economical electric bus service.

RTD currently has two Zero Emissions Proterra electric buses, and thanks to a grant, they will be acquiring 15 more, including those to be used on MLK Boulevard. Not only will these advanced buses lower fuel costs, they will help the residents of Stockton

The City of Stockton Economic Development Department is committed to creating employment opportunities by attracting new businesses, maintaining a healthy business environment for existing businesses, and assisting entrepreneurs in developing a successful business.

breathe cleaner air But why else should we ride the bus to all the places life takes us?

Riding the bus may help to improve your health and frame of mind, especially if you walk to the bus stop, or use a bike for part of your trip. Remember, RTD buses are bike friendly, with easy-touse racks right on the front of the bus.

As a member of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce,

The Micro Loan Program is available to businesses located within Stockton city limits. Applicants must have a for-profit enterprise, show ability to repay debt and have history of meeting financial obligations. Business consulting is required and the business must create or retain at least one job.

don’t you enjoy saving money while supporting other member businesses? Well, riding the bus is a low cost way for you and your employees to commute to work. And guess what? You can save money too. More employees on the bus can mean less parking space cost for your business.

But what if your staff pays for their own parking? “If your

The Facade Improvement Program assists property owners in making exterior, cosmetic improvements to commercial property. Funds are granted in the form of a loan, with a lien placed on the building, which is forgiven after five years if the property is kept free of graffiti and blight.

employee works downtown and pays $75 a month for parking, they could reinvest that same money in a 31-day bus pass, and have enough left over for two lattes,” said RTD Marketing Manager Terry Williams. Additionally, employees would spend nothing for fuel on their commute, and potentially even save on insurance and maintenance by putting fewer miles on their car, added Williams.

The Emergency Grant Program assists both business and property owners in financial need with alleviating code violations where the health and safety of employees and/or the public are endangered. Funds are provided in the form of a grant with no repayment expected.

And if your business signs up for RTD’s new Employer Pass program, they’ll save even more!

Next FRESH meeting: Combined with Refreshments with the Recyclers Thursday, Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m. @ Hilton Stockton

The program reduces/eliminates the cost of building permits and associated public facility fees for buildings in Downtown which have been vacant for six months or longer.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS ABC NorCal American Recycling CalSheets Carpenters Local Union 152 City of Stockton Collins Electrical Company Dorfman Pacific Healthy Air Living

14 PORT CALL

PG&E Queirolo’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. San Joaquin Council of Governments San Joaquin County Public Works Stockton Area Water Suppliers Sims Metal Management Surtec Valley CAN

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Frank J. Ferral: fferral@stocktonchamber.org 209.292.8428

A name that means quality... a name you can trust!

After extensive classroom studying, the following Stockton Auto Glass automotive glass installers have passed the Sika urethane certification process. The urethane is the adhesive used to install the windshield.

Ulysses Acuzar Dua Lo Ernie Narvarte Victor Narvarte

Eric Quinones Alex Reyes Michael Roberts Kent Solomon

Moises Tabancura Lenny Tracy David Montellano

These installers represent the future of proper windshield installation.

Stockton Auto Glass has been in business for over 60 years in the Stockton community. Our experience in the industry should make a difference when protecting your family and your life. They have over 345 total years of combined experience.

Sika is the market leader in the Auto Glass Replacement (AGR) industry.

Innovation, coupled with the proven safety, reliability and ease of their products, make the Sika System the number one choice of Auto Glass professionals. All Sika Auto Glass adhesive systems have been crash tested and exceed rigorous Federal safety standards. Their products have achieved Safe Drive Away Times that continue to lead the industry.

Stockton (Quick's Glass) 209.465.3700 • Downtown 345 N. Wilson Way 209.948.4691 • North Stockton 6860 Pacific Ave. Ste. C 209.477.7624 Manteca (Quick's Glass) 877.742.3650 • Tracy 209.832.2225 • Lodi 1110 S. Cherokee Ln. 209.369.8403 • Lodi (Quick's Glass) 209.369.3600

www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2016 15

VISIT STOCKTON BY: ROBYN F. CHESHIRE

EVENTS BY: TIMM QUINN

Give the Gift of Stockton Happy Holidays from the team at Visit Stockton! You heard

Chamber Diversity Mixer Dec. 8 at the University of the Pacific Alumni House Make sure to mark your calendars for Dec. 8 because you are

it here first: official Stockton

not going to want to miss the Chamber’s annual Business Diversity

merchandise makes the best stocking stuffers and corporate gifts. Find it all at our office in Downtown Stockton—125 Bridge Place, second floor or online at

Mixer! This year, the mixer will be held at the University of the Pacific Vereschagin Alumni House, 1022 Dave Brubeck Wy., Stockton, from 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Central Valley Asian-

www.StocktonSouvenirs.com. We

American Chamber of Commerce, San Joaquin African American

are stocked full of coffee mugs,

Chamber of Commerce, San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber

t-shirts, magnets, hats, and Stockton history books: perfect for

of Commerce, and California Delta Chambers and Visitors Bureau

everyone on your list. Share your Stockton pride by shopping with

will each feature food tastings reflecting their specific ethnicity/

us today!

location. So come kick the Holiday Season off in style and make some great business connections while you’re at it.

Add Visit Stockton as a Contact on your Phone Questions about local attractions, dining, and events? We are available via text 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week! Text us at 877.778.6258. Save our number in your phone and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. We want to make their visits to Stockton the best experience possible.

Event Sponsorships Available!

There is still time to get in on the Taking Care of Business Sponsorship program for our remaining 2016-17 events like the Golf Tournament, State of the City, Business Awards Luncheon, and Installation Dinner.

The Taking Care of Business Program offers our member

Tickets for NCAA Women’s Regionals on Sale Now

businesses a wealth of marketing and sponsorship opportunities

It may be December, but March Madness excitement has already taken over Stockton. Sales of all-session passes and select

for the upcoming year. This popular program was created to

single-game tickets for the “Sweet Sixteen” and “Elite Eight”

give Chamber members an excellent way to receive exposure

games are booming. Help us show NCAA that Stockton values

throughout the year at a dramatic discount off normal pricing.

collegiate sports and their impact on our community. Go to www.NCAA.com/wbbtickets or visit the Stockton Arena Box Office to purchase tickets.

Sponsoring companies typically select several options from the events line up. The Chamber allows its members to wisely choose a year-long program that meets their marketing, consumer exposure, and community involvement goals. Package prices

Become a Stockton Ambassador The Stockton Ambassador Program is a dynamic certification program that certifies community members as Certified Tourism

enable sponsors to select from several marketing and promotional opportunities at significant savings.

Ambassadors™ (or CTAs). The Stockton region welcomes more

For more information on stretching your marketing

than 4 million visitors each year and we all have opportunities

dollars through Taking Care of Business, contact Timm

to come into contact with them! Become a CTA today to learn

Quinn, Events Director, at 209.292.8423, or e-mail to

more about Stockton and help provide amazing Stockton

tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.

experiences, spread the word about our city, and in turn boost our local economy. The first CTA Class of 2017 will be held on Feb. 8. Program details, including the curriculum and enrollment information, can be found at www.StocktonAmbassadors.com or www.CTANetwork.com or by calling Megan Peterson at Visit Stockton 209.938.1555.

16 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Robyn F. Cheshire: robyn@visitstockton.org 209.636.4348

@

Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.292.8423

BUSINESS PROFILE

1553 N Broadway Ave., Stockton • 209.931.4100 • www..rodjohnsonair.com.

Rod Johnson has been serving the San Joaquin area since 1964 by providing cool and warm comfort to homes and offices. Our mission at Rod Johnson Air and Solar is to provide 100% customer

year by donating. (Donation will be expected till December 21st).

For donation inquiries email www.rodjohsonairinc.com or give us a call at 209.931.4100.

satisfaction by training our technicians and office staff to provide the best possible service.

We also provide back to our community by holding our annual Christmas Turkey Drive for the Stockton Food Bank. Last year we donated over 8,215 lbs. of Turkeys. Please help us surpass that this

Serving the Central Valley for Over 42 Years

Overhead Door Company of Stockton, Inc.

Residential · Commercial · Industrial

209.948.2704 • www.overheaddoorstockton.com www.stocktonchamber.org

DEC 2016 17

CALENDAR DECEMBER 2016

1 2 8 13

14

November/December Chamber Board Meeting 4 p.m. @Stockton Chamber Conference Room

15

Leadership Stockton Local Government Session 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. @ City Hall December Diversity Mixer 5 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. @University of Pacific Vereschagin Alumni House

Lunch & Learn 11:30 a.m.

Speaker TBA @ Stockton Chamber of Commerce Room GRC Meeting 7:30 a.m. @Stockton Chamber Conference Room

Offices Closed DEC 26 Chamber Christmas & New Year’s - JAN 1

NETWORK 4 SUCCESS Meets every Thursday. Contact the Chamber for location, and time. joe@stocktonchamber.org (No Meetings Dec 22 and Dec 29) LIAISON COMMITTEE Meets every 2nd Tuesday at 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Stockton Chamber Conference Room.

Refreshments with the Recyclers 11:30 a.m. @ Hilton Stockton RSVP to gogreen@stocktonchamber.org

RIBBON CUTTINGS Attending Board Members: Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications; Bob Young, NCPGA Foundation; Loretta Lee, Junior League of San Joaquin; Bob Berger, Cumulus Radio; Doug Dinjian, DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Agency, Inc.

Attending Ambassadors: Gloria Blaine, Basket Caravan; Ella Holman, Collins Realty Inc. /Aspiranet; Gregory Walther, Press F1 Computer Services; Cathy Douma, Minuteman Press of Stockton; Luke Johnson, Stockton Ports; Owen Wilson, Stockton Ports; Kellie Ryan, Stockton Ports; Teri Manley, Stop the Presses Printing; Scott Grafius, Steele Insurance Agency; Chester Lum, Cherokee Memorial Park; Roy Nightengale, 105.9 the Bull; Patty Heinemann, CVP Creative Vision Printing; Darcy Koster, United Way of San Joaquin; Jeff Shirk, Dynamic Leadership Tools; Carol Clemons, Angel’s Caring Helpers; Megan Kinsey, Haggerty Construction; Andrea Wilson, The Reserve at Spanos Park; Carla Little; Megan Mote, Haggerty Construction; Jackie Irrgang, ServPro of Stockton; Jackie Ronzone, Animal Protection League; Fubara Jack, Ray Morgan; Nanette Spitulski, ABS Direct

Chick-fil-A

Costco

2628 W. March Ln., Stockton, CA 95207

1616 E. Hammer Ln., Stockton, CA 95210

Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Dress For Success

2453 Grand Canal Blvd., Stockton, CA 95207

445 W. Weber Ave., #221, Stockton, CA 95203

The Cort Companies

San Joaquin Pride Center

343 E. Main St., 10th Floor, Stockton, CA 95202

115 N. Sutter St., Stockton, CA 95202

18 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info

from the team at Visit Stockton!

Official Stockton merchandise makes the best stocking stuffers and Corporate Gifts. Find it all at our office in Downtown Stockton, 125 Bridge Place, 2nd Floor or online at StocktonSouvenirs.com.

We are stocked full of coffee mugs, t-shirts, magnets, hats, and Stockton history books; perfect for everyone on your list. Share your Stockton pride by shopping with us today!

Text us with questions 877-778-6258

FAMILY FUN

PASS

SHOP TODAY! VISIT STOCKTON

125 Bridge Place, 2nd Floor • Stockton Office Hours: MON-FRI 8am-4pm

877.778.6258

visitstockton.org • visitorinfo@visitstockton.org

IGNITE WONDER HE ARTSONFIRE.COM

25 Consecutive Years

9 Consecutive Years