Port O Call - January 2013

PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.stocktonchamber.org

Vol. 58 No. 9

january 2013

SCVB Welcomes New Team Member

Grow It, Make It, Ship It: The True Story of Stockton’s Success PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA

Cover Photograph by: Fritz Chin Photography, Inc.

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PORT CALL

Grow It, Make It, Ship It: The True Story of Stockton’s Success

CONTENTS From Your President

5

From Your CEO

6

Events

8

Leadership Stockton

9

Convention & Visitors Bureau 11 News Briefs

11

New Members

12

Programs and Public Policy Department

13

Cover Story

14

Ribbon Cuttings

16

Calendar

18

14 11

SCVB Welcomes New Team Member

Don’t Miss Networking Mixer University of the Pacific, Come for the Mixer, Stay for the Basketball Game.

January 10, Mixer 5:00-6:30 p.m., Basketball Game 7 p.m.

University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos Center.

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

Free tickets to that evening’s game against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos will be given out at check in.

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

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

CHAMBER OFFICERS

Happy New Year, Stockton!!! 2013

PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers

promises to be the start of many

SR. VICE PRESIDENT Steven Crabtree, Herum Crabtree

things NEW….

We at the Chamber of Commerce

FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Blain Bibb, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance

look forward to the upcoming year

VICE PRESIDENT Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications

and all the NEW beginnings for our

VICE PRESIDENT Dan Durst, Durst Contract Interiors

vibrant community.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Debbie Armstrong, Old Republic Title Co.

First, we are welcoming a NEW Mayor, Anthony Silva, who along

CHAMBER DIRECTORS Michael Cera, SMG/Stockton Arena/Bob Hope Theatre Donna DeMartino, San Joaquin Regional Transit District Patricia V. DeSoto, Patricia V. DeSoto, CPA Pat Filippone, Stockton Ports Baseball Club Lewis Gale, Eberhardt School of Business Clint Harless, Stockton Auto Glass/Quick’s Glass Service Mikey Kamienski, Charterhouse Center for Families Dan Keyser, Grupe Commercial Company 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

NEW City Council members, Moses Zapien and Michael Tubbs, and a third member

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.

to be selected by the new city council. With their NEW fresh outlook for the city, we

209.547.2766

PROGRAM & PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR/ BEA Frank Ferral 209.547.2763

with the City Council and City Management will move our city to a NEWER and more positive mind set for all residents.

Working with the new Mayor are two

at the Chamber are anxious to hear their thoughts and work with them as they hit the ground running to lead our city through these challenging economic times.

SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR Heidi Altamirano

209.547.2764

This year also brings a NEW State Senate District encompassing all of San

STAFF ACCOUNTANT Lia Her

209.547.2768

Joaquin County, represented by a veteran legislator, Cathleen Galgiani. A NEW

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Brittney Doty

209.337.2723

Assembly member, Susan Eggman, will continue to fight in the best interest of our

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

businesses in Sacramento, just as she did in the Stockton City Council.

2013 also brings NEW businesses, industries and most importantly, NEW JOBS to Stockton and San Joaquin County.

209.337.2716

NEW in 2013 will be the opening of the Prison Hospital, bringing with it 3000

BEA/ SCAP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Dylan Bacon 209.547.2770

NEW jobs. We will also see the moving forward of the NEW Marine Highway at

RECEPTIONIST/ CUSTOMER SERVICE Mai Vang 209.547.2770 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

the ever important Port of Stockton and the NEW I-5/99 connector bringing the potential for many NEW businesses and jobs.

We at the Chamber are very anxious to start working on all these NEW opportunities and challenges.

NEW and exciting changes are in store for our community and difficult decisions will need to be made in 2013, but all of us working together will bring NEW successes and a NEW and better Stockton.

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

www.stocktonchamber.org

jan2013

5

From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit

absolutely.” He also stated that “truth is the only merit that gives dignity and worth to history.”

My hope is that all remaining and newly elected officials at all levels of government understand this and that we are a democracy by choice/design and that all must understand and show respect at all levels of government.

John Buchan (1875-1940) said it so well in defining democracy and public life: “Democracy—the essential thing as distinguished from this or that democratic government— was primarily an attitude of mind, a spiritual testament, and not an economic structure or a political machine. The testament involved certain basic beliefs—that the personality was sacrosanct, which was the meaning of liberty, that policy should be settled by free discussion, that normally a minority should be ready to yield to a majority, which in turn should respect a minority’s sacred things. Public life is regarded as the crown of a career, and to young men (women) it is the worthiest ambition. Politics is still the greatest and the most All of us here at your Greater Stockton Chamber of

honorable adventure.”

Commerce hope you had a very Blessed and Merry Christmas

To those who sat on the Stockton City Council and tried

and Holiday Season. We also, as the Chamber President Gary

their very best, under very difficult circumstances, to do the

Long did in his column, want to wish you and yours a very

right thing for all, we at the Chamber thank you for your public

Happy New Year, and may 2013 begin to be a turnaround

service and we wish you well. Recently, we saw some good

not only in Stockton, San Joaquin County, and the state of

budgetary news in the Record and that did not just happen by

California, but also in the United States of America.

someone waving a magic wand. It took courage, clear thinking,

That turnaround must involve everyone working as

common sense, and a great deal of time and teamwork to get

one to put aside politics, personalities, personal agendas,

that far. Now it is up to the remaining members of the council

EGO and/or misused “power!” Or as Lord Acton [John Emerich Edward

and the new members alike to join hands to continue in a very positive way.

Dalberg-Acton (1834-1902)]

It is certainly understood that the city does not act alone and

properly stated, “Power tends

those in Sacramento and Washington have to understand, realize

to corrupt and absolute power corrupts

and admit that any adverse action or inaction on their part affects each and every one of us locally, so they must partner in the solutions and not by omission prolong the problem.

As President Long has stated in the last two or three of his articles, there are many positive economic

6

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Executive Director of the Child Abuse Prevention Council and made all present feel really in the spirit of Christmas. A big thank you to all the staff at Waste Management for a job well

Budding entrepreneurs and future business owners can prepare for the Challenge by attending workshops on preparing business plans and presentations to be offered in Stockton, Modesto and Merced.

done! Our nation, state, county and city are fortunate to embrace a free enterprise system for the good of all. A very important component to that free enterprise system is the entrepreneur that is truly in all of us if we just reach down far enough and let it out.

Here in our city and county, we are fortunate to have the San Joaquin Angels group working in partnership with several regional educational and economic development organizations to stimulate entrepreneurship and reward those who compete to hopefully make a dream come true.

Aspiring entrepreneurs for San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced,

For information, applications

Alpine, Calaveras, Amador, Mariposa and Tuolumne counties

and audience registration, go to

can compete for cash and services worth over $24,000 in the

www.sjchallenge.com.

fourth annual San Joaquin Entrepreneur Challenge (SJEC).

The SJEC is an “American Idol” style multi-round business

Remember, nothing ventured,

plan competition complete with expert and audience judging.

nothing gained!

On-line applications to the Challenge are due by February 3, 2013. Approximately twenty (20) applicants will be selected for a two-minute “elevator pitch” presentation to a public audience and a panel of judges on February 27th. Eight (8) selected semi-finalists will then make a five (5) minute business

indicators that are going to help make 2013 a great year.

plan presentation to the audience and judges on March 20th.

Couple that with our cover story, we thank Mike Ammann for

The final four (4) contestants will participate in a business

his help on this, and you will see the light at the end of the

simulation to select the two winning entrepreneurs who will

tunnel getting brighter.

receive the cash and services awards. The February 27th and March

I also what to congratulate the Chamber Green Team San Joaquin, led by Blain Bibb and Frank Ferral, for a wonderful

20th events will be held at the Stockton Golf and Country Club.

Budding entrepreneurs and future business owners

“Munchies at the MuRF” on Wednesday 12-12-12 at the

can prepare for the Challenge by attending workshops on

Waste Management Recycling Center on Turner Road in

preparing business plans and presentations to be offered in

Lodi. Those who attended enjoyed a very festive day and

Stockton, Modesto and Merced. For information, applications

informative luncheon provided by Outback Steakhouse.

and audience registration, go to www.sjchallenge.com.

The attendees are thanked for their generosity as each one of

Remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

them brought an unwrapped gift(s) of children’s toys, and the huge amount collected was presented to Lindy Hardin-Turner,

www.stocktonchamber.org

jan2013

7

Events

by: Heidi Altamirano 2013 Golf Tournament Reserve Monday, April 8th on your calendar and prepare yourself

2013 Golf Tournament Sponsors:

for a day of good times and good friends at The Reserve at Spanos

Fred Couples Sponsors:

Tee Sponsors:

Park. Now in its 32nd year, the Golf Tournament always fills up fast.

Moss Adams, LLP

Bank of Agriculture &

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

Oak Valley Community Bank

Commerce

space today!

University of the Pacific

Builders Exchange of Stockton

Ricky Barnes Sponsors:

Collins Electrical Company, Inc.

business sponsor. Business sponsorship includes signage on a tee or

Dorfman Pacific Co., Inc.

Lincoln Center

green and registration for a foursome of players. Single registration

Grupe Commercial Company

Neumiller & Beardslee

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

is also available.

Donating a prize to our post-tournament raffle is a great way to highlight your business. Many high profile business people participate in our tournament and donating a prize gets their attention!

For more information about the Chamber’s 32nd Annual Golf Tournament or to volunteer, call Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or email him at tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.

ATHENA Awards 2012 Photography by: Ulmer Photo

2012 Award Recipients (left to right): Joelle Gomes,

Past and Present ATHENA Award Recipients.

Organizational Award; Jennifer Torres Siders, Young Professional Leadership Award; and Phyllis Grupe, ATHENA Award

8

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764

Become a Certified Green Business!

Leadership Stockton Save money & gain customers by:

Reducing waste

by: Timm QuinnConserving water and energy

Protecting public health Using recycled-content in your products Leadership Stockton Economy Session

and explained how

Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union

businesses can save money and the

Stockton’swww.GreenTeamSanJoaquin.com economy is influenced by many factors. During the annual Economy Session, the class got a glimpse of a few of those SMALL BUSINESS

HAZARDOUS Wlays ASTE DISPOSAL * future. factors, and learned about what ahead for Stockton’s Affordable Hazardous Waste Management for Your Business The dayAbegan at the Metropolitan Airport and after a Program of Stockton San Joaquin County Public Works www.SJCrecycle.org

(209) 468-3066

welcome from Doug Wilhoit and a brief overview of the day it was i Low cost way to safely dispose of hazardous materials.

(Costs depend on yourday. waste types.) time to start the information filled i Documentation that you properly manage hazardous waste.

The first presenterthat of the thematerial day, Phil Brumley, LS Class of 1991, i Assurance will be disposed of properly. *Conditionally

Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG)

with the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation (SJFB), shared why agriculture is so important to our local economy. He addressed current issues and recent successes, and provided a glimpse of We also accept universal and electronic waste. what lies ahead. Phil also gave great insight into what challenges Green Your Bottom Line

Frank and his Green Team shared great info on the new and expanding green economy and explained how businesses can save money and the environment by going green.

environment by going green. Great info for all.

Next on the agenda was tourism in Stockton by none other than former Leadership Stockton Program Coordinator and LS Class of 2004

with Product Stewardship! local growers are facing.

We look forward to continuing and

Grad, Wes Rhea,

Economic benefits abound: reduced operating costs, energy with savings, expanding our relationship the Farm Bureau in the future. reduced disposal costs, the creation of green jobs.

Director of the Stockton Convention

Following agriculture www.CalPSC.org on the agenda was Frank Ferral and

Design it Green | Make it Clean | Conserve Resources | Reduce | Reuse | Eliminate Toxics | Take it Back! members of the Green Team San Joaquin. Frank and his Green

and Visitors Bureau. Wes spoke about all the new and exciting things

Team shared great info on the new and expanding green economy

Stockton is doing to attract tourists and more importantly, tourist dollars.

The class then had a fantastic lunch at Tommy Joyce’s Top Flight Café. The food and service were great!

After lunch, the class heard from Michael Duffy from Financial Center Credit Union, LS Class of ’1995, about the current recession, what led up to the recession, and its effects on the local economy. It was basically Economy 101 for the class.

Next, Mike Schreiber with the Stockton Metropolitan Airport joined the class to show the new expanded terminal. It was very

Your Local Insurance Super Hero Has Arrived!

impressive indeed!

After the tour, the class heard from Mike Ammann, President & CEO of the San Joaquin Partnership. Mike shared his passion for our area and his strategies for selling this area to perspective businesses.

Auto & Home • Business Insurance • Health Insurance

Call and Save Today!

(209) 451-9010

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The class finished the day with a presentation from Nate McBride, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Nate shared how small business makes up a big part of the economy and detailed all of the great services the SBDC offers to the small business person to help them succeed.

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

jan2013

9

Convention & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea

Baseball event (2012), the annual Run Against Hunger event on

SCVB Welcomes New Team Member Tim Pasisz has joined the team at the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau as the Sports Development Director as of December 3rd. He will be responsible for marketing and promoting Stockton as a sporting event destination focusing on youth and amateur sports.

Pasisz joins the CVB staff after six seasons with the Stockton Ports

Thanksgiving morning, as well as numerous baseball related tournaments and functions.

Pasisz grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended school at Foothill Community College, and more recently, the University of California at Davis. In his off time, Tim enjoys traveling and following

baseball team. While at the Ports, he managed their Special Events

his favorite sports teams, the San Francisco Giants and the Cal Bears.

Department, Merchandise Department and worked within their Ticket

He can be reached at 209.938.1556 or tim@visitstockton.org

Sales Department. Pasisz was the point person in the negotiation and

Looking for a Speaker?

contracting of the West Coast Conference’s Baseball Championship

The Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau is available to speak

event, as well as the California Collegiate Athletics Association Baseball

at your civic club or organization’s meeting. We love to talk about

Championship event, both of which will be coming to the Stockton

the Stockton travel industry and how the public can get engaged in

Ballpark for the first time in 2013.

helping to promote our fine city.

Some other key events that Pasisz worked on while at the ballpark include the Stockton Family 4th Fireworks Display/Legends of

News Briefs

To request a speaker call Wes at 209.938.1551 or e-mail wes@visitstockton.org.

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.

Katherine B. Young, a Signature Member of the American Society of

Operations Assistant, on celebrating her one year anniversary with

Marine Artists, will give a presentation at The Haggin Museum on

the organization. For information about Premier Staffing, please

Thursday, January 3, 7 p.m., in conjunction with the Marine Art

contact Jennifer Wallace, President, at 209.478.8500 or visit their

exhibition on display. Complimentary wine and snacks will be

website: www.premierstaffingstockton.com.

available beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 209.940.6315 or e-mail info@hagginmuseum.org.

Stockton Symphony will present Classics III: Destiny on Thursday,

Patty Gomez

Premier Staffing, Stockton’s largest

January 24, at 8:00 p.m. and again at

female-owned business, is pleased to

6:00 p.m. on January 26, at Atherton

announce a recent addition to their

Auditorium on the S.J. Delta College

team. Patricia “Patty” Gomez joined

campus in Stockton. Destiny features

the staffing agency in September as

Joshua Roman, a young cellist who

the Accounting Manager, with over

has been described by many as a

16 years of combined experience in accounting and auditing.

Congratulations are also in order for Laurie VanDyk,

Cellist, Joshua Roman

“classical rock star.” Tickets begin at $22 and can be purchased online at

www.stocktonsymphony.org or through the Symphony office at 209.951.0196.

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Wes Rhea: wes@visitstockton.org 209.938.1555 www.visitstockton.org

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

jan2013 11

New Members

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

Recycling, Scrap Metals Modesto Junk Co, Inc.

Human Resources Consultant Saint Clair HR Consulting 902 W. Elm Street, Stockton www.stclairhr.com

1425 9th Street, Modesto www.ModestoJunk.com

Health Clubs

Associations

Pure Form PFT

Stockton Women’s Network

4533 Quail Lakes Drive, Stockton www.pureformpft.com

P.O. Box 690202, Stockton www.stocktonwomensnetwork.org

Beauty Salons, Spa/Salon, Day Spas Southern Exposure 2323 Pacific Avenue, Stockton www.thespase.com

12 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Programs and Public Policy Department by: Frank Ferral

waste divisions, economic development professionals, and the

New Year, Continued Motivation

communities of San Joaquin County. Our purpose is to promote

The Green Team San Joaquin program is preparing for another banner year! The Green Team is actively involved with

environmental stewardship solutions, to address environmental

business leaders, community leaders and others to increase

and economic development issues, and to create a nexus to

the awareness of available resources, programs and incentives

enhance the delivery of Chamber services in Stockton and all of

to assist them in reducing the cost of doing business. Monthly

San Joaquin County. To schedule a REACON visit, please email

meetings also serve as an opportunity to share new innovative

Frank Ferral at fferral@stocktonchamber.org. For more information

ideas, showcase green products and services, as well as promote

on the REACON program, go to greenteamsanjoaquin.com.

environmental stewardship.

Here are some of the events and activities that are planned:

Thank you to our generous Green Team San Joaquin Sponsors:

Our annual REXPO will be on Wednesday, March 13 at the Hilton Stockton. This year’s event will showcase over 60 recycling content manufacturers, alternative energy, green services and environmental programs from throughout the region. Also new this year will be the International Green Industry Hall of Fame (IGIHOF) joining the event. The cost to exhibit is $300.00 and to attend is $30.00. For more information, please email Frank Ferral at fferral@stocktonchamber.org. Conference Agenda will be available at greenteamsanjoaquin.com in mid-January, as well as event information.

The REACON Team is the outreach arm of the Green Team San Joaquin. REACON is a collaboration between the Greater

American Recycling Carpenters Local Union 152 CBC Steel Buildings City of Stockton Dorfman Pacific Durst Contract Interiors Granite Construction Co. Healthy Air Living Modern Energy Concepts The Newark Group Onsite Electronics Recycling Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Queirolo’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. San Joaquin Council of Governments San Joaquin County Public Works SAWS ServiceMaster Clean Sims Metal Management Surtec Valley CAN Universal Service Recycling

Stockton Chamber, private businesses, municipal and county solid

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

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

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

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

Never Boring•neverboring.com

CLU

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

Connect with the San Joaquin Partnership.

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

www.stocktonchamber.org

jan2013 13

COVER STORY

Grow It, Make It, Ship It: The True Story of Stockton’s Success by: Justin Souza Photo by: Fritz Chin Photography, Inc.

I

f you only listen to the stories about

2008, Stockton has seen the effects of most

which have surpassed imports since 2011,

Stockton that make headlines in the

of its cuts already and has begun to reach

have continued to chip away at the United

national media, you probably be-

consensus with many creditors.

States’ trade deficit and to present a gateway

lieve that the 13th largest city in California

“The difference between [Stockton] and

for Central Valley agricultural products to

is down for the count. But while bankruptcy,

anybody else who has been in bankruptcy

foreclosures and unemployment sell na-

is that we have a plan,” said Ammann.

tional newspapers and magazines, the true

“We’re still paying bills, our enterprise

Highway, which connects the Port of

story of the Stockton community is much

funds are still generating revenues on a

Stockton to Oakland, has made Stockton

brighter and much more hopeful than you

monthly basis and the city systems are

an attractive landing point for a number

might know.

still being handled just like any other

of large companies including ACX Pacific

business. We’re so much better prepared

Northwest, an Ag materials processor

Port to good planning at the city and

than any other city who has either been in

and shipper that has established a 90,000

county level to new positive leaders across

bankruptcy or is anticipating going into it.”

square foot facility and created 50 new jobs

the business community and public sector,

The changes, agreements and plans that

in Stockton this year. All together, the Port

From years of consistent gains at the

reach customers all over the world.

The introduction of the new Marine

the greater Stockton area is starting 2013

city leaders have made during the mediation

of Stockton has attracted more than $1.6

as a stronger community than ever before.

period mean that by the time the judge

billion in private sector investments in the

declares Stockton officially bankrupt in

past years and has spurred the creation of

2013, Stockton will already be on the road to

more than 2,100 family-wage jobs for the

becoming a thriving city again.

Stockton community, according to records

The Upside of Bankruptcy While Stockton’s bankruptcy has been making headlines for months, a few factors are often overlooked, said Mike Ammann, President and CEO of the San Joaquin Partnership.

First of all, Stockton isn’t officially

released by the San Joaquin Partnership.

Port Positives The Port of Stockton continues to be one of the vital foundations upon which

Agriculture Means Business In addition to driving Port exports,

the city—and San Joaquin County—is

the Central Valley’s strong agricultural

bankrupt yet. Under the aegis of AB 506,

built. In recent years, the Port has

economy is one of the keys to a bright

a state law that went into effect at the start

transformed from a stable fixture of the

global future for the area. Between food,

of 2012, Stockton will not be officially

area into a driving force of San Joaquin

beverages and commodities, the eight-

declared bankrupt until mediation is

County’s economy.

county Central Valley area produces in the

complete. This means that unlike with

The Port of Stockton has seen a large

neighborhood of $25 billion in agricultural

Vallejo, which faced a slue of lawsuits,

number of changes in recent years that

production each year, said Ammann. San

drastic cuts to city services and austerity

have made a dramatic difference for the

Joaquin County alone manages around

planning after being declared bankrupt in

County. The Port’s booming export levels,

$2.2 billion of this incredible total.

We have the kind of economy that economic developers want to work in. We’re an international crossroads of commerce for the mega-region of Northern California.

Through the Port of Stockton, these

rail, road and waterway transport. Even

as a whole has dedicated tremendous

commodities reach markets all over the

California’s reputation for regulation can’t

resources to prepare the community for

world. “I’ve changed our slogan to ‘grow

hold Stockton down. “You hear all kinds

future success. From working to drastically

it, make it, ship it’ because that’s what

of horror stories about California and

augment the county’s railroad access, to

we do. We’re a working community, we

regulation,” said Ammann. “And yes, we

overhauling the Port to encouraging new

actually make things and that’s the kind of

have a lot of regulation, but our cities and

development, the county has made major

economy that economic developers want

our people know how to deal with that.

inroads to a brighter future for our area.

to work in. We create jobs that actually do

We get the job done and we make sure that

things,” said Ammann. “We’re really an

you can get into business.”

international crossroads of commerce for the mega-region of Northern California.”

All over the area, everyone from elected officials to the business community to just plain residents are focusing on the

Change in Outlook Years of bad news seem to have

positives, making changes and working hard to give Stockton a boost. Even

galvanized the greater Stockton

the bankruptcy, which has dominated

community to build a better future. A

headlines for months, is viewed differently

new generation of leadership has arisen

among many in Stockton’s business

with individuals eager to jump in and

community. “The business community is

work with existing leaders to make a

worried like everyone else about the things

difference for their community. “We’re

that come out in the national media, but

starting to see a generational change in

mostly everyone is feeling a lot better,”

the folks who are coming up through

added Ammann. “We’re coming out of this

the ranks, whether it’s in the business

recessionary period and it’s been tough

community, the public sector or among

on our businesses, but they’re lean and

elected officials,” said Ammann. “These

mean and ready to grow. People are excited

younger, enthusiastic folks are coming

about what’s going on, they’re optimistic

on and they see the bankruptcy as a

about 2013.”

transformation for Stockton.”

One facet of this transformation

“It all goes back to communities who have worked together with the private

means highlighting Stockton’s upsides,

sector, with developers and with the real

which include its favorable location, low

estate industry,” added Ammann. Over

property costs and unparalleled access to

the last several years, San Joaquin County

“All of those things have really made this a renaissance of infrastructure and preparation for us to grow. And there are a lot of other areas in California—and around the US—that don’t have that potential.

Ribbon Cuttings

For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org

Valley First Credit Union

Stockton Ports 404 West Fremont Street

Stockton

1611 W. March Lane

Dr. James L. Rore, D.D.S. Stockton

4255 Pacific Avenue #12

Stockton

Attending Ambassadors Sylvester Aguilar, Bank of the West Tim Aguirre, Impact Promotions Tim Aragon, Quick Connect

Stockton Hilton Chester Lum, ABC Wallace Funeral Services Brian Meadows, Stockton Ports Ross

Wireless Yolanda Benavides, H.O.P.E. Gloria Blaine, Basket Caravan & Gourmet Gifts Tracee

Moerman, Doctor Data John Paval, Kansas City Life Henry Peralta, Stockton Auto Glass Ellen

Bucio, Hands on Healing Becky Deal, Bank of Stockton Shannon Ding, Assemblymember Bill

Powell, Assemblymember Cardoza’s Representative Annie Randazzo, Allied Waste Diane Reyes,

Berryhill’s Representative Sally Fandrich, Allied Waste Joe Furtado, Omega Pacific Insurance Gary

St. Joseph’s Medical Center Maria Rosado, California Human Development Dora Ruiz, EZ Network

Ghan, Brookfalls Premium Bottled Water Steve Glovsky, Kamps Propane Patti Gulick, New Image

Systems Michelle Sherlock, Optimal Hospice Care Monica Slingerman, Stockton CVB Melanie

Signs Blair Hake, Ameriprise Financial Services Darlene Hensen, Heald College Ella Holman,

Speer, Costco Mark Tenenbaum, Premier Chiropractic Max Vargas, Assemblymember Galgiani’s

Collins Realty Glenn Jose, H.O.P.E. Loretta Lee, CA DEPT of Rehabilitation Jennifer Lewis,

Representative Sam Ward, Our Million Dollar Business Bailey West, Stockton Ports

PETS ARE FAMILY Please join us for our 2nd annual “Pets Are Family” photography sessions running January 14-18!

We will be photographing pets of all shapes and sizes.

d

Take professional photos of your pets solo or have

children and adults join in on the session.

Packages start at only $25.00. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to an Animal Rescue Shelter of your choice, including the Delta Humane Society, Pets and Pals, Valley SPCA, and others.

Please call for appointments today - space is limited!

2014 pacific avenue stockton, ca 95204 (209) 943-2446

16 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

|

www.fritzchin.com

Business Diversity Mixer December 6, Haggin Museum

Familiar Faces and a lending hand We welcome Mike Petrucelli to the commercial lending team at Oak Valley!

With over 25 years of banking experience, Mr. Petrucelli is no stranger to San Joaquin County and the local business community. He is a true reflection of our commitment to hiring experienced professionals with deep roots in the communities we serve.

Come home to Oak Valley and come home to familiar faces and a lending hand.

Mike Petrucelli Commercial Loans 209.249.7370

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

1.866.844.7500 • www.ovcb.com

Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock • Patterson • Ripon • Escalon • Stockton • Manteca www.stocktonchamber.org

jan2013 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

Long Term Care heaLTh Care CosTs

Estate Planning: Are your legal affairs in order?

Calendar January 2013

9

Green Team San Joaquin – 9:00 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

Industrial Distribution Roundtable – 7:30 a.m.

10 Manufacturers

@ TBA

10

Member Meeting – 10:30 a.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

10

University of the Pacific, Come for the Mixer,

Stay for the Basketball Game.

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

@ University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos Center.

Mixer will be held on the South Concourse inside the

Spanos Center. Free tickets will be given out at check in to that

evening’s game against the UC Santa Barbara GauchoS

14

Liaison Committee – 12 p.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

18

Leadership Stockton Law Enforcement Session– 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

@ San Joaquin County Sheriff ’s Office

22

Effective Strategies Group – 8:00 a.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

23

Executive Committee Meeting – 7:00 a.m.

@ Stockton Golf & Country Club

23

Seth Shapiro, Attorney - Herum/Crabtree

Business Education Alliance – 3:30 p.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

Series No. 2

Government Relations Council – 7:30 a.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

Advanced Social Security Strategies

Chamber Board Meeting – 4:00 p.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Gail Buckner, CFP - Franklin Templeton

25 31

Series No. 3

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013

Highlights

End of Life Issues & Care Giving

1/10 - University of the Pacific, Come for the Mixer Stay for the Basketball Game. Mixer - 5:00-9:00 p.m.

University of the Pacific, Come for the Mixer Stay for the Basketball Game.

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

Series No. 4

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013

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

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

also don’t miss...

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

Yasoo Yani @ Elkhorn Golf Club 1050 Elkhorn Drive

Mixer will be held on the South Concourse inside the Spanos Center. Free tickets to that evening’s game against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos will be given out at check in.

Nationwide Insurance/Karen Jimison, Genworth

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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ASPARAG US FESTIV AL Stockto n Asp b e s t

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April 26

Spirit: The American d an l al tb o Pro Fo ed Forces the U.S. Arm The NFL and mber 22, 2013 May 25–Septe

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