Port O Call - May 2011

PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Vol. 57 No. 1

www.stocktonchamber.org

MAY2011

May is Water Awareness Month Travel:

The Ultimate Economic Stimulus

Making Lemons into Lemonade: PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA

Mayor Ann Johnston turns burdens into benefits and prepares Stockton to succeed

Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography

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PortOCall_8.75x11.25.indd 1

2/11/10 12:43:57 PM

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PORT CALL

15

Making Lemons into Lemonade

CONTENTS Events

4

President’s Column

5

CEO Column

6

Leadership Stockton

7

Programs and Public Policy Department

10

Visitors Bureau

12

New Members

13

Ribbon Cuttings

14

Cover Story

15

News Briefs

19

Calendar

21

May is Water Awareness Month

12

Travel: The Ultimate Economic Stimulus

Don’t Miss!

Networking Mixer Chitivas Salsa and Sports Bar Thursday, May 5, 5-7 p.m.

Waterfront Warehouse, 445 W. Weber Street Suite #122

10

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

June 23, we’ll gather at Brookside Country Club to thank Rick

Business Awards Luncheon 2011 Begin the month of June on a high note by joining us at a

Goucher with CB Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate for his

luncheon celebration honoring our Business Award recipients. On

outstanding performance as a 2-term Chamber President from

June 2, at 11:45 a.m., at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd,

2009-2011, and to welcome Debbie Armstrong with Old Republic

we’ll be honoring local business leaders who have been recognized

Title Company as our 2011-2012 President. The evening will

as Business Person of the Year - Tim Aragon with Quik Connect

include an installation ceremony and the presentation of awards.

Sprint Outlet, Business Manager of the Year - Danny Morris with

No-host cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:45

Robby’s Bicycles, Small Business Person of the Year - Shawn Crary

p.m. Reservations are required and space is limited. Dinner is $65

with Big Monkey Group, Business Employee of the Year - Arezou

per person. Sponsorships are still available.

Soleimani with Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar and the P3 Stewardship Award winner, Policies Practices Purchasing - Pediatric Association of Stockton. These exceptional honorees will be recognized for their achievements and contributions to our community. We will also be honoring our yearly Volunteer Hall of Fame award winners and 25, 50 and 75 year Chamber members.

Luncheon tickets are $30 per person by May 25, and $35 each thereafter. For more information, call 209.547.2770.

Sponsors Platinum Sponsors St. Joseph’s Medical Center United Way of San Joaquin County Waste Management

Gold Sponsors Bank of Agriculture & Commerce J.R. Simplot Company Neumiller & Beardslee Oak Valley Community Bank Stockton East Water District University of the Pacific

Silver Sponsors Builders Exchange of Stockton National University R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc. The Record/San Joaquin Media Group

Sponsors Silver Sponsors Financial Center Credit Union J.R. Simplot Company

National University United Way of San Joaquin County

Bronze Sponsor: The Record/San Joaquin Media Group

June Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer Sign up now for the June 2 Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. Expose your products and services to over 300 business attendees, meet some new people and grow your business. Tables are just $250 for Chamber Members. Table space is going fast, so sign up now!

To sign up or receive more information please call Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or email him at tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.

Annual Installation Dinner 2011 One of the highlights of our year is the Chamber’s Annual Installation Dinner. It’s the perfect opportunity to thank our hard working and dedicated board members and committee chairs for their exceptional contribution to our organization. On Thursday,

@

Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

MAY2011

4

From Your President... by: Rick Goucher

With all the good things happening

My team, which was made up of Chamber Board

this time of year I am not sure where to

Members, finished second in a hard-fought battle

start. I would be remiss if I didn’t start by

on a very fun day.

congratulating the Stockton Thunder on another

As my second term winds down, I am looking

excellent season. I am proud to be a fan of the

forward to the State of the City which will be held

Thunder as the team has put a first class product

at the Port of Stockton on May 19th. I hope all

on the ice every year since the beginning. With

will attend to support both the Chamber and the

that said, it is time for Chamber members to get

City. It may be my last official Chamber event as

out and support another Chamber Member, the

President before I pass the gavel to my good friend

Stockton Ports.

Debbie Armstrong. So until next month, one “Event a Week” is all I ask.

I hope everyone enjoyed the 26th annual Asparagus Festival and had plenty of the Asparagus Pasta cooked by yours truly the “King of the Wok.” A good time was had by all at the Chamber Golf Tournament played at Brookside Country Club on “Chamber of Commerce Day.”

Oak Valley COmmunity Bank

We Mean Business

Experience business banking the way it should be – the perfect blend of old-fashioned personal service and modern technology to meet your every need.

Let us make your business, our business.

Van Van Groningen Groningen && Sons, Sons, Inc. Inc. with with Kristine Kristine Griesheimer, Griesheimer, Ripon Ripon Branch Branch Manager, Manager, 209.758.8034 209.758.8034

5

“We get great results from Oak Valley Community Bank.

They make managing our finances easy and keep our deposits working for us.”

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

– Van Groningen & Sons, Inc., Ripon

1.866.844.7500 • www.ovcb.com

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit

Legendary Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne once said: “An automobile goes nowhere efficiently unless it has a quick, hot spark to ignite things, to set the cogs of the machine in motion. So I try to make every player on my team feel he’s [or she’s] the spark keeping our machine in motion. On him [or her] depends our successes.”

Over my 43 years in both public and private service, I have seen that this is so true and I’m proud of all the folks of the “teams” I have been so fortunate to be associated with, whether on the Stockton Police Department, County Board of Supervisors, Youthful Offender Parole Board or the historic Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce! I have seen team play at its best and in a few cases have seen self service at its worst. I am thankful that the former has been the experience I have had in the vast majority of my professional life.

During the month of April, Easter month and the start of Spring, I have personally witnessed many teams working together for the good of all! I will attempt to mention just a few.

The citizens of this community who have stood up to Forbes

First: I have to pay compliments to all involved in the selection process of the General Contractor for Design Build

have been many and they are to be thanked. The Record, for

Package #1 of the New Prison Hospital! All three finalists were

starting the weekly—every Monday—story of the GOOD things

truly professional and presented a hard choice to be made by

in Stockton and the surrounding areas. The players, sponsors,

the selection committee for they were all able to do the job

volunteers, Brookside CC and our staff for a very successful

well. The CDCR staff and all involved in selecting the team of

annual golf tournament. The Miracle Mile Merchants and staff

Hensel Phelps/Granite for this phase of the construction worked

for the “Stockton is Magnificent” effort on April 23 that rocked

tirelessly to get it right! As a non-voting member of the selection

Stockton and sent a message to Forbes. The Thunder who gave us

committee, I watched a process that was handled in a professional,

a great season and will go all the way next year. The Ports for the

honest and painstaking manner to make sure this important

beginning of another great season of family and community fun.

community project gets off on the right foot.

The many groups that put forward such great entertainment in so

The demolition part of the effort was a low bid contract and

many forms. I know there are so many more but space does not

is underway to make room for package #1; in May, the Design

allow me the liberty to mention and thank them all, you know

Build Package #2 contractor, of which there are three strong and

who you are and thanks go out to you but I know most of you do

professional finalists, will be selected in the same fine manner.

it because you love this community and we are richer for

Package #3 is on the streets for RFQ and that will be decided later

your efforts.

in the summer. I witnessed many people coming together as one

Two examples I do need to take some time on are the Prison Hospital process and the 26th Annual Asparagus Festival.

and the beneficiary will be the people of Stockton and San Joaquin County. continued on page 20

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

MAY2011

6

Leadership Stockton by: Timm Quinn

Leadership Stockton: Education Session

Janine Cuaresma from SJCOE’s one. Schools who discussed the

Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union

purpose and goals of the one. Schools program and the impact

Special Thanks To: San Joaquin County Office of Education

this program has on the lives of students. She brought along

Education plays a vital role in the future economic

three students who shared their successes in the program and

prosperity of San Joaquin County, so a hands-on look at

their future goals. The class then heard from a panel of experts

education was the perfect way to begin the day.

from the SJCOE who presented an overview of the programs and services they offer. The panel shared information on the

The day began with the class divided among 11 schools throughout Stockton. They spent the morning shadowing the

Venture Charter Schools, Special Education, Migrant Education,

principal, learning about their particular schools and their

and Career and Technical Education. The day ended with a

successes and challenges.

lesson on everything you wanted to know about school finance in 30 minutes.

At lunch time, the Leadership Stockton class gathered at

Thank you to Mick Founts for coordinating and facilitating

the San Joaquin County Office of Education for the remainder of the day. A working lunch covered some of the questions and

the afternoon portion of the session, to each of the schools

revelations the class had based on their school site visits. After

for graciously opening up their campuses for our Leadership

lunch Mick Founts, County Superintendent of Schools, San

Stockton visitors and to all of our speakers and panelists for the

Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), began with an

day. See us here next month as we recap the Health Care session.

overview of the SJCOE and their mission and was followed by

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A Unique Community Banking Experience

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claudia.cozad@bankbac.com 209-473-6857

eddie.lira@bankbac.com 209-444-3356 Member FDIC

7

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

@

Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

MAY2011

8

Become a Certified Green Business!

Save money & gain customers by:

Reducing waste Conserving water and energy Protecting public health Using recycled-content in your products

www.GreenTeamSanJoaquin.com SMALL BUSINESS HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL*

Affordable Hazardous Waste Management for Your Business A Program of San Joaquin County Public Works www.SJCrecycle.org

(209) 468-3066

i Low cost way to safely dispose of hazardous materials.

(Costs depend on your waste types.)

i Documentation that you properly manage hazardous waste. i Assurance that the material will be disposed of properly. *Conditionally

Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG)

We also accept universal and electronic waste.

Green Your Bottom Line with Product Stewardship!

Economic benefits abound: reduced operating costs, energy savings, reduced disposal costs, the creation of green jobs.

www.CalPSC.org

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

9

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Programs and Public Policy Department by: Frank Ferral

Simple changes can result in big savings. Here are a few

Outback Scholarship Luncheon on May 11.

May 11 is the Outback Scholarship lunch at the Outback

water-saving tips for indoor and outdoor water use: • Reset sprinkler timer to water:

Steakhouse. The $15 lunch’s proceeds are matched by the United Way of San Joaquin County and go directly to scholarships for

Before 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Seniors attending local accredited colleges and universities.

Only three times a week • Take your car to a commercial car wash where water is

For more information and registration forms, please go to ww.bea2003.com.

recycled • Fix broken sprinklers and water leaks • Install drought tolerant plants and shrubs; use mulch to

Government Relations Council The Government Relations Council (GRC) is committed to

keep soil cool and reduce water evaporation

the long-term economic success of our local business community.

• Dry sweep hard surfaces instead of hosing

The GRC works to improve the effectiveness of legislation and

• Install high-efficiency toilets and high-efficiency washing

regulations which affect our business environment every day. The

machines

GRC reviews the actions of our elected officials and advocates for

• Turn off water when brushing your teeth or shaving

public policies that improve the economic outlook for members

• Avoid using the toilet as a trash can

of the Chamber. At GRC meetings, guest speakers with business

• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes

and political expertise address the concerns of GRC members and

• Take shorter showers

bring essential facts and insights about issues facing the entire Chamber membership.

Businesses should schedule a REACON Assessment for

March and April Past Guest Speakers

Water Conservation ideas and incentives. Please go to www.

March 11, 2011: Assembly member Bill Berryhill

greenteamsanjoaquin.com and click the REACON icon for

March 25, 2011: San Joaquin County Office of Education

more information.

Superintendent Mick Founts April 8, 2011: City of Stockton Deputy City Manager

For water saving tips and to learn how you can enter to win a free car wash (restrictions apply), visit www.stocktonareawater.com

Mike Locke

About SAWS and Water Awareness Month May is Water Awareness Month Stockton Area Water Suppliers (SAWS) is

The Stockton Area Water Suppliers (SAWS) is a collaboration of water agencies that provide water to the greater Stockton area.

launching “May is Water Awareness Month” by

SAWS works to ensure safe, reliable water supplies are available

asking Stockton residents, “Water U Doing …

and encourages water conservation efforts throughout Stockton.

to Save Water? ” The four water suppliers

Water Awareness Month is an annual campaign that is

– the City of Stockton Municipal Utilities

part of a statewide effort with the California Water Awareness

Department, California Water Service

Campaign. Water providers throughout the state conduct regional

Company, San Joaquin County and Stockton

outreach to raise awareness about the importance of water and

East Water District – are encouraging efficient water

using it efficiently.

use to protect Stockton’s water supplies’ now and for the future.

@

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

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

MAY2011 10

HEALTH PLAN OF SAN JOAQUIN MEANS...

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

Plan availability varies by county.

I

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

N

Conference & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea

Travel: The Ultimate Economic Stimulus Much of the talk

does a terrific job of showcasing Stockton as a destination. It is critical that we do everything possible to find the necessary

nationally, as well as locally,

financial resources to get our message out to potential visitors.

has been centered on how to

Spread the Word. Stockton is a great place. Take pride

get our economy moving again.

in your hometown. Tell your friends and family to come to

Policy proposals and local

Stockton for a visit!

budgets are being measured by whether they will create jobs and stimulate spending.

While a contentious debate about the right policy rages

National Travel and Tourism Week is celebrated nationwide May 7 - May 15, 2011. During National Travel and Tourism Week remember that Tourism=Economic

in Washington, D.C., how about an answer that is much less

Development. Tourism is vital to every community no matter

controversial, easier to implement, and, best of all, could yield

what size or where they are located. Support tourism and

better results right here in Stockton?

watch our economy grow.

We’re talking about investing in our local travel economy.

For more information on local tourism, contact Wes at the

Many people don’t realize it, but travel and tourism is one of

Stockton Conference & Visitors Bureau at 209.337.2721 or visit

our most important economic drivers. Nationally, travel is

www.VisitStockton.org.

responsible for $759 billion in direct spending, 7.4 million direct jobs, $188 billion in payroll and $118 billion in tax revenue. There are few industries that can compete with this kind of output.

The story is similar locally. In San Joaquin County in 2008 (the most recent numbers available), travel is responsible for 6,190 jobs, $646,100,000 in direct spending, and $9.5 million in tax receipts. In 2009, visitors plunked down $29 million in Stockton filling over 461,000 hotel rooms. Simply put, when people travel, the economy grows, jobs are created and the tax coffers are filled. So how can we invest in this precious resource and leverage it to bring our economy back?

Here are a couple ideas we can use:

We Buy Gold & Old Jewelry Bring in broken, damaged, unused or unwanted jewelry and get top dollar!

- Local business for over 25 years - We buy gold year round - No waiting to get paid by mail

GOLD IS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH! – NEARLY $1,400 AN OUNCE

WE PAY CASH!

Don’t risk being paid by out of town checks that might bounce

Promote meetings and events. We need to do what we can to support the meetings industry, and encourage more businesses and associations to bring their meetings here.

Have you considered bringing your association, group or organization’s meeting to Stockton?

Gary J. Long

Market to out-of-town visitors. The old saying goes: it takes money to make money. The conference and visitors bureau

J E W E L E R S

your jeweler for life’s celebrations

m

320 lincoln center, stockton 477-6881 gjlongjewelers.com

@

Wes Rhea: wes@stocktonchamber.org 209.337.2721

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

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

MAY2011 12

New Members Advertising & Marketing

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.

Environmental Conservation & Ecological Products

Port City Marketing Solutions

PrideGreen

6507 Pacific Avenue P.O. Box #298 Stockton

Photographers – Portrait Nanapoo’s Photo Lounge 3436 W. Hammer Lane Stockton

10940 Trinity Parkway Suite C299 Stockton

www.www.nanapoosphotolounge.com www.portcitymarketing.com

wwwpridegreen.com

Air Conditioning & Heating – Sales & Service

Food Distributors

Queirolo’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. 310 Norwich Drive Stockton

Pre-Peeled Products

Restaurants Country Boys Drive In 2648 E. Fremont Street Stockton

1585 S. Union Street Stockton

www.countryboysdrivein.net www.queirolos.com

Food Mart

Cement Producer/Supplier CalPortland Company

713 N. El Dorado Street Stockton

230 Port Road #3 Stockton

Clergy4Hire.com

www.pekingstockton.com

Solar Products – Dealer & Services

www.calportland.com

Clergy Services

Insurance – Agents & Brokers

Davis Energy Group

www.Spectrum-Solar.com

Telecommunications

www.clergy4hire.com

Energy Efficiency

Legal Services Law Offices of Douglass Srulowitz 1746 Grand Canal Boulevard, Suite 11 Stockton

123 C Street Davis

www.callegalhelp.com www.davisenergy.com

Entertainment SMG 248 N. Fremont Street Stockton www.stocktonarena.com

April 7 Mixer @ Bob Hope Theatre

13 PORT CALL

Spectrum Homes Solar 1449 W. Swain Road Stockton

Marlene Good Insurance 1150 W. Robinhood Drive Stockton

P.O. Box 32071 Stockton

Peking Restaurant 7555 Pacific Avenue #115 Stockton

ABC Food Mart

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

All Communications Team P.O. Box 690 Copperopolis

wwwallcomteam.acnrep.com

Ribbon Cuttings

For additional member info, go to www.stocktonchamber.org

Institute of Technology

Bank of the West

1777 East Hammer Lane Stockton

1340 N. El Dorado Street Stockton

North American Title

Congressman Cardoza 401 N. San Joaquin Street Stockton

3520 Brookside Road, Suite 151 Stockton

Attending Ambassadors Monica Ahumada Bank of the West Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan Carol Clemons Angel’s Caring Hands Rebecca Deal Rabobank Shannon Ding Assemblymember Bill Berryhill’s Office Blair Hake American Financial Services Inc. Loretta Lee California State Department of Rehabilitation Jennifer Lewis Hilton Stockton Colleen Moreno Boboli International Sonya Morgan External Resources

Amit Pal Senator Wolk’s Office Dick McClure Wood Working Institute John Paval Kansas City Life Annie Randazzo Allied Waste Justin Redman Central Valley Community Bank Linda Stockton Entravision Radio Tim Stovall Storkwik Self Storage Cindy Ward Xango Sam Ward Xango Bruce Wert Focus Capital Group

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

MAY2011 14

COVER STORY

Making Lemons into Lemonade: Mayor Ann Johnston turns burdens into benefits and prepares Stockton to succeed

By Justin Souza

Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail. This adage is weighing heavily on the mind of Stockton Mayor Ann Johnston

tremendous progress on these goals in the last year.

Johnston said that some of her proudest accomplishments

this week as she prepares her speech for Stockton’s 2011 State of

in office have been the balanced budgets she and the city council

the City on May 19. Looking ahead to the challenges of the next

produced in 2009 and 2010. The city faces a deficit again this

year, Johnston is putting a new spin on the old phrase. In 2011,

year but at press time Johnston said she was hopeful about her

she is focused on laying the groundwork for Stockton’s bounce

chances of balancing the 2011 budget within the next

back and has committed this year to prepare the city to succeed.

few weeks.

There’s no denying that 2010 was a difficult year for

“We have to figure out providing services with reduced

Stockton. On top of high foreclosure rates, deep funding cuts

revenues and evaluating how we capitalize on positives,” said

that reduced city services, and a legal battle over a proposed

Johnston. “Our success relies on making partnerships with local

prison medical facility, Stockton was tagged by Forbes as the #1

organizations to stretch our tax dollars and provide improved

city on the magazine’s “most miserable cities” list. But despite

services for our community whether it’s school districts, city or

the past year’s bumper crop of

the county. My vision is to leverage all

sour news, Johnston argues

our resources to build something good

that Stockton’s future will be sweeter.

Mayor Johnston’s annual State of the City speech will strike a hopeful tone as she urges the city to “make lemons into

My vision is to leverage all our resources to build something good that benefits all of us

lemonade.” According to Johnston, with

that benefits all of us.”

Some of Johnston’s successes this year have been due to her alliances with community resources.

Through partnerships with local school districts, the

some persistence and optimism, Stockton can position the city

Mayor has managed to reduce drop out rates and increase the

to come out of the recession stronger and more capable

literacy rate in the city. By getting the community involved

than ever.

in strengthening neighborhood watch programs and crime prevention strategies, Johnston hopes to reduce crime and

Making Progress In last year’s State of the City speech, Mayor Johnston

make Stockton’s streets safer this year despite a cut to Stockton’s police staffing. With good resource management and great

laid out a number of optimistic goals including balancing the

relationships with community partners, she is very optimistic

city’s budget, reducing Stockton’s drop-out rates and increasing

about Stockton’s chances of making further strides toward these

literacy in the city, some of the sticking points in Forbes’

goals in the future.

notorious list. According to the Mayor, the city has made

15 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

“A government needs to be run just like a business,”

d

Johnston said. “When times are lean, you have to figure out how

community’s financial future. The new project broke ground in

to survive. And often that means learning to do the job better

November and has prompted interest from local contractors.

with fewer resources. If we’re creative and stick to it, we’ll come

Mayor Johnston said she hopes construction will begin this

out in a good position to take advantage of the economy as it turns around.”

Turning Burdens into Opportunities Johnston is quick to point out how the city is moving to

year and is very optimistic about the facility’s effect on the city.

A Year of the A List The ingenuity and

turn past problems into successes. The reduction in land and

optimism displayed by the

building prices in and around the city, for example, have made

Stockton community this

Stockton more attractive to businesses looking for a great

year echoes the theme of

deal on a new location and that in turn means more jobs for

the 2010 State of the City

Stocktonians and more tax dollars for the city.

continued on page 17

The city’s income has also received a boon from a number of major projects expected to break ground in 2011 including the widening of Interstate 5 and the impending construction of a prison medical facility in the area. Both projects will mean well-paid employment for local workers and significant revenues for businesses that provide construction materials. The history of the prison medical facility is a great example of the Mayor’s commitment to turning burdens into opportunities.

When the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) announced its intention to build a prison medical facility in the area, local leaders recognized at once that the facility would place an undue burden on the city’s infrastructure. Litigation implemented by the Stockton Chamber has opened major revenue streams from the project that will have a beneficial impact on the

Photography by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

MAY2011 16

COVER STORY

speech, “Getting to the A list”—meaning maintaining a positive

about,” said Mayor Johnston. “Stockton has had a tough few

attitude. Led by Mayor Johnston’s example, Stocktonians have

years, and for every step forward the city makes, it sometimes

stayed optimistic this year and worked together to make the city

feel like it takes two steps back. Things are going to start

a better place.

improving, but it’s going to be hard. And when it happens it

In response to Forbes’ list, Stockton’s residents have come

will be gradual, not a rapid improvement.”

out in force to defend the city they love. A video produced

But no one should doubt that the city is making progress

by prominent Stocktonian Greg Basso that counters Forbes’

and will get to a brighter future. Until then, it’s up to the people

estimation of Stockton has gone viral, appearing on numerous

of Stockton to find opportunities to turn all the city’s lemons

websites including the Chamber of Commerce webpage, and

into lemonade.

countless rebuttals to the list in letter and email form have come from the Stockton community. The Miracle Mile Improvement District even organized a “Stockton is Magnificent” event in April that celebrated Stockton’s many unsung benefits. The event included a petition from members of the community that refuted Forbes’ list.

“This community action really shows what Stockton’s all

State of the City May 19, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Port of Stockton, Shed 14 Tickets are $35 per person Download reservation form at www.StocktonChamber.org Lunch prepared by Outback Steakhouse

Keep your finances safe and healthy Rabobank, N.A. is part of the Rabobank Group, one of the safest banks in the world with a 110-year history of trustworthy service.

Rabobank. Let’s grow together.

STOCKTON 1889 W. March Lane (209) 870-3200 1547 E. March Lane (209) 870-2200

LODI 501 W. Kettleman Lane (209) 371-8500

Rabobank, N.A. Member FDIC www.rabobankamerica.com

17 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

TRACY 2850 Tracy Boulevard (209) 820-1400

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.

St. Joseph’s Medical Center has received the highest environmental

New Chamber Program – Effective Strategies Group. The purpose

achievement award presented by Practice Greenhealth for the sixth

of the group is to have successful business leaders impart effective

year in a row. The facility was named a member of the Environmental

strategies with chamber members to help them overcome obstacles

Leadership Circle. These competitive awards are given within the

commonly found in business today. Topic: Networking Effectively

healthcare sector to institutions for outstanding programs to reduce the

given by Sonya Morgan, VP of Business Development for External

facility’s environmental footprint. For info contact

Resources. May 10 at 8 a.m. in the Chamber Conference Room.

Amy Pijl, amy.pijl@chw.edu.

Limited space, please RSVP to manderson@stocktonchamber.org.

The Greater Stockton Employer Advisory Council and the Employment Development Department present ‘Leaves of Absence’ featuring Lizbeth West, Esq. from Simpson, Garrity, Innes & Jacuzzi on May 13, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Stockton Golf & Country Club, 3800 W. Country Club Blvd. Stockton, CA 95204.

Please RSVP to Colleen Martin at 209.825.2723 or email to cmartin2@edd.ca.gov.

The Stockton Women’s Network hosts Sally Edwards, tri-athlete, author, and entrepreneur at the May 4 luncheon meeting. “What Every Woman Wants - Vitality, Verve, Vigor” is high energy, engaging, interactive and motivational. For reservations visit www.StocktonWomensNetwork.org.

Join AIDS Walk San Joaquin for the 17th Annual AIDS Walk, Saturday, May 14 at Delta College beginning at 8 a.m. Lunch and a health and resource fair provided for participants. All money raised stays in our county. Register online at www.active.com. For more information call 209.608.9255.

PrideStaff is named to Inavero’s 2011 Best of Staffing™ Client List, the nation’s only satisfaction award recognizing exceptional client service within the staffing industry. “We’re honored to be among the top 1% of staffing firms in North America,” -PrideStaff COO Tammi Heaton and Pam Lundquist, CSP/Strategic-Partner, Stockton. For more information call 209.477.6446.

19 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

5.31.11

CEO

Cont’d from pg. 6

Second: The planning, setup and successful run of the 26th annual Asparagus Festival. Starting Sunday, April 10 the setup began and under Kate Post, the Board, committee chairs and the

The two noted above should and can be done by all of us while we endeavor to come out of some difficult times together.

One last note of thanks! To the San Francisco Giants and the

volunteers it is a well-oiled machine that I truly enjoy being part

Los Angeles Dodgers for the wonderful thing they did at the start

of. The festival amenities are ready to welcome a huge crowd and

of the game on April 11 at ATT Park. For those of you who did not

help to add another black eye to Forbes. As I sit in my office on

see it or read about it, they showed their respect for the victim and

Wednesday, April 12, writing this article, I have a view of Weber

family of the senseless beating of a Giants fan at Dodger Stadium.

Point and a big smile crosses my face in anticipation of a great

At the same time, they put out a challenge to all of us to show

weather weekend to help welcome not only Stockton and San

respect, civility, honesty and restraint when supporting our teams.

Joaquin County residents but also folks from far and wide who

This is not only in sports but also in politics and life in general.

will be attending the Festival as repeats or first timers. I know

Anger and violence accomplish nothing. Understanding, patience

they will go away saying “WOW” what a great time for all, a great

and civility work better than anything else. As Mr. Rockne told us,

venue and a great community, Stockton California. Thanks to all

it is about all of us working together with a good dose of respect to

for your hard work and I will write about the successful Festival

go along with it. Let’s all try to live our entire lives that way.

again in the June Port O Call.

www.stocktonchamber.org www.visitstockton.org

MAY2011 20

Calendar

MAY 2011 Highlights 5/5 -Networking Mixer – 5-7 p.m.

@ Chitivas Salsa and Sports Bar

Waterfront Warehouse, 445 W. Weber Avenue

Suite #122

5

Networking Mixer – 5-7 p.m.

@ Chitivas Salsa and Sports Bar

Waterfront Warehouse, 445 W. Weber Avenue

Suite #122

9

Liaison Committee – 12 p.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

10

Effective Strategies Group – 8 a.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

11

Green Team San Joaquin – 9 a.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

12

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

@ TBA

13

Government Relations Council – 7:30 a.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

18

Executive Committee Meeting – 7 a.m.

@ Stockton Golf & Country Club

19

State of the City – 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

@ Port of Stockton, Shed 14

26

Chamber Board of Directors Meeting – 4 p.m.

@ Chamber Conference Room

27

Government Relations Council – 7:30 a.m.

@ Various local schools, San Joaquin County

Office of Education

also don’t miss...

6/2 - Business Tradeshow – 5-7 p.m. @ Hilton Stockton

21 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

*

Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info

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State of Sustainability in the San Joaquin Valley JUNE 8, 2011 8AM -12PM HILTON STOCKTON 2323 GRAND CANAL BLVD., STOCKTON, CA 95207

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Admittance to the Symposium is free to businesses and public entities.

Join us for a discussion on the state of Recycling, Energy and Air Quality.

PRESENTED BY Greater

A Green Zone Workshop Green Team San Joaquin Investors:

For more information and to register visit www.greenteamsanjoaquin.com paid for by U.S. Dept. of Energy