Port O Call - May 2012

PORT CALL GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Vol. 58 No. 1

www.stocktonchamber.org

MAY2012

State of the City 2012 Business Awards Luncheon 2012

Importing Success Port of Stockton Builds Strong Future PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 461 STOCKTON CA

Cover Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography.

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PORT CALL

13

Port of Stockton Builds Strong Future

CONTENTS From Your President

4

From Your CEO

5

Events

6

Leadership Stockton

7

Convention & Visitors Bureau 8 Programs and Public Policy Department

10

New Members

11

Cover Story

13

Ribbon Cuttings

15

News Briefs

16

Calendar

17

State of the City 2012

8

6

Business Awards Luncheon 2012

Don’t Miss!

Networking Mixer Pacific Records Management 607 Carlton Street, Stockton, CA 95203 Off W. Fremont, overlooking the main channel of the Delta

May 3, 5:15-7:15 p.m. *April Issue Cover Photo By: Tim Ulmer

The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is such a valuable organization to be a member of, at a price that is more than worth its cost. Its leadership and staff are always involved in the local and State issues that impact all of our businesses. They are strong advocates and supporters for the Stockton community as a whole, its businesses and for the quality of life of its residents. Thanks for your passion and efforts!�

Dan Keyser, Director Grupe Commercial Company

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

CHAMBER OFFICERS PRESIDENT Debbie Armstrong, Old Republic Title Company SR. VICE PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Steven Crabtree, Herum Crabtree VICE PRESIDENT Blain Bibb, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance VICE PRESIDENT Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Rick Goucher, C B Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate CHAMBER DIRECTORS Stephen Barney, F&M Bank Michael Cera, SMG/Stockton Arena/Bob Hope Theatre Donna DeMartino, San Joaquin Regional Transit District Dan Durst, Durst Contract Interiors Pat Filippone, Stockton Ports Baseball Club Lewis Gale, Eberhardt School of Business Clint Harless, Stockton Auto Glass/Quick’s Glass Service Dan Keyser, Grupe Commercial Company Kenneth Levy, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Sonya Morgan, External Resources, Inc. Darryle Oakman, San Joaquin County Rental Property Association Bakul Patel, Dorfman Pacific Tina Williams, Pacific Gas & Electric Company Diane Vigil, Dameron Hospital Foundation 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 MEMBERSHIP SALES Matt Anderson

209.337.2723

SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD. Timm Quinn 209.547.2960 STAFF ACCOUNTANT Lia Her

209.547.2770

SCAP COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mikki Gilbert 209.337.2730 SCAP-SE COORDINATOR Michael Morales

209.337.2716

BEA/ SCAP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Karla Gonzalez 209.547.2770 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 Kristin Bowker

209.423.4940

PRINTING Snyder Parks

209.466.9026

MAILING Snyder Parks

209.466.9026

Greater

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

From Your President... by: Debbie Armstrong

A very happy May and

We all know that these are difficult times, not only here in

beautiful Spring to all my

Stockton, but also all around this great country of ours. Change for

fellow Stocktonians and

the better starts with all of us and not just a select few!

Chamber members!

We cannot allow the negativity of those outside our community,

May means the annual State

or from within, to dictate what our outcome will be! We should all

of the City event, which will

watch, listen, learn and support what our elected leaders are trying

be held May 17, at the ever-

to do and push for much needed change in many areas in both

important Port of Stockton!

governing and how we treat each other!

This annual event will

I hope to see many of you at the State of the City event on May

showcase many businesses

17 and on an ongoing basis as we move Stockton forward in a

that make Stockton prosper

positive manner.

throughout the tradeshow, before and after lunch!

The address by Mayor Ann Johnston will identify our community

Remember this is our community and PLEASE shop local and keep our money here at HOME where it belongs. May God Bless and protect all of us in our great City of Stockton.

issues and how together we shall come out of hard times stronger and better for it!

attention to de ttails [di'tals; 'detals]

FOR OVER 35 YEARS competitive pricing personalized service mailing and fulfillment service custom promotional items cross g U printin

cross media marketing

MODESTO 209.576.2568 phone 209.526.6872 fax

MODESTO 209.576.2568 phone 209.526.6872 fax

STOCKTON 209.466.9026 phone 209.943.1974 fax

STOCKTON 209.466.9026 phone 209.943.1974 fax

medi a

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u ns U f promotio U g n i t e k ar

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p a r k s p r i n t i n g . c o m

www.stocktonchamber.org

MAY2012

4

From Your CEO... by: Doug Wilhoit

optimistic that we can work together (the key to accomplishing anything) to right the wrongs around us.

Case in point of folks working together is what took place on April 5, in a part of our community called Sierra Vista. Some of you will recall I commented in my April Port O Call article about my hero Dorothy Jones and a new friend, Georgia Brownlee. When I had lunch with them, they talked about the planned Easter egg hunt for about 150 children in Sierra Vista. The call went out to our board of directors, Chamber staff, a past president of the Chamber and a few friends of the Chamber for a goal of 40-dozen hardboiled eggs to deliver to Georgia so they could be decorated for the children and help make the day a success! Well, working as one, 85-dozen eggs (1020) were hard-boiled by the citizens of Stockton.

I attended the egg hunt and not only was there joy in the eyes of the children of all ages, but the adults also felt that they were part April 2012 in Stockton and San Joaquin County was a great

of the greater part of the entire City of Stockton. WE cannot stop

month to live here in the middle of California! Packed Sunrise

there and must ALL put aside philosophy, bias, fears and politics to

Services on Easter Sunday at Weber Point and churches of

get through this very tough time in our history and make the future

all denominations, a full field for the Annual Chamber Golf

a success for all.

Tournament (thank you Heidi, Timm, Stockton Golf & Country

I have been told that space for my article is limited this month

Club, sponsors, volunteers and players), another successful

so will end with something that tells it all if you really take the

Outback Steakhouse/Chamber BEA Scholarship Lunch (thank

time to read it and look for the truth about our community, the

you Outback, attendees and Chamber staff), Chris Isaak coming

good that has been planned and what we will become when we

home to the Bob Hope Theatre, the Thunder advancing to the

work as one. On Saturday, April 7, had the honor of being invited

next round of Kelley Cup, the opening of the 2012 Port’s baseball

aboard the Casino Royale (docked in Downtown Stockton) by

season and another successful Asparagus Festival (it is hard not

the owner, Mr. David McDonald. The Casino Royale is something

to take a FULL shot here at someone with recent self-serving

to behold, and, more importantly, Mr. McDonald is a very

brain freeze who casts doubt as to the wonderful overall value of

wonderful, kind, fun, considerate, generous, intelligent, hard

the Festival; not only the much-needed dollars to local nonprofits

working, entrepreneurial and forward-thinking gentleman. The

and the city, but also the fun had by Stocktonians and visitors

evening was aglow with wonderful company and food, the full

alike which added a positive feeling about our home that helps

moon coming over the lighted ball park, the blue tinged arena,

overcome the negatives we are trying to overcome)!

the blazing lights at the hotel, the lights of the Weber Point Event

In 1918, a gentleman named Enoch Arnold Bennett (18671931) wrote: “Pessimism, when you get used to it, is just as agreeable as optimism.” Yes, we have many, many problems here

Center, the view to the Hotel Stockton, the Cineplex and, of course, Chamber of Commerce weather!

Mr. McDonald really made the night when he talked

in Stockton (I do not have on blinders, nor rose-colored glasses,

enthusiastically of how happy he is to be here at Stockton’s beautiful

as some have asserted), but as a proud Stocktonian I am always

marina that he repeatedly stated is truly one of the

5

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

continued on page 12

Events

by: Heidi Altamarino Annual Installation Dinner 2012 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

Mayor Ann Johnston will be delivering her fourth State of the City Address and laying out her plans for the future on moving Stockton forward.

The Annual State of the City is co-sponsored by the Greater

their exceptional contributions to our organization. On Thursday,

Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Port of Stockton and City

June 21, we’ll gather at Stockton Golf & Country Club to thank

of Stockton. Exhibits by local and state programs will provide

Debbie Armstrong with Old Republic Title Company for her

information which is useful for businesses of any size. The

outstanding performance as Chamber President from 2011-2012,

Chamber guarantees attendees will walk away with pride in

and to welcome Gary Long with Gary J. Long Jewelers as our

the City of Stockton while discovering valuable sources of

2012-2013 President. The evening will include an installation

information and expertise.

ceremony and the presentation of awards.

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

The biggest local public event of the year will be held on Thursday, May 17! This year the Port of Stockton, Shed 20, will

6:45 p.m. Reservations are required and space is limited.

provide the setting for our State of the City. Exhibits will be open

Sponsorships are still available. For more information, contact

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

Heidi Altamirano at 209.547.2764 or heidi@stocktonchamber.org.

City are only $35 per person. The luncheon

Annual Installation Dinner 2012 Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Grupe Commercial Company Kaiser Permanente

Gold Sponsors Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Financial Center Credit Union Lincoln Center Neumiller & Beardslee San Joaquin Delta College

St. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton East Water District The Record/San Joaquin Media Group United Way of San Joaquin County University of the Pacific

Silver Sponsors Builders Exchange of Stockton R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc. Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

June Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer Sign up now for the June 7 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 contact Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.

2012 State of the City Come share in the excitement surrounding the Chamber’s 14th Annual State of the City! Celebrate the many advancements we’ve made as a people and as a city at this high profile event.

@

Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2764

continued on page 10

State of the City 2012 Sponsors (as of 4/6/12)

Platinum A.G. Spanos Companies American Medical Response, Inc. Bank of Agriculture & Commerce Big Valley Ford Lincoln California Water Service Co. Carpenters Local Union 152 City of Stockton Dameron Hospital Association Delta Sierra Beverage F&M Bank Financial Center Credit Union Green Team San Joaquin Grupe Commercial Company Hensel Phelps Construction Company Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin Humphreys College Kaiser Permanente Lincoln Center metroPCS Neumiller & Beardslee Pacific Records Management Port of Stockton Rabobank, N.A. Robert Half International San Joaquin Building & Construction Trades Council San Joaquin County WorkNet

San Joaquin Delta College San Joaquin Partnership, Inc. San Joaquin RTD Sims Metal Management St. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau Stockton Ports Baseball Club The Record/San Joaquin Media Group United Way of San Joaquin County University of the Pacific Waste Management

Gold Builders Exchange of Stockton Clark / McCarthy Oak Valley Community Bank R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc. Stockton East Water District Sutter Gould Medical Foundation Yara North America, Inc.

Silver DEVCON Construction, Inc. Dorfman Pacific Co., Inc.

Table California Water Service Co. Health Plan of San Joaquin

www.stocktonchamber.org

MAY2012

6

Become a Certified Green Business!

Leadership Stockton Save money & gain customers by:

by: Timm Quinn

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

Leadership Stockton: Education Session Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union

www.GreenTeamSanJoaquin.com Special Thanks To: San Joaquin County Office of Education SMALL BUSINESS Education plays a vital role in future economic*prosperity HAZARDOUS Wthe ASTE DISPOSAL

SJCOE and their mission and was followed by Deb Nickols from SJCOE’s one.School who discussed the purpose and goals of the one.School program and the impact this program has on the lives of students. She brought along four students who shared their

Affordable Management for Your Business of San JoaquinHazardous County, soWaste a hands-on look at education was the A Program of San Joaquin County Public Works perfect way to begin the day. www.SJCrecycle.org (209) 468-3066 i Low cost way to safely dispose of among hazardous materials.

The day began with the class divided nine schools

successes in the program and their future goals. The class then

i Documentation that you properly manage hazardous waste. throughout Stockton. They spent the morning shadowing the i Assurance that the material will be disposed of properly. *Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity and Generators principal, learning about their particular school, their(CESQG)

information on the Venture Charter Schools, Special Education,

successes and challenges.

ended with a lesson on everything you wanted to know about

At lunch time, the Leadership Stockton class gathered at the San We also accept universal and electronic waste.

Joaquin County Office of Education for the remainder of the day.

school finance in 30 minutes.

(Costs depend on your waste types.)

Green Your Bottom Line A working lunch covered some of Stewardship! the questions and revelations with Product Economic benefits abound: thereduced class operating had based onenergy their savings, school site visits. After lunch, Mick costs, reduced disposal costs, the creation of green jobs.

Founts, County Superintendent of Schools, San Joaquin County

www.CalPSC.org

Office Education (SJCOE), began| Reduce with| Reuse an overview of |the Design itof Green | Make it Clean | Conserve Resources | Eliminate Toxics Take it Back!

7

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

heard from a panel of experts from the SJCOE who presented an overview of the programs and services they offer. The panel shared Migrant Education and Career and Technical Education. The day

Thank you to Mick Founts for coordinating and facilitating the afternoon portion of the session, to each of the schools for graciously opening up their campuses for our Leadership Stockton visitors, and to all of our speakers and panelists for the day.

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

@

Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org 209.547.2960

Convention & Visitors Bureau by: Wes Rhea

The Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted their 2012 Tourism Luncheon and Celebrate! Awards on Wednesday, April 4 at the Hilton Stockton. Special thanks to the Hilton Stockton, Marianne’s Pantry, The Ambassadors Media Group, Ulmer Photo, GForce Productions, Stockton Asparagus Festival and Sorelle Winery. See the videos at CelebrateAwards.com.

Industry Partner Of The Year: The Downtown Stockton Alliance

Industry Professional Of The Year: David Crawford, Assistant Operations Manager, SMG Stockton Theatre Hope Bob & k Ballpar n Stockto Stockton Arena,

Sports Partner Of The Year: California Grapettes Girls Fastpitch Softball Photography by: Ulmer Photo

@

Wes Rhea: wes@visitstockton.org 209.938.1555

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

www.visitstockton.org

MAY2012

8

9

PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Programs and Public Policy Department by: Frank Ferral Valley REACON Spreading the Word

events help students prepare for and gain the skill-sets necessary to

The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is on the road

enter the job market. According to Karla Gonzalez, BEA Coordinator,

these days spreading its Award winning Green Team San Joaquin

there is still an opportunity to participate by contacting her directly

message from Sacramento to Arvin, California. The Recycling

at 209.337.2718 or through email at bea@stocktonchamber.org.

Energy Air Conservation (REACON) is bringing its message to over 16 communities. This month, the team will be showing the communities of Visalia and Modesto the ropes on how to start their own Green Team and REACON outreach. It is very rewarding when we are able to show other areas what is going on here in Stockton and San Joaquin County, according to Frank Ferral, Program & Public Policy Director for the Chamber.

Business Professionals are Needed for the Following: • Wednesday, May 2 - Franklin High School CAREER DAY 10:00 a.m. - Noon • Wednesday, May 9 - Merlo Institute MOCK INTERVIEWS (TBA) • Thursday, May 10 - Merlo Institute CAREER DAY (TBA) • Commodore Stockton Skills School Kindergarten classrooms will be taking a field trips to Cesar Chavez

BEA Mock Interviews and Career Fairs Going Strong

Public Library

The Business Education Alliance (BEA) is closing out the school year with Stockton Unified School District with several sessions of

• May 7 - Speakers Needed

mock interviews and career fairs at most of the high schools. These

• May 8 – Speakers Needed

EVENTS

Cont’d from pg. 6

is sure to please everyone with great food provided by

of the Year and the P3 Stewardship Award winner. These

Outback Steakhouse.

exceptional honorees will be recognized for their achievements

Tickets for the 14th Annual State of the City are going fast! This

and contributions to our community. We will also be honoring

event always sells out so reserve your tickets today. To purchase

our yearly Volunteer Hall of Fame award winners and 25-year

tickets or for more information, call the Greater Stockton

Chamber members.

Chamber of Commerce at 209.547.2770. We hope you can join us at this important celebration of our City and our community!

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

Business Awards Luncheon 2012 Begin the month of June on a high note by joining us at a luncheon celebration honoring our Business Award recipients on June 7, at 11:45 a.m. at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. We’ll be honoring local business leaders who have been recognized as Business Person of the Year, Business Manager of the Year, Small Business Person of the Year, Business Employee

Business Awards Luncheon 2012 Sponsors Kaiser Permanente

San Joaquin Delta College Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsor

R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc.

United Way of San Joaquin County

Gold Sponsor

@

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

www.stocktonchamber.org

MAY2012 10

New Members Workers’ Compensation & Safety Training Co Occupational Medical Partners 1801 E. March Lane #D-480, Stockton 209.954.3200

Bakeries Cupcake Mania LLC 7610 Pacific Avenue #B6, Stockton 209.478.2253 www.cupcakemania.net

Tattooing & Body Piercing Emerald Tattoo

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.

Janitorial Services Kathleen’s Kleaning Service

Thornton Road Self Storage

1630 S. Hutchins #4125, Lodi 209.933.0943 www.kathleenskleancom.com

8627 Thorton Road, Stockton 209.476.9700 www.selfstorageinstockton.com

Consultants

Human Services

Manex Consulting

United Cerebral Palsy Association

2010 Crow Canyon Place #320, San Ramon 925.807.5103 www.manexconsulting.com

333 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton 209.956.0290 www.ucpsj.org

Monuments

Restaurants

Stockton Monuments

Yasoo Yani Elkhorn

1505 Cemetery Lane, Stockton 209.942.2747 www.stocktonmonuments.com

1050 Elk Horn Drive, Stockton 209.477.2200

2525 South Hutchins Street #8, Lodi 209.333.8289 www.emeraldtattoo.com

Air Compressors General Air Compressors North

Storage - Self Service

Non-profit Stockton Republican Women Federated P.O. Box 693643, Stockton 209.474.8505

3005 McKittrick Court, Ceres 209.541.1010

www.yasooyani.com

Telephone Systems & Service / Internet Access Zen Group 10015 Heavencrest Court, Stockton 209.370.1930 www.zenvoip.net

CAUGHT LOOKING

5.31.12

HOME DATES IN MAY: May s -AY s -AY s -AY 24-26

'ET 9OUR 4ICKETS 4ODAY s #ALL 11 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

A Unique Community Banking Experience

We Help You Succeed Claudia Cozad

Eddie Lira

VP, Commercial Banking Officer

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

CEO

VP, Commercial Banking Officer

It’s not our promises that are unique ... it’s our ability to fulfill them!

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

www.bankbac.com

Cont’d from pg. 5

best he has been in as he has traveled around the world on his home

we are already at our West Coast home port in Stockton. THIS IS A

away from home. I also want to thank him for the improvements he

SPECTACULAR FRESH WATER NEW MARINA DOWNTOWN

helped to fund, which you will read about in a moment.

WITH A GREAT VIEW, VERY FRIENDLY PEOPLE, AND GOOD

OK, here it comes—the proof in the pudding: on Monday, April

SHORE POWER (200AMP, 48V 3-PHASE) (my note: Thanks to

9, I received an email from Mr. McDonald, which was from Joe

Mr. McDonald). A WELL KEPT SECRET FOR EXPERIENCING

Foggia, CEO Christensen Shipyards, Vancouver, WA: “Hey David, I

THE CA DELTA WITH A MEGA-YACHT…SPREAD THE

hope all is well on your west coast tour. I just wanted to check with

WORD.” Thank you Mr. McDonald for believing in yourself and us.

you and see if you were having the boat at the Worth Magazine Curator Event? (San Diego April 19-21). From David: “Hi Joe, No,

Ok pessimists—take off your dark glasses and see what we can become with all of us being positive and working together... www.stocktonchamber.org

MAY2012 12

COVER STORY

Importing Success Port of Stockton Builds Strong Future by: Justin Souza

conclusion that many businesses have

the Port comes in a refocus on securing

serves, the Port of Stockton was hard

made in times of economic uncertainty:

agricultural exports from area farms.

hit by the economic downturn, but with

stability can be found in diversification.

good planning from Port administration

“It was a hard lesson to learn, but we

Like many industries in the city it

The Port made a major move toward recapturing agricultural exports with

and some timely grants, the facility has

learned it,” Tollini said from his office at

the Marine Highway Project. This

rebounded quickly and is on its way to a

the Port. “We decided that we needed to

project, funded through a $30 million

stronger, more stable future.

refocus on steady revenue sources and the

Transportation Investment Generating

Rough Waters When the housing bubble burst, its ripples disrupted the local shipping industry for one clear reason: construction materials are often imported by ship. That means that the high demand for lumber, rebar and other raw materials drove equally high levels of imports at the Port of Stockton.

According to Mark Tollini, Deputy Director for the Port of Stockton, during the height of the construction boom

goods people need no matter

Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant

what: food and energy.”

shared between the Port of Stockton

Over the last 12 months, the Port’s rebound has actually propelled it past a previous apex, making it a net exporter for the first time in many years.

Sacramento, will enable barges to move cargo along the inland waterway system from Stockton and West Sacramento to Oakland. In preparation for the changes the Marine Highway Project will bring, the Port has made some large scale infrastructure upgrades, including purchasing a series of 140-ton cranes and two barges, and rendering a bevy of facility improvements to update the

in 2006, the Port had a record year for import volume, buoyed significantly by

and the ports in Oakland and West

Since the Port of Stockton

Port’s capabilities.

The project is estimated to be 95%

2.6 million tons of cement imports for the

docked its first ship in 1933, the facility

year, alongside those other materials that

has been an essential link in the chain

complete and on schedule for its July

enable construction crews to transform

between Central Valley farmland and

inaugural. “We’re very happy with it

empty lots into suburban neighborhoods.

the greater world. “The Port was built to

and it looks like it’s going to be very

support agriculture and serve farms in

successful,” said Tollini, adding that

imports have slowed from this torrential

our area,” Tollini said, “That still remains

the project will likely add jobs for area

high to a comparative trickle of 200,000

a good portion of our core business.”

residents as well. “You’ll start seeing

tons per year, taking with them a major

These days, close to 80% of farms in the

exports that have been going by container

revenue source for the Port. The slump

Central Valley utilize fertilizer products

to Oakland returning to Stockton. It’s a

in revenue sent Port Directors back to

that have come through the Port of

big change in the operation of the Port,

the drawing board and drew them to a

Stockton. A key revitalization effort for

and it’s new business for us, so we will

In the intervening years, cement

13 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

likely increase our local workforce to

transported from mines in Utah on

utilized in future—and aim to find the

meet the need.”

unit trains, that pass through the Port

Port’s identity again, without losing sight

of Stockton on their way to becoming

of their new goals. “We’re going to really

that the Port of Stockton has been a

construction materials in China. Tollini

remember our lessons. Diversification

major player in transporting wind

said that these monthly loads will

will be a priority and we’ll be working

energy components, including parts

continue for the foreseeable future, and

hard to establish additional solid long-

used to construct the wind turbines that

are expected to increase to as much

term business opportunities.”

increasingly dot California’s hills. The

as 120,000 tons per month in coming

“The downturn was a good thing

Port has also made a big play for coal

months. “I think our future is really in

for us in the long run. We’ve been very

exports, demand for which has increased

exporting raw materials,” said Tollini.

fortunate with our grant writing, in the

On the energy front, Tollini noted

over time in the world market.

Over the last 12 months, the Port’s

Establishing a more solid future is a

last year we’ve administered over $30

high priority at the Port. Toward that

million in grant funding on projects

rebound has actually propelled it past a

end, Tollini said that Port administrators

here.” In addition to the TIGER grant,

previous apex, making it a net exporter

are looking to further develop Rough &

the Port has partnered with Union Pacific

for the first time in many years. Much

Ready Island—rent checks from facility

Railroad to apply for a $19 million grant

of the credit goes to steady monthly

tenants are already a quiet boon to Port

for infrastructure improvements that

loads of around 90,000 tons of iron ore,

revenues, but will be even more heavily

could drastically increase the Port’s rail traffic. “These grants allow us to build up our infrastructure and get ready for when things turn around.”

“Our revenues are good and we are reinvesting into the Port. We hope to keep developing our facility, creating jobs and providing a good economic benefit for the entire region.” With the changes Port directors have put into place since 2006, the Port of Stockton is more fit and more vital than ever before, and ready to make a better future for Stockton.

www.stocktonchamber.org

MAY2012 14

Ribbon Cuttings

For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org

Edward Jones 3031 W March Lane Suite 116

Attending Ambassadors Annie Randazzo

3100 Mount Diablo Road

2911 Transworld Drive

Ed Wanket

SJC United Way

Worknet

Bill Berryhill

Ellen Powell

Assemblymen

Assemblymember Cardoza’s Representative

Blair Hake

Fernando Ruelas

Ameriprise Financial Services INC

Kaplan College

Carol Clemens

Gary Ghan

Angel’s Caring Helpers

Brookfalls Water

Chester Lum

Gillian Murphy

ABC Wallace Funeral Services

Small Business Development Center at SJ Delta College

Cindy Ward Xango

Networking Mixer April 5, University Park

15 PORT CALL

Stockton

San Joaquin County Office of Education, Solar Project

EZ Network Systems

Andy Prokop

510 E Magnolia St

San Joaquin Building Futures Academy, USS Lucid

Dora Luiz

Allied Waste

St Joseph’s Behavioral Health Outpatient Stockton

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

Glenn Jose H.O.P.E

Gloria Blaine Basket Caravan & Gourmet Gifts

Gregory Walther Press F1 Computer Services

Jennifer Lewis Hilton Stockton

John Paval Kansas City Life

Marilyn Mason RHA

Mark McDonald Legal Shield

Stockton

Michelle Sherlock Optimal Hospice Care

Melanie Speer Costco

Nick Harbut Eco Chic Salon

Ojesa Asejo-Clark Rabobank

Patti Gulick New Image Signs

Phyllis Klein Klein Insurance

Reggie Martinez UEI College

Stockton

Rick Pruitt RP Painting Specialists

Cherie Pruitt RP Painting Specialists

Sam Ward Xango

Shannon Ding Assemblymember Berryhill’s Representative

Tim Aragon Quick Connect Wireless

Vince Rosato New Image Signs

Zach Sharkey Stockton Ports

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.

Join AIDS Walk San Joaquin for the 18th Annual AIDS Walk, Saturday, May 12 at Delta College beginning at 8

The Haggin Museum’s Annual Tasting Event and Fundraiser, Haggin à la Carte, will be held

a.m. Lunch and a health and resource fair will be

Saturday, May 12, 6-9 p.m.

provided for participants. All money raised stays in

The popular event features

our county. Register online at www.active.com. For

signature dishes, desserts and

more information, call 209.608.9255.

drinks from some of the area’s best restaurants, caterers and

EZ Network Systems is Proud to Announce the

wineries. Attendees can also

Grand Opening of its New State of the Art Conference Room

enjoy the special exhibition

featuring cutting edge visual technology, the Mondopad by InFocus.

“Memories of World War

The Mondopad is the giant tablet for visual collaboration and

II: Photographs from the

communication with 55 inches of gorgeous full high definition

Archives of The Associated

LCD. EZ Network Systems is in its 11th year bringing Corporate-

Press.” Tickets are $45 per

level IT services to small and medium businesses in the Central

person. Call 209.940.6316 or

Valley at an affordable price. For more information, visit InFocus’s

visit www.hagginmuseum.org.

website at www.infocus.com or contact Dora Ruiz at 209.244.7306.

www.stocktonchamber.org

MAY2012 16

Calendar

May 2012 Highlights 5/17 - State Of The City – 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

@ Port of Stockton, Shed 20

3

Networking Mixer – 5:15 - 7:15 p.m. @ Pacific Records Management

9

Leadership Stockton Day at the Capitol – 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. @ State Capitol, Sacramento

9

Green Team San Joaquin – 9:00 a.m. @ Hilton Stockton

10

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

11

Government Relations Council – 12:00 p.m. @ TBA

14

Liaison Committee Meeting – 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room Bring your own lunch

15

Effective Strategies Group – 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room “Are your company secrets on Social Media?”

16

Chamber Executive Committee Meeting – 7:00 a.m. @ Stockton Golf & Country Club

17

State of the City – 10:30am - 2:30 p.m. @ Port of Stockton, Shed 20

23

Business Education Alliance – 3:30 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

24

Chamber Board Meeting – 4:00 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room

28

Chamber Office Closed In observance of Memorial Day

also don’t miss...

17 PORT CALL

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

*

6/7 - Networking Mixer @ Business Tradeshow @ Hilton Stockton 2323 Grand Canal Blvd, Stockton

Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info