FROM YOUR CEO BY: DOUG WILHOIT
DOUG WILHOIT
I know over the past 20 plus years, you
we were asked by Californians, “there is nothing to do and nothing to
have read my prideful comments (some
see in Stockton. Why would you want to go there?” But boy, were
have said or written that I was being naive
they wrong! We arrived in Stockton and instead of a drab city, we
and/or in denial) about Stockton and what
found a city full of trees, lakes, and a city with a real centre. We
a great place it is to live and call home! In
also enjoyed the warm welcome of our host families as well as the
spite of the problems we have, although
program prepared for us.”
sadly to say, this is not uncommon today
“A boat tour on a 48’ private motor yacht in the river delta and later
in cities of all sizes in these United States of America, I still stand
water skiing and wakeboarding demonstrated the high quality of
by that conviction and will never waiver.
life in Stockton.”
I have also asked that every Stocktonian take the time to REALLY
“During the visit to the University of Pacific, we learned about the
get to know their hometown and get out and experience so much
educational system in California and were impressed by the attractive
that is offered here. Those who have done so were very pleasantly
campus. In Switzerland, most universities are located in city centres
surprised, continue to explore more and have passed the word.
and offer only a very limited number of dormitories.”
Many people who go to visitstockton.org on a regular basis have
“One evening, we were all invited to a baseball game of the Stockton
also signed up for their weekly event update and have experienced
Ports. While none of us is a baseball expert, we still enjoyed the
events, culture, recreation, and people that enhanced their
atmosphere of the crowd and the modern stadium.”
appreciation of Stockton and all it has to offer.
“Stockton caters not only to the sports buff but also to those interested
I have also often stated that it is a shame that from time to time it
in culture and history. A tour to the Haggin Museum was a testimony
takes someone not from Stockton to let us know that we are OK no
to this. The exhibits led us back to the time of the gold rush and the
matter what the naysayers, pundits or slanted surveys declare.
foundation of the City of Stockton.”
Case in point: Here are a few quotes from a letter from Mr. Gino
“Should anybody ask us again “Stockton, what is there to see?” we now
Pfister, MBA, MSC and a retired Engineer from Basel, Switzerland.
would happily answer: “Just go there, you will be surprised!”
He and his wife were here representing Rotary District 1990 in a student exchange with Stockton Rotary which is in Rotary District 5220. Here is what he had to say about Stockton and with that I will rest my case!
As I close, it is the people who really make Stockton and San Joaquin County special—like our new ATHENA Lindy Turner Hardin and new Young ATHENA Frances Richardson, our honorees at our Ag Hall of Fame dinner and all who exhibited and attended our Fall Trade
“During our three weeks stay in California, our group of Rotary
Show Mixer at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel. Congratulations
Youth Exchange students stayed in Stockton. From “Stockton?”
and thank you all!
6
PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce