#HeartofSV June 2017 Issue

June 2017

#Heartof SV

The pulse of business

Distinguished Businesses SVO honors influencial business leaders

Winchester’s Mystery

Silicon Valley is always moving forward.

Which is probably why we seem to fit right in.

Microsoft is proud to partner with the Silicon Valley Organization in our mission to innovate.

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CEOPERSPECTIVE It’s a great time to be a business in Silicon Valley.

San Jose, and the Silicon Valley region in general, have been recently highlighted nationally as part of several positive rankings, including:

TABLE OF CONTENTS Business Week. Across the country, cities joined organizations like The silicon valley organization to celebrate and offer resources to the small businesses that make up the fabric of their communities.

Matthew R. Mahood

Did you know that as of President & CEO  Top 10 Millennial 2012, California has the Magnet City highest number of small  A Best Place to Live in businesses in the country, with 3.6 America million? California small businesses  One of the Happiest Places also employ the highest number of to Live employees in the country as well—6.4  One of the Happiest Cities to million of them.

Work In In San Jose alone, we have about We, too, took the opportunity to 56,000 small businesses, which highlight the work being done by translate into nearly 60 percent of all our business community during our businesses within the city considered 2017 Distinguished Business Awards small businesses. on April 20. Every single one of our recipients truly embodies the spirit of Our public policy team recently visitSilicon Valley and work relentlessly to ed both the State Capital and Washgrow their businesses and make their ington D.C. to advocate on behalf communities better. of our businesses to ensure that our elected officials are informed on the All of this is just another reason for us issues that matter most to business. to push forward in our work to ensure that San Jose, and Silicon Valley, are As the President & CEO of The SVO, business’ first choice when looking for an organization with more than 80 primary locations and expansions and percent of its 1,400 members that that our existing businesses have the are considered small businesses, I am tools to network to grow. proud to work for and advocate on behalf of what is truly the economic And it all begins with our small busibackbone of any community, even nesses. here in Silicon Valley.

Last month, we joined the City of San Jose to celebrate National Small

But there’s still work ahead. And we need your help.

#HeartofSV June 2017 ©2017. Published by The silicon valley organization.

The #HeartofSV celebrates our region’s business success and entrepreneurial spirit across all sectors and size of business. The SVO

represents nearly 1,400 businesses and their 300,000 employees in the greater Silicon Valley.

Ad rates and specifications: thesvo.com/visibility-opportunities THESVO.COM | JUNE 2017

FEATURES Distinguished Business Awards

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Honoring the businesses that shape our community 2017 Distinguished Business Award Recipients

IN EVERY ISSUE CEO Perspective

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A Message from the CEO

Looking Ahead

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A Message from the Board Chair

Member Testimonial

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Bozutto Insurance

Event Calendar

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Member Spotlight

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Winchester Mystery House

New Members

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Program Feature:

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sv next BRNs Ambassadors

Staff Spotlight

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Commerce San Jose

Number Crunch

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LOOKINGAHEAD There are so many reasons to become a member of The silicon valley organization but the single most important one that many businesses don’t even realize they need is advocacy.

“We advocate to your elected officials on the issues most important to you so that you can continue doing what’s most important — running your business.”

As you may be aware, AB 5 burdens small and large We advocate to your elected Dan Bozutto employers with a schedulofficials on the issues most Board Chair ing mandate that requires important to you so that you employers to offer additional hours don’t have to; so that you can conof work to employees before hiring a tinue doing what’s most important— new employee or contractor and exrunning your business. poses employers to multiple threats of costly litigation.

In April, members of The SVO and staff visited Sacramento to advocate Not one week after our visit, AB 5 was on behalf of members on multiple tabled. This is a huge (albeit tembills that would impact business. porary) win for us! We will keep you updated if anything changes.

One bill we would like to highlight is AB 5, the Opportunity to Work Act. The silicon valley organization 101 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113 p: 408-291-5250 f: 408-286-5019 thesvo.com BOARD CHAIR Dan Bozzuto, Bozzuto Insurance PRESIDENT & CEO Matthew R. Mahood EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Derrick Seaver VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS Mayra Flores De Marcotte VICE PRESIDENT, MEMBER RELATIONS Kathryn Satcher SR. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY Victor Gomez SR. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOMENT Susan Ellenberg DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Kelly Peaton Designed by Elizabeth Nguyen Cover photo: Distinguished Business Leader of the Year & Business Man of the Year pose 3

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After this trip, the team headed to D.C. in May to advocate on to priorities: Caltrain Electrification and the BRIDGE Act. Later in the month, we saw another win with the approval of federal funds for Caltrain Electrification.

The 47-mile corridor stretching along the Peninsula from San Francisco to San Jose, which is home to companies like Google, Facebook, Tesla, and Adobe is indispensable to the regional Continued on page 6

2017 Distinguished Business Awards

Heritage Bank of Commerce and KRTY team members joined SVO members to celebrate on April 20 at the Annual Member Celebration at the San Jose Marriott.

Honoring the Businesses that Shape our Community

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usiness’ impact on the greater community is undeniable. From the jobs they provide to the goods and services they offer, and the infusion of funds they give back through local taxes, businesses shape our communities—for the better.

This is why The silicon valley organization acknowledges the impacts of the business community through its annual Distinguished Business Awards and Business Hall of

Fame. This year’s honorees were recognized at the Annual Membership Celebration on Thursday, April 20 at the San Jose Marriott.

Now in its sixth year, the Distinguished Business Awards honors business leaders from within The SVO’s 1,400-member organization. There are eight award categories that are honored annually and their peers nominate all but the Business Hall of Fame inductees.

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 Distinguished Business Leader: Bert George, Joseph George Fine Wines  Business Man of the Year: Mike Blach, Blach Construction  Business Woman of the Year: Lara Lee, Orchard Supply Hardware  Business Advocate of the Year: Johnny Khamis, San Jose City Councilman, D-10 4

 Small Business of the Year: Sushi Confidential  Non-profit of the Year: Bay Area Tutoring  Volunteer of the Year: Cosme Fagundo, silicon valley IDEA The highest honor of the night, the Distinguished Business Leader Award, is given to an individual who has demonstrated long-term excellence in both business and civic engagement. Nominees should have demonstrated leadership and continuous service to the greater Silicon Valley region through the promotion of business, civic engagement, community

promotion, philanthropic support and quality of life enhancements.

Along with the Distinguished Business Awards, The SVO inducted four local businesses into its Business Hall of Fame. Business Hall of Fame recipients are companies that have made the Silicon Valley region their choice for business operations for more than 50 years.

This year’s Business Hall of Fame inductees are:

 Western States Oil  National Electrical Contractors Association “The Silicon Valley economic engine would stall and our quality of life would falter if it weren’t for those business leaders who we recognize as part of our Distinguished Business Awards every year,” said Matthew Mahood, The SVO President & CEO. “These businesses represent what all businesses in Silicon Valley should strive for: tenacious growth and true commitment to the community.”

 B.T. Mancini Co., Inc.  KLIV/KRTY

Distinguished Business Leader of the Year — Bert George Bert George was born and raised in San Jose. He is a Willow Glen High School grad and attended San Jose City College. He is married to Cyndie for 35 years and raised two daughters.

Simply put ... I was floored when I got the call. I love this city and I respect the amazing businesses we have here ... to be named among the best of them is just fantastic.

Why is it important for the business community, and the work that it does, to be highlighted annually by The SVO? To showcase our local business community gives validation to all of the hard work, sweat and tears it takes to run a business today.

Joseph George was first started in 1940. Bert first started at Joseph George Distributor at age 10. He went full-time at age 16 through Willow Glen High School’s Work Experience program.

He’s now President and the third generation running the business.

Share words of advice that someone gave you at the beginning of your career?

The best advice came by just watching my father and grandfather work hard everyday and I mean Every Day.

Bert follows a long tradition of Rotary men—first his grandfather Joseph George, then his father Glenn George, both members and past presidents, like Bert.

Through Rotary, he worked to create the Rotary PlayGarden at the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens in San Jose.

Q&A Share your thoughts on what it means to receive this award?

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Share words of advice to give to those aspiring to be future Distinguished Business Award recipients?

The best advice I can give potential winners is this ... don’t cheat yourself out of a hard days’ work and remember to always give back and say “Thank You” to the community that allows you to succeed. That glass of wine always tastes better when you have earned it!

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Business Man of the Year — Mike Blach Mike Blach has led Blach Construction for the past 28 years, taking the helm from his father in 1989. Known as a progressive and innovative leader, today his company employs 175 to 300 individuals and will perform more than $200 million in work this year.

During his long tenure at Blach, the company has been recognized with almost every type of industry and business accolade, including AGC Contractors, ENR Best Projects, AGC Construction Safety Awards of Excellence, and numerous awards for innovation, community engagement and corporate philanthropy. Of all the recognitions, however, Mike is most proud of the one his company received this last fall when FORTUNE magazine named Blach Construction as one of the top 100 Great Places to Work in the United States.

In fact, FORTUNE ranked Blach Construction #30 in the U.S. in the medium-size category, those organizations with 100 to 1,000 employees.

Blach was the highest ranked contractor in the nation in any size category.

In addition to his leadership role at Blach Construction, Mike is a leader in the construction industry. After serving in a variety of local and state committee chairmanships for the construction industry’s largest professional trade association, the Associated General Contractors of California, this past fall he was elected as treasurer and is in line to be the Association’s president in 2020.

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economy and a healthy workforce.

The PCEP project would convert old worn down diesel rail cars to electric, bringing the railway corridor into the 21st century and employing 9,600 workers right here in the United States.

Lastly, another one to add to the win column was the passage of SB 1 - A

Q&A Share your thoughts on what it means to receive this award?

It’s very affirming to be recognized

by The SVO and my peers as the ‘Businessman of the Year.’ In business, you’re constantly experimenting to find ways to advance your organization, and it’s gratifying to realize that at least some of the experiments worked out well.

Why is it important for the business community, and the work that it does, to be highlighted annually

by The SVO? Our business community here in Silicon Valley is very dynamic and leading the nation in innovation. These SVO awards tell the story of these creative, world-class compa10-year, $6 billion annual investment into repairing and upgrading California’s transportation infrastructure would generate an estimated $111.9 billion in economic activity including 570,000 jobs – nearly 200,000 of which would be in construction occupations earning prevailing wages, $38.7 Billion in personal income and $4.5 Billion in additional local and THESVO.COM | JUNE 2017

nies, and business leaders here and around the world want to learn from us.

Share words of advice that someone gave you at the beginning of your career?

My dad always stressed that he wanted my siblings and me to be leaders and not followers, and to treat everyone we met the way we would like to be treated. His advice still resonates with me daily.

Share words of advice to give to those aspiring to be future Distinguished Business Award recipients?

Take great care of your colleagues first, and they will be able to take great care of your customers!

state tax revenues.

And we’re just getting started.

Join one of our public policy working groups here and subscribe to our monthly Policy Update newsletter here.

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Business Woman of the Year — Lara Lee Lara Lee joined Orchard Supply Hardware (Orchard) in April 2016 as the senior vice president of marketing and merchandising and was later promoted to president in December of the same year.

management from the Wharton School.

Q&A

As president she is charged with leading the company and its more than 5,400 associates who serve customers throughout the state of California, in Portland, Oregon, and in South and Central Florida.

Prior to joining Orchard, Lee joined Lowe’s as senior vice president, customer experience design in 2013.

Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in Chi-

nese language from Brown University, a master’s degree in international studies from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA in multinational

Share your thoughts on what it means to receive this award?

It’s an honor to receive this award on behalf of more than 5,400 Orchard Supply Hardware Associates who work diligently to help our neighbors keep their homes humming and create beautiful outdoor spaces. More than 85 years ago, Orchard Supply Hardware opened as a small co-op in San Jose. Since our humble beginning, we’ve continued to innovate and grow along with our hometown.

Our focus remains on our customers

and we look forward to continuing to serve them in neighborhoods from San Jose to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Why is it important for the business community, and the work that it does, to be highlighted annually

by The SVO? This is a wonderful opportunity for business professionals throughout the Silicon Valley to come together and remember why we are here: to meet the needs of our customers and put them in the center of every decision we make. As technology changes and

businesses grow, one thing remains the same – our need to genuinely care about our customers and work diligently to meet their needs. As someone relatively new to the area, this is an excellent opportunity for me to meet others who live and work in our great city of San Jose and build bridges with other professionals.

Share words of advice that someone gave you at the beginning of your career?

Be yourself. Otherwise, you’ll spend too much time managing your image

instead of creating genuine relationships with those around you. Do the right things for the right reasons.

Have conviction but be open to other perspectives and learning from experience.

Share words of advice to give to those aspiring to be future Distinguished Business Award recipients?

Genuinely care about who you serve and do everything with purpose.

Business Advocate of the Year — Johnny Khamis Johnny was first elected to the San Jose City Council in November 2012 and took office January 1, 2013. Councilmember Khamis represents the Almaden Valley and Blossom Hill areas of South San Jose.

Why is it important for the business community, and the work that it does, to be highlighted annually by The SVO? The work of The SVO is critical to keeping the business environment welcoming as are The SVO’s efforts to attract businesses to San Jose and to retain them once they are here. I am thrilled that The SVO recognizes the businesses in our community that are helping it achieve its mission in our community. Hopefully it will encourage others to follow their example and get more involved in making sure that our community remains a great place to do business.

After graduating from high school, Johnny went on to San Jose State University to earn his degree in Business Management and Communication. He used his education, knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to start his own company, Western Benefit Solutions, where he is CEO. Johnny was also a financial advisor and personally managed over 200 individual and business accounts.

Johnny is a devoted family man and 17 year resident of District 10. He and his wife, Juliana, have made their home in Almaden with their two sons, Constantine and Alexander.

Q&A Share your thoughts on what it means to receive this award?

It was an honor for me to be recognized by the business community to help streamline government and make it more business-friendly over the past four years. As an entrepreneur, I know how important it

is to have an environment which is welcoming to entrepreneurs and in

“You will be faced with tough decisions in your career. Listen to all sides and act with principle.” which we make it as easy as possible for them to invest in and grow their businesses by not putting unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles into place or burdening them with over-regulation.

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Share words of advice that someone gave you at the beginning of your career?

You have worked hard to get here.

Keep working hard and try to enjoy your work even on bad days because it will all be over faster than you know. - Pete Constant Share words of advice to give to those aspiring to be future Distinguished Business Award recipients?

You will be faced with tough decisions in your career. Listen to all sides and act with principle.

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Small Business of the Year — Sushi Confidential These days, Randy Musterer better known locally as “Sushi Randy” is living his dream. The successful owner of two Bay Area restaurants, he has become synonymous with bringing sushi to the masses through innovation, creativity and style.

A native of San Diego, Randy grew up in the Sport Fishing industry and has been in love with the ocean ever since. As he got older, his passion for science led him to attend California Polytechnic Institute in San Luis Obispo, CA where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Biology.

Through family pressure and urging from friends, Randy began hosting secret [confidential] underground parties for only a select few that would enjoy his cosmic creations and personal brand of sushi making. As he continued to develop a cult like following, word spread quickly and the opportunity to finally open his own restaurant became available in 2012 where he opened his first location in Downtown Campbell. Fueled by his passion for service, Randy opened his second location in downtown San Jose in early 2016. It is through poised calculated growth Randy continues to see his vision come to life by bringing sushi to the masses through continued innovation, creativity and value.

Q&A Share your thoughts on what it means to receive this award?

It is such an honor to receive The silicon valley organization’s Small Business of the Year award! Being recognized for the hard work and dedication from all of our Sushi Confidential staff is much appreciated. Sushi Confidential opened its first location in downtown Campbell in 2012, and more recently 9

in downtown San Jose in 2016. As we continued to grow, we felt it was very important to give back to the community that continues to support our restaurants. When I retired from my career as a Cancer Research Scientist in 2014 to follow my passion in sushi, I had the desire to continue to help others, but in a different way. Due to the success of our restaurants and the strength of our brand, we realized that we could donate sushi party experiences to philanthropies and local schools to help them raise money for those that needed it most. We also donate food …who doesn’t like sushi ... to organizations to help raise money or to feed the homeless. Winning this award is such a surprise and honor because giving back to the community and never expecting anything in return is the philosophy we follow.

Why is it important for the business community, and the work that it does, to be highlighted annually

by The SVO? Many times, businesses do great things that may not be seen or recTHESVO.COM | JUNE 2017

ognized immediately by the community. The SVO acts as a conduit between businesses and the community to help acknowledge those businesses that give back by helping others. Even though most business do not expect being recognized or awarded, it’s always a great feeling to be acknowledged for those efforts.

Share words of advice that someone gave you at the beginning of your career?

A few years ago, when Sushi Confidential was just getting started, I had the privilege to meet Oprah at a small business seminar called QuickBooks Connect sponsored by Intuit. I was one of four business owners chosen to meet with her for about 30 minutes to share our stories on how we got to our current career. I mentioned to Oprah that I had just retired from my cancer research career to follow my passion by owning sushi restaurants.

I mentioned that it was a difficult transition because I had left a career that allowed me to help others to move into a career that was strictly making sushi. However, I found an outlet by donating food or sushi experiences to organizations that helped

them raise money for those that are less fortunate.

During Oprah’s keynote speech later that day, she said “your true work on earth is your offering; it’s the way you express yourself in service to the world. Your fullest, highest expression comes from when you do what you love, a passion, something that allows you to fill your juice. Your success in business is because you are doing exactly what you are supposed to do. When your personality comes to serve, the energy of your soul, that is authentic empowerment.”

Hearing this in her speech gave me insight that I am following my passion with sushi, but still able to give back

“By donating, we never focus on the return.

We focus on how we’re giving back, helping others, and doing great things for the community. “ to the community in creative ways to help others.

Share words of advice to give to those aspiring to be future Distinguished Business Award recipients?

Be creative in how you approach all aspects of business and don’t be afraid to be different for your competitors! Sushi Confidential does not

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pay for advertising, because whenever you pay for that, you constantly are looking at numbers and trying to figure out your return on investment. It’s usually frustrating to see that most advertising is not cost effective. We decided early on that we would rather donate to schools and other organizations instead of spending money on advertising. By donating, we never focus on the return. We focus on how we are giving back, helping others, and doing great things for the community. If there is a return, great, but if not, our goal is still accomplished by helping others.

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Nonprofit of the Year — Bay Area Tutoring Association Chris Norwood is a social change agent, born entrepenuer and a leader in creating greater educational equality. He is the Founder of Bay Area Tutoring Association, Codewritingkids. com and the Milpitas Unified School District Board Trustee Vice President.

for students and parents to increase academic achievement of all children. We’ve launched a library, Love 4 Literacy, and coding initiatives.

We’ve also been blessed with some very talented young people who are unique in their own way.

He has held technology and innovation leadership positions in both the private and public sectors.

Chris began at a very young age by speaking on local and national platforms on a wide variety of topics – from the history of Civil Rights movement to the evolution of “Strive to move at the speed of business 21st Century Common Core and opportunity until opportunity and Educational Standards.

This award symbolizes them and the fact that academic and tech tutoring are becoming an integral part of the Silicon Valley education fabric.

Why is it important for the business community, and the work that it does, to be highlighted annually by The SVO? business move at your speed.”

In private and public technolThe silicon valley organiogy sectors, Chris was an early participant of the Silicon zation is a thought leader in business, social enterprise, Valley dot com boom. He joined Alcom Corporation, a common good and political issues.

Finnish internet start-up in the early 1990’s, and rapidly rose through the ranks to lead their technical services and The organizations it highlights, through this award or worldwide product management teams. other activities during the year are the ones that are innovative, diverse and strategically purposed to benefit the In the education sector, Chris began his career as a high business community and residents of Silicon Valley. school sports coach and business development consultant for Xcel Educational Services.

Share words of advice that someone gave you at the beginning of your career?

Within five years, Chris became the CEO and expandStrive to move at the speed of business and opportunity ed the organization from a math-specific, traditional until opportunity and business move at your speed. brick-and-mortar operation to a multi-subject, California Department of Education recognized mobile services and Share words of advice to give to those aspiring to be after school service provider for No Child Left Behind, Title future Distinguished Business Award recipients?

1, English Language Learners and GATE programs.

Faith works.

In December 2013, Chris founded the Bay Area Tutoring Association, a non-profit company dedicated to erasing the achievement gap and providing technology skills and experiences to Bay Area children.

Q&A Share your thoughts on what it means to receive this award?

Since its inception three years ago, Bay Area Tutoring Association has focused on raising the academic tutoring bar 11

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Volunteer of the Year — Cosme Fagundo This award was created to recognize members that have gone above and beyond to support the mission of The silicon valley organization.

When we looked through the nominees this year, particularly in light of our strategic changes, there was no one that better embodied this spirit of volunteerism than Cosme Fagundo.

Cosme did more than just attend meetings and add input; with no financial reward, he dedicated

countless hours to the re-imagining, re-creation, evolution and rollout of REDI to silicon valley IDEA. He didn’t stop there. After helping to create the program, Cosme helped promote its adoption, raise funding for its operation, and develop strategies for its long-term growth.

He does not just say he is a volunteer leader, he takes his role extraordinarily seriously and the fruits of that effort led to the creation of silicon valley IDEA. Cosme is a restauranteur, entrepreneur, and investor. He is the owner of Willco Management and a board member of Sand Hill Angels and The Silicon Valley Organization.

It’s examples like this that prove why Cosme is our 2017 Volunteer of the Year.

Business Hall of Fame Inductees B.T. Mancini Co., Inc. Brooks T. Mancini Sr. established B.T. Mancini Co., Inc. in 1964. The original focus of the company concentrated on the sales and installation of metal decking, steel truss joists and commercial floor covering. They joined the chamber of commerce that same year and have been members for 53 years.

KLIV/KRTY KLIV has been on the air since December 1946. It was originally KSJO, a 1,000-watt daytime-only station.

KLIV changed hands on July 1, 1967.

It was acquired by two former Rochester, N.Y., radio executives, Robert S. Kieve and James M. Trayhern, Jr., who had incorporated as Empire Broadcasting. Four decades later, Bob Kieve has remained as the owner of KLIV. On April 11, 2016, Kieve announced that the station would abandon its allnews format and switch to a classic country format as KRTY. They joined the Chamber of Commerce in 1988 and have been members for 29 years.

ABOVE: From left: The SVO President & CEO Matthew Mahood; Western States Oil, Steve Lopes; B.T. Mancini Co., Inc. Skip Mancini, Brooks Mancini; The SVO’s 2017 Board Chair Dan Bozutto.

Western States Oil For more than 56 years, Western States Oil Company founded by Thomas A. Lopes, has been reliably delivering petroleum products throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area. It’s been a family run business since 1956, joined the chamber of commerce in 1961, and have been members for 56 years.

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National Electrical Contractors Association In 1901, a group of electrical contractors met at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY, where a major display of electric power had been installed. Today, NECA continues their work, building on a legacy of protecting the public and making innovation possible. They joined the chamber of commerce in 1956 and have been members for 61 years.

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MEMBERSPOTLIGHT

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What Lies Beneath?

A woman named Winchester and her mysterious house

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t was 133 years ago that a wealthy widow relocated from her home in New Haven, Connecticut to the countryside of Campbell, California (now San Jose).

By all accounts, the local community was abuzz with the arrival of its new resident. Sarah Winchester, heiress of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, had left the East Coast after losing both her only daughter and her husband.

She moved into an existing eightroom home and began a 38-year task that still baffles people today—growing her modest home into a grandiose 160-room mansion.

Construction along then-Los Gatos Road was ongoing. Residents watched as rooms went up, blocking existing ones, windows that were once exterior-facing now closed up by additions—not to mention the doorway that leads to a two-story drop out the front of the home’s exterior.

All of this behind a six-foot hedge added to the overall mystique of the home and its mistress.

Employment opportunities for her community members, however, were not the only things she ended up providing. Over the years, talk around her construction project swirled and began to create a mystic around the petite woman.

The never ending construction, the haunting sounds of her organ, the few sightings of the wealthy mistress spurred gossip and conjecture—some of which became woven into her eventual legacy.

Some said she was a spiritualist, holding séances at night. Others said she was a theosophist. Many say she was haunted. But those close to her said she was a kind, private woman with a generous heart. One thing’s for certain; she was among the Valley’s earliest innovators.

Her home, as strange and

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head-scratch-provoking as it may be, was ahead of its time with its builtins. Annunciators were installed in all her rooms so that she could keep in communication with her staff. A new process of illuminating gas was created at her strange mansion. Sarah even took a note from the book of her husband’s Winchester Repeating

Arms Company—improvising a window catch after the namesake rifle’s trigger and trip-hammer. She invented an inside crank to open and close the exterior shutters and was one of the first to use wool insulation.

Ninety-five years after her death, Hollywood is stepping in to attempt to tell this evocative lady’s story.

Academy-Award winning actress Helen Mirren is cast to play the role of Sarah, directed by Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig.

Filming at the local landmark has already begun. The period paranormal thriller Winchester is due in theaters on February 23, 2018.

Still Full of Secrets The Winchester Mystery House was open to visitors in 1923, a year after Sarah’s death. The home’s website boasts that more than 12 million people have visited the grand Victorian mansion since.

Visitors are taken on a windy tour of the 110 out of 160 rooms, where they take in the $25,000 room, the séance room and experience first-hand the staircase that leads to nowhere.

Now, nearly a century after it first opened to the public, the Winchester Mystery House has new, never-before seen sections open for public tours as THESVO.COM | JUNE 2017

OPPOSITE PAGE: A historical image of the home along Winchester Boulevard. And a headshot of the young Sarah Winchester. All images courtesy Winchester Mystery House ABOVE: The interior of the South Witch’s Cap and a never-before scene attic space is now open to the public as part of the Explore More Tour.

NEXT PAGE: More examples of the nearly 40 rooms newly available to the public as part of the Explore More Tour.

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WINCHESTER SNAPSHOTS  38 years to build – from 1884-1922  Placed on National Register of Historic Places on August 7, 1974  Declared a California Historical Landmark on January 11, 1974  24,000 square feet – house size  162 acres – original size of the property  4.5 acres – approximate size of the current property  7-stories – original height of the home  4-stories –current height of the home  $25,000 –the estimated value in the “storage room” filled with Tiffany glass  20,500 gallons of paint were originally used to

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paint the home  2,000 doors  10,000 panes of glass  160 rooms total  110 rooms on display  40 bedrooms  47 fireplaces  40 stairways  17 chimneys  13 bathrooms  6 kitchens  3 elevators  2 ballrooms  2 basements

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part of the Explore More Tour, which premiered May 25, 2017.

Unfinished. Unexplained. Unsettling. This is how the tour has been described.

Only available for a limited time, be sure to see it for yourself. Click here to learn more.

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STAFFSPOTLIGHT

Commerce San Jose Kathryn Satcher Position/Title: Vice President, Member Relations Previous Job: Director of Sponsorships, Programs & Events, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of ComKATHYRN merce College Attended: Mississippi State University Degree in: BA Communications & Public Relations Fun Facts: I skipped kindergarten and I like to rock climb.

Monique Nou Position/Title: Membership & Events Manager Previous Job: Member Relations Coordinator, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce MONIQUE College Attended: University of Hawaii at Manoa Degree in: BA Communications Fun Facts: I love naps, I can’t whistle or snap.

Victor Gómez Position/Title: Sr. Director of Public Policy Previous Job: Chief of Staff – Office of Vice Mayor Magdalena Carrasco, City of San Jose College Attended: VICTOR Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Degree in: Aviation Business Administration, Aviation Airway Management/Operations Fun Facts: Loves skateboarding, flying and cigars.

Amanda Llerena Position/Title: Program & Events Coordinator Previous Job: Brand Ambassador Team Lead, San Jose Earthquakes College Attended: Sonoma State AMANDA University Degree in: BS Business Administration Fun Facts: I played softball for Sonoma State University for 4 years and during my time was Freshman of the year & NCAA Pitcher of the Year twice.

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MEMBERTESTIMONIAL

Bozzuto Insurance

Bozzuto Insurance is an independent insurance broker. Independent brokers represent the customer, not the insurance carrier. Culture is our most impressive accomplishment, our employees care about the customer and about each other.

As an independent insurance broker we make decisions here, instead of a corporate office somewhere in the U.S. As such, we can offer tailored business solutions and services to companies large and small.

Why was SVO membership important to Bozzuto Insurance?

At first it wasn’t. Once we got engaged, however, it made a decisive difference in our perception going from an insurance broker to a community leader. The SVO significantly increased our reach into the commu-

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nity and the state. By being an active and engaged member, doors have opened that would have been very difficult before.

How has Bozzuto Insurance engaged with The SVO and its programs over the last year?

Over the last few years we have participated as a PAC Trustee and PAC board chair. Initially, that exposure allowed us to meet and engage politically active business owners and city council prospects and incumbents.

Further engagement as a board member of The SVO and Chair of The SVO opened doors into industries we hadn’t courted before and helped us diversify our customer base. The close working relationship we enjoy with other board members, and general members really helps with best business practices as well as opportunities

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to serve.

From Bozzuto Insurance’s perspective, why should businesses within the Silicon Valley consider engaging with The SVO? In California, and specifically the greater Bay Area, we enjoy great economic times. Many don’t have time to keep their eye on public policy issues such as local hire, minimum wage, rent control, Opportunity to Work and so on. The SVO has businesses’ back; we are the counterbalance between organized labor and business. When the economic cycle changes, don’t be one of the businesses that wonders what happened when you took your eye off the ball. By supporting The SVO, they will keep their eye on the ball for you.

PROGRAMFEATURE

Leaders on the Rise

ABOVE: sv next members mingle at the Goodwill Silicon Valley Loft for a professional networking mixer. RIGHT: sv next members volunteer to sever meals to those in need at CityTeam.

A young professional’s network worthy of Silicon Valley Millennials.

It’s the age group on everybody’s mind, from educators to researchers, economists to businesses. What do they want? How do we reach them?

For us, we look at things a little differently. Rather than find out what millennials want, we have opted to ask our local millennial workforce what they need.

Our findings? Millennials, particularly those living in Silicon Valley, need professional development opportunities; ways to give back to their communities in meaningful ways; and of course, opportunties to connect and grow their burgeoning networks.

This is where sv next comes in.

sv next is the young professionals program of The SVO, focused on networking, professional development and community service and geared toward young professionals working in the Silicon Valley, between the ages of 21 and 39.

Every month, we offer opportunities for these future business leaders to connect with each other at fun, local venues; opportunities to learn something new from veteran business professionals; and give back to their local communities.

From start-up seminars to bowling to serving meals to the homeless at a local shelter, there’s never a dull moment.

Come grow professionally with us.

Individual membership is $80 a year. Group and company packages available. Purchase your membership online here.

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BRNS: Build & Grow Business Relationships You’ve started a new business, or started at a new business. You are energized and want to begin seeing momentum but aren’t sure where to start.

May we suggest a Business Referral Network?

As an SVO member investor, you have the exclusive opportunity to join one of five BRNs, which meet weekly, in a non-competitive environment, with up to 30 business professionals who provide support to each other while generating leads and referrals.

Each BRN has a different feel and focus, but all offer: • A group of committed business professionals that generate leads and referrals for one another • The chance to meet with up

to 30 business professionals in a non-competitive environment • A group of professionals that provide support and resources The SVO provides the structure, but each group has autonomy setting its meeting place, time and agenda.

Many members share that over time, these business professionals become part of their lives.

“It has been extremely rewarding to establish friendships with professionals just like myself,” said Burch Boehner, State Farm Insurance and Financial Services agent and member of the West Valley BRN. Click here to download the 2017 BRN application and email completed applications Membership & Events Manager Monique Nou.

2017 BRNs Offered

BUSINESS BUILDERS

Meets: Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30AM Location: Time Deli, 349 S. Bascom Ave.

SILICON VALLEY INNOVATORS Meets: Mondays, 7:30-8:30AM Location: Alliance Credit Union, 3315 Almaden Expw., Ste. 55

WEST VALLEY BRN

Meets: Wednesdays, 8-9AM Location: Winchester Mystery House, 525 Winchester Blvd.

CAFFIENATED CONNECTORS Meet: Monday, 11AM-12PM Location: Crema Coffee, 950 The Alameda CREATIVE MINDS BRN

Meets: Wednesdays, 11AM -12PM Location: Foundry Commons, 868 South 5th St.

EVENT CALENDAR

Take The Next Step Toward Success

June: Strive Internship Program

• Small Group Classes • 1-on-1 Training • Corporate Fitness Programs • Biomechanics Lab/Gait Re-training • Nutrition Coaching • Senior Fitness •Athletic Performance Training

 June 9: Industry Day  June 13: Interview Day Location: Various

August 24: SVO PAC BBQ Location: History Park San Jose

October 11: IDEA Summit Location: TBD

October 19: SVO Foundation Gala

www.svappliedbiomechanics.org 408-644-5258

Location: Oracle

December 14: End of Year Mixer Location: Dolce Hayes Mansion

Go to thesvo.com for the most up-todate event information 21

A 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization

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SVO INSIDERS: Ambassador Program The SVO has a small-but-mighty staff, but with 1,400 members, it’s sometimes tricky to be there for everybody.

2017 AMBASSADORS

Cue our Ambassadors.

Casey Quisol

You’ll recognize them as the smiling people who greet you at all our events. They’re usually manning the registration table, walking among the crowd, making sure no one is standing alone.

Our Ambassadors serve The SVO and its members, acting as hosts during events and helping new members become acquainted with SVO benefits, programs and activities.

Though volunteering to be an SVO ambassador requires an extra commitment of time, they are rewarded by the extra visibility they and their company receive. Not to mention getting to know everyone and knowing the ins and outs of everything!

Bill Harrington Deductive Marketing and Recruitment

Intrepid Electronic Systems

Kai Deering LegalShield ABOVE: Patty DiNapoli and Bill Harrington lend a hand at the Inaugural Annual Member Celebration in April.

Kelly Tucker - Chair Morgan Stanely - The Rothstein Group

Lara Fulmer

When you assist new members in getting to know the benefits of SVO membership, you are building new relationships for your company and for yourself.

CITYTEAM

But don’t take it from us. Flag down an ambassador at the next event you attend. They’ll be the ones with smiles and red badges with the words “Ask me!”

Wells Fargo Advisors

Maryann Bettencourt Allstate Insurance

Michael Vuckson Patty DiNapoli C.H. Reynolds

Rachel Martin North First Mortgage

“Being an Ambassador has not only helped me grow my network but it also gave me the opportunity to be more connected to The SVO,” said Ambassador Casey Quisol. “I feel I am more informed and I have some inside knowledge most members don’t have access to.”

As a host at premier SVO events like the Annual Member Celebration, ambassadors can meet hundreds of the region’s leading businesspeople.

“Professionally, being an Ambassador has allowed me to create a strong referral network and the ability to collaborate and learn from Silicon Valley’s finest business professionals,” said Ambassador Kelly Tucker. “Personally, The SVO has allowed me to give back to the community, which is something that is very important to me.”

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NEWMEMBERS

Curry Roots was born out of filling a void of healthy, good quality, homecooked Indian food that we are used to eating in our homes. Being a foodie, I had tried almost all the Indian restaurants and had found something lacking. I wanted to bring grandma’s home-style cooking and flavors to the masses and to educate people that there is more to Indian food then being oily or overly spicy.

To achieve that quality, we went into a commercial kitchen and did R&D for two years, working and consulting with three very talented chefs, one having earned a Michelin star. Along

ACSATM, Inc. – Armed Courier Service Armedcourierservice.com Asian Box Asianbox.com Brilliant Global Communication brilliantglobal.org CarMax carmax.com Cintas – Fire Protection cintas.com Costco costco.com Creation Technologies San Jose creationtech.com 23

with quality and taste, we wanted to cover most of the common allergens.

We wanted to provide food, with clarity and freshness for everyone.

It was only after two years of testing and tasting, that we were satisfied enough to open our first location at Westfield Oakridge Mall.

Everything we serve is a taste experience, prepared from scratch — perfect and delicious every time.

Our chef uses his knowledge and wisdom from the world of fine dining, and a devotion to crafting a unique, balanced cuisine, to take you on a journey of spice and flavor that’s sure to bring you back for more. We use seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully sourced local meats and vegetables and Ayurvedic herbs — all good stuff that when combined together adds up to a healthy, tasty, feel-good meal.

people together to revitalize our bodies and spirit. These beliefs can be found in everything we do, from healthy, fulfilling servings to an enlivening experience, the goodness we offer maintains a true balance, within us and around us. We offer a wide variety of delicious Indian food, from various heat levels of flavorful curries to piping hot samosas and Indian street snacks. We have Vegan, Vegetarian, along with Chicken and Lamb.

All our curries, chutneys and sauces are free of Gluten, and our Basmati rice is Non GMO and aged for maximum flavor and texture.

By not only working hard, but by also believing deeply in what we’re working for, we believe we’re doing more than just serving great food, we’re energizing a better world through healthy, affordable nourishment, positive energy and happiness.

We believe experiences can bring

Culligan Water of Santa Clara culliganpacific.com/santa_clara_ca

Hotel Los Gatos hotellosgatos.com J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines jlohr.com

Curry Roots curryroots.com

Lyon Living lyonliving.com

CycleBar – Westgate West westgatewest.cyclebar. com

Maggiano’s Little Italy Maggianos.com

Electrosonic Inc. Electrosonic.com Emirates Airlines emirates.com Flex Ltd. flextronics.com

Millionaire Coach Millionairecoach.net Montalvo Arts Center montalvoarts.org Paylocity paylocity.com Premier Recycle premierrecycle.com

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Ray Tom Silicon Valley Applied Biomechanics, Inc. svappliedbiomechanics.org Smitten Ice Cream smittenicecream.com Wells Business Accelerators wellsba.com Whitlock Group whitlock.com YourMechanic, Inc. yourmechanic.com

Employee Retention in Silicon Valley

15%

Large Businesses +500 employees

Salary 20% Location 5%

NUMBERCRUNCH Trad. Ben. 60%

EMPLOYEE RETENTION ADVANTAGES Non-Trad. Ben. 11%

Small Businesses < 25 employees

Salary 39% Trad. Ben. 33% Location 17%

Med. Businesses 25 -500 employees

Non-Trad. Ben. 21%

EMPLOYEE RETENTION CHALLENGES

Salary 75%

Salary 79%

Non-Trad. Ben. 5% Trad. Ben. 10%

Trad. Ben. 43%

Large Businesses +500 employees

3% Location 18%

Small Businesses < 25 employees

Salary 18%

Location 18%

Non-Trad. Ben. 15%

Med. Businesses 25 -500 Non-Trad. Ben. employees

Non-Trad. Ben. 4% Trad. Ben. 8% Location 13%

Salary 20%

Location 15%

Location 5%

Large Businesses +500 employees

Salary 70%

Trad. Ben. 60%

ABOVE: Employee retention in Silicon Valley. Source: The SVO members. Definitions of: Traditional Benefits - health care, 401K, etc. Non-Traditional EMPLOYEE RETENTION CHALLENGES Benefits -gym access, on-campus cafeterias, spas, etc.

Med. Non-Trad. Ben. Businesses 25 -500 4% Non-Trad. Ben. employees Trad. Ben. 3% 8% is the epicenter of Location Silicon Valley inno• 14% said they had a formal18% Location vation. It disrupts traditional indusized strategy in place 13%

SVO Members Share Insight Into Employee Retention

tries and the status quo but without theSmall talented workforce to not only Businesses come with the ideas thatSalary disrupt < 25 up employees but also stay and execute, growth 75% would be hindered at best, paralyzed at worst.

Non-Trad. Ben.

• 33% said they didn’t have a formalized strategy in place • 52% said that they had inforSalary mal 79%strategies in place

Members shared this advice: Appreciate your team and what Here’s where they do to help make your business comes in. successful. Most conflict and unhappiLocation ness tends to be from lack of appreci15% We asked our members what their ation. If ownership and management Large Salary advantages, challenges and stratcan recognize the importance of Businesses +500 70% egies were in regards to employee appreciation, then each layer can employees retention and whether this was a ‘Top show appreciation to the layer below 5’ priority for their business. them. – Sushi Confidential 5% Trad. Ben. employee 10% retention

Of those surveyed: • 68% said it was part of their ‘Top 5’ priorities • 24% said that while it wasn’t part of their ‘Top 5,’ it was part of their ‘Top 10’

Determine retention strategies that work for your business/industry.

Share strategies with other related companies outside the area to benchmark best practices. Focus on continued enhancement of recruiting and THESVO.COM | JUNE 2017

on boarding processes to engage staff as early as possible. –San Jose Sharks Create a positive work environment for employees, remain a balance of professionalism and open communication, show employees appreciation for the hard work they do, give employees independence to be able to thrive in their element and grow.

– Rita’s of San Jose Employees are your most valuable resource. They can make or break your brand. Creating a “one size fits all” employee retention plan may be tempting, but often fails to recognize the unique needs of each individual.

Take the time to find out what motivates them and create a retention system that builds loyalty and dedication. – Kaiser Permanente

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