4 . Message from CEO/President & Chairman of the Board 5. Mission, Vision, Purpose, Chamber Champions 6. Board of Directors & Staff 7. Membership 8. Communication & Publications
9. Ambassadors 10. Framing Hope 11. Leadership Turlock & Economic Trends Breakfast 12. Agriculture Committee 13. Government Relations 14. Turlock Action for Business PAC & Eggs and Issues Breakfast 15. Events 16. Turlock Convention and Visitor Bureau 17. Turlock Film Commission 18. Chamber Members
Turlock is an amazing city and a great place to raise a family and run a
2013 was a very exciting year for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce. Once again the Turlock Chamber has been recognized as one of the top 10 Chambers in the state and received, for the 5th year in a row, the Cal Chamber’s Presidents Award.
The Alliance Work Force moved their SBD Department into the Chamber giving Turlock services locally. The Film Commission, which is under the Foundation, landed its first major film project. Our partnerships with the City of Turlock and California State University Stanislaus have given us the opportunity to be an active participant in the Mayor’s Economic Development Task Force; the Development Collaborative Committee (DCAC), which works with City staff on streamline the process of doing business in Turlock; President Dr. Joe Shely’s Advisory Committee for California State University, Stanislaus; and the Business Advisory Board for the School of Business. The Government Relations Committee, under the leadership of Mike Lynch, had a number of outstanding speakers on the key challenges and issues facing Turlock. Topics ranged from the financial health of three of the largest local public employee pension funds to water issues facing the Turlock area. The goal of these meetings was to inform the business community and policy makers for the economic interest of local businesses. In 2013 the Chamber moved forward with the Prosperity 2 program known as P2 to support the political action efforts of the Chamber. The Turlock Chamber website was redesigned and updated to assist in keeping our members informed and making it easier to do business with the Chamber. The Chamber has set four major goals for 2014: (1) Economic Development; (2) Political Action (having a voice in political matters that effect Business, from elected officials to measures and ballots); (3) continuing Education; and (4) Membership Development.
business. The community has skilled and effective leadership which has led to an outstanding quality of life and the ability to shop, learn, work, and play, close to home.
This past year Turlock has been blessed with new business development, growth of existing businesses, and job creation. A few of the notable examples of the progress our town is making: 1. City of Turlock opened its new Public Safety Facility. 2. Emanuel Medical Center completed their cardiac cath and interventional lab. 3. Blue Diamond Grower’s production facility is now up and running. 4. SDLG & Volvo Construction opened a location in Turlock. 5. Wal-Mart Market opened in Turlock. 6. Monte Vista Crossings announced a massive expansion of businesses and services. 7. Film Commission filmed their first movie in Turlock. 8. The development of Healthy Turlock wellness program. This past year has also been very exciting for California State University, Stanislaus. Dr. Joseph Sheley was officially sworn in as CSU Stanislaus’ president. He has done a magnificent job at facilitating local and regional partnerships. He has also played a very important role in our
local economic development. There has been significant growth with his arrival and many exciting things are happening on campus.
The Turlock Chamber has been fortunate to have outstanding leadership with the Board and Chairs over the past years, and this year was no exception. 2013 Chairman Dr. Mike Romeo was always there providing support and guidance to the Chamber’s staff. It is an honor to work with a Board of Directors who have vision and commitment for Economic Development and to the Businesses of Turlock.
The Turlock Chamber of Commerce has a wonderful and competent CEO in Sharon Silva. Last year she received well deserved recognition from CSU Stanislaus as Outstanding Business Leader. In closing, I would like to express my appreciation for the opportunity to serve as the Chairman of the Board for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce. Our community is comprised
I look forward to working with the 2014 Board of Directors and Board Chair, Andrew Wigglesworth, CEO of MedicAlert. It is a privilege to work with a team who wants to insure that the Chamber of Commerce becomes better at providing services to assist Turlock Businesses and to work with our partners, the City of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus, and the Alliance Workforce.
of outstanding people who work well together to promote a strong regional and local economy.
The future definitely is looking bright for Turlock.
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The Turlock Chamber of Commerce promotes a positive business environment in the greater Turlock area.
The greater Turlock area is the best community to live, work and do business in the Central Valley.
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The Turlock Chamber of Commerce is the business advocate for its members by focusing efforts on promoting a positive business environment, economic development, a legislative voice and cost-effective programs and services.
The Chamber Champion program is designed for the Turlock Chamber’s top companies. The goal is to assist our major supporters in their budgeting process and to allow them to identify in advance which programs meet the individual goals for sponsorship opportunities. Chamber Champions make it possible for the Turlock Chamber to maintain its position as the independent voice of the business community. The program spotlights companies dedicated to the growth of the Chamber and the economic health of our community. Chamber Champions are among the most influential companies and organizations in the Greater Turlock Area and have positioned themselves to help maintain a healthy active Chamber so we may compete and be heard at the federal, state and local political levels. Requirements for Chamber Champion status is a minimum of:
$800 Distinguished Supporter Investment
A minimum of $4,000 in any combination of sponsorship levels
Combined total of at least $4,800
2013 - Board of Directors
Dr. Mike Romeo (Chair) Romeo Medical Clinic
Michael Allen Allen Mortuary
Kyle Kirkes
Mike Lynch Mike Lynch Consulting
Kirkes Electric
2013 - Staff
Ashour Badal CSU Stanislaus
Steven Padilla Sunopta
Dianna Bettencourt Oak Valley Community Bank
James Brenda JKB Energy
Fred Brenda Valley Tool & MFG
Dean Doerksen Central Ag Products
Steve Gemperle (Treasurer) Gemperle Enterprises
Paul Porter (Past Chair) Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green
Linda Nowak CSU Stanislaus
Mike Rose B&B Fluid Power
Jeff Segars Foster Farms
Andrew Wigglesworth (Chair Elect) MedicAlert Foundation
Sharon Silva CEO / President IOM, Institute for Organization Management, University of Arizona Bachelor Arts Organizational Communication - CSU Stanislaus
Tasha Van Santen Director of Communication, Development / Events Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - CSU Stanislaus
Desa Cammack Director of Turlock Convention and Visitors Bureau Academy Graduate of the Western Association of Chamber Executives
Julio Hallack Concrete by Hallack
Bill Bassitt Ex-Officio Member Alliance
Chris Kiriakou Cornerstone Consulting
Marty Jakosa Ex-Officio Member Foster Farms
Kassi Fortado Membership / CVB Assistant
Sharon Berry Administration Assistant
Jessica Lundberg Administration Assistant
Currently working towards Business Administration - Merced College
Bachelor of Science in Education - Pacific University Oregon
Bachelor of Arts in Education - CSU Stanislaus
Membership is the core of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce. We strive to provide the very best and most valuable benefits to the outstanding businesses of this community. Being a member gives you direct access to the “Members Only� section of the Turlock Chamber website which is key
to staying involved and up-to-date.
The goal of the Turlock Chamber is to maintain a steady flow of communication with our members. The Turlock Chamber recognizes the importance of connecting to all our members in different types of media and one source we continue to expand in is our social media including Facebook, Pinterest, Google+,
YouTube and Twitter. This has allowed us to post and tweet Chamber news, events, members, as well as pictures, links, and any additional information our members may post. In 2013, The Chamber choose to upgrade the Website. Because our website is the main information source of the organization, it was decided to rebuild the site to be more efficient and to allow in house management. It was the desire of the Chamber to add more benefits and give our members more marketing opportunities, allowing them to showcase their business in a diversified way. The “Members Only� section allows members to update their contact information, pay their dues, buy tickets to events, display video's and photographs, coupons, job opening and much more. Also, another advantage of the site will allow the agency to grow with technology. The front page will feature, a calendar of upcoming event, and highlight important information. The Turlock Chamber also communicate with our monthly Mixer-Mail and Community E-Newsletter, which is sent to over 700 emails, and includes event information, member advertisements, articles that are pertinent to our membership needs, plus a mobile APP with real time updates.
Publications of the Turlock Chamber includes our Quarterly Business News Magazine, the Annual Membership Directory and Community Profile, Economic Profile, and official City Map of Turlock. The Business News Magazine informs and educates businesses and the public on business concerns and promotes Chamber members, program, events, and also highlights legislative activities. Our Annual Membership Directory and Community Profile is a informational guide to our community with a business directory of our members. The official City Map of Turlock is published annually to make sure that the growth of the community is included to keep the map accurate and current. The Economic Profile, which provides a snapshot of Turlock Industries top Businesses and the statistical of data of the community. All of our publication are placed in Hotels, Businesses, and relocation packets.
The Ambassadors are a prestigious and integral part of the success of the Chamber. The Mission of an Ambassador is to serve as the public relations arm of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce membership. The Ambassador Committee works with the Chamber membership development, retention of members and is the link between the memberships, Staff and Board. The Ambassador Program requires total commitment, they assist at Special Events, Ribbon Cuttings, Mixers and any other chamber programs as needed.
Jerry Powell– Co– Chair Jeremy Benjamin– Co-Chair Joy Biddle Timothy L. Bird Deborah L. Curtis Bob Field Cheryl Gerhardt Tina Gong Judy Greaves Kathy Hobby Regan Jennings
Betty Julian Mitzi Lucas Mary Matthews Don Mundello, Jr. Susan Quigley Robert Rodarte Michael Schulze David Silva
Stephanie Talkington
Susan Quigley
Anokeen Varani
The Turlock Chamber of Commerce met with Home Depot on their Framing Hope Product Donation Program, which is an integral part of how The Home Depot makes a difference in our communities and environment. Products donated through this program are kept out of landfills and are used instead to rebuild neighborhoods and improve the lives of our citizens. The program pairs Home Depot U.S. stores with local charities to donate merchandise (clearance, return to vendor, gently used) who in turn put these products to use improving the lives of our youth, the sick and those in need. Framing Hope significantly increases Home Depots charitable giving with an annual potential of $60 million in product donations. Framing Hope also expands commitment to the environment by keeping merchandise out of landfills. It was determined that the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Foundation had been selected to work with Home Depot on this project. Every month Home Depot donates product that the Chamber Foundation has been able to provide to anyone who qualifies such as non-profits, schools, churches, businesses, agencies, organizations, or individuals who can use the product in a positive manner. The products received for giving are lighting, flooring, windows, appliances, tubs, shower, toilets, fans, cabinets, blinds, outside pavers and many miscellaneous items such brooms, cleaning products just to name a few, most anything can be in the load other than pipe or electrical wiring. These items cannot be sold or auctioned they can only be given away. The Chambers goal is to assist those who will use the merchandise in a positive way. This past year The Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation has had the privilege to work with Home Depot on this program which has given over $60,000 in product to our local community, but if it wasn’t for our other partners, Woods Furniture, who furnished the storage unit to house the product, JKB Energy to transport the product each month, Jay from the Greenery taking a chance of a ticket to drive his forklift to move the product around, Teen Challenge who has helped with both transporting and each month moving the product in the storage area and Home Depot Laurie and their manager Jim this program would not happen, but I have one other very important person who has taken of this project for our agency with tender loving care and full commitment and that is our own Sharon Berry. The Chamber wants to thank each and every one of you for your commitment to making this program such success. Please let us thank all of our partners for this program that has help our community and the needs of our citizens. WHEN THERE'S A HOME DEPOT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, GOOD THINGS HAPPEN. THAT'S THE ESSENCE OF FRAMING HOPE. Thank You To Our Partners
The Mission of Leadership Turlock is where leaders come together with a commitment, motivation and interest in serving Turlock’s community for 20 years. The purpose of Leadership Turlock is to identify potential leaders to gain an understanding of the community they may not otherwise have had a opportunity to explore; exchange ideas with current experts, decisionmakers and community leader on a board range of topics; enhance leadership and management skills; develop a close network with other class members. The class has no less than 15 and no more than 20 each year. In 2013 there were 15 in the graduating class. Program Includes: Welcome Reception, Introduction to Turlock Government & Polities, Agriculture Industry and Business, Elementary & Secondary Education, Land-Use & The Environment, Leadership Retreat, Non-Profit & Social Services, Media in the Community, Legislative Day in Sacramento, High Education, Health Care, Law Enforcement & The Courts, Graduation.
2013 Leadership Steering Committee Chair Jeff Segars - Foster Farms
Carl Nielson - Turlock Police Department
Anokeen Varani - The Agency
Dianna Bettencourt– Oak Valley
Paul Porter - Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green
Tasha Van Santen - Turlock Chamber
Bob Hansen - JKB Energy
Susan Quigley– Rabobank
Sharon Silva - Chamber President / CEO
On October 30, 2013 the Turlock Chamber of Commerce presented the Annual Economic Trends Breakfast hosted by Turlock Golf & Country Club. The Economic Trends Breakfast brought together business leaders and local officials to address the state of our economy and statewide issues affecting businesses today. The Economic Trends Breakfast featured Chairman and Founder of The Grupe Company Greenlaw “Fritz” Grupe, Jr. as the Keynote Speaker. Grupe provided a wealth of knowledge from his experiences in building a successful company who has developed 50 communities in six states to discussing how his company adapted in the ever changing economy from
the drop in the housing/property market and the lack of skilled labor force.
Mission The Mission for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee is to support events and activities aimed at developing future agricultural
leaders, educating the public and informing policy makers. Over the past 13 years the Turlock Chamber Ag Committee have raised money to make it possible to help the future agricultural leaders of our community to earn scholarships that will assist in their college educations. To date the Ag Committee has given away $167,800 in scholarships to students who wish to continue their education in a agriculture related field; and have donated $90,000 to Stanislaus County Fair to promote Ag through Public Education. The Ag committee in 2013 gave 16 Scholarships totaling $16,500 dollars and $8,000 to the Stanislaus County Fair.
2013 Agricultural Committee Members Chair Mark Bender, CSUS Ag Studies
Greg Eisenhauer, Turlock Commerce Bank
Carol Medeiros, Schmidt, Bettencourt, Medeiros
Vice Chair Dianna Bettencourt, Oak Valley
Vince Flanders, American AgCredit
Todd Morgan, Westamerica Bank
Community Bank
Wes Jacobs, Dairy Prof. Network
Bart Muller, Muller Berry Farm
Jim Booth, Century 21 M&M
Kent Johnson, Ag Production Co.
Joe Pereira, Jr., Yosemite Farm Credit
Chris Borovansky, Stanislaus County Fair
Marcus Lema, Swenson Shear
Jim Theis, PMZ Realtor
Bill Daly, A.L. Gilbert
Kim Machado, Golden Bear Physical Therapy
Jack Wilkey, Wilkey Sheet Metal
Louis Randall, Livingston High School
The Government Relations Committee (GRC) was established to act as the “voice of Turlock business” by fostering, supporting, and promoting business retention within the City of Turlock and the State of California. In addition the GRC advocates for pro-business public policies advancing the economic agenda of the City of Turlock, the Central Valley, and the State of California. The activities of the GRC may include, but are not limited to endorsing ballot measure and making political contributions; educating the businesses and citizens on legislation activity that have an affect on businesses; spending money on polling, surveys and other similar activities; informing businesses and citizens on legislator vote in our quarterly Business News magazine.
The GRC Committee meets monthly with our elected officials representatives who provide current updates on legislation and is a valuable resource for the committee. In addition guest speakers from different industries are invited to speak on various issues. Guest Speakers included representatives from StanCera, City of Turlock, and TID discussed retirement systems; CEO for Stanislaus County and Superintendent of TUSD discussed issues with their organization; General Manager of TID discussed the future of water. The GRC refocused its efforts in 2013 to give chamber members a better understanding of how public policy issues shape local government and impact local economies and business. To that end, the GRC devoted one meeting to an exclusive discussion with the chief executives of each of the four principle jurisdictions, the city, the county, the irrigation district and schools . After those meeting, the GRC brought in regional agencies and overarching issues like public employee fund sustainability to demonstrate the interrelationship of our jurisdiction. We wanted to augment the traditional and useful legislative score card approach by raising and acting on other local goat issues. To that end the GRC approached other county chambers and all the cities in the county and stressed necessity of united and regional approach to infrastructure funding. Because of that action, the city of Turlock withdrew plans for a local road tax measure which would have undermined needed regional efforts. Most of all, the GRC sought to engage local business with policy makers before final decisions are made, in the believe that it is easier to enact good policy before bad policy is established The Turlock Chamber of Commerce has launched a political outreach program called the Turlock Prosperity Project (P2) because we know Government is an important partner in making Turlock a competitive place to do business. TurlockPresperity.com is a website that is linked to the Turlock Chamber which is a comprehensive and nonpartisan resource for businesses and their employees to get informed and educated on Federal, State and local government policies and voting information as well as local issues concerning businesses.
Representatives Congressman Jeff Denham - Rep Dana Ferreira Senator Anthony Cannella - Rep Helen Condit Assemblymember Kristin Olsen - Rep Paul Zeek / Brett McBay Supervisor Vito Chiesa - Rep Bev Hatcher City of Turlock - John Lazar
City of Turlock - City Manager Roy Wasden City of Turlock - City Attorney Phaedra Norton City of Turlock - Ron Reid Turlock Irrigation District - Michelle Reimers Turlock Unified School District - Mike Trainor
Members of the GRC 2013 Chair Mike Lynch - Mike Lynch Consulting Rich Borba - JKB Energy / Living Mike Brem - SupHerb Farms Fred Brenda - Valley Tool & MFG
Shannon Ding - AT&T Richard Dye– Pacific Gas & Electric Christi Falke– Falke Air Conditioning Kathy Halsey– Retired
Marty Jakosa - Foster Farms Chris Kiriakou– Cornerstone Consulting Inc. Bob Schmidt– United Equipment Jim Theis– PMZ Realtor
The Turlock Chamber of Commerce is the Voice for Business. One of the roles of the Chamber is to communicate to those who have been given the power to make decisions on issues that have an impact on how business functions. It is important the Chamber provides a vehicle through which the Chamber acts on local, state and federal government issues.
The goals of the TABPAC Get the members involved in developing and advocating legislative priorities Track legislation and issues Keep the membership informed on voting records of the legislators who represent our region Select candidates who are business minded and when making decisions fight for the business community’s needs Support efforts on ballots and measures that have a positive impact on business and help defeat efforts that are job killers. Work in developing a positive business climate through legislative efforts. In 2013 the TABPAC Board voted to support fundraising opportunities in efforts of providing additional public forums, and expanding our effort in supporting business friendly legislation and candidates.
TAB PAC Board Members Chair Dr. Mike Romeo - Romeo Medical Clinic
Jim Theis - PMZ
Julio Hallack - Concrete by Hallack
James Brenda - JKB Energy / Living
Marty Jakosa - Foster Farms
Paul Porter - Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green
Richard Dye - PG&E
Yubert Envia - Foster Farms
Mike Lynch - Mike Lynch Consulting
Chris Kiriakou - Cornerstone Consulting
Katy Halsey - AT&T Retired
The TABPAC presented the first Annual Eggs and Issues Breakfast on August 14, 2013. The Breakfast assisted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in honoring Congressman Jeff Denham for his 92% voting record for the previous year on key issues affecting the economy and was presented with the Spirit of Enterprise Award. Congressman Denham went on to speak about the many bills and programs he is supporting in Washington, ranging from creating jobs for veterans to his hopes of a immigration bill. The breakfast provided attendees with a plethora of information on current issues.
The Turlock Chamber of Commerce provides our members with programs and events throughout the year from informational and educational training, recognition, networking opportunities, and to help with funding the organization. Listed below are the events and programs .
Fundraising and Networking Monthly Mixers Golf Tournament Chamber Trip Party Under the Stars Holiday Mixer .
Informational and Recognition Best of Turlock
Membership Breakfast Ag Scholarship Luncheon Eggs & Issues Economic Trends Breakfast CEO Round Table .
Educational Leadership Turlock Sexual Harassment Workshop .
2013 Committees: The Turlock Chamber has a diverse number of committees Government Relations Committee (GRC) | Chair: Mike Lynch Turlock Action for Business Political Action Committee (TABPAC) | Chair: Mike Romeo Ag Committee | Chair: Mark Bender Leadership | Chair: Jeff Sugars Ambassador’s | Chair: Jeremy Benjamin and Jerry Powell Event Committee | Chair: Dianna Bettencourt TABPAC | Chair: Dr. Mike Romeo
The Turlock Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is responsible, through marketing efforts, for bringing visitors into the Turlock area, thereby enhancing the local economy. The CVB is your visitor information center; we provide Community Guides, maps, lists of attractions and so much more. The CVB also provide essential information to families and businesses looking to relocate to Turlock. We are a key resource for event planners and tournament organizers alike. In 2013 the CVB launched a meeting facilities DVD which was featured in the Modesto Bee and the Central Valley Business Journal. The DVD showcases some of Turlock’s large and unique meeting facilities, restaurants, hotels and attractions. Following the success of this video the CVB partnered with several businesses to run promotional videos of their services. This year we also launched a redesigned website that would act as a greater resource to the community and provides a wealth of information on Turlock.
2013 Committee: John Jaureguy (Chair) - Jaureguy’s Paint and Decorating Rebecca Philips Abbott - Carnegie Arts Center
Michael Everett -The Creation Lab
Bob Stammerjohan - Stammerjohan Consulting
Chris Borovansky - Stanislaus County Fairgrounds
Holly Hamilton - Holiday Inn Express
Roy Wasden - City Manager
Steve Carkeet - Turlock Community Theatre
Neyen Khatri - Best Western Orchard Inn
Maryn Pitt - City of Turlock
Kit Casey - Turlock Community Theatre
Naresh Patel - America’s Best Value Inn
Sharon Silva - CEO & President, TCC CVB
Kim Duyst - CSUS, Athletics
Jeff Segars - Foster Farms
Desa Cammack - Director of CVB
Mission: The mission of the Turlock Film Commission (Film Turlock) is to attract film production to Turlock and surrounding areas and ensure an optimal experience for filmmakers. Specifically, TFC will:  
Set Turlock apart as a unique and premier location for film production. Assist filmmakers optimize their production experience by: 1. Creating a synergistic relationship between local businesses, government, and filmmakers by providing an integration of opportunities 2. Maintaining a list of local government agencies, businesses, and services. 3. Maintaining an extensive location library. 4. Acting as a liaison between production companies, local government, and businesses.
Film Turlock got its first major project to film in Turlock in 2013. Home Theater Films from LA came up for 4 weeks to shoot a romantic comedy Theater Films from LA came up for four weeks to shoot a romantic comedy with several locations in the downtown area. The crew consisted of around 60 people and many extras from our community. With an estimated $250,000 dollars back into the local economy, it was worth all the hard work. We had 1087 people show up for extra and crew volunteers auditions over a two-day period. We used several interns from the University and it was a great overall experience for our town. There are talks to film another feature soon and we look forward to see what 2014 will bring.