209 Business Journal - November 2019

k e e p i n g

BUSINESS JOURNAL

b u s i n e s s e s

c o n n e c t e d ™

NOVEMBER 2019

VOLUME 4 ■ ISSUE 11

IN PROFILE

Olde Tyme Pastries has garnered a reputation for making tasty treats and now they’ve officially been recognized with the title of Sweetest Full Line Bakery in California.

PAGE 3

NEWS

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Michelle Reimers has been named the general manager for the Turlock Irrigation District, becoming the first woman to hold the position.

At the heart of VOLT Institute is the industrial maintenance mechanic program, which will leave graduates with a high-demand skill set.

PAGE 6

VOLT Institute helps boost Valley economy

BUILDING A WORKFORCE

BY SABRA STAFFORD

A

209 Business Journal

key factor for any company looking to open up or relocate to a specific region is the available workforce and whether or not they will have the needed skill sets. VOLT Institute is making great strides to make sure the Central Valley has the desired workforce and in turn is helping grow the area’s economic impact.

The VOLT Institute, based in downtown Modesto, was created in 2016 with the goal of giving individuals the training and knowledge needed to enter the workforce with skills that are in high-demand from a variety of companies. VOLT, which stands for Valley Occupational Learning and Technology, functions as a partnership with Opportunity Stanislaus and the Stanislaus County Office of Education.

“I think antidotally, we’ve all known there is a skills gap issue in the region,” said Opportunity Stanislaus Chief Business Services Officer Tyler Richardson. “As the economy started to improve and companies were growing, they realized they didn’t have the technical expertise needed

in order to sustain their growth.

In 2016, the private sector leaders in our community came together and said collectively, ‘we are having issues filling some very key roles in our manufacturing facilities.’ That set us on this journey.”

The curriculum begins with foundational skills on how to be an employee—everything businesses reported lacking in current applicants from safety to efficiency to professionalism and then students get to learn on equipment that mirrors that in factories locally enabling them to emerge ready to work. The initial course offerings are for industrial maintenance mechanic, a Supervisor Development Academy, and career accelerator programs. Soon, VOLT Institute will be adding a programmable logic controller training course to the curriculum. Tuition runs around $7,500.

“These are jobs that are in demand, good wage, usually fulltime and year-round and something you can build a career on and work locally,” Richardson said.

The work VOLT Institute is doing is supported by some of the SEE VOLT, PAGE 10

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

VOLT Institute offers a flexible class schedule, making it ideal for working individuals looking to move up in their company.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

2

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 530 Charity Way, Modesto Or Call Us

NOVEMBER 2019

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

3

IN PROFILE

Cottage business blossoms as result of client gifts

BY TERESA HAMMOND 209 Business Journal

ANGELINA MARTIN/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Terri Coonce, Jessica Coonce, Maria Mercado and Bertie Areias are just a few Olde Tyme Pastries employees who helped the business earn Dawn Foods’ title of Sweetest Full Line Bakery in California.

Olde Tyme Pastries named best bakery in state

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

Turlock residents are well aware of Olde Tyme Pastries’ reputation as one of the best sweet stops around, but now the news has traveled statewide with the shop’s recently-earned title of Sweetest Full Line Bakery in California.

The recognition comes thanks to Olde Tyme’s participation in Dawn Foods’ annual Sweetest Bakery in

Olde Tyme Pastries Location: 2225 Geer Rd., Turlock Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday; 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Contact information: 209-668-0928 Specialty: Decorated cakes

America Contest, which calls on dessert lovers far and wide to cast their votes for over 1,000 bakeries across the United States.

“It’s quite an honor. There are so many good bakeries in California,” Olde Tyme owner Terri Coonce said.

“We were all so excited and watching the scoreboard just about every night.”

This year marked Olde Tyme’s third year taking SEE PASTRIES, PAGE 5

We’re Committed to Local and Diverse Suppliers At Kaiser Permanente, we want local economies to thrive. That’s why we leverage our purchasing power to buy goods and services from local, small and diverseowned businesses.

Kaiser Permanente spent almost $2 billion with diverse suppliers last year. If you would like to raise your visibility for future procurement opportunities, register your business in our Supplier Portal today!

REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS

Go to supplierdiversity.kp.org

It all seemed simple enough for licensed real estate agents, Pam Benziger and her husband Kevin — create something special for their clients when purchasing a home.

An endeavor which began with making simple “Welcome” porch signs for clients, has blossomed to quite the side hustle for Pam via her business Handmade Blessings, as well as Handmade by You. “We made 80 of them that year and I pretty much painted them all and he helped sand them,” Pam said of the doublesided welcome signs. “I loved it and it was so cool to be able to give them to people and see their reaction. It was fun.”

Before she knew it, other Realtors were requesting items for themselves as well as client gifts.

Self-described as creative and crafty, but not an artist, Pam began researching ideas and learning via YouTube to create original wood work signs,

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Cottage business owner and wood crafting enthusiast Pam Benziger places a hanging bracket on the back of a wood sign during a Handmade by You party as part of her Handmade Blessings business.

as well as on-line research and Facebook groups.

Her work is currently sold on Amazon Homemade, as well as at Lori’s Frame Shoppe in downtown Oakdale.

The parent company of Handmade Blessings of-

fers a variety of items for the customer looking for a unique and special gift.

From signs, to lazy Susans, blanket ladders and service trays, the farmhouse inspired décor is unique and all done by Pam herSEE HANDMADE, PAGE 5

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

4

NOVEMBER 2019

IN PROFILE

Turlock-made cheese wins big at World Dairy Expo

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

Some of the finest cheese in the nation is produced right here in Turlock according to the World Dairy Expo, which recently presented the Dairy Farmers of America with five awards in the prestigious Dairy Product competition.

DFA swept the mozzarella category and took home first and second place honors in the provolone category thanks to the highquality cheese products that are produced at the cooperative’s Turlock facility. All three DFA mozzarella cheeses earned nearly perfect scores, with the first-place winner receiving a 99.65 composite score. In the provolone category, DFA’s first place winner received a 99.1composite score.

The Turlock facility is no stranger to winning national accolades, plant manager Tim Durham explained.

Since opening in 1987, the DFA Turlock plant has won

well over 25 awards, including the highest award, the Chairman’s Plaque, in the 2014 Championship Cheese Contest of the National Milk Producers Federation for its provolone.

It’s a combination of highquality, local products and dedicated workers that contribute to the facility’s success, Durham said.

“I think everyone wants to go to work every day and know that they’ve made a difference, and now we can physically put something in front of our team and say, ‘You’ve done this.

You’re recognized as being among the very best,” he said. “And for our members, this is something that they’re very proud of because delivering safe, quality food to the consumer is ultimately one of the most important things we need to do, especially in a huge agricultural area like this.”

Taking home awards in the Soft Italian cheese category is a competitive endeavor, as large and small

producers all over the country all have a stake in making the popular pizza topping, mozzarella, and the tasty deli choice in provolone.

There’s plenty to get right for both, Durham said, like making sure the mozzarella has the right stretch and mouth feel, and producing provolone cheese with just the right amount of pungent flavor. These techniques combined with the locality of the DFA Turlock facility’s milk produces award-worthy cheese.

“Being in Turlock is an advantage for us. We have members deliver milk from as close as three miles away and probably most of our milk comes from within a 25-mile radius,” Durham said. “There’s certainly a quality advantage.”

The World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product contest, sponsored by Wisconsin Dairy Products Association, garners participation from across the United States and re-

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Dairy Farmers of America swept the mozzarella category and took home first and second place honors in the provolone category at the World Dairy Expo.

ceived more than 1,430 entries this year. Products are judged in 85 categories, including cheese, butter, fluid milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, sour cream, sherbet, cultured milk, sour cream dips, whipping cream, whey and other creative/innovative products from dairy producers throughout North America.

Awards were given to

the following DFA cheese products made in Turlock: Low Moisture Whole Milk Mozzarella (First Place and Second Place), Provolone (First Place and Second Place) and Low Moisture Part Skim Mozzarella (Third Place).

“Soft Italian cheese is a very competitive category, so it’s a real honor to be recognized for producing some of the highest-quality

soft Italian cheeses in the U.S.,” Kim Parks, vice president, business optimization, DFA Ingredient Solution said. “This award is a testament to our dairy farm families who work hard to produce top-quality milk as well as our plant employees who consistently focus on developing greattasting cheeses for our customers.”

Construction company celebrates 20 years with relocation

BY TERESA HAMMOND 209 Business Journal

VINCE REMBULAT/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Emily and Matt Ridjaneck display the equipment at Releve, a boutique group fitness gym in Ripon.

Ripon boutique gym has new owners

BY VINCE REMBULAT 209 Business Journal

Releve is under new ownership. The husband and wife team of Emily and Matt Ridjaneck took over the group fitness studio created at 104 W. Main St. in Ripon.

“We looked at this as a great opportunity,” said Emily, who took up the offer from previous owner Jennie Gall.

Since then, she’s expanded the schedule, focusing exclusively on boutique group fitness classes – Barre, Cardio Circuit, Mat Pilates, Piloxing, TRX, and Total Body.

Each workout ends with the signature Releve relaxation. “It’s a simple moment of peace before returning to your day,” Emily said.

She and her husband, Matt — both are instructors at Releve, which, in French, means ‘raised up’ — have been in Ripon since 2016.

They relocated here from historic Williamsburg, Virginia, having met at the College of Williams & Mary. Matt Ridjaneck is a former Division I athlete, having played outside linebacker for the Tribe football program.

Not too long ago, he made an effort to incorporate all of the instructors at Releve, realizing that classes such as Barre and Pilates were “a tremendous compliment” to his workout.

“I now use these classes to supplement what I do,” said Matt, who is the instructor for Total Body and Cardio Circuit.

Emily teaches everything for the exception of yoga. She offers addon classes such as Revele Mamas, which is a stroller-friendly walk-and-stop workout for mothers and SEE REVELE, PAGE 7

For a business which is mostly completed underground, things are looking up for Dan Wood, his wife Kristine and the close to 60 employees of D.A. Wood Construction, Inc. Now in its 20th year of business, the company relocated to a 7,500 squarefoot building at 963 Shepard Court, Oakdale, this past July. In addition to the two-story office space, there is a 50x100 shop, as well as a spacious outdoor space for trucks and materials.

“Oakdale seemed to be the most friendly city in the area to work with,” Wood said of the decision to relocate the business.

“They seemed eager for our project.”

Wood and his wife first started the business in 1999, working out of their home in Salida, at the time.

Early on the business called Modesto home, before the couple relocated to an Oakdale location on Albers Road 16 years ago.

The seven-acre homestead shared space with the then-growing business.

“We operated out of there for about 16 years or so,” Wood explained.

“We decided to move just

TERESA HAMMOND/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Dan A. Wood, Jr., owner and founder of D.A. Wood Construction, Inc. happily greets his 20th year of business as he’s grown the business from a one-man operation to a company employing over 60 people.

because the traffic getting out on Albers Road was really getting dangerous. It was just really a safety issue for us and it was time. It was time to get into a commercial setting.”

Wood and his team found the current location in late 2017 and proceeded from there, purchasing the land and getting plans and permits in place.

From the start of design,

the company founder shared he knew what he wanted: shop and office space.

“Everything just kind of rolled into place,” he stated.

“I was kind of frustrated at first in how long the process to get started was.

I’m used to being in control,” Wood continued, “and control of the schedule and that part I had SEE

WOOD, PAGE 7

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

5

IN PROFILE

Wesson Hearing celebrates 40 years in business

BY VINCE REMBULAT 209 Business Journal

When Doug and Debbie Wesson first opened their business in 1979, they handled everything for patients and their hearing care needs.

Today, Wesson Hearing Care Center is a trusted hearing care provider in San Joaquin County, with nine employees and offices in Modesto, Tracy, Ripon and Manteca.

Doug and Debbie celebrated their 40th anniversary of the business at 1079 Eucalyptus St. Ste. 8 on Oct. 28, serving up cake, wine, hors d’oeuvres and cheese.

About a year ago, the Wessons sold their business to Julia Tyner, who has worked for them for the past nine years.

She started in optometry, working in Modesto prior to coming aboard to Wesson Hearing – Doug and

HANDMADE

FROM PAGE 3

self in her home workshop.

She works with repurposed as well as cut and distressed wood, ensuring no two items leave the workshop the same. The primary business first began three years ago.

Close to a year and a half ago friends shared with Pam it would be a fun gathering/idea for a party to host sign making workshops. A paint party participant and enthusiast herself, the woodworker decided to give it a whirl. So became the start of Handmade by You. A workshop-based business where clients host parties for friends to create their own one of a kind painted signs.

“Every sign is unique.

Everyone goes home with something they love,” she said, noting that each hostess chooses from a few quotes which are pre-made

by Pam in an adhesive sten-

PASTRIES

FROM PAGE 3

part in the contest. The longtime Turlock business was named the sweetest bakery in California during their first year participating in the competition, Coonce said, but there was no recognition for the feat. There were a few changes to the contest this year; the bak-

Debbie continue to work there.

“I hope they’re here forever,” said Tyner, who benefits from the experience and knowledge of the previous owners, from the healthcare to the business side of the operation.

Doug and Debbie Wesson are parents to three adult children and nine grandchildren. The business started out handling both optical and hearing before focusing strictly on hearing care solutions about year ago.

What’s been the secret of success for this longtime business?

“We put the patient first,” Tyner said. “We’re not afraid to take chances (on brining in the latest technology).”

Doug Wesson is a boardcertified hearing instrument specialist and certified audioprosthologist.

He also wears a hearing aid and is aware what it’s like to live with loss of hearing and how it affects a person’s personality, confidence and relationship with others.

In recent years, Doug Wesson traveled to Fiji.

In the Sautabu Village, he conducted over 400 hearing tests and fitted 300 of the people there with hearing aids made possible by the generosity of Otico, the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers and its foundation ‘People First.’

The Wesson Hearing Aid Center offers complimentary hearing tests and consultations to those in the community.

“This allows an individual to establish a baseline and determine if hearing instruments are appropriate treatment for them,” he said.

VINCE REMBULAT/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

From left, Debbie and Doug Wesson along with Julia Tyner of Wesson Hearing Aid Center in Manteca celebrated the 40th year anniversary of the business.

cil. She also provides paints and supplies for each guest to create something unique and special for themselves or a gift.

“That’s the cool thing too.

Being able to create something that you really didn’t think you could,” she admitted.

Pam has hosted parties as large as 30 people, which can be a handful, yet she’s found a way to manage so that guests still have the full experience.

“When I do parties that big, I start with the boards already stained,” she said.

“I come with a couple different colors or background and let people pick which they want to start with and then they put the stencil on.”

While the business keeps her busy, Pam still manages to work part-time with husband Kevin on the real estate business. As a gift/ workshop business the flow is a bit inconsistent.

The crafter shared the holi-

day season is undoubtedly her busiest time, so in turn Kevin helps her as well.

All and all the primarily referral-based business doesn’t feel like work for the business owner. She shared it feels more like be-

ing paid to fulfill a hobby.

“The whole creative process, I love it,” she said. “Being able to create every day and share that and teaching other people how.”

Watching them learn they can do it is also part of

the fun.

“I love seeing other people get excited about it. At least one person of every party comes in saying, oh I’m not crafty I can’t … this is not going to be good,” Pam confided.

But, she added, “they’re always astonished at the end” of the event that they have a sign they can be proud of.

To see Pam’s work or book a party visit www. handmadeblessings.com.

eries were split into three categories, including full line bakeries, donut shops and cake/cupcake shops, and there are now prizes for the shops that win in their respective states — like Olde Tyme.

Thanks to being named the best full line bakery in the state, Olde Tyme will receive access to an exclusive tips and tricks webinar in addition to a

personalized plaque and pre-designed social media templates.

This is key for a business that’s been open for nearly 40 years, Coonce said, and prioritizes keeping up with trends both online and in real life. This connection to customers, coupled with favorite sweets like Olde Tyme’s pineapple cream cheese coffee cake, contributes to the commu-

nity’s everlasting support, she added, and votes in the contest.

“It’s all thanks to our customers, and we want to thank them,” Coonce said.

“I think winning just shows that we really try to provide quality and freshness, and we really try to keep up with new, inventive ideas and stay up to date. People get bored instantly, and if you’re not on top and con-

stantly making new stuff, you’ll struggle.”

From trendy cakes with artistic toppings to cookies that reflect the time of year, Olde Tyme makes sure its desserts are unique no matter what the occasion is.

“You always want new customers, but you want to keep your old customers, too,” Coonce said. “We please the older custom-

ers we’ve had for 40 years by keeping the things they like, and we keep up with new customers by bringing in new products and offthe-wall ideas.”

Since voting began for the competition over the summer, Coonce has seen a number of new faces enter Olde Tyme and even more first-time customers since the shop won.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

At the conclusion of a Handmade by You party, guests proudly display their unique creations.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

6

NOVEMBER 2019

NEWS

Group teaches business safety Reimers selected as TID General Manager through classes, seminars Longtime District leader first woman to earn title

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

When it comes to owning and operating a business there are countless challenges and requirements those in charge must take into account, from ensuring employee safety to navigating strict state standards.

Craig Safety Group has offered support solutions and educational courses to help local business owners navigate these hurdles since 2013, and they’re looking to expand upon their success with their new facility in Turlock.

“Safety never sleeps,” said Craig Safety Group co-owner Charlie Craig, who operates the business alongside his wife, Rosie Craig. “Often times, businesses large and small don’t really think about the challenges when it comes to employee safety, risk management or regulatory compliance issues. We focus on the business’ needs and wherever that is, we try and put our resources.”

Craig Safety Group serves as a multi-state, multidiscipline resource for some of the most complex business issues, from manufacturing and construction companies to municipalities and agriculture. The staff specializes in training, consultation, compliance, industrial, hygiene, project management and support services.

The company began as limited liability company nearly seven years ago, and last week opened the doors to their first brick and mortar location in Turlock right off South Tegner Road — a 5,000-square foot facility where the company can now host seminars and classes on a larger scale. Prior to this, many local companies would travel to other areas to attend similar training sessions, Craig said.

“We just decided that there was a need here that we thought we could help fill,” Craig said. “By offering these courses, bilingual lessons and a variety of different classes, we hope to get a relationship with the com-

Craig Safety Group Type of business: Business support solutions and services Location: 3213 Liberty Square Parkway, Turlock Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday; or as needed

Contact information: 209-648-0295; craigsafetygroup@gmail. com Specialty: Health, safety, environmental and risk management courses

munity so that they don’t have to drive to the Bay Area or fly over to another state.”

Examples of the services offered by Craig Safety Group include CPR and First Aid training, safety seminars on topics like confined space entry, fall protection, electrical and evacuation, equipment training, on-site safety visits and training for cleanout jobs for equipment such as loadout tanks and silo cleanouts.

Most recently, the company hosted a day-long fall protection training, which covered the CAL Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s fall protection standards and provided an overview of fall protection methods. In the coming weeks and months, Craig Safety Group will also host trainings on rigging and hoisting, records keeping and even what to do in the event of an active shooter in the workplace. Another upcoming seminar will train business owners on how to ensure their employees properly clean up any messes left behind by transients at business sites — a growing problem throughout the state.

Many of these issues are vital to operating a business, Craig said, but many are unprepared to tackle them.

That’s where he hopes Craig Safety Group can step in.

“I think a lot of times people don’t realize the number of businesses here, the services they provide and the complexity of those services,” he said.

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

rience with TID, Reimers also lives and farms in the District, giving her a rare combination of both field and office familiarity TID Board President Charlie Fernandes believes will serve her well in her new position.

“The Board believes Michelle’s unique blend of skills and vision for the District made her the best candidate for the position,” he said. “During her career, she has advised the District on a number of major issues and challenges, and we are fortunate to have her continued leadership in this new role.”

Reimers will replace Hashimoto, who announced in April his intent to retire at the end of the year after 34 years with TID and nine years as General Manager. He, too, approved of his successor.

“Michelle is a visionary leader who will help carry the interests of residents, farmers and industrial users forward as the energy and water sectors face increasing challenges,” Hashimoto said.

As Assistant General Manager, Reimers has directed state and federal legislative and regulatory efforts, been responsible for customer service and consumer programs and led all communications and brand management for TID. There have been countless accomplishments by the organization throughout her career, which include ongoing work to relicense Don Pedro, surviving four of the state’s driest years on record, managing the 2017 flood and constructing a new power plant for

209 Business Journal

After an extensive, months-long search that saw the Turlock Irrigation District comb through candidates from across the country, the water and electricity supplier announced on Tuesday that its next General Manager will be hired from within.

Michelle Reimers was selected by the TID Board of Directors to succeed Casey Hashimoto as General Manager come Jan. 2, 2020 — a choice both she and the Board believe will bring a fresh perspective to the organization. After working with the District for the past 14 years, Reimers will serve as the seventh General Manager in TID history and is the first woman to take on the role.

“It’s almost surreal.

I’m very excited, honored, grateful — all those words,” Reimers said.

“One would say I’m not the typical GM selection…Typically, you don’t see too many female leads in this industry, and most GM positions usually have an engineering background or are attorneys.”

Reimers serves as TID’s Assistant General Manager of External Affairs, a position she’s held since September 2016. The Stanislaus State graduate was originally hired as the Public Information Specialist in 2006 and quickly climbed the ranks, earning the title of Public Information Division Manager in 2007, before being promoted to Director of External Affairs in 2013.

In addition to this expe-

DECEMB

- ISSU

E 30 -

NY FashEio n

$4.95

ebratio n FEBRUAR

US

4P.indd

Y/MARC

H 2019

Lo

- ISSU

E 31 -

$4.95

MAC di’s own K

ZIE FREEEND Miss Ca lifornia

PIFF

THE M AG DRAG ON IC

Cover-8

1

Sno y Stopw s

APRIL/M

AY 2019

- ISSU

Cover P h C oto WIN ontest 11/26/2

E 32 -

018 9:30:21

$4.95

AM

NE

LET’S

$4.95

R BRUDNO CH TOAS WARK 200 0 T here

US

to the roam elephan

IRISH in the 209ts

Cover-8

4P.indd

1

JUNE/JU

$4.95

LY 2019

- ISSU

4P.indd

1/21/20

E 33 -

$4.95

im Holes ming

1

19 12:15:5

2 PM

US

SECR Sw ET

Cover-8

energy customers.

Through it all, TID has also continuously met its most important goal, Reimers added.

“We’ve done quite a few things in my 14 years, but I think that there’s also some importance to be told of the fact that we have been a very reliable utility. We’ve kept rates affordable; we are reliable and sometimes that goes unnoticed,” she said.

“There’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes that allows us to have that stability.”

Until Reimers’ tenure as General Manager begins in January, she hopes to use the coming months to listen to TID customers and understand their needs. Issues she anticipates as she steps into her new role at the start of the year include the ongoing voluntary agreement negotiations with the State

LIFE

Just $

18

per year

visit 209magazine.com and click the

SUBSCRIBE to have 209 Magazine delivered to your door!

in theM saY ddK le Jo ETO

urney

3/25/20

19 10:03:1

8 AM

$4.95

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Craig Safety Group holds a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new Turlock facility last week alongside the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.

US

KEEP CA

Cover-8

4P.indd

1

Water Resources Control Board in regards to river flows, in addition to dealing with new statewide gashouse emission regulations when it comes to energy.

Although she’s the first woman in TID’s 132-year history to serve as General Manager, it’s not something Reimers thinks about. She’s a trailblazer, she said, but not because of her gender.

“I’m a person with a different perspective and a different background than the traditional role, and to me that’s the difference. I’m bringing a different perspective and a community perspective, and that’s what’s important to me,” Reimers said. “I have an ability to build relationships, and in the world we’re living in today, sometimes we forget that really matters.”

Your Favorite Magazine now...

ER/JANU ARY 2019

BRUN CH MIDN IGHTTO CERES CEN Cel TENNIAL

$4.95

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Craig Safety Group holds a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new Turlock facility last week alongside the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.

and LM TEQUdrink ILA WE’ VE GOT THE 209 COVERED. 5/20/20

19 8:49:28

AM

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

7

NEWS

Businessman, philanthropist John Chase donates $10 million to University of the Pacific STAFF REPORTS 209 Business Journal

Inspired by his own good fortune and a desire to give back to Stockton, Chase Chevrolet owner John Chase has donated $10 million to University of the Pacific’s Community Involvement Program (CIP), which has helped low-income Stockton students attain college degrees for the past 50 years.

A $5 million Powell Match to Chase’s irrevocable estate commitment will immediately fund the Chase Your Dreams Endowed Community Outreach Fund and the Chase Your Dreams Endowed Scholarship benefiting CIP, a comprehensive need-based program for first-generation college students from Stockton who have shown leadership and community involvement. It also extends the total donation to at least $15 million. The Powell Match, created as

WOOD

FROM PAGE 4 no control over. That was kind of different.”

In hindsight, the founder shared, he’s been told by many the process was quick and smooth given the scope of the project.

Dan Wood first began D.A. Wood Construction, Inc. as a backhoe business in 1999 while he completed his education in construction. Son to a father who himself was an underground contractor, he shared he grew up in the business.

“I learned it basically from the ground up,” he shared of starting in the business at the age of 16.

“I was the laborer in the trenches. I was the guy laying the pipe.”

The company installs storm, sewer, water and fire systems underground.

In time he learned he had a knack for operating and became an operating engineer. He joined the union and commuted to the Bay Area for the majority of his work. As the commute from the Valley

part of the $125 million gift from the estate of former regents Robert and Jeannette Powell, has more than $50 million available to match new or enhanced scholarship or academic program endowments at 100% for outright gifts or 50% for estate commitments, such as this gift.

The focus of the latest gift will be on CIP outreach, scholarships and mentoring for students, especially for those transferring from San Joaquin Delta College.

“The CIP program is a jewel at University of the Pacific,” Chase said. “With this gift, imagine how many lives we will change in 20 years … in 100 years.

I’ve been very fortunate in my life and have the opportunity to give back to my community. I can’t really put it into words.

It’s something that comes from the heart.”

The impact will be immediate, ongoing and farreaching for Stockton’s

future.

“John Chase’s incredible gift has the potential of lifting the community by increasing the chances of a college education for more Stockton youth,” said Maria Pallavicini, Pacific’s interim president. “That’s vital for a city where last year only 17.4% of the population had a bachelor’s degree or better.”

Chase’s generosity is already benefitting local students. He established a scholarship in honor of his father, William K. Chase, which is awarded each year to two CIP students to help “close the gap in opportunity for those with aptitude who exceed their circumstances, especially for those whose character is community service oriented.” And for the past several years, Chase has financially supported CIP’s mentoring and outreach at Cleveland Elementary School and Dr. Lewis D. Stallworth Sr. Charter

School, and soon at Delta College.

“The Pell Institute cites a 21 percent retention through graduation rate for low income, first-generation college students nationally, while CIP’s retention through graduation rate is 87 percent,” said Allison Dumas, associate vice president for student involvement and equity, herself a first-generation college graduate and alumna of both Delta College and Pacific. “The counseling, mentoring and friendships along with the identity and leadership development they find in CIP helps them succeed here at Pacific, and that’s exciting to see. John has been impressed by CIP students and the impact they’ve had with community youth. His generosity will help so many more first-generation students achieve their dreams.”

This is one of the largest gifts in Pacific’s history,

after the $125 million Robert and Jeannette Powell bequest in October 2013.

A portion of that gift created the Powell Match to encourage others to give.

“I wanted to do something special, something that had merit,” Chase said of the new gift. “I wanted to do this, and the only thing I want in return is for the students who receive the scholarships is to give back to the communities from which they came.”

CIP, which this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary, was founded in 1969 by Pacific students, faculty and staff who wanted to diversify the campus population. Besides need-based scholarships, CIP students receive resources such as tutoring, peer mentoring and networking with an extensive alumni group.

CIP alumni include former astronaut Jóse Hernández ’85; musician and actor Chris Issak ’80;

Pacific regents Armando Flores ’71 and Bo Yu ’93; University of San Francisco’s Vice Provost of Diversity, Engagement and Community Outreach Mary Wardell-Ghirarduzzi ’89; San Joaquin County Deputy District Attorney Mary Aguirre ’86, ’89; and Mary Ann Gomez Orta ’89, president and CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, among other leaders.

The program boasts an 87 percent six-year average graduation rate, far better than the national average of 60%. (The sixyear average graduation rate is the federal benchmark for first-time, fulltime undergraduate students at four-year colleges and universities to earn a bachelor’s degree.) More than 1,500 students have graduated from the CIP program over the past five decades.

to the Bay became longer, Wood decided it was time to make a change.

“Decided to make the jump and really haven’t looked back,” he said of starting the business.

A business which began with he and his wife, grew slowly. The first employee as well as the second he ever hired remain a part of the D.A. Wood team.

His father also came on board early into the business and helped train his replacement.

“Whenever I was starting up my company, he was on the verge of retiring,” the owner said of his father, “and I actually talked him into coming to work for me the last two years of his career.

He kind of helped me get a head start too. He came on board and took care of the field. I didn’t have to worry about the field at all.”

Wood admitted to trying to lure his father to stay on longer, but he told his son he had to pass. His time in the business was over.

While the business has had its ups and downs,

the scope of work and the company clientele tend to make business a bit different than that of the more popular general contractor.

“We were pretty well positioned because we do public works projects,” Wood said of business during the recession.

“It didn’t really hit until later 2008. We were well poised going into it. Our overhead was low and we owned our equipment which was helpful.”

As business has continued on a positive trend, the company has been able to grow now filling the 7,500 square-foot building with a staff including clerical, controllers, project management, human resources and estimators.

While the business stays steady, Wood shared technology has perhaps attributed the most to the efficiency and timeliness of projects.

“We used to have radios in the truck and communicate with radios and Nextel telephones,” he reminisced. “Now with

the programs you have available it’s just so much easier to communicate.”

From e-mail to texting and phones which can photograph and video, the days of waiting for faxes are long behind the business.

“It’s a lot quicker. It’s a lot faster,” he said.

Well into his 20th year as a business owner, with an impressive new location and a dedicated staff, Wood shared he has no plans to stop anytime soon. As for the success of his long fruitful career he attributes it to focus and perseverance.

“Just keeping your head

down and keep moving forward,” he noted.

“There’s plenty to take you off course. I think if you keep your head down and keep moving forward ... just perseverance.”

Customer and employee satisfaction are also high on the list.

“We take care of our people and we preach safety,” he continued. “I think people really appreciate working in a safe environment. I think those things add up to people sticking around.”

In addition to a dedicated staff, Wood shared 20 years later he still looks forward to coming to work

each day.

“One thing about the construction business is every day is different,” he shared. “Every day is a different challenge. Every project that we have going there’s some sort of an issue that has to be resolved or find a fix for.”

With no plans to retire on the horizon, the contractor shared thanks to that technology he noted a week or two away from the office on occasion is definitely in the plans.

“I can open my laptop and keep an eye on things from a business standpoint anywhere,” he said.

REVELE

FROM PAGE 4

their children around the Mistlin Sports Park.

Emily and Matt are parents to 3-year-old Ryland and 10-month-old Cooper. The six-week program kicked off earlier this week and will run through Nov. 20.

Releve Reset, another add-on, is a fitness and nutrition series designed

to shape one’s foundation with unlimited fitness and yoga classes coupled with a personal accountability coach, weekly meal plans, and check-in meetings.

Open Mondays through Saturdays, Releve offers classes in the early morning along with late afternoon.

“We offer more than just a workout,” Emily said. “We combine physical fitness with mental

well-being.”

The Ridjaneck family is thrilled to be part of the community.

“We feel lucky to call Ripon home and are proud to continue Releve’s commitment to fitness, wellness and community,” Emily said.

For more information, call 757.903.7755 or click on to www.releveripon. com.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

8

NOVEMBER 2019

OPINION

I find that

Vol. 4 No. 11 ■ November 2019

the harder

PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen

GENERAL MANAGER

I work, the

Drew Savage

MANAGING EDITOR

more luck

Sabra Stafford

NEWSROOM Dennis D. Cruz Kristina Hacker Teresa Hammond Angelina Martin Candy Padilla Vince Rembulat Virginia Still Dennis Wyatt

I seem to have.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Harold L. George

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman

­— Thomas Jefferson

SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Lorraine Bernaldes Beth Flanagan Dawn Hamilton Corey Rogers Melody Wann Charles Webber Jennifer Webber

DIGITAL Frankie Tovar Rich Matheson

To advertise in 209 Business Journal, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141 209 Business Journal is published monthly 122 S. Third Ave • Oakdale, CA 95361 Information: dsavage@209businessjournal.com 209businessjournal.com The Oakdale Leader USPS No 178-680 Is published weekly by Morris Newspaper Corporation, 122 S. Third Ave. Oakdale, Ca 95361 ©Copyright 2019. 209 Business Journal All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of 209 Business Journal is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in 209 Business Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of 209 Business Journal management or owner.

209 Business Journal assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

209MAG A Z I N E.CO M

DO YOU REALLY NEED A BUSINESS PLAN? “I am new to this country and am taking a class in the evenings on how to start my own business. I understand that you need a tax ID number and that it’s a good idea to form a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) to protect myself from lawsuits. At what point in the process, though, should I prepare the business plan? Do I have to file that document anywhere?”

Go to the small-business section of any major bookstore and you will see dozens, if not hundreds, of different books on how to prepare a business plan. You can’t blame anyone — not just recent immigrants, either — for thinking that a business plan is a legal requirement in this country, and that you shouldn’t even consider starting a business without first preparing a 100-page treatise with numbered sections, index tabs and the whole shebang.

Of course, business plans are not a legal requirement, and they don’t have to be filed with any government agency. There are two kinds: an operating business plan and a financial business plan. The operating business plan is a very informal document; it doesn’t even have to be in writing, although writing it down is good discipline and forces you to think about things you would otherwise overlook. Basically, the operating business plan has four parts: — A marketing plan that answers these questions: Who

CLIFF ENNICO CREATORS SYNDICATE

are my customers? What fears, passions and other emotions motivate them to buy things?

How do my products or services key in to those fears, passions and other emotions (to use an MBA phrase, “What is the value proposition?”). How do I get the message across to my customers? This part always comes first, because without customers, you don’t have a business.

You have a hobby.

— A competitive strategy plan that answers these questions: Who (or what) are my competitors? How are my products or services better, faster, cheaper, more convenient than theirs? In other words, where am I stronger than they are? If you can’t beat the competition, your only choice is to join them, or quit.

— A financial plan that answers these questions: What are the costs of running this business, and how many sales at what prices must I make in order to cover those costs and make a profit? What must I need to take out of the business in order to survive in the style to which I have become accustomed, and how long will it take me to get there? Will I have to borrow money to grow this business, and if so, when and how much?

— A risk assessment plan that answers these questions: What are the risks of this business?

Can I cover them with insurance? Will I need to form a legal entity to protect myself against my creditors? What legal documents will I need to use to make sure people don’t try to cheat me?

The time to prepare an operating business plan is after you get the idea for the business and well before you launch the business. You should keep it to yourself (and your business partners, if you have any), because the stuff in there could do you real damage if it were to get into the wrong hands.

Unlike the operating business plan, the financial business plan is a formal document that must be in writing. This is the business plan you will show to prospective investors, banks and other people when you are out looking for money to grow your business. This is the business plan all of the business plan books in your local bookstore are about, and make no mistake: It has to look a certain way or else these people will not take you or your business seriously.

Here’s a tip: If you are thinking about taking out a business loan from a local bank and need to write a financial business plan, don’t buy a book and try to figure it out yourself. Instead, visit your local chapter of SCORE (check out www.score.org to find the chapter nearest you).

This is a national volunteer organization of retired business people who provide free advice to local small businesses.

In my experience, just about every SCORE chapter has a few retired bankers who will be too happy to help you prepare the financial business plan your local banks will want to see, walking you step by step through the process. They may even introduce you to some of their old buddies at the bank who specialize in business loans. Did I mention this is free?

One final point about business plans: Writing them can be an awful lot of fun, but you have to be prepared to cast them aside if a really good opportunity comes along that wasn’t in the plan. The problem with business plans is that they narrow your field of vision. Sometimes the best business opportunities are not straight ahead in your path but appear in the corner of your eye in a vague and hazy way, at an oblique angle to what you are currently doing. Sticking too closely to a business plan can be just as bad as not having a business plan at all.

Cliff Ennico (crennico@gmail. com) is a syndicated columnist, author and former host of the PBS television series “Money Hunt.” This column is no substitute for legal, tax or financial advice, which can be furnished only by a qualified professional licensed in your state.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

9

ACCOLADES

PROMOTIONS, APPOINTMENTS, HONORS, ETC. Table Grape Commission adds Marketing Director Maria Montalvo is the new marketing director of retail and foodservice promotion for the California Table Grape Commission. Montalvo’s responsibilities include leading the in-store promotion initiatives and communication strategies needed to help move California table grapes through the U.S. Maria Montalvo and Canadian markets.

“We are very excited Maria has joined the team,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the commission. “Maria’s background and experience in promotion and sales, and her extensive work promoting products in the Hispanic community will be key to the development of retail promotional campaigns in the seasons to come.“ Montalvo has 15 years of experience in marketing, promotion, and sales. She joins the commission from Sinclair Systems International where she served as the global marketing manager. According to Nave, Montalvo will primarily focus on developing retail promotion and communication strategies to drive California table grape sales. Montalvo will be part of a four-member retail team and will manage numerous retail accounts.

Montalvo is a California native, born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley. She is a graduate of Fresno State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a focus in international business.

Opportunity Stanislaus welcomes Huber, Grimbleby to Board of Directors Opportunity Stanislaus is pleased to announce the appointment of two new board members to the twenty-six-member group charged with promoting economic and community development. The installation of Foster Farms Chief Executive Officer Dan Huber and Managing Partner and President of Grimbleby Coleman Clive Grimbleby occurred during the July meeting as the organization geared up to start its new fiscal year.

Huber oversees the poultry company’s vertically-integrated business across 100+ locations and leads over 12,000 employees.

He started at Foster Farms over 20 years ago holding positions of increasing responsibility in Sales, Operations, Supply Chain and General Management. Before becoming Chief Executive Officer Dan served as the company’s Chief Operations Officer. He has participated on several industry boards including the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association and National Chicken Council. A native of Colorado Springs, Huber is a graduate of University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

Grimbleby started his career with an international CPA firm in 1979. In his words, he has been with Grimbleby Coleman since dirt and assumes many roles- president, cheerleader, and bottle washer among them. At just 26 Grimbleby purchased the two-man company from his father and 35 years later Grimbleby Coleman is one of Modesto’s biggest accounting firms with a staff of sixty.

Grimbleby, an advisor on an array of local

nonprofits, holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from CSU Sacramento and an MBA from Golden Gate University.

David White, Chief Executive Officer of Opportunity Stanislaus, feels the selection of the new board members aligns well with organizational priorities. “We are in the fourth year of a five-year campaign to transform economic development locally,” said White.

“We have made great strides and moved the needle on everything from the number of jobs available to the quality of training for our workforce because we listen to our businesses and work to understand what they need. Both Dan and Clive are in the trenches every day as examples of industry and working to improve quality of life here in Stanislaus County and we are incredibly fortunate to have them on our board.”

Grimbleby shared White’s enthusiasm adding, “It is a deep honor to join the board for Opportunity Stanislaus. I am a strong believer in supporting business growth and serving the needs of businesses in Stanislaus County. I look forward to seeing a bigger picture of what is happening in and around our community!”

Board term lengths vary from one to three years. For more information about Opportunity Stanislaus visit www.opportunitystanislaus.com.

Winders to lead Small Business Development Center Katy Winders was named the new Director of the Valley Sierra Small Business Development Center. Winders started at the VSSBDC in 2015 as the organization’s Assistant Director. Her predecessor, Kurt Clark, served as VSSBDC’s Director for 15 years but was recently selected as the Regional SBDC Director for Central California.

Winders, a former entrepreneur with a background in business finance, has helped transform the VSSBDC with her efforts in conception and oversight of the Business Women’s Symposium and highly soughtafter QuickBooks trainings. David White, the Chief Executive Officer of Opportunity Stanislaus, was on the interview panel for the Director position. “While we are sad to say goodbye to Kurt Clark who has been such a steady, influential leader at the SBDC for so many years, Katy will fill in and not miss a beat,” said White. “She is a proven leader who is very respected by the business community.”

Clark, who served in an interim capacity for his new position for several months, expressed excitement over Winders’ promotion. “Katy has excelled in her role as Assistant Director for the past few years,” Clark said. “She is highly qualified and will continue to excel in her new position as Valley Sierra SBDC Director, providing expert guidance and training to businesses served by our region.”

Winders has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from California State University, Long Beach and has continued to build on her foundational knowledge. Warren Kirk, Chief Executive Officer of Tenet Healthcare’s Central Valley region and President of the Board of Opportunity Stanislaus said, “Katy embodies everything we are trying to do at Opportunity Stanislaus, which is support businesses with the resources and information necessary to grow and flourish.

We are confident her leadership will be an asset as we continue to make good on our promises to local business.”

In 2017 Winders was named the top SBDC professional in Central California. Winders’ new position is effective immediately. Hosted by Opportunity Stanislaus, the VSSBDC promotes the development, growth and success of small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout Stanislaus, Merced, Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties, thereby enhancing individual, family, community and regional prosperity.

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Modesto gets new Medical Director Dr. Vance Roget has been named as medical director of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Modesto effective Sept. 26.

In his role, Roget will oversee patient care and focus on restoring optimal function to patients with injuries to bones, nerves and muscles. Whether a patient has received a spinal cord injury in a car wreck, experienced a stroke, suffered from arthritis or struggled with jobHe comes to Encompass Health Modesto with more than 30 years’ experience in a variety of settings. “Dr. Roget is a seasoned physician leader who is dedicated to delivering highquality care and Dr. Vance Roget superior outcomes to our patients,” said Seth Rogers, CEO of Encompass Health Modesto. “We are thrilled to have him leading our team of physicians and clinicians at Encompass Health Modesto and working with them to help our patients reach their most optimal levels of independence.”

Dr. Roget is an independent practice physician who is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. After earning his medical degree from The Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1981, he completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. His undergraduate education was completed in biology at California State University-Chico.

His areas of interest include working with patients overcoming strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, peripheral nerve injuries, and burns.

Governor appoints area residents to committees and commisions Marian Kaanon, 45, of Modesto, has been appointed to the California Complete Count Committee. Kaanon has been president and chief executive officer of the Stanislaus Community Foundation since 2012. She was vice president of marketing for Community Hospice from 2005 to 2012 and policy planning and public relations specialist for the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from 2003 to 2005. Kaanon was account executive for HMA Public Relations from 2001 to 2003, account executive for Pacific Group International from 2000 to 2001 and news reporter and public services director for KUIC 93.5 Radio from 1997 to 1999. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation.

Kaanon is registered without party preference.

Joelle Gomez, 52, of Stockton, has been appointed to the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. Gomez has been chief executive officer at the Children’s Home of Stockton since 2016. She was chief executive officer at the Women’s Center – Youth & Family Services from 1992 to 2016. She is a member of the San Joaquin County Children’s Services Coordinating Commission, San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task Force, San Joaquin County Commission on the Status of Women and the California Alliance of Child and Family Services.

This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Gomez is a Democrat.

Jane McAllister, 57, of Hilmar, has been reappointed to the California Law Revision Commission, where she has served since 2015. McAllister has been a partner at McAllister and McAllister Inc. since 1996. She was an associate at Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios, Pacher and Silva from 1988 to 1996.

McAllister earned a Juris Doctor degree from Humphreys College School of Law. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. McAllister is a Democrat.

Doctors Hospital of Manteca Recognized as Safe Sleep Leader Doctors Hospital of Manteca was recently recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a Silver Safe Sleep Leader, for its commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep.

The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created by Cribs for Kids®, a national infant safe sleep organization.

Cribs for Kids is dedicated to preventing infant sleep-related deaths due to accidental suffocation. As a Nationally Certified Safe Sleep Hospital, Doctors Hospital of Manteca is recognized for following the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and providing training programs for healthcare team members and family caregivers.

“We are so proud to achieve this national recognition as a Safe Sleep Leader,” said Beverly Fick, Chief Nursing Officer at Doctors Hospital of Manteca. “We are joining the expanding group of hospitals across the country that are committed to keeping babies safe while they sleep, and providing new parents with the tools they need once they leave the hospital. This is just another example of how we are dedicated to providing high-quality care for our community.”

“Sleep-Related Death results in the loss of more than 3,500 infants every year in the U.S.,” said Michael H. Goodstein, M.D., neonatologist and medical director of research at Cribs for Kids®. “We know that modeling safe infant sleep in the hospital and providing education to families has a significant effect on infant mortality. Cribs for Kids Hospital Certification Program is designed to recognize those hospitals that are taking an active role in reducing these preventable deaths.”

The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created in partnership with leading infant health and safety organizations such as All Baby & Child, The National Center for the Review & Prevention of Child Deaths, Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs, Kids in Danger, Children’s Safety Network, American SIDS Institute, Charlie’s Kids, CJ Foundation for SIDS, and numerous state American Academy of Pediatric chapters and health departments.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

10

area’s major employers, including E&J Gallo, Bronco Winery, Stanislaus Food Products, Foster Farms, Delicato, and Sierra Pacific Industries.

“Because we work closely with industries, we’re constantly getting feedback on how we are doing and can make changes immediately if we need to,” said Kevin Fox, the director of marketing and student engagement at VOLT Institute.

“VOLT has become a regional asset and companies and manufacturers throughout the greater northern San Joaquin Valley are tuning in and wanting to get involved,” Richardson said.

Recently, VOLT Institute was named one of the top 3 programs in the Partnerships for Industry and Education award contest this year and was recognized at the 2019 California Economic Summit.

“Through our partnership, we now have regional programs that offer specific, technical training currently in high demand,” said Scott Kuykendall, Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools. “By

delivering skilled training, VOLT is simultaneously meeting the needs of job seekers and industry. We are excited to be recognized at the California Economic Summit and also to share the work we are doing with other regions throughout the state.”

“We are honored to receive this award,” said David White, Chief Executive Officer Opportunity Stanislaus. “VOLT Institute has been a great collaboration by partners who are devoted to improving vocational education in our region.

The greatest result of our program is the positive impact it’s having on families, making it possible for more people to have a great job and better quality of life.”

VOLT Institute also was awarded a grant of nearly $1 million from the Economic Development Administration, a bureau within the United States Department of Commerce. The funding, allocated to VOLT Institute and Modesto Junior College, will be used for the purchase of equipment on par with machines used in industrial settings at local employers.

NOVEMBER 2019

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The curriculum at VOLT Institute includes hands-on experience and classroom learning.

“The students are gaining knowledge and training that they can use out in the real world and are relative now and for the future,” Fox said.

The grant required match funding, a hurdle overcome by Assemblymember Adam C. Gray’s work to get a million dollars for VOLT Institute and MJC allocated in the 2018-19 California State Budget.

“We have a significant shortage of workers with the real skills necessary

to get these good-paying jobs,” Gray said. “We are encouraged that VOLT and MJC were able to use this state money to assemble a total of $2 million from federal and state grants to train an additional 200 students annually by expanding its certified industrial maintenance program and the industrial electronics, manufacturing, and machine program.”

Congressman Josh Harder has made his support for technical training and

VOLT Institute in particular known since taking office, attending several of the school’s events and calling training in key areas a matter of statewide importance. “This is huge news – we’ve got all these talented people in the Valley who want good-paying jobs close to home, but they don’t always have the skills or experience they need to fill them,” said Representative Harder. “VOLT has already proven they can step in to fix this prob-

lem, and now they’re going to have even more capacity to get people prepped and into a good career. It’s good for businesses looking to hire, it’s great for workers, and it’s one more way we can signal to employers outside of our area that we have a highly-skilled workforce ready to get the job done.”

For more information about the VOLT Institute visit the website at https:// voltinstitute.com/ or call (209) 566-9102.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

11

LENDING IN YOUR COMMUNITY At Oak Valley Community Bank, we’re committed to supporting the borrowing needs of the communities we serve. Here are a few examples of projects we’ve recently financed for clients.

$1.9M

$8.0M

$4.2M

Manufacturing Facility Line of Credit

Commercial Real Estate Government

Commercial Real Estate Office

$7.5M

$500K

$250K

Ag Production & Distribution Real Estate & Line of Credit

Food Industry Revolving Line

Non-Profit Organization Real Estate

Call Us About Your Next Project Today!

Cathy Ghan

Mike Petrucelli

Mike Garcia

Jeff Hushaw

Michael Stevens

343.7607

844.7544

320.7860

Commercial Lender

Commercial Lender

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial Banking Market Manager

Commercial Banking Market Manager

Victoria Gaffney

Tom Harris

Lynette Fletcher

Lisa Melville

Sarah Williams

343.7601

320.7853

844.7552

396.7706

320.7852

320.7867

Commercial Lender

249.7370

Commercial Lender

Commercial Lender

Commercial Lender

Treasury Management

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

www.ovcb.com Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock • Patterson • Escalon • Ripon • Stockton • Manteca • Tracy • Sacramento

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

12

NOVEMBER 2019

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES

DISNEY INSTITUTE

TO Modesto, CA

Modesto Junior College, West Campus • November 21, 2019 • 8:00 am • 209-577-5757

Attention to detail can be the difference between mediocre customer service and world-class, memorable experiences that drive repeat business. In this course, you will examine time-tested Disney strategies that help create world-class service. Spend one day with Disney Institute and you’ll benefit from our insights on quality service and learn to think differently. Are you ready to D’Think your customer experience?

•Determine how you can drive service differentiation •Develop quality service standards •Utilize tools to deliver exceptional service •Learn how to recover from a service failure

DISNEY’S APPROACH TO

QUALITY SERVICE

Register Today! Space is Limited. https://www.modchamber.org/event/disney-instituteModesto Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a selected sponsor of Disney’s Approach to Quality Service and wishes to thank its marketing participants: • MNC, Morris Multi Media • IHeart Media • Modesto Junior College Foundation • Modesto Bee As to Disney artwork/properties: © Disney