209 Business Journal - September 2019

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SEPTEMBER 2019

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

VOLUME 4 ■ ISSUE 9

IN PROFILE

Darlene Dover and her stores Envy Fine Clothing have built up a solid reputation for customer service and fashionable apparel.

PAGE 4

NEWS

Di Quaresma has turned her family’s experience with almonds into a budding new business.

#CHANGINGTHECULTURE

PAGE 5

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Ali Cox, Cheri Silveira, Sunita Saini, Christine Schweininger.

Women’s Leadership Round Table readies for 4th annual event

BY KRISTINA HACKER

F

209 Business Journal

our years ago, a group of dynamic women leaders were put together in one room and asked to share their individual journeys to success and what they learned along the way. The result was an empowering discussion about numerous topics, with those in attendance leaving with a renewed since of inspiration. Thus, the annual 209 Women’s Leadership Round Table breakfast was created.

This year’s event, set for Oct. 21, promises to once again inspire those in attendance.

The theme of this year’s event is #ChangingtheCulture. The culture of a business or group is defined as the underlying beliefs, assumptions, values and ways of interacting that contribute to the unique social and psychological environment of an organization.

The four panelists for this year,

and all the panelists from the previous three events, have been instrumental in changing the culture of their respective workplaces, industries or fields.

The 4th annual 209 Women’s Leadership Round Table breakfast will be held Oct. 21 at Hilmar Cheese Company, 9001 Lander Ave., Hilmar. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for a buffet breakfast.

The round table discussion will start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10 a.m.

Tickets are $20 each and $160 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets, visit https://www. eventbr ite.com/e/womensleadership-round-table-tickets-69216334921. Sponsorships are also available. For information on becoming a sponsor, contact Jennifer Webber at 209-2493550 or jwebber@209magazine. com.

Meet the 2019 Women’s Leadership Round Table panelists:

Dr. Sunita Saini, Board Certified Pediatrician Dr. Saini was born and raised in Turlock. She graduated as valedictorian of Turlock High School at the young age of 16.

She credits Turlock High for giving her so many leadership opportunities at such an early age, being a member of 11 school organizations and an elected officer of seven of them. Her thousands of hours of community service to Turlock in various capacities earned her 11 scholarships, Scholastic Young Woman of the Year, and a Congressional Medal, all before she started college to become a physician.

She continued that leadership at the University of California at Davis, where she was Co-president/vice-president/officer of seven college organizations such as the Pre-Medicine/American Medical Student Association and the Psi National Honors Society. Her goal was to empower

young minorities and females into medical and research positions, earning her the American Association of University Women Scholarship and UC Davis Medical Center Scholarship. Her developmental biology research in reproduction pathways was published in two scientific journals and she earned the Distinguished Graduate Title for the UC Davis College of Letters and Science, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Neurobiology Physiology and Behavior with a minor in Psychology.

In medical school and residency in the Midwest, despite the intense academic curriculum, grueling 36-hour shifts, and constant hospital call nights in ICUs, her passion for serving the community and holding leadership positions did not falter. She was a councilwoman for her medical school’s government board.

She gave free medical care to SEE LEADERSHIP, PAGE 10

209 209BUSINESS BUSINESS JOURNAL JOURNAL

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SEPTEMBER 2019

OPINION

Vol. 4 No. 9 ■ September 2019 PUBLISHER

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.

Hank Vander Veen

GENERAL MANAGER Drew Savage

MANAGING EDITOR Sabra Stafford

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

­— Helen Keller

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Harold L. George

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman

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

A friend in the State Capitol California’s Central Valley is often dubbed as “flyover territory” — in other words, the mundane, crop-heavy region that many overlook as they travel to and from the state’s more populous areas. In Turlock and our surrounding communities, however, we know that the center of California serves as an integral part of the state’s success. It’s rare to find anyone at the State Capitol who shares that view, but that’s exactly what we have in Lenny Mendonca.

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Mendonca as his Chief Economic and Business Advisor in January, placing the Turlock native at the helm of California’s approach to job creation and economic development. I had the chance to write a feature on Mendonca in June and was inspired by his journey that’s seen him go from milking cows on his family farm and playing baseball at Turlock High School to serving as the governor’s senior business advisor.

During our conversation earlier this year, it struck me that although Mendonca left Turlock in the 1970s to attend college and pursue his career, his heart has always remained in the Valley. It’s not surprising; his brothers still help run the

ANGELINA MARTIN 209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

farm just east of the city and work in town at Turlock Irrigation District and Turlock High School, while his sister serves as a special education instructor at Dennis Earl Elementary.

Turlock is Mendonca’s home, and that remains true even when he’s in Sacramento.

His connection to the city and its surrounding communities gives him a unique perspective on the region’s importance to the state’s overall economic health. His goal is to see each region rise together as one, he told me, without the Central Valley being left behind as it has in the past.

It’s one thing to talk about Mendonca’s appreciation for the Valley, but this week we saw actions that show how much he cares about the area.

Speaking at one event in a day is a nice thing to do, but when we asked Mendonca to speak at our inaugural Best of 209 Awards Gala for 209 Magazine, which took place on Aug. 21, we had no idea he had already committed to two additional appearances that day in both

Turlock and Modesto.

Some may have said it was too much for one day, but Mendonca stayed in town to welcome the region’s best businesses and organizations to our event at the Gallo Center for the Arts that evening — and you could tell he genuinely enjoyed doing it. He told the businesses, companies and nonprofits in attendance that events like the Best of 209 Awards remind him “how much he loves his hometown.”

In Mendonca’s love for his small-but-big home, he also recognizes the importance of maintaining and supporting a voice for communities through local news. In fact, back at his home in Half Moon Bay, he even helped form a nonprofit news group in 2018 to purchase the Half Moon Bay Review.

In today’s climate, where my profession and colleagues have been referred to as “the enemy of the people,” it’s refreshing to see someone support local news. While I agree that national, televised media has strayed from the informative medium it once was, utilizing theatrics and shock to gain an audience, community news focuses on issues that are valuable to the everyday American: What decisions did your

City Council make last night?

Where can I donate clothing to the homeless? Who is running in my local election and how can I vote for them? When is the next high school football game?

These are the questions that matter to our readers, and protecting that voice is something Mendonca believes should be prioritized. He made that clear during his welcoming speech at the Best of 209 Gala when he recognized our staff — something we all appreciated.

“I actually think it’s really important to recognize how much work and how much effort it takes to provide highquality coverage of local issues and so when a magazine is part of a news group that’s a local group and does something like this, it’s important that the community come out and support that because once you lose your local voice, you don’t get it back,” he said.

So, thank you Mr. Mendonca, for not only putting our city, our zip code and our Valley on a pedestal in the State Capitol, but for taking the time to be present in the area. As a journalist, support of community news coming from a state leader is encouraging and we’d love to have you back soon.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Escalon dance studio making all the right moves Turlock beautician overcomes

setback to reach her dream

BY MARG JACKSON 209 Business Journal

Andreane Shearer didn’t know her life path would bring her to Escalon … or to own a dance studio … but there are literally hundreds of people around the region that are glad it did.

The owner and head instructor at Powerhouse Dance Studio in Escalon, the local resident oversees the business that features weekly classes in a number of dance genres for all ages and abilities, offers Zumba fitness classes and yoga for adults, tumbling, competitive dance teams and more.

The Escalon dance studio was originally opened

by Jaclyn Ortiz and started in a small location at 1515 First Street; it was purchased by Shearer a few years later, in 2011. As the business expanded and added more options, they outgrew the 1515 First facility and, in January 2013, moved to their current location at 1405 First Street.

Ballet, jazz, tap, tumbling, hip hop, lyrical, toddler classes, Mommy & Me and adult fitness are among the offerings. Also, Shearer said the first class

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

Turlock resident Ashley Tennyson has encountered her fair share of difficult setbacks throughout her life, but none hindered her from recently achieving her longtime dream of opening a salon.

Located in downtown Turlock, Tennyson took over the space that formerly housed A Beautiful Reflection & Day Spa in April and has since been hard at work remodeling the location alongside her mom and co-owner, Julie Edling.

Opening a salon wasn’t always in the cards for Tennyson, however, as she originally planned on obtaining a kinesiology degree from Stanislaus State. Shortly before starting classes at the university, Tennyson suffered a devastating brain hemorrhage and was placed in a medically-induced coma for three weeks. When she woke up, she had to relearn how to do everything that once came naturally to her: walking, reading and even SEE SALON, PAGE 5

MARG JACKSON/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Teacher Reya May, left, and owner Andreane Shearer are among the friendly faces at Escalon’s Powerhouse Dance Studio, offering weekly classes for a variety of age levels as well as Zumba, tumbling and competitive dance.

is free, so for those who might be interested in giving a specific class a try, they can do the first one for free to see if it is something they want to pursue.

The building is also constantly being upgraded, with a different project ev-

ery summer, noted Shearer, to improve the workout space, viewing areas and comfort for participants and observers.

“Every day, from morning to evening, we have classes,” Shearer shared of the hectic Monday

through Friday pace.

Powerhouse also works with some home schooled students, with the dance classes helping them meet their physical education requirements. Gateway Academy, the home

ANGELINA MARTIN/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Turlock resident Ashley Tennyson recently realized her lifetime dream of opening up her own business, Swoon Salon & Spa.

SEE DANCE, PAGE 5

HELPING VALLEY BUSINESS GROW

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches Oak Valley’s Mike Garcia, Commercial Banking Market Manager (left) 209.343.7607 and Dianna Bettencourt, Turlock Branch Manager (right) 209.633.2867, pictured with Dust Bowl Brewing Company owners Brett & Camy Honoré and Brett & Karen Tate.

866.844.7500 • www.ovcb.com Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock • Patterson • Escalon Ripon • Stockton • Manteca • Tracy • Sacramento

“For this expansion, we knew we wanted to work with Central Valley partners who share our desire to build up our local region. Oak Valley was the perfect fit. They were responsive to our needs and ensured the financing was in place at every stage of our project.”

- Dust Bowl Brewing Co., Turlock, CA

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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SEPTEMBER 2019

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

From teacher to retail mogul Pharmacy to Farmacy: Serving up fresh food

BY AUTUMN NEAL 209 Business Journal

SABRA STAFFORD/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Darlene Dover is the owner of Envy Fine Clothing, which has five locations in the Central Valley

BY SABRA STAFFORD 209 Business Journal

Darlene Dover didn’t set out for a career in fashion, but rather got her training in education.

However, it was those lessons she sought to instill in her young students, particularly those on kindness and self-esteem, that have helped her succeed as the owner of Envy Fine Clothing stores in the Central Valley.

“The people that work for me have had a lot of negative work experiences where they weren’t appreciated and I take pride in that they are appreciated

and we don’t allow bullying and we build each other up,” Dover said. “My girls are kind to everybody.

Every single girl who works for me represents who I am. Everyone is welcome here.”

Dover credits that focus on creating a positive work environment and delivering exceptional customer service for helping build up her business over the years.

Dover opened her first shop in Atwater in 2008.

From the beginning it was a store that carried fashion for women, men and baSEE ENVY, PAGE 6

Nestled in the middle of quaint Main Street in Escalon, there’s a business that’s gone through quite a few changes through the years.

The building at the corner of Main and Second first started out as a pharmacy, turned into a café, and now is the regular lunch spot for many working Escalonians and is nearing its one-year anniversary. Meet: the Food Farmacy.

Owner Tiffany Early started cooking food at an early age; she can recall making pancakes and scrambled eggs in first grade. Cooking, baking, and the works, it’s all something she’s always been naturally good at doing.

“I used to work here when it was Leonardo’s (café),” Early noted of the establishment. “When I used to work here, people always used to say ‘Oh, I remember when this used to be the pharmacy’.”

The building’s latest change from a café to a popular lunch hub has

AUTUMN NEAL/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Tiffany Early proudly presents her local business, which will mark its one-year anniversary in September. The Food Farmacy’s wooden decorations were built by Early’s step-father, promoting the “farm” aesthetic.

been one of intertwining the old with the new.

Whether it be something as big as the name or something as little as a menu option, Early has carefully crafted an atmosphere to bring a modern twist to something beloved by the town.

When Leonardo’s went up for sale, Early seized the opportunity to own

Happy cows.

Fun Flavors.

her own place. Instead of naming it “Tiffany’s Bistro” like some of her supporters encouraged, she decided to dig back into the building’s roots and name it the Food Farmacy.

Because she shops for the produce every day and rarely freezes selections, Early can really embrace the “farm fresh” feel of her eatery. While diners

sometimes try to figure out if it’s a cafe, a bistro, a sandwich shop, or something else entirely, the quality of her food is never compromised.

“Some of the menu I kept the same because some of the choices were really popular,” she explained, recalling Leonardo’s food selection. “We SEE FARM, PAGE 6

Voted BEST FARM TO FORK Thank you for your Vote!

Stanislaus County’s freshest bottle of milk.

At Nutcher Milk Taste matters. We feed our cows a balance daily ration, that our nutritionist puts together. We pick ingredients that don’t change the flavor of the cow’s milk.

Fun flavors for young and old. Chocolate, Strawberry, Cotton Candy, Root beer, Orange cream, Mocha, Cold brew Coffee, Eggnog, Pumpkin spice, and always trying new ones.

When we milk our cows, their milk comes out about 98 degrees and we chill it to 38 degrees within 5 minutes of leaving the cow, saving flavor and preventing bacteria growth. This is above and beyond the Grade A standard.

We deliver directly to stores near you. Truly Farm to Fridge for you. Why glass bottle?

We pump the milk to the processing plant 20 feet away during milking. We then do antibiotic testing to ensure antibiotic free milk. We then pasteurize and homogenize, making it ready to go to the bottle.

From cow to bottle in just a few hours and it is only milk from our cows.

We offer Whole milk, 2%, Half and Half and Lactose free whole milk.

Our cows make great tasting milk, so we wanted a package that didn’t change the flavor.

Glass bottles keep the milk colder, there is no taste changing residue from glass.

We reuse the bottles over and over so no milk containers in the landfill.

A $2.00 deposit exchange for every bottle.

RETURN CLEAN BOTTLES TO ANY STORE THAT SELLS NUTCHER MILK FOR YOUR DEPOSIT BACK!!!!

nutchermilk.com

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

5

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Nothing but almonds

BY DENNIS WYATT 209 Business Journal

One of the biggest joys of Di Quaresma’s life is almonds.

She started working in an almond orchard as a 4-year-old on her father David Lawton’s 20-acre orchard on Northland Road just north of Manteca near New Haven School by placing milk cartoons around young trees for protection.

Her husband Daryll is a third-generation farmer who grows mostly almonds along with wine grapes on more than 800 acres.

Then there is her “baby” — the unique Almondee almond butter that is the only one on the market to be made from 100 percent pure almonds. Nothing else has been added. Not oils, not salt, and not anything to mask anything. It’s just almonds. That’s it.

To drive home the point Quaresma on the Almondee label that lists the ingredients as “dry roasted California almonds” placed larger lettering below it proclaiming “That’s it!”

“People can’t believe there are only almonds in it and nothing else,” Quaresma said.

DANCE

FROM PAGE 3 school charter program in Escalon, is among those that work with Powerhouse for the phys ed classes.

“For adults, we have yoga and Zumba classes in the morning and adult hip hop in the evening, the hip hop has become very popular with the men,” Shearer noted.

Along with the physical benefits, Shearer said dancing is a great form of self-expression and she is proud that the dance studio helps participants gain confidence in themselves.

“We do the Modesto Junior College showcase, it’s the second weekend of May and this year we had about 200 students there,” she said. “We had both rec and comp students showcasing routines Friday night and Saturday night that weekend.”

Powerhouse currently has close to two dozen students in its competitive elite classes and from August through December, they work on routines and choreography, preparing for the January through May travel and competition schedule. The group travels for events in areas

Quaresma founded California Almonds, LCC, originally to market one-pound bags of whole raw almonds over the Internet.

Sales took off mainly because you can’t find onepound containers of raw almonds in stores.

When looking for another product she noticed all of the almond butter brands the market added ingredients and didn’t taste as good as the almonds that she grew up with and those that her husband grows. To top it some of the leading brands aren’t even made in California where 100 percent of the nation’s almond crop is grown. That means they have little control over the quality of one of the most important ingredients — and what she believes should be the only ingredient — almonds.

So, she used knowledge gleaned from working in the family almond orchard while growing up and tapping into the wealth of information about almonds that comes from not only being close to those that grow them but also a lifetime of exploring ways of working almonds into recipes, to come up with Alincluding Fresno, Stockton, Dublin, Los Angeles and more.

Tumbling classes for preschoolers are hosted each Thursday morning at the Grange Hall in Escalon.

“The owner there works with us,” Shearer said of having the tumbling and Mommy & Me classes at the Main Street hall.

As for the recreational classes, Shearer said everyone can find something to enjoy.

“I’m a natural at tap and hip hop,” she said of what she likes the most.

In her early years, though, it was a different sport that occupied Shearer’s time.

“I grew up as an ice skater,” she explained. “In 1996, our family moved from Canada to California.”

She no longer had the easy access to ice so she took off the skates but continued the dance moves.

That led her to getting more involved in dancing and she pursued it in college, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Theater/Dance in 2008.

“I taught at a few studios here and there, then I found Powerhouse,” Shearer said.

She worked with Ortiz

mondee.

Her big break came when Save Mart decided to add Almondee to the shelves of their 200 plus stores throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada that also includes SMart, Lucky and FoodMaxx stores.

At first they turned Quaresma down.

“They said they already carried a lot of almond butter brands,” Quaresma said.

Then she made her pitch about it being a 100 percent locally sourced product with no additives. The nuts all come from Ripon and Manteca orchards and are carefully screened for quality. They are then dry roasted at a Modesto plant.

“We have complete control of what we produce from the tree to the (jar),” she noted.

Save Mart agreed to a blind taste test.

After that, they were hooked.

So, what is her secret?

“There are 20 varieties of almonds,” Quaresma said.

“We use the best tasting variety.”

After that there was endless trial and error to determine the best temperature and, in 2011, the pieces fell into place for Shearer to take the plunge and purchase the business.

“I never thought I was going to be here,” she admitted of being a female business owner in small town Escalon. “There was a huge learning curve but I’m really proud of the opportunities I’ve been able to provide.”

Shearer pointed to the staff she works with as being among the best and said they are truly like a family.

Along with Shearer, the staff includes competition choreographer Liz Hallack and dance instructors Reya May, Amber Blankenship, Bethany Edwards, Jakkie Cerna and Paislie Taylor, along with tumbling instructor Tatiyana Lovins.

“I also just hired a new male instructor, Shean Bautista, so we will finally be offering a little break dancing,” Shearer explained. “Most of my teachers live in the Modesto area, they’re really dedicated individuals and I’d say 70 percent of them are in college studying dance.”

Reya May serves as an all-around teacher, skilled in many genres, and will step in to take over the

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Di Quaresma of Ripon-based California Almonds, LLC, with jars of her Almondee almond butter.

and exact time to dry roast them. The result was the purest — and according to Quaresma and various reviews posted on Amazon where Almondee is also sold — the best tasting almond butter available.

She is working with her new partner — World Food Products based in the Manteca Industrial Park — to come up with new lines that may include flavored almond butter. They are also getting Almondee on the shelves of Raley’s and Safeway stores.

Quaresma can rattle off an endless number of ways business while Shearer is on maternity leave, her second child due soon.

There are classes in the morning, roughly from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday, followed by a break, then the afternoon and evening classes run from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“We have dancing toddlers for those ages 2 to 4, they dance their little hearts out,” Shearer added of getting kids started early.

More information about classes and fees is available by calling 209-4563581 or 209-691-8113, or by visiting online at www. powerhousedancestudio. com.

Overall, through it’s a line of work that she never anticipated getting into, Shearer said now, she can’t imagine her life without it.

“I have a great staff, I wouldn’t be able to do this without them,” she said.

“They put in a lot of off duty time, a lot of hours not counted for and their dedication goes beyond this building. We have a love for each other, we respect each other, I feel very fortunate.”

almond butter can be used including simply spreading on crackers as well as one of her favorite ways — an almond butter and jelly sandwich.

She noted that oil separation in Almondee occurs naturally. But after you open it and initially stir it — the most effective way is using a hand mixer — it stays in butter form. Refrigeration is required after opening.

Her father worked as a food manufacturing plant manager for Laura Scudders. He took up farming as a weekend pursuit and fell in love with it. Besides

almonds Lawton and his wife Jean (Cardoza) also raised beef cattle. He built a licensed butcher shop on his property where Milo Candini — Manteca’s first major league baseball player who pitched for the Washington Senators and Philadelphia Phillies in the 1940s and early 1950s and for whom Milo Candini Drive is named for that runs in front of Manteca’s Big League Dreams complex — was the butcher. Quaresma, who was a student at new Haven at the time, wrapped

SALON

and face-to-face interactions with clients. The fullservice salon offers hair and skin services, as well as teeth whitening, lash services, microblading, massages and, eventually, spray tanning.

“It just all worked out and the location is perfect,” Tennyson said.

With a myriad of salons in Turlock, she added that it’s not about standing out for Swoon Salon & Spa, but

FROM PAGE 3 talking.

Though she ultimately was able to obtain a degree in psychology from Stanislaus State, memory problems stemming from her brain injury made Tennyson realize that her life’s path was meant to be different, she said, and felt compelled to pursue a career in beauty. So, she began attending esthetician courses at Paul Mitchell and fell in love with the industry.

With the help of her mom, Swoon Salon & Spa has helped Tennyson realize a goal that once seemed unattainable.

“It’s been my dream.

Once I got into the industry, I thought it’d be cool to one day own my own salon and have my own vibe, and my mom is the sort of person who loves projects,” Tennyson said. “We just bounce off of each other.”

Edling handles much of the salon’s financial side, Tennyson said, while she focuses on the salon’s branding via social media

SEE ALMOND, PAGE 6

Swoon Salon & Spa Type of business: Full-service salon Location: 225 E. Main St., Turlock Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; By appointment or walk-in Contact information: 209-656-0700 Specialty: Wide range of beauty services

coming together, rather.

“There’s no competition — that’s one of my things,” she said. “I want everyone to come in here and feel welcome.”

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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SEPTEMBER 2019

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Valley Pension team strives to safeguard retirement

BY MARG JACKSON 209 Business Journal

Recently celebrating their 20th year in business, the ladies leading Valley Pension Services, Inc., couldn’t be happier to continue serving the Central Valley and beyond.

President Sonia Casares and CFO Diane J. Rovedatti are at the helm of the business, a firm they started some two decades ago with former partner Theresa Ehrler, who is now retired. Both Casares and Rovedatti graduated from California State University, Stanislaus.

Casares said she first got involved in the business while in college, attending Modesto Junior College at that time and starting as an office helper, primarily doing filing, and ended up pursuing the pension business as a career.

“I stayed in the industry the whole time,” she said.

A member of the National Institute for Pension Administrators, Casares also holds the designation

of Accredited Pension Administrator and has more than 30 years of experience.

After the firm she initially worked for was sold, Casares said five of the female employees went to management collectively and asked for a 10 percent raise.

They were turned down.

“So three of us left and opened our own business,” she said of the formation of Valley Pension Services, VPS. “There have been ups and downs but we just celebrated our 20th year and we are counting our blessings.”

Open Monday through Thursday and located in the PMZ Building at 1200 Scenic Drive, Suite 101 in Modesto, Casares said they have multiple clients based in the Modesto area, as well throughout the Central Valley, the Bay Area and even across the country.

“We do all forms of retirement plans,” Casares said, with VPS handling the paperwork for clients and

FARM

FROM PAGE 4 added flatbreads and build your own burger, more salads, more sandwiches.”

They kept favorites so that customers who were apprehensive to try new tastes could relax with what they’re comfortable with. However, Early noted that it’s been fun to watch as people who stuck with what they knew tried some more foods – notably, new additions – and have found new favorites.

Food Farmacy itself looks like it’s straight from a Pinterest board, incorporating in some modern rustic vibes while still preserving the restaurant’s integrity. With wood paneling, metal accents, some green flora, and glass mason jars, it maintains a simple, yet endearing ambiance.

“We just do lunch,” Early reported, with the Food Farmacy open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for “the general lunch rush.”

A lot of local businesspeople come into the Food Farmacy for lunch, whether it be to spend some time in there or call ahead for an order. It’s also a popular spot for families to hit up on weekends, with their diverse and very affordable choices. Only the build-aburger exceeds $10, while the rest of the menu items hover at a lower price. Their club sandwich and chicken salad sandwich have proven to be some of their most popular choices.

staying in touch with the investment firms that help build those 401k plans and retirement portfolios.

“We also educate people,” she added, noting that many plans provide options for clients to have access to some of their cash prior to retirement, and the firm is there to advise them in that area.

Casares is also bilingual and is able to assist Spanish-speaking clients.

CFO Rovedatti, like Casares, has an Accredited Pension Administrator designation and is a member of the National Institute for Pension Administrators.

She also has been in the business for over 30 years.

“We get to work with and help the business owners and the employees,” Casares summarized. “The best part is when we see our clients retire, with money in their account, and they get to go enjoy that.”

For more information, contact VPS at 209-5727410.

As for making the transition from just working somewhere to owning her own eatery, Early is finding it has its ups and downs, and noted having a complicated relationship with time.

“There are so many things I want to do, but I’m not able to get to ... when the timing is right we’ll do it,” she expounded of future plans.

She and her employees have been interested in adding once a month dinners or maybe a brunch where mimosas are served. However, it’s still early to implement something outside of the status quo as she starts to get her feet wet and really get established.

However, she’s also enjoying the more freeing aspect of it.

“I’m a single parent and my daughter does competitive dance,” Early shared. “So the best thing is I can leave whenever I want – I can go places.”

For now, Early is enjoying settling into routine and understanding how each season works throughout the year in relation to Food Farmacy.

As she gathers customer’s grooves, locals’ preferred tastes, and starts to brainstorm, she can create a better schedule and improved dining options to better serve her community.

So today, Early owns her own business as she pursues her culinary passion and manages parenting on top of it all.

Those with lunch cravings can find Food Farmacy at 1764 Main Street in Escalon and can call (209) 831-7863 to order or ask about catering.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Diane J. Rovedatti, left, and Sonia Casares are the CFO and President, respectively, of Valley Pension Services, Inc. which has been serving clients throughout the region for more than two decades.

ENVY

ALMOND

FROM PAGE 4

FROM PAGE 5

bies, but it was also something more than that.

“Moms would come in that hadn’t gotten out of the house in a while or didn’t want to get dressed up and they would come in and we would just talk,” Dover said. “I had a train table, a bean bag, a swing and a baby section all set up and they could let their children play with my son. The moms would shop and enjoy their time out. It just became an environment where moms could come and socialize.”

Business was booming at Envy’s and it wasn’t long before Dover expanded to Turlock, which was then followed with shops opening in Modesto, Merced, and Riverbank.

Dover’s growth in the retail market comes at a time when it’s harder for brick and mortar stores to thrive, and she puts it down to adaptability.

“When I opened the first store I was carrying lines that had higher price points,” Dover said.

“Then I started looking at what my customers were wearing when they came into the store and started making adjustments.

Now we carry items at many competitive price points and even offer layaway. I was very open-minded when it came time to make changes. You have to be adaptable and learn from your failures and successes.”

the meat.

As Quaresma got older her jobs in the almond orchard changed. She drove tractors, handled irrigation, raked almonds, and used bamboo poles to knock straggling almond from the upper reaches of trees.

Given that she along with her brother Mike went to East Union High School, when harvest time rolled around in the days before powered tree shakers were the norm, her dad hired East Union High football players to walk the orchard and swing large mallets on the trunk of trees to shake

almonds loose.

Quaresma earned her degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing at California State University, Fresno with a specialty in medical administration. She worked for Sutter Gould in administration before deciding to launch California Almonds.

Quaresma also works as a substitute teacher.

You can get a taste of Almondee almond butter throughout September to mark the grand opening of the new Save Mart store on Oakdale Road in Modesto. That’s where Quaresma will be serving up free samples of Almondee on crackers made from what else but almonds.

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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

7

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Findlay partners hospitality with hairstyling success

BY TERESA HAMMOND 209 Business Journal

It’s a description which not only well describes the feeling one gets in Barbara Findlay’s presence, but one which transcends the feeling of the shop she’s occupied close to two decades – comfort.

Now three decades in to her career as a hair stylist, Findlay shares her wisdom as well as her passion for her clients and the space she occupies at the 417 East F Street, Oakdale location of Heads Above The Rest.

“You want to feel like you’re in your own living room cutting someone’s hair and … that’s how it feels,” she said of the shop space and it’s no fuss interior. “You feel like you’re not working. How ‘bout having a job that pays and you feel like you’re not working.”

And that is exactly how Findlay has felt for the past “thirty something” years of reporting for work and creating some style for her clients.

In speaking with the stylist it quickly becomes apparent that her words are far from just for show, they are both heartfelt and genuine and the days have indeed turned into years.

When asked how long they’ve been in the current location, Findlay shares “like 16?” Only to quickly be corrected by her chair neighbor, fellow stylist and daughter Bonnie, who recalls an incident in the shop from her childhood which would rival the 16year guestimate.

“I don’t regret a single day,” Findlay said, eyes twinkling. “I think it’s a great occupation, great occupation and I’m glad my daughter enjoys it too because she gets to see the freedom of having your weekends and calling your hours.”

According to Findlay the shop had a few locations before finally calling its current space one door down from the H-B home.

They’ve always hosted three chairs in the shop.

One occupied by her, the other by fellow business partner Cris Bartholomew and a third which is now kept busy by her daughter Bonnie.

The worlds of art and business entwine for local woman

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Barbara Asher opened Dragonfly Art For Life in 2018 after benefiting from a series of art therapy classes.

TERESA HAMMOND/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

True definition of service with a smile and sharing over three decades of passion for styling her clients’ hair, Barbara Findlay of Heads Above The Rest enjoys every day that she spends at the shop.

“We have people come in and out,” she said of past stylists starting their business or trying out a new space, “but it’s nice because it’s quaint in here.

You know you don’t have to have high heels.”

Quite the contrary, in some cases.

“There’s been a lot of cow manure come in on the boots,” Findlay shared quite literally. “We just like to be casual here. It just feels comfortable and casual.”

As Findlay speaks of the laid back atmosphere, she attributes it to many things. One key piece being there are no employees to manage in the space.

Everyone maintains their own schedules, clients and workload.

“You work as much or as little as you want,” Findlay said. “It’s the kind of occupation that when you have somebody come in, you know when they leave they’re going to be happier than when they came in.”

And that, the owner noted, is exactly that type of response which has sustained the word of mouth business. Advertising has never been an issue for the local shop as clients tend to talk when they’re pleased with the services.

The word of mouth and open ears have earned high praises for Findlay in her

30-plus years of business.

The stylist shared the clients, the relationships and the connections are what she enjoys most about the career and the life it has provided her.

When speaking of her passion for the trade and those seeking a similar career path, Findlay is 100 percent supportive.

“If you think it’s something you want to do, at the price of college, this is not a cheap occupation to get into,” she said of current trade school tuition. “If it’s in your mind, hit it right out of school if you can or double do it and get started half in your senior year so you only have a few months when you get out of school.

So it can start paying for itself. If you like it go for it.

If you figure it’s not for you at the end, at least get your license so you can fall back on it if you have to.”

Considered fortunate to not just love it from the start, but now to see her daughter share the passion and build relations as well, Findlay credits the community of Oakdale and the clients for her success.

“Always the clientele, it’s always going to be about them,” she shared. “The people and the ones you remember. We have some great memorable people that kind of become your extended family.”

BY SABRA STAFFORD 209 Business Journal

Barbara Asher wants people to think of her business Dragonfly Art For Life studio like a gym, only in this format it’s a workout for the creative spirit, rather than the body.

Dragonfly Art For Life is a working art studio that allows individuals and families to explore various art mediums, including acrylic, watercolor, pencil, pen & ink, charcoal and pastels. Membership is $50 per month and $45 for seniors and $30 for children 7 and under and includes some supplies. The studio also offers drop-in sessions for $25 and paint classes for $35.

“We have a very connected group of people here,” Asher says of her core clientele. “There’s always a nice interaction going on and the artists build on each other and get inspired by each other’s works.”

Asher’s experience in art goes back several years.

She earned her masters in education and completed her thesis on art education.

“While I was working on the research for my thesis I was finding a lot of information on the healing qualities of art,” Asher said. “When you’re doing art it’s almost like you’re in a state of meditation.

Your breathing changes, your focus changes and you are completely mindful of what you are creating.”

That idea of art and healing was something Asher experienced firsthand. Twelve years ago, her sister was diagnosed with cancer and part of her treatment and wellness plan included a weekly art therapy session at the Mistlin Gallery in Modesto. Asher would join her sister and found she got some unexpected benefits from the sessions.

“I didn’t have cancer, but I did have other things going on in my life at that time,” Asher said. “I found those weekly classes to be

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the thing that I would really be looking forward to each week. It was a time to practice some self-care and it was a beautiful experience.”

Those feelings stayed with Asher long after the sessions had ended and it kept nagging at her that there wasn’t a place for everyone to enjoy the benefits of art. She finally decided she would have to create one herself. A year ago, Asher sold her home and put the money into launching Dragonfly.

“It was a feeling that I could not shake,” Asher said. “I knew I wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t follow through with this. It was a real leap of faith.”

Since opening, Dragonfly Art For Life has evolved into something akin to an all-encompassing arts center, complete with yoga classes, folk music nights, paint and sip classes, and crafting sessions.

For more information about Dragonfly Art For Life visit /thedragonflyartforlife.com.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

8

SEPTEMBER 2019

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Stockton attorney State Farm Insurance agent named to Hall of Fame earns Rising Star award STAFF REPORTS 209 Business Journal

Lisa Jimenez STAFF REPORTS 209 Business Journal

Lisa Blanco Jimenez, an attorney with Neumiller & Beardslee was recently named to the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Latina Empresaria Hall of Fame.

The award recognized Jimenez for building a successful career and creating a pathway for future generations.

Jimenez is a shareholder and principal attorney at Neumiller & Beardslee and the chair of the firm’s Employment Law Group.

Jimenez represents individuals, private businesses, and public agencies in employment, commercial, real estate and personal injury litigation from initial intake through trial in state and federal courts and before administrative boards. She is also experienced in negotiating resolution of pre-litigation disputes and routinely counsels employers in personnel matters.

In 2000, Jimenez graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology. In 2004, she received her Juris Doctorate from Stanford Law School with a Pro Bono distinction.

Jimenez is admitted to practice in the State of California and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District of California, Northern District of California, Southern

District of California and Central District of California. She is a member of the San Joaquin County Bar Association, the Hispanic National Bar Association, and La Raza Lawyers of California.

Jimenez sits on the Board of Directors of the San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors of Visionary Home Builders of California, the Community Council of St. Joseph’s Medical Center, and the City of Manteca’s Recreation and Parks Commission. Ms. Jimenez was formerly President of the Judge Consuelo M. Callahan American Inn of Court and formerly a member of the Board of Governors of the San Joaquin County Bar Association, the Board of Directors of United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin, Calaveras & Amador Counties, and the Board of Directors of the Library & Literacy Foundation of San Joaquin County.

Jimenez is an AV-rated attorney, the highest possible rating for ability and ethics given to attorneys by MartindaleHubbell. She was also named a Super Lawyer Rising Star every year from 2013 to 2018 and a Super Lawyer in 2019.

Jimenez lives in Manteca with her husband Tony and their three boys: Anthony, Nicholas, and Gabriel.

Angel Sepulveda’s approach to her professional and personal life is to be of service to others, which also is the trademark of her business as an insurance agent with State Farm in Stockton.

Sepulveda was recently honored with the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2019 Rising Star Empresaria award. The award recognizes an emerging business woman under 35 years of age who embodies the future Latina businesswoman. A Rising Star inspires others and has significantly exceeded the expectations in her industry and community.

A second -generation Latina, Sepulveda’s family exemplified the traits of hard work and community giving. Her grandfather, at age 84, continues to gather food and toy donations year-round, to distribute to families in need in Manteca.

Sepulveda grew up knowing that nothing comes easy, but you can always work harder to better your position. She watched her single mother work a demanding full-time job and take night classes in order to finish her degree. Her example of dedication made a lasting impression on Sepulveda, who continues to draw inspiration from her mom.

Through struggles, that so many young

Angel Sepulveda

people face, the dream of being an entrepreneur seemed like a dream that would never come true, but that changed in 2009 when she started her career with State Farm.

As a young mother and wife, her entrance into her career was a point of pride and accomplishment. She sought to be the same example of strength for her daughter that her mother was to her.

Sepulveda had the fortunate blessing of having someone step in and offer mentorship in the insurance and financial services realm. She was able to gain the experience and knowledge necessary to be a stand out professional in the field.

Sepulveda was the first in California to be accepted into a rigorous program that State Farm launched in 2012. The design of this program was to be a fast-track learning program, which would prepare her to launch her own agency. The entrepreneur dream became a reality in September of 2014, when the Angel Sepulveda State Farm Insurance agency opened.

Sepulveda grew up in the greater San Joaquin County area, and when the time came to open her own business, she knew it would be in Stockton. Her love for the community, and the opportunity for growth were things that drew her back to the city of her youth. Sepulveda and her husband, along with their daughter Isabella made the transition from the mountain community of Sonora, to the heart of the city of Stockton. Immediately getting involved in the local community and establishing lasting relationships was the priority then, as it is today.

She and her team empower her customers to make informed and educated decisions in order to help prepare them for the unexpected, as well as create goals when it comes to planning for the future. Sepulveda believes in mentoring her team as well, recognizing that she can create the same pathway for them, as someone did for her many years ago.

Edible Extravaganza ready to tempt taste buds

BY SABRA STAFFORD 209 Business Journal

Edible Extravaganza, the main fundraiser for the Center for Human Services, returns for the 33rd year on Sept. 12 with a host of restaurants, caterers, bakers, confectioners, vintners, beverage purveyors and local growers that the area has to offer.

The event will feature a courtyard reception for all ticket holders from 5 to 6 p.m. with music provided

by Vanessa Valencia. During that hour, First Taste VIP Admission guests get to sample the food and drinks on the main floor before anyone else. Plus, they have access to an exclusive reception throughout the evening with special dishes, drinks and live music only available to them.

The doors to the main event will open to the public at 6 p.m. with live music in the courtyard by Koala and the Golden Boy. All guests will get to enjoy samplings of signature dishes and wines created by over 50 of the area’s best restaurants and wineries. Local band US4LOVE will perform live music in the courtyard from

7:30 to 9 p.m.

Larry Rivera and Andy Lopez are co-owners of Mango Crazy, and have been providing tasty samples of their menu at the Edible Extravaganza for the last four years. Twice they have been named Best in Show at the event and are looking to recapture the title with some inventive twists using fresh fruits and seasonings.

“It’s so much fun and different from anything else in the Valley,” Rivera said about his experiences at Edible Extravaganza.

Some of the participating vendors are: Skewers Kabob House, Fiscalini Cheese, Fuzio Universal Bistro, Mango Crazy and many more! New to Edible Extravaganza this year are Mocha Magic Café & Bake Shop, Burger IM, Fresh Fork Grill Edible Extravaganza is presented by Center for Human Services, a private, local, non-profit agency, celebrating 49 years of service to Central Valley youth and families. Programs operated by Center for Human Services include: shelter programs for homeless or in-crisis youth and young

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Mango Crazy wowed the crowds at the Edible Extravaganza in 2018 and are looking to win the Best of Show title at this year’s event.

adults - Hutton House and Pathways, Family Resource Centers, Community Counseling Services, Student Assistance Program and more.

Last year the Edible Extravangza attracted more than 1,400 guests. On average it grosses more than $100,000, with the net proceeds going to support the work of the Center for Human Services.

“It’s a fundraiser, but it’s also raises friends, because it exposes so many people to the work of the Center,” said Courtney Morse, the Center’s marketing specialist.

Edible Extravaganza has underwriting sponsors of:

Andreini and Company, Save Mart Supermarkets, Valley First Credit Union and Modesto Subaru.

Limited First Taste VIP Admission Tickets are $100.

General admission tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at http:// www.centerforhumanservices.org/edible, at the Center for Human Services Modesto office at 2000 W. Briggsmore Ave., or by calling the office at 526-1476.

There are a few spaces still open for those businesses interested in being vendors or sponsors for the event.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

9

NEWS

Olde Tyme Pastries in running to be country’s sweetest bakery

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

Olde Tyme Pastries is known around town for its delectable treats, but now the longtime Turlock business is hoping to take that notoriety nationwide and is asking for the community’s help — and votes.

The Sweetest Bakery in America Contest is an annual competition hosted

by Dawn Foods, which calls upon dessert lovers to cast their votes for the best bakeries in the country. Olde Tyme Pastries is in the running for the third year in a row and is currently in first place for the entire state of California.

“There are a ton of bakeries in California, a lot of which I visit myself, and I think I could name a handful right now that I think are just as good as ours. To beat them would be awesome, but to win the national title would be even more awesome,” Olde Tyme Pastries owner Terri Coonce said.

Olde Tyme Pastries was named the sweetest bakery in California during their

VOTE! Fans of Olde Tyme Pastries can vote for the business as America’s sweetest bakery online until Sept. 30 by visiting https://sweetestbakeryinamerica.com/.

first year participating in the competition, Coonce said, but there was no recognition for the feat. There have been a few changes to the contest this year; the bakeries have been split into three categories, including full line bakeries, donut shops and cake/ cupcake shops, and there will now be prizes for the shops that win in their respective states.

While Olde Tyme Pastries is in the top spot for full line bakeries in the state, the bakery still hasn’t cracked the top 10 for best shops in the nation. The nationwide winner will receive not only bragging rights, but a huge party at their location in addition to other baking industry

perks. If Olde Tyme Pastries can fend off its challengers and remain in the top spot for the state, the bakery will receive access to an exclusive tips and tricks webinar in addition to a personalized plaque and pre-designed social media templates.

The latter is a possibility for the bakery, though its no surprise to Coonce that the community has voted in droves to support Olde Tyme Pastries.

“It’s definitely like a family. We’ve been here for 38 years now and everybody knows everybody. It’s like ‘Cheers,’” Coonce said.

“That’s where the votes come from.”

Since opening its doors in 1981, Olde Tyme Pastries has offered a delicious menu of treats that often resonate with the city, such as their popular Kaepernick cookies during the Turlock native’s playoff runs, “deflated” cookies in light of cheating allegations against the New England Patriots and cookies picturing presidential candidates sold around elec-

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tion time.

The store tries to stay upto-date on current trends, scouring social media for popular treats and even attending out-of-state trade shows to learn new techniques and spark creative ideas. Most recently, the shop offered desserts in honor of Shark Week and specializes in creating custom cakes and treats that cater to their customers’ desires.

While some small bakeries fade into the background as their towns grow, Olde Tyme Pastries has simply adapted to the times and evolved alongside Turlock, Coonce said.

“Turlock is definitely growing in leaps and bounds and it’s nice to be a part of it,” Coonce said.

“Trends are so fast and people get bored in a minute. I have to listen and go with the flow, or else we’ll get left behind.”

Fans of Olde Tyme Pastries can vote for the business as America’s sweetest bakery online until Sept. 30 by visiting https://sweetestbakeryinamerica.com/.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Since opening its doors in 1981, Olde Tyme Pastries has offered a delicious menu of treats that often resonate with the city and reflect current trends. The Turlock business is in the running for the Sweetest Bakery in America Contest.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

10

LEADERSHIP

FROM PAGE 1

the women and children of the Ohio Battered Women’s Shelter and empowerment sessions with the female victims, creating the hope and tools needed for their future success. She started her new passion of smoking/drug abuse education: She created a Tar Wars Anti-Smoking Campaign and was the co-president and education coordinator for a group of medical students teaching students grade K-12 about the dangers of drugs, earning her a Community Service Organization of the Year Award for its positive impact on youth. Yet she still thought of her own community back home, so in her summers off she became a Congressional Intern, working directly with the Modesto office and the office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. on medical needs for Stanislaus County. After this service she was awarded Young Woman of the Year by Stanislaus County California Minority Women’s Network, the American Medical Association Physician Recognition Award and the American Academy of Pediatrics National Residency Scholarship.

Saini has since moved back home to the 209 permanently, where she can still serve the community that she says has given her so much. She is a fulltime pediatrician with the Scenic Faculty Medical Group, a group that not only solely cares for the

Sunita Saini

underserved, they are the faculty for the VCME residents affiliated with the UC Davis School of Medicine. She has chosen a career in which she sees children only in the most financial need who do not have private insurance, including those who are homeless, in foster, and all medical/psychological/emotional needs. In 2018 she was elected Executive Committee (one of three head partners) of her medical group and in 2019 became the Clinical Chief of Pediatrics for the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency’s Family and Pediatric Health Center.

She brought along her passion for drug abuse education as the Red Ribbon Week Coordinator for two Turlock schools, that both won the Stanislaus County Office of Education Red Ribbon Drug Education Award. She was the Health and Safety Chair for the education center, California Smokers Helpline Tobacco Cessation Physician Member and the Let’s Move National Childhood Obesity Campaign Member. Her latest project focuses on

childhood literacy, becoming the Reach Out and Read Coordinator for the residents and county clinics. She assisted in the grant funding for her clinic to receive books for the underserved children via the Carole Stinson Literacy Foundation Clinic and helps assist the Stanislaus Health Foundation who also fund the literacy cause.

Dr. Saini has a husband and four children, loves to travel and wants to visit all 61 National Parks in her lifetime. She loves to dance, and in 2017, she and her husband won the Mirror Ball for Best Performance in Hip Hop Bollywood for Dancing With the Turlock Stars, a charity event that raises money for three local nonprofits.

Cheri Silveira

Cheri Silveira, Lieutenant with the California State University, Stanislaus Police Department Lt. Silveira has been in law enforcement for over 22 years.

While earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at CSU

SEPTEMBER 2019

Stanislaus, she began volunteering at the Turlock Police Department. She earned a position as a cadet at TPD and worked in both the Records and Recreation departments. Just prior to graduation, she was hired as an Emergency Services Dispatcher.

In 2001, Silveira completed the police academy as the top cadet in academics. In January 2002, she was hired as a police officer for CSU Stanislaus Police Department.

While working as a patrol officer, she became involved in the Rape Aggression Defense program. Lt. Silveira has been the primary instructor for RAD for over 15 years. She was also named Officer of the Year twice, in 2006 and 2014.

In 2015 she was promoted to Police Sergeant where she became the supervisor of evidence, a supervisor for Field Training and instructor for Principled Policing training.

In May 2019, Silveira was promoted to Police Lieutenant. She is involved in the department’s accreditation process through the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and in updating the department’s Computer Aided Dispatching & Records Management System, two programs that will have a substantial impact on the department for many years to come. She is the Administrative Lieutenant who oversees the Parking Management Bureau, CSU Stanislaus Parking Program and Live scan fingerprinting.

Ali Cox

Ali Cox, Founder of Ali Cox & Company Marketing / 2004 U.S. Olympian Ali Cox knows what it takes to succeed. It started at Turlock High School, where she earned 11 varsity letters with softball and tennis being her specialties. At the University of San Diego, she found rowing and became the first USD rower to earn All-West Coast Conference honors three times. While at USD, she lifted her game to the international level and was in the women’s four at the Under-23 World Championships in Denmark.

Then, just one year after graduating from USD, Cox won a gold medal in the women’s 8s at the 2002 World Rowing Championships. It was the Americans’ first gold in women’s 8s at the World Champs since 1995.

In the 2004 Athens Olympics, Cox sat in the Americans’ silvermedal-winning 8s boat, which spawned an era of U.S. domination.

Cox majored in Communications at USD and earned a miSEE LEADERSHIP, PAGE 12

Susan Baudler

Voted BEST Realtor in the 209 Four Consecutive Years!

I truly appreciate all of your votes, thank you!

Susan gave us such good advice when making those decisions on the house we were going to purchase. She listened to our concerns and needs and showed us the right properties. She was available when we needed her. We love our new house and highly recommend using Susan for all your real estate needs.

- Tony MacCaughtry

209-985-9969

susan@susanbaudler.com 2711 McHenry, Modesto, CA 95350 BRE 01894922

LUXURY

C O L L E C T I ON

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

11

ACCOLADES

PROMOTIONS, APPOINTMENTS, HONORS, ETC. Local professional joins BAC Community Bank as new Commercial Banking Officer

Kevin M. Borges has joined family owned and locally managed BAC Community Bank as a Vice President and Commercial Banking Officer.

Borges is a bankKevin Borges ing professional with over 13 years of experience in positions of increasing responsibilities.

Most recently, Borges worked in the Lodi area and currently serves on the Finance and Budget Committee for the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, he is also a Lodi Chamber Ambassador, a member of Young Professionals of Lodi, an active member of Lodi Sunrise Rotary as Director of Youth Services, and a participant of Leadership Lodi 2019.

“Kevin’s strong skillset and record of community service align nicely with BAC’s values and relationship approach to banking,” said BAC’s Chief Executive Officer Dana Bockstahler.

At BAC Community Bank, Borges will work directly with the Bank’s executive management and relationship managers to both assess and fulfill the needs of commercial banking customers throughout the Bank’s Central Valley region.

Bockstahler noted, “Kevin will also represent the Bank in various civic and community functions along with Paul Haley, our Chief Lending Officer.”

Borges can be reached at (209) 944-1813 or kevin.borges@bankbac.com.

University of the Pacific graduate joins BAC Community Bank BAC Community Bank welcomes Daniel Garcia as a Commercial Banking Officer. Garcia’s focus will be driving for new

e Facts are...

commercial business and supporting the bank’s relationship managers in all the markets BAC Community Bank serves.

He joins the bank from NEx Daniel Garcia Systems Environmental in Stockton, where he oversaw new sales and business development for one of their California regions.

A Stockton native and graduate of St. Mary’s High School and University of the Pacific, Garcia has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While attending college, he was also an active member of the University of the Pacific Men’s Golf Team. He later worked with the PGA Tour Northern Trust Open where he managed several philanthropic groups and implemented key youth programs.

“We are happy to have Daniel on board,” said Paul Haley, Chief Lending Officer at BAC Community Bank. “He is an outstanding addition to our team with deep roots in our local community.”

Garcia can be reached at (209) 944-1520 or daniel.garcia@bankbac.com.

Orthopedic surgery residents at Doctors Medical Center prepare for next steps after graduation

The Valley Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Doctors Medical Center is proud to announce the next steps for its upcoming

Serious Conditions such as cardiac disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, pregnancy complications, Alzheimer’s, and others, have been shown to start, or be aggrevated, by bacteria originating in the mouth.

Do Dental Different

graduating class of 2020.

Doctors Medical Center currently has 16 orthopedic surgery residents this academic year; three of them will be graduating from the five-year program in June 2020.

“We are proud of our orthopedic surgery program in Modesto and we want our community to know we are training the future of orthopedic surgery right here in their backyard,” said Marc Trzeciak, D.O., founding director of the orthopedic surgery residency. “We are continuing to see our residents match into competitive fellowships and receive excellent job offers.”

Justin Deans, D.O., matched into the adult reconstruction/joint replacement fellowship at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, New York.

Jeff Jett, D.O., matched into the hand and microsurgery fellowship at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky.

Jason Ummel, D.O., has decided to begin practicing and has accepted a position as a general orthopedist in his home state at Logansport Memorial Hospital in Logansport, Indiana.

“These resident physicians worked hard to get these spots and they deserve it,” Dr. Trzeciak said. “Our residents are given the framework of knowledge and technical skills to compete with anyone in the country. They receive rigorous training, necessary for a successful orthopedic surgery career.”

In addition, two former graduates of the Valley Orthopedic Surgery Residency will soon be returning to the area to join the residency faculty.

Eric Huish, D.O., who graduated in December 2017, completed a shoulder and elbow fellowship in France and then continued his fellowship training at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland.

Jesua Law, D.O., who graduated in December 2018, completed training in adult reconstruction/joint replacement at the Hofmann Arthritis Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is currently completing a fellowship at Joint Implant Surgeons in New Albany, Ohio.

Awards for service

Deacon Tom Ciccarelli, parish life coordinator of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ripon, and his wife Sherrill will be among those being honored at the 18th annual Bishop’s Awards to be held Oct. 5.

The Ciccarellis will be recognized for their Lifetime of Service as a Deacon and Deacon’s Wife.

The rest of the slate of recipients for the 2019 Bishop’s Awards and their respective service fields are: Msgr. Liam Moore, former pastor of St. Bernadette’s Parish in Tracy — Lifetime of Service as a Pastor.

Luis and Irene Maldonado — Lifetime of Lay Ministerial Service Engr. and Dr. Arlaine Gutierrez, Families for Vocation and Healing Ministry — Catholic Service Organization Gary and Jennifer Giannini — Lifetime of Teaching Service in the Catholic Schools.

Educators honored

The Ripon Unified school board recognized two employees with a collective 31 years of service.

Honored with the golden school bell award were Special Education teacher KarSEE ACCOLADES, PAGE 12

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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

12

LEADERSHIP

improving education, busiWomen’s Leadership ness and quality of life for all in the community.

In Round Table

nor in Marketing Business.

After the 2004 Olympics, she moved to New York City and honed her skills in public relations, digital brand strategy, website development and content generation. She decided to bring her knowledge back to Northern California in 2007, when she founded Ali Cox & Company.

She knew she wanted to create a workplace that not only would provide her clients with exceptional service, but also one that’s atmosphere would make her employees want to return to work every day. Twelve years later, that dream has clearly become a reality as the agency was named one of “Inc.” magazine’s Best Workplaces for 2019.

Cox also recently expanded, rebranded to AC&C Marketing and opening offices in downtown Sacramento.

Tickets are $20 each and $160 for a table of eight.

To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/WRT_Tickets.

FROM PAGE 10

Christine Schweininger

Christine Schweininger, CEO Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Co-founder of Vision Magazine Christine Schweininger attended Delta College and Chapman University with a focus on communication.

She believes strongly in participating in organizations that are focused on

Sponsorships are also available. For information on becoming a sponsor: contact Jennifer Webber at 209-249-3550 or jwebber@209magazine. com.

2016 Schweininger was awarded” Amiga of the Year” (Women of the Year) from El Concilio. In 2017, she awarded “Friend of the Forum” from the GI Forum. In January 2018, she was awarded “Community Leadership” from New York Life. In April 2018, she was also awarded Community Leadership from Sikh American Awareness Community. Under her leadership, the Central Valley Chamber of Commerce was awarded the “2017 Chamber of the Year” in the State of California for which she was very proud.

Her participation in the community has always been one of her most important goals. She feels true leadership begins with the ability to unite by bringing people together for a common goal.

She is also involved in the following organizations: Hospice - Board Member; American Leadership Forum - Board Member; Stanislaus Housing Development - Board Member; SBDC - Regional Advisory Board Member; Focus on Prevention - Stewardship Council (Homeless Initiative); Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Board Member; PCAC - President Ellen Junn Ambassador Council for Stan State

ACCOLADES

FROM PAGE 11

in Gay and Loret Betoshana, who has worked in the afterschool program at Ripona Elementary School, at the Aug. 5 meeting.

Both will soon be retiring from the district.

Betoshana had been with RUSD for 18 years, coming aboard on Aug. 2001, according to Chief Operations Officer Frank Jerome.

Gay is a certified teacher with the district for 10 of her 13 years. Prior to that, she was an instructional aide and substitute teacher.

Emanuel recognized for its heart care Emanuel Medical Center has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for 2019-20 by U.S. News & World Report.

The annual Procedures & Conditions ratings, now in their fifth year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for common conditions and elective procedures. These ratings extend the U.S. News mission of providing consumers with patient decision support beyond the Best Hospitals rankings, which are geared toward complex specialty care.

Emanuel Medical Center earned a “High Performing” rating for Heart Failure, in recognition of care that was significantly better than the national average, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes. “High

209-531-5330

ASHLEY PETERSON

Turlock businessman appointed to state water post L o c a l businessman Matt Swanson will take his agricultural expertise to the state Matt Swanson level after recently being appointed to the California Water Commission.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in August that Swanson, 51, has been appointed to a four-year term on the CWC — a position which requires Senate confirmation. Members are generally chosen for their expertise related to the control, storage and beneficial use of water or for their knowledge of the environment.

Swanson has served as president and chief executive officer at Associated Feed in Turlock since 1998.

Associated Feed serves the animal

feed market, offering product for the dairy, poultry, swine, beef, equine, sheep, ratite and rabbit industries.

The company considers itself leaders in sustainable, ethical operation, replacing trucks with new, energyefficient models, running rail cars using emission-lowering technology and upgrading equipment companywide to state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies that help production run more efficiently in all aspects.

“It is an honor to be appointed by Governor Newsom to the California Water Commission,” Swanson told the Journal. “I look forward to working on behalf of the Governor and the citizens of California to advance sound water infrastructure and environmental stewardship.”

On the CWC, Swanson will help to provide a public forum for discussing water issues, advise the Department of Water Resources, approve rules and regulations and monitor and report on the construction and operation of the State Water Project. The SWP is the nation’s largest state-built, multi-purpose, user-financed water project which supplies more than 27 million people with water.

The CWC is also responsible for presenting its views to the Congressional appropriations committees on funding for flood control or reclamation projects being planned or constructed in the state, and works closely with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Water Resources Control Board and the Department of Water Resources to regulate water storage projects.

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Performing” is the highest rating U.S. News awards for that type of care.

For the 2019-20 ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in nine procedures and conditions. Less than a third of all hospitals received any high-performing rating, and only 57 earned this rating in all nine Procedures & Conditions. The state and metro area rankings recognize hospitals that received high performing ratings across multiple areas of care.

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