Business News 40

A PUBLICATION OF THE TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FALL 2019

Home for the

ISSUE 40

Holidays

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FALL 2019

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FALL 2019

C O N T E N T S W.A.C.E. AWARD WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.turlockchamber.com

115 S. Golden State Blvd.

Turlock, CA 95380 209-632-2221 Hours: Mon. - Fri. • 10am - 2pm info@turlockchamber.com BOARD CHAIRS Gina Blom & Nathan Dabulewicz EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sue Micheletti

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

Irene Holmes

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Sharon Berry

Feature Home for the holidays

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6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 18 21 22 22

Our Purpose The Turlock Chamber of Commerce is the business advocate for its members by focusing efforts on promoting a positive business environment, economic development, a legislative voice and costeffective programs and services.

On the cover Home for the holidays Design by Sharon Hoffman

Published by The Turlock Journal 121 S. Center St., 2nd Floor Turlock, CA 95380 209-634-9141

BUSINESS NEWS

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Chamber Board of Directors Chamber Ambassadors Chamber Mixers Ribbon Cuttings Turlock Young Professionals Community Continuum College Verda’s House International Rescue Committee Eggs, Issues & Economics breakfast 2020 Labor Laws Legislative Scorecards Chamber Members for 20-25 years New Chamber Members

FALL 2019

CHAMBER BOARD CHAIRS & CEO

GINA BLOM CO-CHAIRMAN Rembrandt & Rose’

NATHAN DABULEWICZ CO-CHAIRMAN Nathan Dabulewicz Insurance

SUE MICHELETTI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Turlock Chamber

Greetings, and warm autumn wishes from your Turlock Chamber of Commerce! Our focus for this quarterly issue of the Business News is to encourage our readers, and the community at large, to buy local and, also, to give locally. In our mission to promote our member businesses, which include several non-profit agencies, it is important to encourage one another to always consider local options when buying goods and services, as well as to remember the many local charitable organizations that are most deserving of the numerous acts of philanthropy that we witness in and around the City of Turlock on a regular basis.

Several of our member businesses have asked, “What does the Chamber do for us?” Chambers of Commerce all over the country are finding new and innovative ways to bring greater value to their members. We have found that it begins with personal relationships. Getting to know our member businesses better is foundational to what we do. Our goal, with our existing team of staff, board members, and Chamber Ambassadors, is to conduct a brief visit, in person, with each of our members at least once in the coming year. We want to gain a better understanding of YOUR business, the goods and/or services you provide to our community, and any unique (or shared) challenges you face in today’s economic environment. As importantly, we want to know about, and help to celebrate, your successes and any plans you have for growth or expansion.

Of course, as a member of CalChamber, the Turlock Chamber of Commerce regularly advocates on behalf of its members, through correspondence with elected officials on issues that impact your ability to operate successfully in Stanislaus County and California. We will continue to offer educational programs from time to time, with the hope that you find them valuable and worthy of your time. In the coming year, in addition to our traditional evening monthly mixers, we will begin to host early morning coffee and breakfast treats at the Chamber, as a second opportunity each month to network with likeminded business people in a relaxed and familiar setting. As this develops, we may open it up to any “early bird” members wanting to host a morning mixer.

The Chamber will be presenting our 50th Annual Best of Turlock Awards ceremony and dinner on Jan. 23, 2020, at Larsa Banquet Hall. There are opportunities to sponsor the program, and we’d love to see as many of you there as possible. Please consider businesses and individuals you’d like to nominate for recognition at this time-honored event. It is sure to be a great time as we honor the nominees and recipients for their significant contributions to Turlock and the surrounding communities.

Municipalities that have done well with economic development do so, in part, by cultivating strong and collaborative relationships between city government and the local chamber of commerce. We are excited to announce that we, your Chamber leadership team, recently began a series of regular meetings with our City of Turlock leadership to discuss our mutual goals for economic development, as well as strategies on which we can work together to achieve those goals.

As always, we appreciate your support of the Chamber and we welcome your feedback as to how we may serve YOU, and our business community, better.

Gina Blom & Nathan Dabulewicz Co-Chairs of the Board Sue Micheletti Executive Director

BUSINESS NEWS

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FALL 2019

CHAMBER

2019 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GINA BLOM CO-CHAIR Rembrandt & Rose’

NATHAN DABULEWICZ CO-CHAIR Nathan Dabulewicz Insurance

STEPHEN BACKUS Two Guys Catering/ Red Brick

SAM DAVID Assyrian American Civic Club

MATTHEW DAVIS GDI Insurance Agency, Inc.

ALAN EIGHMEY Strategic Legal Group

EILEEN HAMILTON Hamilton Farms

PAUL PORTER

JERRY POWELL The Udder Place

MOLLY AMANT HONORARY Downtown Turlock

AARON MEDEIROS TYP PRESIDENT

TOMAS GOMEZ-ARIAS, PHD College of Business Administration CSU Stanislaus

STEVE GEMPERLE Gemperle Family Farms

JOSH PITAU AMBASSADOR CO-CHAIR Thorsen’s - Norquist, Inc.

BRANDI LOFORTI AMBASSADOR CO-CHAIR InsureCAL Insurance Agency

CRAIG PITAU PAST CHAIRMAN/ TREASURER Thorsen’s Plumbing, Heat & Air

DEVINDER SINGH BAINS Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

2019 TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF

SUE MICHELETTI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

IRENE HOLMES MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

SHARON BERRY EVENTS COORDINATOR

2019 UPCOMING EVENTS Turlock Young Professionals meet the 4th Thursday of every month at Red Brick Grill

November

December

11- Veteran’s Day - Chamber Closed

10- Chamber Holiday Mixer @ The Grand Oak

19- TCC Board Meeting - Closed to Public

12- TYP Meeting

19- Mixer@ Yonan’s Fine Jewelry

17- TCC Board Meeting- Closed to Public

21- Ambassador Meeting

24- Christmas Eve - Chamber Closed

28- Thanksgiving - Chamber Closed

25- Christmas - Chamber Closed

29- Day After Thanksgiving - Chamber Closed

26- Chamber Closed through Jan. 1

BUSINESS NEWS

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FALL 2019

JAMIE CIMOLI Turlock Direct

ED YONAN Yonan’s Fine Jewelry

TURLOCK CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Brandi LoForti

Shawntay Hockless

Josh Pitau

Co-Chair InsureCal Insurance

Co-Chair Thorsen’s-Norquist, Inc.

Christopher Rivera

Taunya Martinez

Jilbert Gevargizi

Hampton Inn

by Hilton

Steele Insurance Agency

Nathan DabulewiczFarmers

Teresa Vines

Mario Herrera

Kathy Hobby

Denny Silva

Bank of Stockton

Tri Counnty Flooring

Exit Realty

The Education Foundation of Stanislaus County

Need Insurance?

It is the mission of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Team to promote member commitment and relationships by: • Raising awareness of Chamber activities and benefits • Informing and involving new Chamber members to promote strong continuing membership • Encouraging meaningful and beneficial participation in the Chamber’s programs • Serving as a liaison between the Chamber staff and membership

Nathan Dabulewicz Insurance Agency, LLC.

AMBASSADOR FOR 3RD QUARTER TERESA VINES Bank of Stockton

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FALL 2019

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FALL 2019

CHAMBER

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BUSINESS NEWS

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FALL 2019

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Turlock Young Professionals (TYP) provides people who live and/or work in Turlock with a setting to build relationships and develop their careers. The organization also helps cultivate Turlock’s future leaders by providing opportunities to engage with political, civic and business leaders to shape the future of Turlock.

HOW TO JOIN

This dynamic group is open to anyone interested. You can join the program anytime throughout the year. The membership is $100 annually for working professionals and $50 annually for college students.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

ACTIVITIES

• Gain exposure in the business community • Connect with like-minded people • Enhance your professional development • Mix and mingle with experienced business professionals in a variety of industries • Opportunity to promote business in quarterly Business News magazine

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FALL 2019

FEATURE

By KRISTINA HACKER

T

urlock Mayor Amy Bublak has a special request of all her constituents: Stay home this holiday season. Not only does Mayor Bublak want Turlockers to stay home, she is hoping they will gather their friends and family together so that they all can enjoy everything Turlock has to offer.

“Turlock is a prolific and diverse agricultural community in the heart of California’s Central Valley. We love our city and we love our people. This holiday season I want to encourage everyone to shop, dine and enjoy the holidays — and support our local businesses. Invite your family and friends and join us all as we stay ‘Home for the Holidays,” Bublak said.

Staying around home this season also means shopping local, which is vital to Turlock’s brick and mortar stores and to the City’s sales tax revenue.

Sales tax for the 4th quarter usually represents between 28-32 percent of the City’s total sales tax revenue, said Assistant to the City Manager for Economic Development and Housing Maryn Pitt. Total sales tax to the City for the 2018-2019 Fiscal year was $14.7 million. Sales tax is one of the primary revenue sources for the General Fund, with 85 percent of the General Fund going to pay for public safety services in the community.

“Turlock has so many local shopping options, from national chain stores to local independent merchants. We have many unique small businesses that, when you shop there, 52 percent of what you spend stays in our local community to support local organizations and services. It is important that when we shop, we support them,” Pitt said.

According to The Greenery gift shop manager Teresa Elstad, at least 75 percent of shoppers are from Turlock. But thanks to the wide variety of plants, supplies and knowledge available at the nursery, customers also travel from as far as Fresno and Manteca to visit the garden haven.

“Shopping local is so important, even for people coming from Modesto or Merced — we consider them local, too. They’re still shopping at a locally-owned business that’s not a chain, and that’s what keeps us here,” Elstad said. “The only way you can stay in business these days with the way the current retail climate is if you’re supported by the community.”

The Greenery Nursery sees incredible support from the Turlock community, Elstad added, even during the colder months when many plants are out of season. Shoppers still frequent the gift shop, hunting for Christmas presents and keeping their sales tax revenue local. It was this idea that inspired the nursery to participate in Shop the Blocks on Nov. 3, a downtown shopping event that comBUSINESS NEWS

bines shopping, champagne and holiday cheer with the message that shopping local is best.

“When you keep tax dollars local and shop local, you’re supporting your city and you’re supporting everyone who lives in your city and the employees at the business you’re shopping at,” Elstad said. “It trickles down to so many things in the community.”

Kim Jonson of Farm House echoed Elstad’s sentiments when it comes to shopping local. As part owner of the downtown home decor and gift shop, Jonson has seen firsthand over the years how investment in local businesses by the surrounding community can benefit everyone.

“When you spend your money in town, it actually works its way back to you,” she said. “When you support our business, then we have the money to support other businesses. It helps our downtown...When one of us is doing well, we all do well.”  12

FALL 2019

MEMBERSHIP SHOWCASE

Community Continuum College: Helping students achieve their goals

S

By ANGELINA MARTIN

ince 1982, munity Continuum C omprehensive College can serve up Continuum of to 110 students from Services in Turlock has Merced and Stanensured that everyone islaus counties, while has the chance to sucthe Community Outceed after high school reach program enrolls through programs which students on a 3:1 stuenhance the life experident-to-teacher ratio. ence of developmentally The Community disabled community Continuum College members. is an academic, dayThe charity was born based program with nearly 40 years ago when four different periods a group of parents came and a bell that rings in Continuum College students present Mayor Amy Bublak together to provide a Community between each. There’s with a clock they made her in their recycling class. The students post-grad experience for used recycled magazines and spent one hour a day for three months a wide variety of their children, who had building the clock. classes offered, from just finished high school standard courses like and were developmentally disabled. The children’s class- math, science and reading to electives such as art. mates were headed off to college or trade school, and In October, Mayor Amy Bublak visited the college to the parents wanted them to enjoy a similar journey. This receive a gift from the students. The clock created from marked the birth of CCS and its first program: Commu- recycled paper was just one of many projects students nity Continuum College. have made during class, Redondo said, and presenting it “Their children were exiting high school and all had a to Bublak was a special moment for them. disability, so the likelihood of them going to college and “She’s a woman, and the role of the woman is empowbeing successful at that time wasn’t likely,” CCS Execu- ering,” she said. “A lot of times our students have been tive Director Rita Redondo said. “But they still wanted told they can’t achieve certain things when that’s not their kids to be able to go to college.” necessarily true. Everyone is capable of achieving great In the mental health field, “continuum” is used to things. The way they go about it just might be different.” indicate the progress of a developmentally disabled indiThrough the CCS Community Outreach program, vidual. It doesn’t mean to “continue on,” but rather more students get the opportunity to learn outside of the classcarefully defines the unique life experience and chal- room as well through volunteer work at locations like lenges for both the developmentally disabled individual United Samaritans. Through these experiences, students and the loving caregivers. are able to master job preparation skills, social interacProgress despite these challenges is exactly what’s tions, group collaboration and much more. intended through the services at CCS, which include While these trips allow the community to get to know both the college and a Community Outreach program — CCS, Redondo said there is still more work to be done. both of which provide structure, support and guidance In the spring, the college will host an open house is curwhile teaching valuable life lessons and skills. rently hosting a pie fundraiser. A work program for “The main thing we want everyone to know and students is in the works, Redondo added, and the orgaunderstand is that our students are extremely capable nization is also taking donations for new transportation and talented individuals,” Redondo said. vans.

“Developmentally disabled” is another precise term “Once people get to know who we are, they’re supwhich indicates a medical diagnosis of a cognitive dis- portive of us,” she said. “We’re not very well-known just ability before the age of 18. In most cases, the cognitive because we’re tucked in our corner doing our thing. It’s disability is persistent with little possibility for a real time we need to start being known and being a part of cure. the community.”

There are 149 students enrolled in the two programs at For more information about Comprehensive ConCCS, which is located along Colorado Avenue. The Com- tinuum of Services, visit www.continuumcollege.org.  BUSINESS NEWS

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FALL 2019

MEMBERSHIP SHOWCASE

W

e s u o H s Verda’ A shelter in the storm

By KRISTINA HACKER

hile Verda’s House may seem like just another craftsman style home near downtown Turlock, it’s actually a refuge for the hundreds of local children who pass through its doors each year.

As part of the Children’s Crisis Center, a private nonprofit child abuse prevention and intervention program with five sites throughout Stanislaus County, Verda’s House offers a variety of services to families in crisis.

The Turlock house opened in 2006 and serves approximately 900 children a year between the ages of birth to 17, with the majority of children served under the age of 5.

A visit to Verda’s House would appear like a well-run daycare center with books, games and colorful art on the walls, but the children who come through its doors are dealing with traumatic situations at home.

According to Assistant Director Brenda McDonald, the majority of the children they serve have been referred to the program from Child Protective Services, law enforcement or a medical professional.

Some children come to Verda’s House a few hours a week while their parents attend domestic violence classes, an addiction recovery program or look for employment. McDonald said during the winter they will see a number of homeless children who need to get a bath and eat a warm meal in a safe place. The house also serves as an emergency shelter for children who need a place to stay after their parents are arrested or involved in an accident.

Each family that comes to Verda’s House is assigned a case worker who helps create a plan to best meet the needs of the children.

“Our goal is to help the family to stabilize and get back on their feet. We are not permanent childcare; we are a crisis respite so they don’t end up in the system,” said McDonald.

While at Verda’s House, children are fed three home-cooked meals per day that are prepared in the on-site kitchen.

Each Children’s Crisis Center shelter

has a cook trained in child nutrition who can prepare family-style meals for the kids.

Between meals, the children play with each other and the teachers at Verda’s House. Their play areas are painted in bright colors and are full of toys and learning areas. The site also has three different outside play areas, each designed for different ages.

Each child is assessed for their developmental capabilities and needs and their playtime is structured around those needs. Children’s Crisis Center employs credentialed teachers who have an emphasis on early childhood development. The games and playtime are considered therapeutic play, because they are designed to help children through trauma.

It's a sad fact that Verda’s House stays busy throughout the year and oftentimes has to refer children to one of the crisis center’s other locations due to being at maximum capacity. McDonald said the center is hoping to one day be able to utilize the unused second story of the house. The upstairs space needs quite a bit of renovation to be able to be utilized, and the crisis center hasn’t found the funds to do so yet.

Along with seeking funds to expand its usable space, Verda’s House is in need of an exterior paint job, and volunteers to do monthly grocery shopping (a list of items needed and money is provided), assist in processing donated foods and assist in preparing and serving meals.

The center is also in need of medical professionals to donate their services for health assessments and retired teachers who can give a few hours of their time.

There is a list of items the center needs on a regular basis available at: https://www.childrenscrisiscenter.com/ give-get-involved/in-kind-gifts-andservices/ “There are a lot of opportunities to volunteer,” said McDonald.  For more information on how to give back to Verda’s House, call 209-656-7783.

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FALL 2019

TOP: Verda’s House teacher Monica Benimen leads a group of preschoolers in a fall themed activity; LEFT: There are three outside playground areas at Verda’s House, each designed for a different age group; BELOW: Verda’s House looks much like a preschool, with brightly colored activity areas for the children to play and learn.

Children Crisis Center Facts 8 0% of the children who utilized services at the Crisis Center are under five years old.  Two thirds of all children who receive respite childcare services at the Crisis Center are actively involved or have been involved with Child Protective Services.  78% of the children who receive respite childcare services at the Crisis Center have one or both parents who abused drugs.  Approximately 80% of the clients who utilize services at the Crisis Center are single parents.  The average length of service for each family seeking respite childcare services at the Crisis Center is 12 weeks, with 40% of the families continuing to use services beyond the 3-month period.  Service hours and total number of children served at the Crisis Center generally increases during the winter months when homeless shelters are overcrowded with families seeking refuge from the harsh weather conditions. 

MEMBERSHIP SHOWCASE

Turlock-based IRC

helps refugees go from harm to home

E

very day around the world there are millions whose lives are upended by war, conflict and natural disasters. The International Rescue Committee’s Turlock office is one of 25 locations throughout the United States that help displaced refugees find a place to lay their heads, offering aid during crises.

The Turlock IRC opened in 2004 and helps refugees forced to flee violence and persecution rebuild their lives here in the Central Valley, working with government bodies and local volunteers to help them translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities. During 2017 alone, the Turlock IRC welcomed 554 refugees to the area, and 1,800 refugees settled here from 2011-2016.

One such refugee is Nael Abdulqader, who was separated from his family as they fled first war-torn Syria, then Turkey, in 2017. The Turlock IRC office helped Abdulqader reunite with his parents and nine siblings in February 2017, then helped them find a place to live and

By ANGELINA MARTIN

schools for the children to attend.

For refugees who arrive in Turlock, the IRC’s main goal is to help them become self sufficient. From the moment they arrive, refugees are placed in a variety of programs meant to help them assimilate into American culture. The IRC enrolls refugees in vocational English classes and early employment programs, and within just two weeks of arriving in Turlock, many are already hunting for their first job.

The IRC also helps refugees become accustomed to American culture through cultural orientations that are given very soon after arrival. Refugees learn everything they need to know about their new home: how to access public transportation, what different traffic signs mean, how to use an American calendar, social customs and more.

The work that the IRC does to help refugees happens pr imar i ly at t he beginning of their journey, and after

refugees become assimilated into the American culture, the organization has little contact with them. A majority go on to receive their American citizenship and become contributing members to society. While some do leave to neighboring cities or to be with family elsewhere, a majority of refugees that arrive in Turlock remain in the city to live, work and rebuild their lives.

Turlock’s IRC office is always looking for volunteers, whether it’s helping put together “welcome kits” for incoming refugees or simply donating items or money to help make their transitiown easier.

Currently, the Turlock IRC is hosting a coat drive and is accepting gift card and jacket donations for the upcoming cold months. To drop off donations, please Jonathan Partridge at 209-238-3011. For more information about the Turlock IRC, call 209-667-2378 

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ABOVE: International Rescue Committee volunteers help refugees learn English and with the job-search process; RIGHT: Nael Abdulqader and his family are greeted by a local Imam and his son in February 2017. These Syrian refugees, after spending time apart due to a travel ban, were reunited thanks to help from the Turlock International Rescue Committee.

www.thornorinc.com BUSINESS NEWS

15

FALL 2019

EVENT

Housing, jobs topics of economic breakfast discussion

L

ocal business, government and education leaders connected over scrambled eggs and hot coffee on the morning of Aug. 21 at Stanislaus State, where they received economic updates that highlighted the future opportunities and challenges facing Turlock and its surrounding region.

The annual Eggs, Issues & Economics breakfast hosted by the Turlock Chamber of Commerce serves as one of the most informative economic discussions of the year and this year guests were treated to updates from all levels of government: Mayor Amy Bublak, Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa and Lenny Mendonca, who serves as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Chief Economic and Business Advisor.

Bublak served as a speaker at the event for the first time since her election as Turlock’s first female Mayor last fall and shared the story of how she came to the town in the first place. The university and the city resonate strongly with her, she said, because the area became her home when she didn’t have one.

By ANGELINA MARTIN

Mayor Amy Bublak, County Supervisor Vito Chiesa and Lenny Mendonca, Chief Economic and Business Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom, served as speakers for this year’s annual Eggs, Issues & Economics breakfast.

“I didn’t have your perfect childhood and by the time I was in high school I actually lived in my car,” Bublak told the audience. “After I got in my car and was going to go off to college...

As soon as I got to Stanislaus, I thought, ‘This is where I want to go.’

“From that moment, I had so many people — none of them family — reach out to me and tell me, ‘You could be somebody.’”

It’s this connection to the city and Stanislaus

Turlock

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209-250-5800

County that has inspired Bublak to give back through public service, whether it be her time as a police officer in Modesto, her tenure as a City Councilwoman or now, as Mayor.

Bublak spoke about Turlock’s “dire” financial situation; in 2012 and 2013, she said, the City’s reserves sat at around $12 million and today Turlock has just under $3 million in savings. As a new mayor whose senior-most City Council member only has two and a half years under his belt, Bublak said all she can do is try and “figure it out.”

“We can get past this, and I know I can lead us to get there,” she said. “We’re all trying to figure out how to make the best decisions for the future of Turlock while trying to make sure we pay our bills on a timely basis.”

In order to stimulate Turlock’s revenue sources, more economic development has to come to town by way of not just jobs, but professions, Bublak said. Though the unemployment rate in Turlock is better than the county-wide average, (4.1 percent versus 5.6 percent), the City must do a better job at providing oppor-

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FALL 2019

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tunities for graduates and entrepreneurs to stay in town, whether it be through more housing or better job opportunities.

“I just can’t tell you that it’s insurmountable — it’s not. I won’t give up and I know my colleagues won't give up,” Bublak said. “I’m committed to all of you to set this ship right.”

Whether it be creating jobs and housing in Turlock for those who want to stay, or creating the two for commuters both ways, there’s one thing required to keep these regions connected: infrastructure. Chiesa provided updates on both Measure L and the Valley Rail Project, the latter of which will expand the ACE train to Ceres.

Measure L, the County’s half cent sales tax initiative to fix roads that was passed by voters in 2016, is well underway with projects throughout the county taking place. Prior to the measure, Stanislaus County was providing little service to roads, Chiesa said. In 2016, about 12 miles of road was serviced.

With Measure L money, 185 miles of unincorporated roads will see improvements, sure to improve the county’s Pavement Condition Index— a number that’s deteriorated as the years pass, Chiesa pointed out, going from 69 when he first joined the Board of Supervisors to 57 in 2017, and now sitting at under 50.

“No matter how bad the roads are in

Turlock, they’re much, much worse in the unincorporated area,” Chiesa said.

Measure L projects to take place in Turlock include improvements to the West Main interchange as well as capacity improvements to Highway 99 between Monte Vista Avenue and Keyes Road.

The Valley Rail Project will eventually see ACE train stops in Ceres and Modesto and link people as far south as Merced to the rail transportation, connecting a majority of the Valley to the Bay Area.

The project is expected to take 5.2 metric tons of CO2 off the road by 2025, Chiesa said.

“I don’t make the rules, I’m in charge of governing within the rules and this is where we see the future as far as greenhouse gas,” he said.

Mendonca, who was appointed to his post in January, is a Turlock native. To be economically successful, his hometown must focus on three things, he said: investment in the future of its people, and therefore, education; increasing opportunities for children who want to grow up and stay here; and investing in structures that connect all of us, like the Valley Rail Project.

“This is a town and a region that is very different than when I left 40 years ago,” Mendonca said.

There’s a lot to appreciate in Turlock, he

said, like the city’s unemployment rate, as well as cause for celebration statewide. California has had 113 straight months of job growth and added 3.3 million jobs during that time — the longest such streak since the 1960s.

The state has also taken strides forward with pay increases and sees new businesses start faster than anywhere in the world, Mendonca added.

Though the job market is booming, it’s doing so in more populated areas, like the coast, where 70 percent of that growth came from.

“We’ve got, at one level, a very robust, above average growth, but it’s not in a way that’s as inclusive as it should be,” Mendonca said.

Focusing on regional economic development is key, with each area creating their own unique plans that come together to ensure prosperity for all parts of the state.

“What we don’t want to do is have those 70 percent of people who graduate from Stanislaus State and want to stay here feel like the only way that they can make a living is by moving somewhere else,” Mendonca said. “Economic development opportunities here are not without challenges, but I will tell you there’s not another country in the world or another state in the country that wouldn’t trade their situation for California’s.” 

Your Trusted Community Partner

SERVING THE CENTRAL VALLEY Improving access to higher education

www.csustan.edu

BUSINESS NEWS

(209)883-8300 | TID.org 17

FALL 2019

HUMAN RESOURCES

2020 labor laws

affecting California businesses

Human Trafficking Training SB 970 requires that by Jan. 1, 2020, certain hotel and motel employees participate in ongoing training to identify, respond to and report human trafficking. At least 20 minutes of classroom or other interactive training must be provided to any hotel or motel employee who’s likely to interact or come into contact with victims of human trafficking, including those who work in a reception area, perform housekeeping duties, help customers in moving their possessions or drive customers.

Sexual Harassment Under SB 1343, by Jan. 1, 2020, all employers with five or more employees will be required to provide two hours of sexual harassment training to supervisors and one hour to nonsupervisorial employees within six months of hire or promotion, and every two years after that.

Temporary and seasonal employees will be required to be trained within 30 days of hire or 100 hours worked, whichever is earlier.

GREG HARRISON Warehouse Manager

209/656-5301 Fax 209/656-5322 w782mgr@costco.com www.costco.com 2955 N. Tegner Turlock, CA 95380 BUSINESS NEWS

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Gender Representation on Boards of Directors Any publicly held corporation with principal executive offices in California will be required to place at least one female director on its board by Dec. 31, 2019. Depending on the board’s size, up to three female members may be required by the end of 2021. Significant financial penalties apply if a company fails to achieve the required number of female directors.

Wage and Hour On Jan. 1, 2020, the state minimum wage increases to $12 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees and to $13 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees. Part of SB 3, which was signed in 2016, this is the next mandatory increase.

The state minimum wage will reach $15 by 2022.

— Some information provided by CalChamber HR Expert & Business Advocate

Hold your meengs and events at

The Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock We can help you with all of your catering needs! Big or Small!

2618 N. Golden State Blvd. Turlock, CA 95382

(209) 668-4668 BUSINESS NEWS

19

FALL 2019

The Turlock Chamber of

Commerce

encourages you to

SHOP

LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Strengthen Local Economy Support your Local Community Put your Taxes to Good use 115 S. Golden State Blvd - Turlock

(209) 632-2221 BUSINESS NEWS

20

FALL 2019

SCOREBOARDS

1.

2.

DISTRICT 4 BECKY ARELLANO

DISTRICT 3 ANDREW NOSRATI

DISTRICT 2 GIL ESQUER

COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM

DISTRICT 1 NICOLE LARSON

MAYOR AMY BUBLAK

TURLOCK CITY COUNCIL VOTING RECORD

Y Y Y Y Y

5/28/19 APPOINTING THREE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO A RULES COMMITTEE PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF THE CIVILITY CODE.

6/11/19 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF TURLOCK AND AXON Y Y Y Y Y MEETING ENTERPRISE TO PROVIDE THE TURLOCK POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH BODY CAMERAS.

3.

Y Y Y Y Y 6/11/19 ADOPTING THE FY 2019-20 GENERAL FUND AND NON-GENERAL FUND BALANCED BUDGET THAT DEFUNDS 16 VACANT POSITIONS AND CALLS FOR CUTS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS.

4.

6/25/19 ADOPTING THE ADVERTISING INITIATIVE GUIDELINES.

ABS Y Y Y Y

5.

7/9/19 AMENDING THE ZONING MAP AND APPROVING THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT FOR THE WARRIOR CROSSING PROJECT.

Y Y Y Y Y

DISTRICT 5 JIM DEMARTINI

DISTRICT 4 TOM BERRYHILL

DISTRICT 3 TERRY WITHROW

BOARD AGENDA ITEM

DISTRICT 2 VITO CHIESA

MEETING

DISTRICT 1 KRISTIN OLSEN

STAN. CO. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTING RECORD

Y Y Y Y Y

1.

4/30/19 ACCEPTED AN UPDATE ON THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY SYSTEM OF CARE RESTRUCTURE PROJECT, INCLUDING THE PLANNED USE OF $7.2 MILLION IN HOMELESS EMERGENCY AID PROGRAM FUNDING AND THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GOVERNANCE BODY, THE STANISLAUS HOMELESS ALLIANCE.

2.

5/14/19 AUTHORIZED THE AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER TO ENTER INTO AND SIGN A

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO CONDUCT COMPLIANCE INSPECTIONS OF CANNABIS CULTIVATORS, NURSERIES AND PROCESSORS.

3.

6/4/19 ACCEPTED THE PROPOSED TRANSITION PLAN OUTLINING THE CONSOLIDATION OF HSA CLINICS AND OPPORTUNITY FOR CONTINUED PATIENT ACCESS THROUGH THE COMMUNITY FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS OF GOLDEN VALLEY HEALTH CENTERS AND LIVINGSTON COMMUNITY HEALTH.

Y Y Y ABS Y

4.

6/18/19 ADDING HEMP CULTIVATION TO THE STANISLAUS COUNTY CODE.

Y Y Y Y N

5.

9/10/19 APPROVED THE DESIGN BRIDGING DOCUMENTS FOR THE TURLOCK LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT, AS PREPARED BY WRNS STUDIOS, INC.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

6.

9/17/19 ACCEPTED THE 2019-2020 RECOMMENDED FINAL BUDGET WITH $1.4 BILLION IN APPROPRIATIONS, WITH AN INCREASE OF APPROXIMATELY THREE PERCENT FOR ALL FUNDS COMPARED TO LAST YEAR’S ADOPTED BUDGET.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

BUSINESS NEWS

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FALL 2019

Y Y Y Y Y

CHAMBER

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize businesses that have been members for 20 - 25 years!

We thank you for your continued support!

20 Years

22 Years

Turlock Public Library

10 East Kitchen and Tap House

Assyrian American Civic Club

United Samaritans Foundation

Americold

KCOE ISOM

Yonan’s Fine Jewelry

Anderson & Associates

Kiwanis Club of Greater Turlock

Baez Design Group

Main Street Footers

City of Turlock

Rotary Club of Turlock

Turlock Community Theatre

Spectrum Business

24 Years Edward Jones Hillberg, Ronald W.- Attorney at Law

The Greenery Nursery

Stewart Title

21 Years

Umpqua Bank

10 Minute Lube n Oil

Wahl, Willemse & Wilson, LLP, CPA’s

Capax/GCH Insurance

Wilkey Industries

25 Years Custom Locksmith & Alarm Inc.

Consumer’s Choice Pest Control Lancaster Painting

23 Years

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.

Lifespring Senior Campus

American Medical Response

Lock-N-Stitch

Modesto Bee

Mister Car Wash

Turlock Golf & Country Club

Pool’s Moving Storage

Salvation Army Turlock Corps

Walgreen Center/Cosol

CALIFORNIA’S

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our new 2019 members!

Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

Golden State Dermatology House of Random Hudelson Nut Company, Inc. Pari & Gershon Inc. Perfect Union Ray Morgan Company Reliable Termite Solutions Socal Cannatopia Store Inc. Stiizy Organization United States Cold Storage Thank you for supporting your Business News magazine and for being a Chamber Member since: Emanuel Medical Center. . . . . . 1966

TID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1983

Smith Chevrolet Cadillac . . . . . . 1958

Stanislaus State. . . . . . . . . . . 1987

Thorsen’s - Norquist. . . . . . . . . 1950

Costco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000

Nathan Dabulewicz, Insurance. . 2011

Assyrian Civic Club. . . . . . . . . . 1997

Lancaster Painting . . . . . . . . . 1998

GDI Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004

Strategic Legal Group. . . . . . . . 2014

Western Valley Insurance . . . . . 1970

Turlock Auto Plaza. . . . . . . . . . 1993

Allen Mortuary. . . . . . . . . . . . 1970

Convenience | Choice | Experience | Local

209-634-2929

License # 0D01900

gdiinsurance.com

Brenda Athletic. . . . . . . . . . . . 2005

BUSINESS NEWS

22

FALL 2019

Open enrollment begins Oct. 15, 2019

600 E. Main Street, Suite 200, Turlock, CA 209-634-9031 • www.westernvalley.com Lic #0649647 BUSINESS NEWS

23

FALL 2019

This is our idea of a merger.

Family... it’s far more important than profits.

That’s why in these days of mergers and corporate takeovers, we’ve made a commitment to be the only family owned funeral home in Turlock.

247 N. Broadway • Turlock 634-5829 www.allenmortuary.com