Business News 39

A PUBLICATION OF THE TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUMMER 2019

ISSUE 39

The Valley Sierra SBDC:

Helping Turlock businesses succeed

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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 The Valley Sierra SBDC

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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.

A PUBLICATION OF THE TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUMMER 2019

ISSUE 39

The Valley Sierra SBDC:

Helping Turlock businesses succeed

On the cover Valley Sierra SBDC Design by Sharon Hoffman

Published by The Turlock Journal 138 S. Center St., Turlock, CA 95380 209-634-9141

BUSINESS NEWS

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Board of Directors Chamber Ambassadors Chamber Mixers Ribbon Cuttings Turlock Young Professionals Chamber Hosted Events Ten Pin Open for Business Buffalo Wild Wings Serves Food and Charity Allen Mortuary - A Tradition of Caring It’s Fair Time Improving Employees’ Mental Health Turlock Cannabis Business Applications Legislative Scorecards New Chamber Members

SUMMER 2019

CHAMBER BOARD CHAIRS & CEO Hello Summer!

Another whirlwind couple of months have passed, demonstrating that time really does fly! Your Turlock Chamber leadership continues to work on bringing you valuable workshops focused on growing your business using a variety of social media platforms, along with fabulous gatherings to connect with other like-minded people.

Our April mixers kicked off at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott. Those people know how to make great cookies to go with their wonderful accommodations. If you haven’t met GINA BLOM NATHAN DABULEWICZ SUE MICHELETTI along Denise Haflitch and her team, we encourage you to do so! They are CO-CHAIRMAN CO-CHAIRMAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR laser focused on serving the community in a variety of ways and Rembrandt & Rose’ Nathan Dabulewicz Turlock Chamber welcoming visitors to Turlock with their exceptional hospitality.

Next was insureCAL insurance Agency, and their “Taco Tuesday” Insurance didn’t disappoint. Colbie McRae and Brandi Loforti always make you feel special and welcome, with their warm smiles and support for the community they love. June gloom was nowhere to be found in the Central Valley.

Turlock’s local Army recruiters took over the VFW Hall for an amazing presentation on how our military-trained veterans can make outstanding employees.

Our member businesses certainly know some of the challenges in hiring good, reliable employees. Reach out to Jeremy Levens at the U.S. Army Recruiting Office to find out more about the PaYS program and how it might benefit your business.

Our scheduled summer mixers are set for the third Tuesday of each month, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. They include Umpqua Bank (July 16), Bank of Stockton (Aug. 20) and Brenda Athletic Club (Sept. 17). Attendance at our mixers is on the rise. Why? Because word has gotten out that our hosts always provide good food, refreshing drinks and a chance to meet some outstanding people! Please join us at one or more of these mixers. They are one of the best opportunities you will ever have to network with other business owners and connect with the community at large. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Our thanks to everyone who attended our first FUNDUE event on May 23. We were delighted with the turnout, as well as the feedback we received from our guests, and the vendors in attendance. It was a pleasure to partner with Turlock’s Carnegie Arts Center, to create a lovely social evening that allowed us to showcase a variety of food and beverage vendors, enjoy great music and experience all of the art on display at the Carnegie. Planning is already underway for next year’s event, which promises to be even bigger and better! Mark your calendar now for May 14, 2020. It WILL happen again, and we’d love to see you there.

Last, but surely not least, we are excited to announce our annual Eggs, Issues, and Economics breakfast, scheduled for 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Aug. 21, in the main dining hall at Stanislaus State. Got questions? Want some answers? Plan to join us for a nutritious breakfast, and you will have the opportunity to hear from three different levels of our government in one setting. For those of you who’ve been around Turlock for more than a few years, Lenny Mendonca will be our keynote speaker. Lenny is a Turlock native and he currently serves as the Chief Economic and Business Advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom. He also carries the title Director of the Office of Business and Economic Development for the State of California. Our very own Stanislaus County Supervisor (District 2) Vito Chiesa and our hometown Mayor Amy Bublak will also be on hand to provide updates on more local issues that should be of interest to us all. These three will be sure to get down to business! Tickets are available now and we expect this event to sell out, so get yours soon! You can purchase tickets online, with ease at turlockchamber.com, and they are also available for sale at the Chamber office (115 S. Golden State Blvd.).

Please be sure to check the Chamber website for updates on workshops and mixers. Please also look for (and then “like” and “share”) our social media posts. You might even have a chance to win tickets for Eggs, Issues and Economics!

Enjoy the warm weather, stay hydrated and we’ll look forward to seeing you around town!

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

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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

MITCHELL WATSON Emanuel Medical Center

ED YONAN Yonan’s Fine Jewelry

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

July

4

Closed for 4th of July

5

Office Closed

16 Ribbon Cutting- California Dairies

August

September

15 Ambassadors Meeting

2

Closed for Labor Day

15 TCC Board Meeting- Closed to Public

17 Mixer- Brenda Athletics

20 Mixer- Bank of Stockton

19 Ambassadors Meeting

21 Eggs, Issues & Economics

19 TCC Board Meeting- Closed to Public

22 TYP Meeting

26 TYP Meeting

16 Mixer @Umpqua Bank 18 Ambassadors Meeting 18 TCC Board Meeting- Closed to Public 25 TYP Meeting 31- Lunch & Learn- Yelp

BUSINESS NEWS

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SUMMER 2019

JAMIE CIMOLI Turlock Direct

TURLOCK CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Brandi LoForti Co-Chair InsureCal Insurance

Christopher Rivera Nathan DabulewiczFarmers

Josh Pitau

Co-Chair Thorsen’s-Norquist, Inc.

Fatima Kaster

Anna Meyers Hampton Inn

Umpqua Bank

Anaiz Madrigal

Fred Rasuli R5 Experiential Marketing

Valley First Credit Union

Jilbert Gevargizi

Kathy Hobby

Teresa Vines Mario Herrera Bank of Stockton

Tri Counnty Flooring

Exit Realty

Denny Silva US Bank

The Education Foundation of Stanislaus County

Steele Insurance Agency

Shawntay Hockless

Melissa Nunnemaker

Camille Austin Rabobank

Umpqua

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

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CHAMBER

M

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E

R

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2009 HOSTED BY FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT

APRIL

2016 HOSTED BY INSURECAL INSURANCE AGENCY

MAY

2018 HOSTED BY UNITED STATES ARMY RECRUITING

JUNE

BUSINESS NEWS

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SUMMER 2019

CHAMBER

R I B B O N

C U T T I N G S

2019 CIRCLE J FOOD & GAS

2004 TRI COUNTIES BANK

2019 TEN PIN FUN CENTER

BUSINESS NEWS

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CHAMBER

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

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

EXECUTIVE TYP BOARD MEMBERS

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.

Aaron Medeiros, President Claudia Ducheneaux, Vice President Victoria Morad, Secretary Denny Silva, Treasurer Tyler Flaherty, Marketing Chair Kara Bottler, Event Coordinator Scott Dignan, Professional Development Chair Nick Antrim, Past President

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• 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

ACTIVITIES

• Look on our Facebook page for monthly meeting locations • Professional development workshops • Social and networking events specifically designed for TYP members • Behind-the-scenes tours of Turlock businesses

TYP MEMBERS Cassandra Abram Adrenna Alkhas Michael Allen Ellie Alverion Nick Antrim Vito Chiesa Dinah Copple Odis DeHart Lauren Denton Scott Dignan Claudia Ducheneaux Alisha Fitzgerald Tyler Flaherty

BUSINESS NEWS

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SUMMER 2019

Caleb Fontes Jocelyn Hackett Adrian Harrell Lori Hooper Kadi Ingram-Porter Jessica Irish Valeria Jimenez Lacey Kiriakou Jessica Lemus Ninfa Lopez-Smith Sandra Loza Rafael Martinez Aaron Medeiros VIctoria Morad

Melissa Nunnemaker Paul Porter Jeff Quigly Doris Ramos Holly Rasmusson Steven Rivera Dennis Silva Irene Silveira Gary Soiseth Heath Sousa Danny Thompson Joe Torres Yelena Tsymbal Josh Weimer

CHAMBER

Chamber Hosts Fundue Party Lunch And Learn Social Media 101

The Chamber’s Lunch and Learn series in the month of May focused on social media marketing for businesses. Tiffany Phillips, a consultant with Valley Sierra SBDC, led the two sessions. She specializes in helping businesses get the most out of social media.

“Most people understand the importance of social media, but there’s a big gap there in how to utilize it,” Phillips said.

Phillips went over the basics of how to use five major platforms to represent a brand or business in the best possible light. She also advised businesses to focus on the platform that their target audience is using.

“It’s not one size fits all,” Phillips said about social media marketing.

To find out more about social media marketing for small businesses, contact Valley Sierra SBDC at https://valleysierrasbdc.com/

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce hosted its first-ever FUNdue event on May 23 at the Carnegie Arts Center.

The event featured melted cheese bites and wine and beer pairings from local producers. Participants included Burroughs Family Farms, Sciabica’s California Olive Oil, Mundos Latin Grill, Irish Family Vineyards, Manis Family Vineyards and m2 wines.

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FEATURE

The Valley Sierra SBDC:

Helping Turlock businesses succeed

R

unning a business can be a challenge. Both owners and managers get so involved with the day-to-day details that it’s not until problems erupt in the form of declining sales and profits, dissatisfied customers, operational issues, and more that they realize they’re in trouble, and don’t know what to do. The good news? There’s a solution: the local Small Business Development Center.

Expert Resources at No Cost

A part of Opportunity Stanislaus, the Valley Sierra SBDC assists with the development, expansion and success of local companies. Businesses have the opportunity to work with expert consultants from a diverse array of areas – finance, operations, HR, marketing, social media, and more – at no cost. All consulting services are completely confidential.

“The Valley Sierra SBDC is a member of the nationally accredited Central California Regional SBDC network and receives a majority of its funding through the US Small Business Administration (SBA),” explains Valley Sierra SBDC Director Katy Winders. “We have over 20 professional consultants under contract throughout Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties. These

BUSINESS NEWS

consultants, who live and work in their local communities, donate much of their time as a way to ‘give back,’ helping companies through difficult situations and guiding them to implement better business practices.” Winders adds that the consultants’ diverse backgrounds enable them to serve virtually every industry, including restaurants, manufacturing, retail, technology, and construction.

Increasing demand for precast concrete products such as stair treads and monument signs motivated Bertelson Precast owner Chet Bertelson to contact the SBDC for assistance with strategic business planning, marketing, a new website and human resources.

“I credit the SBDC with being a critical factor in our company’s success. The SBDC has really been an expert resource for us.

From the start, they have been all about helping us succeed, whether by educating us in areas in which we had limited experience, or coaching us on how to enhance and improve what we were doing. No matter the situation, they are always looking for solutions to help us move forward, and will call in the experts from their team to make it happen. They have helped bring us into the 21st century, and position us for

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continued growth,” he said.

In addition to one-on-one consulting, the Valley Sierra SBDC also provides training programs that are specifically designed for the needs of busy entrepreneurs and business owners. Courses are offered throughout the year on a variety of topics, from Business Start-Ups and QuickBooks, to leveraging Social Media and Marketing Tools & Tips.

The Valley Sierra SBDC is partnering with the Turlock Chamber to expand services in Turlock. The next training is scheduled for July 31 and is titled “YELP – Maker and Breaker of Businesses.” This free class will cover claiming a business, Biz.YELP, understanding YELP ratings and reviews as well as do’s and don’ts in managing your YELP page.

business plan, securing financing, or has been around for decades and is looking to streamline processes, enhance their marketing, or launch a new product - we’re here to help,” she said.

Winders notes that the Valley Sierra SBDC has expanded its reach with the addition of local partnerships with cities, chambers, banks and business organizations.

“Over the years, many organizations have stepped forward to support the Valley Sierra SBDC program, including Bank of the West with grant to expand services to underserved areas as well as local chambers including the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.

“We are adding more workshops to our schedule on a regular basis, which are open to everyone, whether or not they are signed up with the SBDC. We are expanding our relationships with banks and other funding sources to help companies start or expand. We believe that every business should have access to expert resources to help increase their opportunities for success.”

To learn more about the Valley Sierra SBDC, the services available and upcoming trainings, visit ValleySierraSBDC.com or call 209-422-6416. You can also sign up on the website to request a no cost confidential consultation. 

From Start-Ups to Established

Winders jokes that although the Valley Sierra SBDC has been serving Stanislaus County for nearly 20 years, it remains one of the area’s best-kept secrets.

“So often when a company signs up for services, they will tell us they have never heard about us until now – and many say they wished they’d known about us sooner. We work with firms in all stages of a business life cycle. Whether a person is in the start-up phase, and needs help on developing a strategy, building a

BUSINESS NEWS

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MEMBER SHOWCASE

Ten Pin

open for business

J

By ANGELINA MARTIN

PHOTO BY ANGELINA MARTIN

ust under two years after its construction began, in anticipation as its opening is delayed time after time. the Ten Pin Fun Center in Turlock opened its doors The bowling alley was originally expected to be comin May. pleted in February 2018 at the latest, but then it was Turlockers and visitors from surrounding commu- announced that August would be the month. From nities laced up their bowling shoes and hit the lanes there, the opening date was pushed back to December when the heavily-anticipated, 62,000 square foot fam- until ultimately the Journal was told Turlock residents ily entertainment center welcomed its first patrons. could expect a spring opening.

“We’re really excited to see this bowling alley open.

Now the $18 million project is complete, save for the This is a commercial building that was one of the most center’s 10,000 square foot laser tag attraction, which complex projects over the past two decades here in the should be up and running soon, Soiseth said. city of TurTurlock reslock, so it took ident Thomas a lot to bring Higlesias everything wasted no together,” Ten time in getPin Public ting his family Information down to the Officer Gary Ten Pin Fun Soiseth said.

Center on “We’re hopTuesday aftering that the noon, eager to whole Turlock be among the community first to bowl comes out and on the statechecks it out, of-the-art Hayden Hayward bowls at the new that they’re lanes.

Ten Pin Fun Center’s opening day in May. understand“We heard ing that we’re it wou ld b e getting this off the ground, and that they come and open today, so as soon as the kids got out of school, we just have fun and share the excitement that we have picked them up and we ran over here,” Higlesias said. for this project.”

“We’ve been waiting for something like this for the kids It’s been a long time coming for a bowling alley to for years, ever since construction started…Turlock was find a home in Turlock once again. Turlock bowlers missing this.” last had lanes in their hometown back when The GarWhile Turlock already has a booming downtown dens (formerly known as Divine Gardens) closed in with several entertainment options, Soiseth believes 1997. The Ten Pin Fun Center was originally approved residents haven’t seen anything like what Ten Pin is by the Turlock City Council in 2010 and slated to be prepared to offer. constructed on Monte Vista Avenue across the street “It’s going to take it to the next level. There is no from Stanislaus State, but the project fell through in facility like this from Manteca to Merced,” Soiseth said.

2014 and never materialized due to a lack of financial “We’re very happy that these local investors decided backing. to pour their resources and time and dedication into Then, the development was picked back up again this center.” by a group of local investors, with construction beginThe two-story facility features 34 bowling lanes — ning at its new location on Countryside Drive in July eight of which are located in the alley’s separate VIP 2017. Since then, community members have watched room known as the “Back 8,” which can be privately BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS

2019

PHOTOS BY NATE STRAUBINGER/Central California Advisors

rented out for parties and get togethers. The Ten Pin Fun Center arcade features 60 games for children and adults alike, who can also keep themselves busy at one of the outdoor bocce ball courts.

Turlock’s new bowling alley also had a fullscale restaurant, known as Deadwood Social.

General Manager and Director of Food and Beverage Robert Provencio said the restaurant’s name came from a Facebook contest and represents a well-known bowling term.

“Deadwood means when there’s a pin that’s knocked over and it doesn’t get cleared, so if you really think about it, the entendre involved in having a restaurant inside of a bowling alley is almost like deadwood,” Provencio said. “It’s just a little play on words and it’s fun...the whole idea is to make this a social environment.”

Deadwood Social serves everything from wholesome “bowling” food like chicken strips and fries to culinary masterpieces such as slowcooked ribs and New York steaks, creating every menu item from scratch thanks to locallygrown ingredients. The restaurant and bowling alley hired locally, too, providing 125 jobs to local residents and Stanislaus State graduates.

“We’re trying very hard to source as close to Turlock as we can. It’s awesome because we actually serve the growers, and we serve the workers and people who own the land,” Provencio said. “My goal is to have this whole area support us, and the fact that we’re local...there’s a certain amount of pride in that.”

Local businesses like Dust Bowl Brewing Co. have also jumped in on the fun, brewing Ten Pin Fun Center its very own beer to serve on tap: The Ten Pin 99. Provencio describes it as a light, refreshing beer, and the title combines Ten Pin’s name with the number of the nearby highway as well as the number of calories in each serving. Another brew, a dark ale called the Deadwood, was also created for the restaurant by Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co. of Fresno.

While enjoying a beer, diners can catch sporting events on one of the many television screens in the restaurant, and those who prefer a bird’seye view can take in the entertainment center from the windowed “Sky Lounge” on the second story.

The Ten Pin Fun Center is located at 3700 Countryside Drive, and the facility’s hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Monday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome, but to reserve a lane or book a party, visit www.tenpinfun.com. 

TOP: Bocce ball courts and an outdoor patio will provide summer fun at Ten Pin Fun Center; MIDDLE: The Sky Lounge at Ten Pin Fun Center can be rented out for parties and gives patrons a bird’s-eye view of the entertainment center; ABOVE: The Back 8 offers visitors to the Ten Pin Fun Center the chance to rent a room where they can privately bowl.

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MEMBER SHOWCASE

2018

The staff at Turlock’s Buffalo Wild Wings, pictured here, is among the top in the nation, as the location was recently selected to serve as a training site for Northern California.

Buffalo Wild Wings serves food and charity

S

ince opening in Turlock just over five years ago, Buffalo Wild Wings has already established itself as an integral part of the community through giving back.

Despite being a national chain, BWW feels like the only home the establishment has ever known is Turlock. From raising money for the local Stanislaus County chapter of the Boy and Girls Club of America to sponsoring spirit shirts for Turlock High School’s football team, the restaurant’s general manager Ed Becerra said being involved with the city is BWW’s way of supporting those that support the business.

“The big thing that’s important to us is being involved in the community because that’s who’s coming into our restaurant,” Becerra said.

It’s not rare to walk into the sports bar and famous chicken joint to see a Little League baseball

By ANGELINA MARTIN

or youth football team hosting a fundraiser. This past spring, BWW sponsored the Stanislaus State softball tournament in Turlock, and the restaurant has started sports scholarships at the university.

This passion for charity at a local level inspired Becerra to sign BWW up to become a Chamber of Commerce member in June, he said.

“Being part of the Chamber not only gives us a great networking resource, but it’s also another way to give back to the city and help out,” he said.

In addition to becoming a new Chamber member, BWW is also riding high on a series of recent accomplishments. The Turlock location is now officially certificated as a training sports bar, where managers from all over Northern California will travel to learn the tricks of the trade. It was a rigorous, three-month process to become an official training BUSINESS NEWS

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location, Becerra said, and of the nation’s 1,276 BWW sites, just 400 hold the title.

The restaurant also was named one of the top 25 BWW locations in the country in 2018, and Becerra said they’re on track to do the same this year. None of it would be possible without the people of Turlock, he added.

“We take care of our employees and run a tight ship, but overall it’s just about being there for the guest,” he said. “At the end of the day, the guests are making our establishment what it is.”

BWW will hold its next fundraiser to benefit the Stanislaus County chapter of the Boys and Girls Club of America for the entirety of October. Patrons can leave a donation along with their bill with 100 percent of proceeds going to the charity, and 10 percent of the month’s sales will also go to the club. 

MEMBER SHOWCASE

A tradition of caring F

or nearly 70 years, those grieving the loss of a loved one have found comfort from the caring staff at Allen Mortuary thanks to a family atmosphere that helps make even the hardest times a little bit easier.

Owned by husband and wife Michael and Alison Allen, the longtime Turlock funeral home was started by Michael’s grandfather, William Allen, in 1952. Throughout the years the space has offered support and care to the community through its wide-range of services, allowing families to celebrate the lives of those who have passed.

“Every loss is different, and the type of loss is different. We just try to be welcoming and make it a peaceful place when you walk through the front door,” Alison Allen said. “The reality is, it’s not going to be a bright place sometimes. People are grieving, and you have to match where that person is at because everyone grieves differently.”

From providing a space for funerals and visitations to acting as a liaison with local cemeteries and handling the paperwork for burials, whatever a family’s need is, Allen Mortuary is there to help.

They also have an on-site crematory, and an event center next door where funeral receptions can be held, and while the latter is new, Allen Mortuary itself remains in the original building founded by

By ANGELINA MARTIN

Michael’s grandfather.

To this day, Allen Mortuary is the only family-owned funeral home in the Turlock area, providing lower

1970

Michael and Alison Allen, owners of Allen Mortuary, said that a family atmosphere is the key to their longtime Turlock business’ success.

prices than many corporate-owned locations, Alison said. The staff are considered family too, she added, which has created an atmosphere which allows clients to feel comfortable when they visit.

“Everybody who’s here, even if they’re not Allen by last name, they’re family too and here because they have a passion for helping people, or they’ve gone through BUSINESS NEWS

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something and realized this is how they want to help,” she said. “It has brought us together with the community…and that’s what I like about Turlock — no matter how much we’ve grown, we all still are connected in some way.”

Another way Allen Mortuary has bonded with the community across the decades is through its Turlock Chamber of Commerce membership, Alison said, which has provided the funeral home with countless networking opportunities at mixers and fundraiser, as well as the chance to grow as a business through leadership retreats.

“Those were really neat, Alison said. “We go to go and tour all of these different businesses, and we learned so much.”

It’s a great time to be a business owner in downtown Turlock, she added, as the streets surrounding Allen Mortuary have evolved to welcome countless new establishments to the city over the years. As the downtown core continues to grow, Allen Mortuary is a constant that will remain for years to come.

“It’s been neat to see that people don’t have to go to Modesto anymore to go out to dinner; there are plenty of options right here,” Alison said. “Having the Carnegie back now and with police and fire right down the street, the neighborhood is bustling again and it’s really nice.” 

MEMBER SHOWCASE

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he Stanislaus County Fair is gearing up for its 108th run from July 12-21.

This year’s fair features 10 nights of free celebrity concerts included with admission, a total of three stages of live entertainment, upwards of 30,000 local exhibits, over 1,750 animals and metal-mashing motorsports.

New exhibits this year include the interactive Walk in the Wild, the spectacular Magical Moments from the Wizard of Oz Marionette Show and live stingrays.

“We try to make each Fair better than the year before, having new exhibits and entertainment achieves that,” said Adrenna Alkhas, spokesperson for the Stanislaus County Fair. “We are extremely excited to have such wonderful, innovative and handson attractions at this year’s Fair.”

Some of the celebrity acts coming to the Stanislaus County Fair this year are Clay Walker (July 17), Maddie & Tae (July 15), 98° Degrees (July 20), TLC (July 16), and MAGIC! (July 19).

Guests to the Stanislaus County Fair can feed stingrays as well as touch them while learning about the sea creature at a new exhibit.

The Floriculture department is hosting exciting competitions at the Fair this year.

Community members will compete in Fair’s very own “Chopped Gone Floral” competition at 1 p.m. July 13. Similar to the cooking show “Chopped” on Food Network, the contestants will have 45 mins to complete a floral arrangement that will be judged. The firstplace winner will receive a cash prize of $200.

Floriculture is hosting a Small Engines competition at 5:30 p.m. July 19, where three teams will have to fix a “bug” in their

small engine. First team to get their engine started will be the winner. There will also be many different hands on activities such as seed bombs, fairy garden doors, succulent plants, and the reading of the storybook “The Frightened Frog.”

Getting to the Fair this year is even easier as City of Turlock officials have approved free bus rides on Turlock Transit fixed routes throughout the run of the Fair. Turlock Transit will join the other three transit systems in Stanislaus County (CAT, MAX, and StaRT) to provide free rides on all fixed routes throughout the month of July as part of a special, grant-funded promotion. Local and regional transit buses will drop off patrons at the Roger K. Fall Transit Center located at Hawkeye Avenue and Golden State Boulevard, and another pair of buses will shuttle guests from the Transit Center to the Fair’s Arch Gate on Broadway.

For more information about the awardwinning Stanislaus County Fair, visit www. stancofair.com. 

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SUMMER 2019

HUMAN RESOURCES

Improving employees’ mental health helps businesses’ bottom line

A

By KATIE CULLITON – Editor, CalChamber

s Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, employers should know that creating a supportive work environment promoting mental health resources and encouraging employees to take advantage of them leads to a happier, more productive workforce. Approximately 43.8 million Americans — one in five — experience mental illness in a given year. Because mental illnesses often are invisible diseases, seemingly well-adjusted employees may be struggling, unbeknownst to you or your colleagues, and afraid to reach out for help.

Mental illness is one of the top causes of worker disability in the U.S., impacting business productivity more than physical disorders. Mental health conditions are attributed to 62 percent of missed work days, according to a recent report from Unum, a leading provider of employee benefits. And even when employees are at work, mental health conditions can cause workers to have an illness-related reduction in productivity. Those employees “working while hurt” contribute to lost productivity time more than absenteeism and turnover. Serious mental illness costs the U.S. $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year.

Workers believe their managers can spot mental health issues and direct employees to the appropriate resources; 92 percent of employees are confident that managers are properly trained to refer employees to mental health resources. However, only 25 percent of HR professionals believe managers are properly trained and that can contribute to businesses being unsure how to cultivate a supportive work environment.

And cultivating a supportive environment is important, as only 40 percent of adults with a mental illness will receive mental health treatment each year, which is often due to stigma such as the fear of being discriminated against or harassed by colleagues or being ashamed of their diagnosis.

How can businesses promote mental wellness in the workplace? Unum recommends several tips for HR professionals, including:

- Encouraging leadership to demonstrate a focus on mental health awareness; - Providing training to managers and supervisors on early detection; - Promoting your employee assistance program (EAP); and - Avoiding getting caught up in whether an illness is “real.”

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has a new resource that employers can use — the Mental Health Toolkit — to both better understand mental health issues and learn how to cultivate a supportive work environment. To develop a mental health-friendly workplace, employers need to focus on the four ”A’s” outlined in the toolkit: • Awareness: Build awareness and a supportive culture; • Accommodations: Provide accommodations to employees; • Assistance: Offer employee assistance; and • Access: Ensure access to treatment.

And the DOL’s Mental Health Toolkit includes resources to help employers understand the issue; create a mental health-friendly workplace; and model successful programs.

Removing the stigma around mental health is worth it, as 80 percent of employees treated for mental illness report improved levels of work efficacy and satisfaction, according to The Center for Workplace Mental Health. When employees receive effective treatment for mental illnesses, businesses see lower total medical costs, increased productivity, lower absenteeism and decreased disability costs. You can use the center’s mental health calculator to help determine the impact of mental health conditions on your company.

“Employers that understand the importance of providing a supportive environment that empowers these employees are doing what’s right for their employees and for their businesses,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy in a press release. 

HRWatchdog, HRCalifornia’s Employment Law Blog, ©California Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS NEWS

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SUMMER 2019

GOVERNMENT

Turlock now accepting cannabis business applications

T

By ANGELINA MARTIN

he City of Turlock is mov- to make sure that we get the cream are going to be allowed to operate, ing forward with a cannabis of the crop and have both.” we want to know the types of busipilot program, following The RFQ process will field appli- nesses interested in coming into City Council adoption of the pro- cations for the different license the community,” White said. gram in May. types that will be available in TurSince the City has not yet develThe pilot program — which lock, including cannabis retail, oped a comprehensive zoning reverses Turlock’s previous ban distribution, manufacturing, scheme, the proposed location of on marijuana operations — was cultivation and cannabis testing the businesses will be accepted adopted May 14 with a 4-1 vote facilities. Applicants must show within the application but is not (Mayor Amy Bublak opposing) that they are knowledgeable and required. Applicants will also and will allow up to four cannabis experienced in developing suc- include background informadispensaries in the City of Turlock, cessful businesses and include a tion, legal ownership documents, along with an unspecified number proposal that not only addresses a business plan, preliminary floor of commercial manufacturing, the potential adverse impacts of plan and a security proposal within testing and distribution businesses. commercial cannabis within the their RFQs. In June, a Request for Qualifica- City and how they would mitiAlso included in the RFQ is tions was approved, establishing gate those effects, but also an the candidate’s public financial specific criteria and requirements explanation of their business’ own records, which accounts for one meant to determine the most-qual- philanthropy and commitment to fifth of the RFQ’s total. ified cannabis candidates. the City’s economic growth and Following the selection of pre“One of the things we’ve found prosperity. ferred applicants based on RFQs, out is really helpful is my office has Based on these applications, development agreements between fielded hundreds of phone calls, City staff will invite chosen can- the City and applicants will be but when you actually ask people to didates for in-person interviews. drawn up, with each project going put up money and give you a busi- A joint City Council/Planning to both the Planning Commission ness plan to show that they actually Commission meeting to deter- and City Council for considerhave a viable business, [interest] mine where cannabis operations ation and approval. If approved, diminishes in terms of numbers,” will be allowed within the City is the applicant must then apply for said City Attorney Douglas White, set to be held once all applications and obtain a conditional use perwho has also worked with other are received and the RFQ process mit from the State. cities to create cannabis pro- will aid in that decision, White White estimated that Turlock grams. “We want to make sure the explained. would likely see its first cannabis people that the staff and the City “As we form where businesses dispensary open between October are spending their 2019 and January The City of Turlock is taking the first steps to licensing time with, number 2020. cannabis operations in city limits by putting out a Request for one, don’t become “The goal here is Qualifications to potential business owners. a burden on City to get the absolute resources. best operators in “ We’v e f o u n d the right locations,” that there are lots he said. of people who have Dispensary great ideas but don’t appl i c ant s h ave have t he f inant h rou g h 3 p. m . cial backing, and Ju ly 12 to subthere are people mit all necessary who have financial RFQ paper work, backing and don’t including their have a lot of great application, to the ideas. So, we want City Clerk.  BUSINESS NEWS

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SUMMER 2019

SCOREBOARDS

DISTRICT 4 BECKY ARELLANO

DISTRICT 3 ANDREW NOSRATI

DISTRICT 2 GIL ESQUER

COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM

DISTRICT 1 NICOLE LARSON

MEETING

MAYOR AMY BUBLAK

TURLOCK CITY COUNCIL VOTING RECORD

1.

3/12/19 APPOINTING THE LAW FIRM OF CHURCHWELL WHITE LLP AS CONTRACT CITY ATTORNEY FOR THE CITY OF TURLOCK

Y Y Y Y Y

2.

3/26/19 APPROVING THE CLOSING OF MAIN STREET BETWEEN PALM AND CENTER STREETS FOR THE TURLOCK CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET FOR 22 WEEKS.

Y Y Y Y ABS

3.

3/26/19 APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH UNITED SAMARITANS FOUNDATION FOR THE PROPERTIES AT 3RD STREET AND A STREET TO PROVIDE LOW-INCOME HOUSING.

Y Y Y Y Y

4.

5/14/19 ADOPTING A CANNABIS PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE REGULATION OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES IN THE CITY OF TURLOCK THROUGH A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT PROCESS.

N Y Y Y N

DISTRICT 5 JIM DEMARTINI

DISTRICT 4 DICK MONTEITH

DISTRICT 3 TERRY WITHROW

BOARD AGENDA ITEM

DISTRICT 2 VITO CHIESA

MEETING

DISTRICT 1 KRISTIN OLSEN

STAN. CO. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTING RECORD

1.

1/29/19 AUTHORIZED CONTRIBUTING $250,000 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AWESOME SPOT PLAYGROUND AT BEYER COMMUNITY PARK FOR AN INCLUSIVE RECREATIONAL PLAY ENVIRONMENT.

Y Y Y Y Y

2.

2/12/19 APPROVED REZONE OF PALM ESTATES & WENDSTRAND RANCH IN DENAIR TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM LOT COVERAGE FROM 40 TO 50 PERCENT.

Y Y Y Y Y

3.

4/2/19 ADOPTED UPDATED COUNTY PUBLIC FACILITIES FEES PROGRAM TO ADD A NEW ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT FEE COMPONENT.

Y Y Y Y Y

4.

4/2/19 APPROVED THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED FINAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR BUDGET YEARS 2018-19 AND 2019-20.

Y Y Y Y Y

5.

4/16/19 ADOPTED A LIST OF PROJECTS FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1 AND THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT.

Y

BUSINESS NEWS

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SUMMER 2019

Y

Y

Y

Y

CHAMBER

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize businesses that have been members for 15 - 20 years!

We thank you for your continued support!

15 Years

18 Years

Ag Production Company

Monte Vista Farming Company

American Pacific Mortgage GDI Insurance

19 Years

MedicAlert Foundation

Berger & Company CPA’s

Parkwood Apartments

City of Turlock

Tower Health & Wellness Center

Costco Wholesale

Tri Counties Bank

Michael S. Warda- A Professional Law Corporation 16 Years

Sandra L. Kruthoff, CPA APC

First American Title

Saunders Air Conditioning & Heating

Layer 3 IT

Valley First Credit Union

Pacific Gas & Electric Pedersen, Nancy – Realtor

20 Years

Stewart & Jasper Company Store

10 East Kitchen & Tap House

Turlock Historical Society

Americold

Vail Creek Jewelry Designs

Anderson & Associates

VIA Adventures, Inc.

Baez Design Group, Inc. Turlock Community Theatre

17 Years Bank of Stockton Barrett Construction Romeo Medical Clinic, Inc. Stanislaus County Farm Bureau

Thank you for supporting your

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

Business News magazine and for being a Chamber Member since:

Emanuel Medical Center. . . . . . 1966

Balanced Books . . . . . . . . . . . 2014

Smith Chevrolet Cadillac . . . . . . 1958

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

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

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

All American Mobile Gaming Bev’s Tool Repair San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority Ten Pin Fun Center Turlock Wellness Wendy Vincent Photography

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

BUSINESS NEWS

22

SUMMER 2019

A Beautiful

Starts Here‌

Wedding & Reception White Orchids Catering & Events at the Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock Reception Hall

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Together we will create joyful memories you will cherish generation after generation. Whether it is a traditional or ethnic wedding ceremony, corporate event or something very unique, we will make sure your day is exactly how you want.

2618 North Golden State Blvd, Turlock

please call

www.aaccot.club

209-668-4668

Assyrian American Civic Club BUSINESS NEWS

23

SUMMER 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