Business News 33

A PUBLICATION OF THE TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WINTER 2018

Celebrating 48 years of

BEST OF

TURLOCK Winners

ISSUE 33

know your heart

feed your heart

strengthen your heart

#loveyour♼

28 days of heart smarts Your heart works hard for you every single day.

This month, it’s time to return the favor.

February is American Heart Month, which means this is a great time to focus on the engine that keeps your body running.

Despite the many advancements in modern healthcare, heart disease is still the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. Do you know your heart? Do you know your risk?

EmanuelMedicalCenter.org

91 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE IN TURLOCK RIGHT HERE

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2017

WHERE SERVICE COMES FIRST SINCE 1926!

Sales • Service • Finance We Service ALL Makes & Models!

CALL TODAY (209) 632-3946 |1601 Auto Mall Dr., Turlock, CA

www.SmithChevroletCadillac.com

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 CHAIR

Robert Rodarte

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

Irene Holmes

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Sharon Berry

Best of Turlock Winners from years past

12

6 Chamber Board of Directors 7 Chamber Ambassadors 8 Turlock Young Professionals 10 Chamber Mixers 11 Ribbon Cuttings 14 Keys to Success 15 Member Showcase: Turlock Walnut Company 16 Member Showcase: Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green 17 Member Showcase: Main Street Footers 18 Member Showcase: Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 19 Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff 20 Legislative Scorecards 22 New Members and Members for 25 years plus

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 Celebrating the Winners 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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CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR 2017 was a historic year for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce. First, our board chose to lead the organization, breaking from over a 20-year tradition of employing a CEO, resulting in restored integrity, efficiency and cost savings. Second, we reduced expenses (51%), reduced payables ROBERT RODARTE (15%), incurred no new debt, operated PAST CHAIR US Bank with a profit, revamped operations and refocused on our membership. It is now time, under the leadership of our 2018 Board of Directors Co-Chairs, Craig Pitau & Anokeen Varani to chart a new course in our history. Our membership is our priority, our community is our passion and ensuring the greater Turlock area is the best community to live, work and do business is our vision.

Thank you to all our committees, staff, board and members for all your hard work which made this momentous shift in our future possible. I am deeply appreciative and honored to have served as your 2017 Board of Director Chair and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Happy 2018,

With great anticipation and excitement, we look forward to 2018.

Outstanding leadership from our past chair Robert Rodarte has put our financial house in CRAIG PITAU ANOKEEN VARANI order. Now it is time CO-CHAIR CO-CHAIR Thorsen’s Plumbing, Varani Smile to forge ahead toward Heat & Air building and rebuilding relationships within our Turlock community.

Networking is our key to success. Our goal is to be the networking hub between business, local government, community, the university and our local schools. Our first major networking event will be in the spring and it will be called “International Appetizers”. We will bring together our local restaurants to share appetizers from around the world including Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Assyrian, Mexican and Latin just to name a few. We will add craft beer and wine produced from our local companies and it will be a great time for all.

We look forward to this upcoming year and let’s have a great 2018 together.

Robert Rodarte 2017 Chair, TCOC Board of Directors US Bank AVP / Branch Manager

Craig Pitau and Anokeen Varani 2018 Co-Chairs, TCOC Board of Directors

For the community that believes in itself, there’s a bank that does, too.

At U.S. Bank, we’re dedicated to helping improve the lives of those in our community, because when people come together with a common goal, the impossible suddenly becomes possible.

Our support means funding and volunteering in the programs and organizations that make our community a better place to live.

U.S. Bank is proud to support the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.

Turlock 427 E. Olive Ave. | Turlock, CA 95380 209.667.5557

Member FDIC ©2016 U.S. Bank/ 170249c

BUSINESS NEWS

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CHAMBER

2018 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CRAIG PITAU CO-CHAIR Thorsen’s Plumbing, Heat & Air

ANOKEEN VARANI CO-CHAIR Varani Smile

SUE MICHELETTI VICE CHAIR Emanuel Medical Center

PAUL PORTER TREASURER Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

ROBERT RODARTE PAST CHAIR US Bank

DEVINDER SINGH BAINS Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

JAMES BRENDA JKB Energy/JKB Living

SAM DAVID Assyrian American Civic Club

EILEEN HAMILTON Hamilton Farms

JERRY POWELL The Udder Place

STEPHEN BACKUS Two Guys Catering/ Red Brick

GINA BLOM Rembrandt & Rose’

NATHAN DABULEWICZ Nathan Dabulewicz Insurance

MATTHEW DAVIS GDI Insurance Agency, Inc.

STEVE GEMPERLE HONORARY Gemperle Family Farms

NICK ANTRIM TYP PRESIDENT TSM Insurance Services

JILBERT GEVARGIZI AMBASSADOR CHAIR Steele Insurance Agency

MICHAEL CAMARA President Downtown Association Camara’s Clothier

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

2018 TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF

IRENE HOLMES MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

SHARON BERRY EVENTS COORDINATOR

2017 DESIGNATED SUPPORTERS

2018 UPCOMING EVENTS

Assyrian American Civic Club Berger & Company CPAs Emanuel Medical Center Hamilton Farms JKB Energy Kirkes Electric Piro Trading International The Udder Place Thorsen’s Plumbing Heat & Air Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram US Bank Winton- Ireland ,Strom & Green

Turlock Young Professionals meet from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. the 4th Thursday of every month at Hauck’s Grill January

8 Legislators MDO 15 Ambassadors Meeting

13 Ag Scholarship Luncheon

20 Mixer- Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

15 Ambassadors Meeting

18 Ambassadors Meeting 25 TYP Meeting

22 TYP Meeting

22 TYP Meeting

16 Mixer- VaraniSmile

6

March 8 Legislators MDO

11 Legislators MDO

BUSINESS NEWS

February

WINTER 2018

20 Mixer- Larsa Banquet Hall

TURLOCK CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Jilbert Gevargizi

Lynette Poquette

Camille Austin

Co-Chair Steele Insurance Agency (209) 684-9999

Co-Chair EXIT Realty Consultants (209) 417-4534

Rabobank (209) 632-9954

Brandi LoForti insureCal Insurance Agency (209) 250-0269

Melissa Nunnemaker

Kathy Hobby

Jim Liberto

Ambassador of the Year

Integrity First Financial Group (209) 602-7028

The Education Foundation of Stanislaus County (209) 238-1701

Derek Snider

Denny Silva

Ambeck Mortgage Associates (209) 633-1730

US Bank (209) 585-6183

Umpqua (209) 656-5763

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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CAMILLE AUSTIN

Camille Austin is the branch manager of the Turlock Rabobank. She has been in the banking industry for 12 years.

She enjoys working for Rabobank because it allows her to focus on the customers and to help build the community she serves. Her prime mission is to help her clients achieve their personal and financial ambitions while focusing on food and agribusiness.

Camille said she got involved with the Chamber Ambassador program because being new to Turlock she wanted to become familiar with the city.

“From my past experience, I knew the Chamber of Commerce would be the best way for me to get involved and learn more about the city.

Rabobank International was already a member of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce, but I wanted more involvement. I searched and found the ambassador team for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce, and immediately I knew it was something that I had to be involved in,” she said.

Her favorite part about being a Chamber Ambassador is being able to network with individuals, business owners and organizations throughout the city.

BUSINESS NEWS

FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

Call us for a FREE Second Opinion

WALLYFALKES.COM

*Exclusions Apply

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WINTER2018

209.632.7596 or 800.722.1611

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.

Nick Antrim, President Jessica Irish, Vice President Kadi Ingram-Porter, Secretary Rafael Martinez, Treasurer Valeria Jimenez, Marketing Chair Dina Copple, Social Chair Ninfa Lopez-Smith, Professional Development

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

• Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of each month at Hauck’s Grill @ 4-6 pm and feature a member speaker • Professional development workshops • Social and networking events specifically designed for TYP members • Behind-the-scenes tours of Turlock businesses

TYP MEMBERS

Cassandra Abram Gabrielle Aguilar-Forrest Adrenna Alkhas Michael Allen Ellie Alverion Nick Antrim Dinah Copple Lauren Denton Odis DeHart Jonathan Dravecky

BUSINESS NEWS

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WINTER 2018

Alisha Fitzgerald Tyler Flaherty Adrian Harrell Kadi Ingram-Porter Jessica Irish Valeria Jimenez Lacey Kiriakou Ninfa Lopez-Smith Sandra Loza Rafael Martinez

Melissa Nunnemaker Paul Porter Steven Rivera Dennis Silva Irene Silveira Gary Soiseth Danny Thompson Josh Weimer

INTERIORS • EXTERIORS • CABINETS

209-634-1111

It’s a BIG ocean of businesses out there.

Lic #868896

www.lancasterpainting.com S E A R C H M A K O . C O M

Hold your Meetings and Events at the

ASSYRIAN AMERICAN CIVIC CLUB OF TURLOCK

We can help you with all of your catering needs!

2618 N. Golden State Blvd.

Turlock, CA 95382

(209) 668-4668

Big or Small!

BUSINESS NEWS

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WINTER 2018

CHAMBER

M

I

X

E

R

S

2004 HOSTED BY TOWER HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

OCTOBER

1983 HOSTED BY GEIGER’S FINE JEWELRY

NOVEMBER

1994 HOSTED BY TURLOCK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

DECEMBER

BUSINESS NEWS

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CHAMBER

R I B B O N

C U T T I N G S

2017 TURLOCK INDOOR SOCCER

2017 URBAN MARKET & DECORATING

2005 YONAN’S FLORAL

BUSINESS NEWS

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COVER

Celebrating 48 years of

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 1968 Henry A. Rootlieb 1969 Rosemary DeVito 1970 Bob Phillips 1971 I.N. Bohlender 1972 Sharon & Jay Berry 1973 Gerard Crowley 1974 William P. Youngdale 1975 Enoch Christoffersen 1976 Rose Smith 1977 James Collins 1978 Sidney Olson 1979 Joe Debely 1980 Donald J. Smith 1981 Betsy Unruh 1982 John S. Trussler 1983 Chrissie Collins 1984 Will Keener 1985 Jim Lyons 1986 Brad Bates 1987 Bobbie Washburn 1988 Thora Lindblom 1989 Donald L. Smith 1990 June Ripley McVey 1991 Lillian Johnson 1992 Ernie & Annmarie Gemperle 1993 Karen Sebok 1994 Abe Rojas 1995 Sharon Silva 1996 George Tallman 1997 Dr. Everett Johnson 1998 M. Kirk Sperry 1999 Darryl Woods 2000 Carolyn Ratto 2001 Bill Gibbs 2002 Evelyn Menzies 2003 Jim Theis 2004 Curt Andre 2005 Scott Atherton 2006 DeeDee D’Adamo 2007 Ralph Truitt 2008 John Lazar 2009 Dick and Barbara Carl 2010 Louise Marchant 2011 John and Jeani Ferrari 2012 Patricia O’Donnell 2013 Shirley Pok 2014 Betty & Mike Ireland, Sr. 2015 Matt Swanson 2016 Kristin Bettencourt

AGRICULTURAL LEADER OF THE YEAR 1971 Elvin Santos 1972 Verne Crowell 1973 Wallace Lindskoog 1974 Joe Duarte 1975 Norman Lucas 1976 Lloyd Starn 1977 Jim Hughes 1978 Kiyoshi Yamamoto

Dick Weaver 1979 Forest Fiorini 1980 Ernie Gemperle 1981 Elwood Swanson 1982 Dr. Robert Harris 1983 Carl Muller 1984 Ivan & Bonnie Stinson 1985 Charles Crivelli 1986 Bill Ahlem 1987 Randy Fiorini 1988 Joe Linhares 1989 L.M. “Buck” Clausen 1990 Michael Crowell 1991 Dave Stauber 1992 Robert Walker 1993 Loren Holt 1994 Ray Souza 1995 Rick Swanson 1996 Chuck Ahlem 1997 Sam Bettencourt 1998 Joe Arias 1999 Dick & Sharon Clauss 2000 John Jeter 2001 Tony Leo 2002 Steve Gemperle 2003 Bill Garton 2004 Dean Doerksen 2005 Merlin Carlson 2006 Don Jackson 2007 Mark Bender 2008 Karen Cozzi 2009 Denise Mullinax 2010 Matt Swanson 2011 Yubert Evia 2012 Dr. Gary W. Daley 2013 Ron Macedo 2014 Michael Brem 2015 Ram Saini 2016 Randy Dickey DAIRYMAN OF THE YEAR 1977 Don Morelli 1978 Bill Ahlem 1979 Dave Muller 1980 Dick Clauss 1981 Phil Fanelli

BUSINESS NEWS

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR 1985 Walter Olson 1986 Mildred Dillman 1987 Tony Jackson 1988 Tom Watling 1989 Roger Sperry 1990 Dave Moser 1991 Lola Johnson 1992 Devon Foote, Jr. 1993 Kenneth Selee 1994 Nedra Voorhees 1995 Greg Volk 1996 Ann Cordell 1997 Annarae Luevano 1998 Tom Parker 1999 Eric Julien 2000 Dr. Hobart Hamilton 2001 Jodi Felt 2002 Rod Hollars 2003 Stephen Dias 2004 Wayne Hinds 2005 Jeanette “Jeannie” Carkeet 2006 Marta Kyte 2007 Tobi Clark 2008 Rick Avila 2009 Marsha Memmott 2010 Dana Salles Trevethan 2011 Ed Felt 2012 Sherri Sutterley 2013 Glen Blackley

JULIE Fox 2014 Bret Sutterley 2015 Gil Ogdden 2016 Ruben Modesto TCC SPECIAL RECOGNITION 1998 City of Turlock 2001 Manuel Silva 2003 Louise Marchant 2005 Palmira “Polly” Olsson 2006 Steve Kyte 2007 Bobbie & Lawrence Kelso 2008 Dieter & Hanna Renning 2009 Michael Everett 2010 Chief Hampton 2010 Class of 1944 2011 Marty Jakosa 2011 Stanislaus County Fair 2012 Carnegie Arts Center 2013 Janice Virgo 2014 Home Depot 2014 Roy Wasden 2015 John Lazar

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SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 1996 Kline’s Valley Nursery

Community Veterinary Clinic 1997 Dean Floral 1998 Nirshihara/Wilkinson Design 1999 Youngdale’s 2000 Wahl, Willemse & Imfeld 2001 Geiger’s Jewelry 2002 Reflections Car Wash 2003 Family Bible Book Store 2004 Seeger’s Printing 2005 Strings Italian Café 2006 Heckendorf’s Auto Electric 2007 Pearson Pool Company 2008 Boies Medical Center Pharmacy 2009 Lancaster Painting 2010 Bistro 234 2011 Latif’s Restaurant 2012 B&B Manufacturing 2013 Woods Furniture Galley 2014 Dust Bowl 2016 Quiznos

CORPORATION OF THE YEAR 1995 Turlock Auto Plaza 1996 Emanuel Medical Center 1997 U.S. Bank 1998 Hilmar Cheese Company 1999 Butterball 2000 Turlock Scavenger 2001 Kozy Shack 2002 County Bank 2003 Foster Farms 2004 JKB Homes, Inc. 2005 F&M Bank 2006 Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency 2007 MedicAlert Foundation 2008 Buchanan Enterprises, Inc 2009 Walmart 2010 Thorsen’s Plumbing, Solar, Heating , and Air 2011 Acme Electric 2012 California Dairies, Inc. 2013 Tower Health & Wellness Center 2014 Las Casuelas Restaurant 2015 LOCK N STITCH 2016

BEST OF TURLOCK Winners

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR 1981 Enoch Christoffersen 1982 Henry A. Rootlieb 1983 Jess & Louise Marchant 1984 Will Neibuhr 1985 Bernell Snider 1986 Wayne Christian 1987 Carl E. Hillberg 1988 CeCe Johnston 1989 Jim Fernandes 1990 John Pallios 1991 Vernon “Bud” Garton 1992 Wilma Elliot 1993 Harry Boucher 1994 William Endsley 1995 Emory Bonander 1996 Alan Marchant 1997 Robert Moen 1998 Jess Blaker 1999 Jack Wilkey 2000 Roger Kirkes 2001 Michael Ireland, Jr. 2002 Richard Geiger 2003 John Jaureguy 2004 Larry Smith 2005 Michael Brem 2006 Bob Field & Leonard Harrington 2007 Daniel Dickey 2008 Julio Hallack 2009 Mark Hall 2010 John Benjamin 2011 Ed Yonan 2012 John Sigsbury 2013 Dr. Antoine & Anokeen Varani 2014 Fred Brenda 2015 Doug Marks 2016 Brett Tate AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR 2002 Patricia Tardiff

Jeremy Benjamin 2003 Emma Ackerson 2004 Connie Libby 2005 Emma Perales-Ackerson 2006 John Rodriguez 2007 Jim Stroup 2008 Miranda Welsh 2009 Shawna Casey 2010 Shawna Casey 2011 Shawna Casey 2012 Liz Allen 2013 Joy Biddle 2014 Susan Quigley 2015 Jilbert Gevargizi 2016 Kathy Hobby

HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR 1984 Norman Klaschus 1985 Matti Johnson 1986 Joyce Synstad 1987 Jack & Aureta Smith 1988 Marian Smith Palmer 1989 Jay A. Deming 1990 George Kirkham 1991 Thomas Marks 1992 Joyce Truitt 1993 JoLynn DiGrazia 1994 Fred Bozzo 1995 Jerry Esteves 1996 Dr. Robert & Rae Janzen 1997 Manuel Drumonde 1998 Don Nordell 1999 Rev. Luther Englund 2000 Cptn. David & Diane Ebel 2001 Carl Grubb 2002 Maris & Bill Sturtevant 2003 Bob Endsley 2004 Alan & Kathy Marchant 2005 Jim Knight 2006 Marty Yerby 2007 Dorothy Walker 2008 Sally Phillips 2009 Richard Weaver 2010 Jane Vilas 2011 Major Debi Shrum 2012 Sister Christina Doona 2013 Silvia Cox 2014 Rose M. Elliott 2015 Assyrian American Civic Club 2016 Nancy Daley

YOUTH CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 1996 Michael Etchepare 1995 Jaimee Hinman 1996 Megan Lee 1997 Molly Thorburn 1998 Jessica Ratto 1999 Augusta Bates 2000 Jessica Montano 2001 Eric Cripe 2002 Gary Soiseth 2003 Anna O’Conner 2004 Jonathan Jorgenson 2005 Matthew Theis 2006 Christopher Jergensen 2007 Michael Sims 2008 Brittney Wells 2009 Lauren LaVelle 2010 Tatiana Fregosi 2011 Victoria Alvarado 2012 Simon Staley

Bryce Brenda 2013 Kelsee Derr

Katelyn McGinnis 2014 Tim Truax (PHS)

Mackenzie Shamgochian (THS) 2015 Hanna Hundal 2016 Daniel Dwight OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD 1992 Rolland Starn 1993 Jim Lyons 1998 Christopher Freeburg 1999 Jim Theis

TCC VOLUNTEER AWARDS 1986 Rita Crowley

Roger Gregg

Ronald Hillberg

Conagra Frozen Foods 1987 Karen Sebok

Mike Wessel 1988 Wilbur Westerdahl

Marty Grynbaum

Farmers & Merchants Bank 1989 Susan Quigley

Dave Stauber

John Wallace

CSU Stanislaus 1990 Christopher Freeberg 1991 Ernie Gemperle 1992 John Stout

Buchanan Enterprises 1993 Larry Rumbeck

Foster Farms 1994 Michael Holbrook

Tami Kometz

Margo Souza BUSINESS NEWS

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

13

Luana Fiorini Jeanne Kyler Jim & Vickie Shea Sharon Silva Jim Theis Paul Saini Beverly Powell J. Scott Dorius Patrick McKee Jeffrey Borden Marian Ciriscioli M. Olaf Frandsen Patty Griffin David Jones Mike DeFonce Lisa Pimentel Todd Morgan Lori Bill Lynn Quijada-Splan MonaLisa Van Yur Bill Daly Dan Downey

WINTER 2018

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT OF THE YEAR 1995 Lonald Lott 1996 Linda Gillespie 1997 Robert Hoskins 1998 Kathy Wells 1999 Norma Grijalva 2000 George Gillispie, Jr. 2001 Paul Cooper 2002 Joseph Fagundes, Jr. 2003 Jack Ruble 2004 Irene Ricardo 2005 Linda Murphy 2006 Phil Salazar 2007 Doug Marks 2008 Abe & Sharon Rojas 2009 Martin Purdy 2010 Denis Sondeno 2011 Tony and Melody Lema 2012 JoLynn DiGrazia 2013 Kathy Sanders 2014 Ann Cordell ENOCH CHRISTOFFERSEN AWARD 1994 Narsai David 1998 William Ellis Ripley 1999 John Patton 2000 Jim Mendonsa 2003 Vohan Moosekian 2004 Martin Peterson 2005 Alison Cox 2006 Dick Crane 2009 George Piro 2014 Colin Kaepernick

2000 2001

2002 2003

2004

2005 2006 2007

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

2013 2014 2015

Darryl Crow Jim Theis Tony Walker Gaylene Cornell Francie Denis Connie Libby Steve Boyd Emma Ackerson Don Weber George Yandell Steve Gemperle Carla O’Neal Brad Becker Wilma Talkington Jim Booth Pat Wilkey Jennifer Larson Clark Hulbert Don Hill Joaquin Rose Jerry Powell Chris Kiriakou James Brend

LEADERS

eys to Success Local business leaders share their keys to success Lazar Piro

Lisa Espinola

Owner Piro Trading International

Owner Glitz Fine Clothing

Always put the customer first; understand their needs and aspirations and help them achieve it. Become a trusted partner to your customer, not a business associate.

This sincere collaboration will differentiate you from your competition and allow you to service, support and leverage your relationship with them. This holds true to any type of business; especially international customers.

At Glitz Fine Clothing, we believe we have been successful since 2005 because of our excellent customer service. Our Glitz team is trained to welcome and accommodate customers as they step into our store.

We do our best to make each client feel comfortable and cared for during their shopping experience. At Glitz, we specialize in personal styling and outfit coordination with an array of clothing and accessory options to cater to clients’ individual style. We are thankful to have loyal customers, supportive neighbors, and a caring community that allow us to live out our dream every day.

www.pirotrading.com

www.glitzclothing.com

Meet Stan State’s Dean of the College of Business Administration Dr. J. Tomas Gomez-Arias is an honorary member of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Dean of the College of Business Administration at California State University, Stanislaus.

He came to Stan State in July 2017 from Saint Mary’s College of California, where he was Chief Diversity Officer, Professor of Marketing and Global Business, Chair of the Department of Marketing and Director of the M.Sc. in Business Analytics at the School of Economics and Business Administration. He has also been an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of A Coruña, Spain, where he was also Director of its MBA program, Director of the Entrepreneurship and Management Program, and

Leader of the Marketing Group.

He also served as Chief Trade Officer at the Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong, and was a co-founder of IVVID Consulting and the California-Spain Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Ph.D. and a Licenciatura in Business Science from the University of Leon, Spain, and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Reflecting on this new leadership opportunity, Dr. Gomez-Arias said, “At Stanislaus State there is an unequivocal commitment to partnering with the community and the advancement of the region, culturally, artistically, intellectually, and economically.

The College of Business is well poised to be central in building mutually rewarding relationships with industry, non-profits, and BUSINESS NEWS

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Dr. J. Tomas Gomez-Arias

government agencies.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Gomez-Arias has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion as well as a dedication to assuring student success.

His experiences, values and vision align with the mission of Stanislaus State. ◆

MEMBER SHOWCASE

Turlock Walnut Company expands downtown operations

T

BY KRISTINA HACKER

urlock Walnut Company is building great things in downtown Turlock.

The walnut processing and freezer company, which opened in 2011, is in the middle of a huge expansion project on D and Third streets.

Currently under construction on a 3.1-acre site in downtown Turlock is 63,400 square feet of warehouse, packing, cold storage and 900 square feet of fumigation space. The project also incudes a renovated office space at 400 D Street.

The company encompasses both a walnut processing plant and Turlock Freezer Storage, with organic fumigation and specializing in quick-turn shipments for freezer goods.

According to General Manager Kevin Kajioka, the new facilities should be up and running by spring 2018.

The expansion will not only help build the relatively new enterprise, but also beautify the downtown industrial area, said Marcus Lema, head of grower relations and sales for Turlock

Walnut Company.

Lema also serves on the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee, which rallies industry supporters to provide scholarships to college-bound high school seniors who intend to pursue studies in the agriculture industry. Each year the luncheon awards over $20,000 in scholarships to students in Turlock and surrounding areas.

“I’m a big believer in educating the everyday person on the strength and economic impact of the agriculture industry,” said Lema.

“I also like to keep the eye of future leaders on ag and Turlock focused on ag.”

Along with promoting the agriculture industry as a whole, both Kajioka and Lema appreciate being members of the Chamber for its business services offered and networking opportunities.

“You get to network with other people in agriculture or who just grow walnuts,” said Kajioka.

Lema said he gets to talk about the walnut

2015

Photo by Kristina Hacker

Turlock Walnut Company is in the middle of a huge expansion project on D and Third streets, set to be completed in spring 2018.

industry in general with other business professionals at Chamber events while making valuable contacts.

“It’s nice to be able to reach out and make a call to someone when needed,” he said.

For more information about Turlock Walnut Company, visit www.turlockwalnut. com. ◆

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BUSINESS NEWS

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MEMBER SHOWCASE

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Offering insurance solutions since 1913

W

inton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency has Central Valley roots dating back to 1913 when Gordon H. Winton began the business in Livingston, but since then its Turlock location has established itself as a leader in the community through its philanthropic work and customer service.

WIS&G is one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the Central Valley, offering insurance solutions in areas like agriculture, commercial and grocer, and is among the oldest continually-run agencies in the state.

Over 40 years ago, WIS&G became a Turlock Chamber of Commerce member in order to better connect with other local leaders.

“I think that along with other communities in which we do business, the Chamber offers access to other business leaders, interaction with elected officials

1976

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

Photo contributed

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green is one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the Central Valley.

and opportunities for growth,” said Paul Porter of WIS&G. “It is always beneficial to have dialogue with other local business owners and talk about the issues that we can all face. Even for businesses in other industries, we can find issues that affect us all and try to find a common ground.”

In addition to connecting with other

BUSINESS NEWS

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businesses, Porter said that WIS&G strives to connect with the community, whether it be through supporting youth sports programs or at the annual Cars and Coffee event that the insurance agency hosts.

“WIS&G has been in business in this are for over 100 years, and I think that for all that our clients do to support our business, we try to give back to the community that has supported us and made us successful,” said Porter. “Knowing that we are all working together in this community to make it a success it rewarding.”

While the Chamber of Commerce has helped WIS&G in many ways, said Porter, the benefit that stands out the most is that connection with the community.

“I think that being active and visible in the community is always a positive for business, and I think that the Chamber has helped us achieve this.” ◆

MEMBER SHOWCASE

Main Street Footers - Continuing a Turlock tradition

BY KRISTINA HACKER

J

ust ask anyone in Turlock where they can find the best hotdog in the region and odds are they’ll say Main Street Footers.

Since its inception over 30 years ago, Footers has been serving old fashioned steamed wieners on fresh steamed buns, along with other customer favorites, in downtown Turlock.

The idea behind the highly successful hot dog joint emanated from original owner Dennis Rodgers in 1983, after he traveled to the Bay Area to try out different hot dog eateries.

Specifically recognizing the presentation and success of Caspers Famous Hot Dogs, Rodgers was inspired to open Footers on Main Street.

In 1997, Rodgers’ daughter, Lisa Wilson, and Glenn Newsum partnered up to take over the business.

Wilson, who worked at Footers since she was 16 and was running it at the time, loved the business and thus thought it would be a good investment to partner with Newsum.

Newsum recently retired and Wilson found a new business partner in March of this year.

“I was looking for someone to come in and

Photo by Beth Flanagan

Main Street Footers has been serving up Turlock’s favorite hotdogs for over 30 years.

make Footers bigger and better,” said Wilson about her new partnership with Joshua Cole.

Cole became acquainted with Footers as the restaurant’s foodservice distributor representative.

“I fell in love with the place,” he said. “The same families for generations come and eat at Footers and I want to be a part of that.

I’ve witnessed parents, grandparents and the kids all coming in there and talking about how long they’ve eaten at Footers and what

Stanislaus County Sheriff

1854

Keeping the Peace since

/

1997

their favorite hotdog is.”

Cole said he and Wilson have plans to remodel the downtown eatery in the upcoming months and one day expand its operations.

The eatery prides itself on friendliness and consistency, and locals are not the only ones to enjoy Footers’ offerings as the restaurant has drawn customers from around the country and was featured in a scene in the movie, “Christian Mingle.”

Although most customers come in to Footers for the locally acclaimed hot dogs, the business’ menu also boasts a wide array of salads, sandwiches, soups, ice cream, and other specialty items.

While Footers is a local icon, Wilson said she appreciates her Turlock Chamber of Commerce membership as a way to get the word out about the restaurant to newcomers.

Main Street Footers is located at 425 East Main Street. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 667-8383 or visit mainstreetfooters.com. ◆

Take a stand and help make a difference in your community.

JOIN our team today!

Chaplain Program | Dive Team | Explorers | Correctional Emergency Response Team | K9 Unit | Mounted Unit Deputy Sheriff | Honor Guard | STARS Citizen Volunteers | Air Support Unit | Bomb Squad | SWAT

For information on recruitment please call: (209) 567-4412 or beadeputy.com BUSINESS NEWS

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MEMBER SHOWCASE

Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram: Serving the community through hard work, honesty

1993

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

D

evinder Singh Bains says he “won the lottery” when he began his tenure as owner of Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in 2013, catering to the car needs of a community he has grown to love.

Bains understands what it takes to run a successful business and is a veteran of the auto industry, starting out as first an auto service repairman in the 1980s and working his way up to the position of a car salesman, then general manager at an auto dealership.

Nearly five years ago he became the owner of Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and just a year later, Bains and his dealership became Turlock Chamber of Commerce members.

“The Chamber brings the local community of businesses together and lets us network,” said Bains. “Getting to meet new people that share the same interests as you is

the best benefit – I’m a people person.”

The biggest perk of being a Chamber member for Bains and his 50 employees is the networking opportunities that membership provides, he said, whether it be at ribbon cutting ceremonies, Board meetings or mixers.

The community’s business owners coming together through the Chamber also encourages Turlockers to shop local, he added.

“The Chamber promotes us shopping local and keeping our jobs local,” said Bains. “All of our businesses around town are profitable, so when the leaders of those businesses represent the Chamber, that makes it a profitable group to be in.”

Chamber membership has proven to be a decision “very vital” to Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram’s success, said Bains. The business owner, who quite literally started his

Photo by ANGELINA MARTIN Devinder Singh Bains and his team at Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

way from the bottom and worked his way up to the top, said that in addition to networking and supporting his own fellow business leaders, his father gave him sound advice about how to be successful.

“Above all, there are only two things in your control: your hard work and your honesty,” said Bains. “I don’t believe in demanding respect, I believe in earning it.” ◆

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Mike Garcia

Victoria Gaffney

Turlock Branch Manager

Commercial Loans

Commercial Loans

209.633.2867

209.343.7607

209.343.7601

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www.ovcb.com

Coming to 241 West Main Street Spring 2018!

BUSINESS NEWS

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Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock • Patterson Escalon • Ripon • Stockton • Manteca • Tracy

Ket t le K ickof f rings in h o l id ay s easo n

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

S

1996

ome of Turlock’s most generous community members packed into the Assyrian American Civic Club I for the annual Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff Luncheon, stuffing dollars, coins and checks into the organization’s iconic red kettles to kick start their holiday fundraising campaign.

The Kettle Kickoff is the Salvation Army’s largest event each year and raises funds that will support the organization’s programs including groceries for families, counseling for adults, tutoring for children and activities for senior citizens. A majority of funds raised come thanks to the event’s Kettle Klash – a five-minute hectic scramble of volunteer teams racing around the room with Salvation Army kettles aiming to collect as many cash donations as possible.

Tuesday’s Kettle Klash saw 11 teams raise $63,069 – over $3,000 more than this year’s goal of $60,000 and nearly $6,000 more than last year’s total. The top two teams that collected the most cash were separated by only $10, with Kettle Klash teams “We Can Build It” ($16,262) and “Just Plain Nuts” ($16,252) coming in first and second, respectively, and “The Charity Belles” ($10,589) rounding out the top three teams from the chaotic dash around the tables.

“It’s so much money that I’m not even sure how many people it’s going to help, but this year we’ve got to buy toys for Turlock Together, so we can afford to do that now. I’m just completely blown away,” said Turlock SA Corps Major Debi Shrum.

During the event, Turlock Unified School District presented Shrum with a check for $4,040, which was raised through coin drives at the elementary sites throughout the district and a halftime kettle dash by high school students through the bleachers at this year’s Harvest Bowl.

“I think people in this community like to help, and they know there’s a certain number we need, they get it done,” said Shrum.

The event also included a keynote address by Turlock Chief of Police Nino Amirfar, who emphasized the importance of community during the holidays.

“I think we can all look back on our history and find those times where we find ourselves in a predicament, or in an area where we need some help, and it sure is wonderful that the Salvation Army is available for those individuals who need help at certain points in their lives. And it is wonderful that we as a community come together to support our family, friends and those that we know,” said Amirfar. “The only difference between you and a police officer is that they are getting paid to do those things.”

Amirfar shared with the crowd that the Turlock Police Department decreased crimes by eight percent last year, and an additional five percent so far this year. Similarly, the Turlock community has helped to decrease the number of those going without help this holiday season.

“Today we come together a as powerful group that can change the lives of many,” he said. ◆ BUSINESS NEWS

Photo by ANGELINA MARTIN Chamber Board member Jerry Powell, owner of The Udder Place and The Grand Cru, collects money for his team, “We Can Build It,” from new Chamber Board member Gina Blom and others during the Kettle Klash.

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SCOREBOARDS

GIL ESQUER

AMY BUBLAK

MATHEW JACOB

COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM

BILL DEHART

MEETING

GARY SOISETH

TURLOCK CITY COUNCIL VOTING RECORD

1.

9/8/17 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH NORTH STAR DESTINATION STRATEGIES OF NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE TO DEVELOP A TOURISM STRATEGY FOR THE CITY OF TURLOCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,000.

Y Y Y Y Y

2.

9/26/17 AUTHORIZING THE RENTAL OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FACILITY LOCATED AT 115 SOUTH GOLDEN STATE BOULEVARD BY THE TURLOCK DOWNTOWN PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION.

Y Y Y Y Y

3.

11/14/17 ADOPTING SIGN ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS AND NEW STANDARDS. Y Y Y Y Y

4.

11/28/17 ADOPTING REZONE OF 32 PROPERTIES IN THE WESTSIDE INDUSTRIAL Y Y Y Y Y SPECIFIC PLAN AND THE NORTHWEST TRIANGLE SPECIFIC PLAN.

5.

12/12/17 ADOPTING A NEW SCHEDULE OF WATER FEES AND CHARGES THAT TAKES EFFECT MARCH 1, 2018.

Y Y Y ABS Y

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.

10/17/17 APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATED TO SMALL LIVESTOCK FARMING TO CLARIFY THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FOWL, ANIMALS AND BEEHIVES ALLOWED; AND TO CLARIFY THAT NO SMALL DOMESTIC ANIMALS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A NUISANCE WILL BE PERMITTED.

Y Y Y Y Y

2.

10/17/17 AUTHORIZED THE CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER TO INITIATE THE TURLOCK LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT AND TO ISSUE A RFQ/RFP FOR DESIGN AND PLANNING SERVICES.

Y Y Y Y Y

3.

10/31/17 RECOMMENDING TO CALTRANS THE LOCALLY PREFERRED ALIGNMENT Y Y Y Y Y ALTERNATIVE 1B FOR THE NORTH COUNTY CORRIDOR PROJECT.

4.

12/5/17 ADOPTING ORDINANCE TO REGULATE, AND ESTABLISH NEW FEES RELATED TO COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITIES.L BUSINESS NEWS

20

Y Y Y Y Y

WINTER 2018

U.S. SENATE & HOUSE OF REP. AGENDA ITEM

SENATOR HARRIS

REP. DENHAM

SENATOR FEINSTEIN

FEDERAL VOTING RECORD

1.

HR 1 TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACTS

Y N N

2.

H CON RES 71 ESTABLISHING CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET FOR 2018 AND APPROPRIATE BUDGETARY LEVELS FOR 2019-2027

Y N N

FEDERAL VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION 1. Repeals the tax fee imposed on individuals or families not covered by the Affordable Care Act. Specifies a 7-bracket tax system with rates of 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 38.5%.

Establishes a standard deduction of $12,000 for individuals and $18,000 for heads of household. Establishes a flat corporate tax rate of 20%, effective in 2019. Repeals the personal exemption. Increases the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child. Repeals deductions for state and local taxes. Repeals the tax deductions for interest

paid on home-equity loans. Authorizes oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Specifies that 100% of the foreign-source portion of dividends paid by a foreign corporation to a U.S. corporate shareholder that owns 10% or more of the foreign corporation is exempt from U.S. taxation. Increases the estate and gift tax exemption to $10 million.

2. Authorizes reserve funding for the repeal or replacement of the Affordable Care Act. Authorizes reserve funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) so long as such mea-

sure does not increase the national deficit for fiscal years 2018-2027. Authorizes reserve funding for Comprehensive Tax Reform so long as such measures do not increase the national deficit for fiscal years 2018-2027. Authorizes reserve funding for investments in National Infrastructure so long as such investments do not increase the national deficit for fiscal years 2018-2027. Authorizes reserve funding for Transportation and Infrastructure in order to commercialize the operations of the air traffic control system.

1.

AB 569

2.

AB 841 RESTRICTS MARKETING OF UNHEALTHY FOODS IN SCHOOLS

ASSEMBLYMAN GRAY

ASSEMBLYMAN FLORA

AGENDA ITEM

SENATOR BERRYHILL

SENATOR CANNELLA

STATE LEGISLATURE VOTING RECORD

N N N Y

PROHIBITS FIRING EMPLOYEES FOR OBTAINING ABORTION

N N N Y

STATE LEGISLATURE VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION 1. Prohibits an employer from taking adverse action against an employee or family member for their reproductive health decisions, including, but not limited to the use of any drug, device, or medical service. Specifies that any employer who takes adverse action against an

employee will be held liable to the aggrieved employee for recovery penalty payments 2. Prohibits a school, school district, or charter school that participates in the National School Lunch Program from advertising any food or beverage during the school day unless

BUSINESS NEWS

21

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such product can be sold or served on campus during the school day and prohibits schools from participating in any corporate incentive program that rewards students with free or discounted food and beverages that do not meet certain nutritional standards.

CHAMBER

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

We thank you for your continued support!

Chamber Founded in 1949 Founding Members - 67 Years Thorsens Inc. Turlock Fruit Company Turlock Journal Turlock Sales Yard, Inc.

43 Years Seeger’s Printing W.H. Gibbs Maintenance Co, Inc.

66 Years Kirkes Electric, Inc.

42 Years Turlock Recycling Company

65 Years Allen Mortuary Woods Furniture

41 Years Balswick’s Tire Shop, Inc. Farmers & Merchants Bank Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

59 Years Smith Chevrolet Cadillac, Inc. 57 Years United Equipment Sales/Rentals 51 Years Elness Convalescent Hospital Emanuel Medical Center 50 Years Turlock Unified School District 49 Years AAA Bonander Buick GMC

45 Years Monte Vista Optometry

40 Years Covenant Village 39 Years American AgCredit , FLCA Don’s Mobile Glass 38 Years Carr’s Cleaners Berger & Co. 36 Years Old Tyme Pastries 37 Years Calwater Drilling Co. Inc.

48 Years Wally Falke’s Heating & Air Conditioning 47 Years Gemperle Family Farms Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Western Valley Insurance

33 Years West America Bank Yosemite Farm Credit, ACA Hillberg, Ronald W. - Attorney at Law 32 Years Harder’s Print Shop, Inc. 31 Years Buchanan Enterprises, Inc. 30 Years Budget Self Storage California State University Stanislaus Piro Trading International Western View Mobile Ranch LLC 29 Years Dairy Farmers of America Super Store Industries 28 Years California Dairies Generations Family Optometry Jaureguy’s Paint & Decorating JKB Development, Inc. Valley Yellow Pages 27 Years F.F. & J. Architect, Inc.

35 Years Acme Electric Co. Price Ford Turlock Christian School

26 Years Ambeck Mortgage Aspiranet Family Services Park Knolls Apartments Sierra Vista Child & Family Service Valley Auto Wreckers

34 Years Geiger’s Fine Jewelry

25 Years California Poultry Federation

Thank you for supporting your Business News magazine and for being a Chamber Member since: Emanuel Medical Center. . . . . . 1966

Winton, Ireland,Strom & Green. . 1976

Smith Chevrolet Cadillac . . . . . . 1958

Sheriff Adam Christianson . . . . . 2013

US Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005

Oak Valley Community Bank. . . . 2003

Wally Falkes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1969

MOCSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007

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

Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. . . 1993

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

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

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our new 2018 members!

Dos Coyotes Farmers Insurance Loza Wine and Crepes Robert Half Trinhoval Business Strategies Urban Market Design & Decorating

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

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Shawn Daly Sales Manager

Homer Amri Sales Manager

Eric Cogswell Finance Director

Suman Dhillon Customer Relations Manager

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Gary Benedict Parts Manager

Bobby Victornio Service Manager

Tudor Reyes Commercial & Fleet Manager