Spring Me
shrimp scampi fettuccine
MA Message From The President & CEO
A Precious HeritAge
By Trish Christensen Agriculture:
ay is a special time in Stanislaus County—a moment to celebrate the deep agricultural roots that define our region and drive our economy. Agriculture is not just one of our leading industries; it is a proud tradition, a source of innovation, and the very foundation of our community.
From world-renowned almond growers to dedicated dairy and cheese producers, cattle ranchers, and hardworking farmers across all sectors, our ag members and neighbors embody resilience and excellence. They nourish our local economy and help feed communities across the nation—and the world.
Mid-April, we were honored to host our 28th Annual Ag Aware Luncheon, a signature event that celebrates this essential industry. Thanks to the incredible support of our members and partners, we raised more
than $15,000 to benefit local FFA chapters. These funds are an investment in the next generation of agricultural leaders—young men and women who will carry forward the values, vision, and vitality of farming and ranching in our county.
At the Modesto Chamber, we remain deeply committed to supporting agriculture—not just in celebration, but through ongoing advocacy, education, and connection. We proudly stand with the people and businesses who care for the land, raise the livestock, and produce the food that sustains us all.
To all our agricultural members: thank you for your tireless work and unwavering dedication. You remind us of what it means to grow with purpose.
With warm regards, Trish
Mission stateMent
The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area, regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity and business education.
executive coMMittee
Chairperson – Patricia Gillum, Pat Gillum CPA
Immediate Past Chairman –
Kirstie Boyett, Independent
Vice Chairman, Internal Operations, Treasurer –
Dejeune Shelton, Modesto Junior College
Vice Chairman, External Operations –
John Villines, Modesto Gospel Mission
Vice Chairman, Membership Growth and Retention –
Bill Robinson, Principal Financial
board of directors
Garrett Ardis, Huff Construction Company, Inc.
Brad Blakeley, Edward Jones Investments
Aphriekah DuHaney-West, Kaiser Permanente
Michael Gaffney, PG&E
Sally Gerbo, Gerbo Designs
Jennifer Gomes, Citizens Business Bank
Victor Gomez Terres, Blue Diamond Growers
David Halvorson Jr., Resurrection Brands
Judy Jensen, Jensen Nielsen Vande Pol LLP
Courtney Lagorio Gogna, F&M Bank
Michael Moradian Jr., Peace of Mind Pest Control
Alan Morris, Bank of Stockton
Peggy O’Donnell, Mid Valley Promotions
Stephen Qualls, Central Valley League of CA Cities
Jonathon Raymond, BBSI
Tracy Roman, Memorial Medical Center
Aman Sandu, Express Employment Professionals
Kari Santos, IJ Larsen Pumps
Christine Schweininger, Valley Builders Exchange
Kelly Tallant-Martin, Vintage Faire Mall/Macerich
Company
Laura Ward, Ward Promotional Marketing Solutions
President & CEO
Trish Christensen Modesto Chamber of Commerce tchristensen@modchamber.org
Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce
209.577.5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org
Graphic design: 209 Magazine
209.634.9141 • www.209magazine.com
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distribution: 209 Magazine
209.634.9141
advertising sales: crogers@oakdaleleader.com
209.845.4074
© Copyright 2021 Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Some parts of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted, however, we require that permission be obtained in writing.
209.577.5757, Progress@ModChamber.org staff: Business Support Coordinator, Stephen Shaw
Modesto ChaMber of CoMMerCe I
CHAMBER CALENDAR
member market Day
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Modesto Centre Plaza
1000 L St., Modesto CA, 95354 Register: https://business.modchamber.org/events/details/ member-market-day-2025-11126
Rising Professionals – Business Brew
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: TBD Register: https://business.modchamber.org/ events/details/rising-professionals-business-brew11135?calendarMonth=2025-05-01
economic Development Committee
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location:1114 J St, Modesto, CA 95354
Speaker: Todd Aaronson, Visit Modesto Topic: Update on Local Tourism Free to attend
multi Chamber mixer: Riverbank
Time: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Location: The Collective Space
3342 Santa Fe Street, Riverbank Free to attend
member mix & mingle: Security Public Storage
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: 3941 McHenry Ave, Modesto CA, 95356 Free to attend Register - https://business.modchamber.org/events/ details/member-mix-mingle-security-public-storage11171?calendarMonth=2025-05-01
Salvation army Kidz Day
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Modesto Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Opportunity
B&Z yard Services Ribbon Cutting Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: 1114 J St, Modesto, CA 95354
Free to Attend
Women in Business – Coffee and Conversations
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: BAM Museum Register: women-in-business-coffee-conversations-05-15-2025-https://business.modchamber.org/events/details/ 11141?calendarMonth=2025-05-01
ambassador / Welcome Team meeting
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: 1114 J Street, Modesto CA (Modesto Chamber of Commerce Conference Room)
Must be part of the committee to attend, interested in joining? Email Membership Coordinator, Michell Mercado at mmercado@modchamber.org
Government Relations Council
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00PM
Location: 1114 J St, Modesto, CA 95354
Speaker: Carlos Virgen, Senior Editor, Modesto Bee
Topic: Community, Status Updates, and the Future. Free to attend
Women in Business Lunch & Learn
Time: 12:00 AM – 1:30PM
Location: 1114 J St, Modesto, CA 95354
Speaker: SCORE
Topic: Social Media / Marketing Free to attend
Correll Bookkeeping Ribbon Cutting
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: 1114 J St, Modesto, CA 95354
Free to Attend
jennys Place Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting
Time: TBD
Location: TBD Free to Attend
Rising Professionals – evening Social
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: TBD Register: https://business.modchamber.org/ events/details/rising-professionals-evening-social11140?calendarMonth=2025-06-01
Water: Summer Series
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: The State Theatre Register:
VIP members Only - Presidents Tier Circle of Influence
Networking Social 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Modesto Junior College Science Museum
Green Works Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 430 Downey Ave, Modesto CA 95350 Free to Attend
Women in Business – evening Social
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: TBD Register:
multi Chamber mixer: Stanislaus Latino Chamber
Time: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Location: TBD Free to attend
ambassador / Welcome Team meeting
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: 1114 J Street, Modesto CA (Modesto Chamber of Commerce Conference Room)
Must be part of the committee to attend, interested in joining? Email Membership Coordinator, Michell Mercado at mmercado@modchamber.org
*See website for more detail. Find Zoom Registry links and more at www.modchamber.org
Please note that calendar events and details are subject to change.
June 7 & June 8
Modesto Junior College West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto
2025
& Car Show
Spectator admission: $10 per person at the gate. Children 12 and under free.
Classic car parade 5:30 p.m. Friday June 6 - downtown & McHenry Avenue First 1000 show registrants only!
Saturday, June 7th
Classic Car Show & Festival 9am – 5pm
ON THE STAGE 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Modesto Valley Music Institute 1 pm - 2:30 pm Blue Line.......Central Valley’s Top Country Band 3:00 pm - 5 pm Texas Funk .......A mix of Tex-Mex, Tejano,Country, Funk & Old School
Meet and greet Seve Botello as Elvis between 2 and 4 pm
Sunday, June 8th Car Show & Festival 9am – 3pm
ON THE STAGE 11:30 am - 1:30pm Journey Revisited Tribute Band plaing the great sounds of Journey ALL WEEKEND - Live radio remote by The RIVER RADIO 105.5 FM LeRoy Production DJ’s ’50s & ’60s Music Food Vendors...Ultra Beer Garden 2 pm Classic Car Awards
For additional information: 209-447-5962 e-mail - nmkcarshow@gmail.com website - americangraffitifestival.com or find us on Facebook Lots of cool cars, great music and food
From Waste to Water
By Be N Koe H le R , WQC Su P
RINT
The City of Modesto collects and treats over 20 million gallons per day of wastewater from its customers., through 663 miles of sanitary sewer lines. This wastewater undergoes preliminary and primary treatment at the Sutter Campus of the City of Modesto’s Regional Water Recycling Facility.
Primary treated effluent is pumped to the City property along the San Joaquin River called the Regional Recycled Water Facility – Jennings Campus for further treatment.
The secondary treatment process biologically treats clarified wastewater in facultative ponds and stored in irrigation ponds. It is then blended with seasonal cannery waste and applied with biosolids from Sutter to the ranch at Jennings.
The ranch is used to grow fodder crop that uses nutrients in the wastewater and the biosolids, ultimately recycling the waste for beneficial use. Additional water, beyond what was required to irrigate the ranch, was disinfected, and discharged to the San Joaquin River.
This practice maintained until 2018, when construction of the tertiary system was complete. The construction of this facility was in response to more stringent requirements by the State of California to discharge wastewater to the San Joaquin River. With this new system, the City was able to meet the new discharge requirements for river discharge but also meet requirements for Title 22 recycled water uses.
The City was approached by Del Puerto Water District (DPWD) during the planning process to develop a more consistent water supply, which
started conceptualization of the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program (NVRRWP). DPWD provides irrigation water to its customers in the Patterson area along the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC).
They are responsible for roughly 45,200 acres of agricultural land and their primary water source is from federal allocations from the DMC. However, drought conditions in California have historically reduced their allocations to 0% of their allotments during the most severe years, forcing them to purchase water on the open market at extremely high rates and raising the cost of produce for the consumer.
The DPWD, the Cities of Modesto and Turlock combined forces to develop the NVRRWP, providing a regional solution to both local and State water supply crisis by making Modesto’s and Turlock’s recycled water available for irrigation and wildlife refuges in the area.
The Program provides long-term, drought-proof water supplies to DPWD and reduces their reliance on federal allocations in the DMC and ground water pumping to meet their supply needs.
This first-of-its-kind project is the first step in demonstrating recycled water as an option to significantly reduce water shortages throughout the State of California and shore up our agricultural community.
This project can serve as a template for other regions and agencies to develop their recycled water programs and help drought-proof California.
Enhancing Agricultural Safety ~ How AI and Smart Practices can Transform Stanislaus County Farms
W RITTE n BY K ATHRY n K IM R AMOS , S ISBRO Inn OVATIO n W EBSITE
Ensuring Agricultural Safety in the Age of AI
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economy and community, especially in regions like Modesto and Stanislaus County. Yet, despite its essential role, farming is consistently ranked among the most dangerous professions. From operating heavy machinery to handling hazardous materials, the potential risks are significant. That’s why agricultural safety is a pressing concern—not just for individual farms, but for entire communities. Fortunately, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing new, innovative solutions to help protect workers, reduce accidents, and create a safer environment for everyone involved.
The Risks and Challenges of Agriculture
Agriculture safety has long been a critical focus for farms in the Central Valley. Whether it’s ensuring proper training on equipment or mitigating the risks of pesticide exposure, local farmers know that safety is non-negotiable. In Stanislaus County, where agriculture is one of the primary industries, farm owners often implement a range of protocols to keep their workers safe. However, human error, unpredictable weather conditions, and equipment failures can still lead to injuries or even fatalities. Addressing these risks requires not only adherence to safety standards but also the adoption of new technologies that can complement traditional safety measures.
How AI Enhances Agricultural Safety
AI’s potential in agriculture extends far beyond yield optimization and pest management; it’s also a game-changer for safety. AI-driven solutions can proactively monitor equipment, detect potential hazards, and provide real-time alerts, helping farmers stay one step ahead of dangerous situations. For example, machine learning algorithms can analyze data from sensors on tractors, combines, and other heavy machinery. If a piece of equipment begins to operate outside normal parameters, indicating a possible malfunction or safety risk—an alert can be sent immediately to operators, allowing them to address the issue before an accident occurs.
In addition to machinery, AI is making strides in monitoring environmental conditions. Advanced sensor systems can detect harmful levels of dust, heat, or chemical exposure in barns, greenhouses, and processing areas. By continuously analyzing this data, AI can help farmers ensure that working conditions remain safe, reducing the risk of long-term health issues for agricultural workers.
A Simple Safety Tip Farmers Can Start Using Today
Farmers looking to improve safety without large investments in new AI systems can begin by conducting regular equipment checks. Establish a consistent schedule for inspecting machinery, tools, and protective equipment. A quick visual check before each use—combined with a more thorough inspection every week or month—can identify wear and tear, leaks, or other potential hazards before they cause accidents. By making these routine checks a habit, farmers can significantly reduce risks while they explore how AI solutions might further enhance their safety practices.
Supporting the Local Community with AI Safety Measures
When farms in Modesto and Stanislaus County adopt AI-driven safety tools, the benefits ripple outward into the local community. Improved safety measures not only reduce the likelihood of accidents but also contribute to a more stable, resilient workforce. Workers who feel secure in their jobs are more productive, more committed, and more engaged in community activities. This, in turn, strengthens the fabric of Stanislaus Farms and other agricultural operations throughout the region.
Moreover, AI’s ability to gather and analyze safety data in real time means that farms can share best practices with one another, creating a culture of safety that benefits everyone. By using AI to identify patterns and trends, local farms can collaborate on solutions to common safety challenges, fostering a spirit of innovation and mutual support within the agricultural community.
Looking Ahead: A Safer Future for Agriculture
AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but its applications in agricultural safety are rapidly expanding. As technology becomes more accessible and affordable, farms across Modesto and Stanislaus County will continue to find new ways to integrate AI into their safety protocols. By embracing these innovations, while also practicing simple, effective safety habits, farmers can create safer working environments, protect their most valuable assets, their workers, and ensure that the local community thrives for generations to come.
Sisbro Innovation provides a range of cost-effective AI solutions designed to enhance your business operations, including:
AI Virtual Agent: An advanced tool that handles incoming calls and provides responsive customer service.
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Elevate your company’s online presence with the professional solutions offered by Sisbro Innovation. Our comprehensive services include new website development, existing website enhancements, Online Reputation Management, Virtual Assistant support for social media posting, phone support, and AI Bot services to streamline customer interactions and improve responsiveness.
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Hilmar™ Cheese And Whey Protein Awarded Medals 2025 United States Championship Cheese Contest
Hilmar, CA. April 18, 2025. Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. was awarded top honors at the CheeseCon banquet celebrating the United States Championship Cheese Contest® on April 17, 2025.
The contest is hosted biennially by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. More than 2,400 samples of cheese, butter, cultured products and dry dairy ingredients were evaluated this year with first, second and third awards presented in each category.
“Hilmar is honored to have received four awards in three categories,” shared Kyle Jensen, vice president global sales and marketing. “We are especially excited to share the acceptance of our first cheese award. This is a true testament to the dedication and commitment of our teams across the organization to produce high quality, innovative products.”
Hilmar TruSmoke® Hickory Smoked Cheddar took third place in the Open Class: Smoked Hard Cheeses category. Hilmar TruSmoke natural cheeses are slowly smoked utilizing Hilmar’s patented technology that integrates the smoke into the curd during the manufacturing process, unlike other smoked cheeses. Cheddar is one of four flavors available in the TruSmoke product line.
Hilmar PROfraction™ Beta received second place in the Whey Protein Isolate 90, Instantized category. PROfraction Beta is a lactose-free, instantized WPI that is rich in amino acids and aids in muscle synthesis. It is readily dispersible and has a neutral flavor profile, making it an ideal ingredient for powdered beverages and mixes.
Hilmar 8000 took both second and third place in the Whey Protein Concentrate 80 category. Hilmar 8000 is a highly functional 80% whey protein concentrate ideal for a variety of food and nutritional applications for basic fortification. It is a good source of high-quality protein to improve performance and overall health and well-being.
Muthu Ramanathan, ingredients technical manager, Chantelle Coelho, lead cheese technologist, and Lynn Ilano, cheese technologist, proudly accepted the awards on behalf of the Hilmar team.
Ben Smith, cheese product manager; Lynn Ilano, cheese technologist; Muthu Ramanathan, ingredients technical manager; Chantelle Coelho, lead cheese technologist; and Ashley Cloward, associate technologist proudly accepted the awards on behalf of the Hilmar team.
Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. uses the power and promise of dairy to improve lives together. We provide health and nutrition for consumers, contribute to brand success for our customers, create opportunities for employees, support independent milk producers and improve the communities where we live and work. With a focus on collaborative product innovation, real-time scalability and a progressive approach to sustainability, HilmarTM is a global leader in efficiently producing functional cheese and whey ingredients at scale.
We deliver high-quality products to customers in more than 50 countries. Founded in 1984, Hilmar operates manufacturing plants in Hilmar, California; Dalhart, Texas and Dodge City, Kansas. For more information, visit www. hilmar.com and LinkedIn @Hilmar.
from soil to skin: how agriculture Powers our holistic skincare Journey at renew You body butters
BY K AYsh Au N B ROOKs, FO u N d ER OF R ENEW YO u B O dY Bu TTER s
At Renew You Body Butters, we believe that truly effective skincare begins long before the product touches your skin, it starts in the soil. As a 3x awardwinning, celebrity-trusted luxury holistic skincare brand, we’ve made it our mission to harness the nourishing power of nature to help people heal, restore, and glow from the inside out.
The Agriculture-Skincare Connection
Nature is our most trusted partner. The ingredients we use from rich butters, to therapeutic oils and healing herbs, are all deeply rooted in agricultural practices. We are intentional about sourcing ingredients that are organic, ethically harvested, and grown using sustainable farming methods. Why? Because we understand that the health of our skin is directly connected to the health of the Earth.
Each one of our products is a celebration of the farmers, cultivators, and land stewards who grow the raw materials that help soothe eczema,
rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and other severe dry skin conditions. It’s holistic skincare, powered by agriculture.
A Holistic Mission Beyond the Skin
Our business goes beyond creating products, we’re building a community. With nearly 70 affiliates and 2 celebrity brand ambassadors, our mission spreads through powerful partnerships, meaningful collaborations, and shared values.
We’ve helped businesses launch and scale their own affiliate programs, offering not just skincare but a roadmap to success in the holistic beauty industry. From private label to wholesale options, we believe in abundance and that there’s room for everyone to thrive.
Rooted in Relationships
Just as plants thrive through healthy ecosystems, we believe that businesses grow through strong, genuine relationships. That’s why we love networking, collaborating, and co-creating. Whether we’re connecting with farmers for raw ingredients or working with entrepreneurs to build their own brands, our values remain the same: integrity, transparency, and healing from the ground up.
Looking Ahead: Cultivating a Sustainable Future
As we continue to grow, sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to agriculture isn’t just about sourcing it's about advocating for regenerative practices, reducing our environmental footprint, and creating products that respect both people and planet.
At Renew You Body Butters, we don’t just believe in skincare. We believe in care for your skin, your story, and the soil that sustains us all.
Modesto Irrigation District has various programs that can help your business unplug to conserve
Modesto Irrigation District has various programs that can help your business unplug to conserve energy and plug-in to sustainability. The power is in your hands.
and plug-in to sustainability.
