Healthy Business. Healthy Community. 411 Davis Street, Suite 101 Vacaville CA 95688
Tel 707.448.6424 | Fax 707.448.0424 www.vacavillechamber.com
Debbie Egidio President/CEO
Debbie@VacavilleChamber.com
Maria Alemany Business Development Manager
Maria@VacavilleChamber.com
Noelle Buckband
Digital Communications Manager
Noelle@VacavilleChamber.com
Rakelle Broadley Of ce Manager
Rakelle@VacavilleChamber.com
Chamber Comments is a publication of The Reporter. To advertise in future issues, call 707-448-6401.
Cover photo courtesy of Vacaville Chamber of Commerce
Executive Committee
Stephanie Tarter, Chairman Kaiser Permanente
Toni Parkhurst, Chairman-Elect Budget Blinds of Solano County
Vicki Barros-Ortiz, Immediate Past Chairman State Farm Insurance
Ivan Jones, Treasurer Travis Credit Union
Jason Case, Vice Chairman – Business Issues & Advocacy Case Electric
Teri Johnson, Vice Chairman – Business Resources Bookkeeping & More
Rosa Gracida, Vice Chairman – Membership Paci ca Senior Living
CHAIRMAN’S Circle Sponsors
Genentech, Paci c Gas & Electric Co., Sutter Health, Valley Strong Credit Union
All Weather Architectural Aluminium, Budget Blinds of Solano County, First Northern Bank, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, NorthBay Health, Premier Pools and Spas, Reynolds Law, LLP, Sunrise Banquet Hall & Event Center, The Reporter, Western Health Advantage
Directors
Jennifer House Business Development Professional
Todd Lowell
Reynolds Law, LLP
Dan Negron Recology Vacaville Solano
Chris Rose
Rose Auto Body
Lisa Smith Kaiser Permanente
Susan Snyder NorthBay Health
FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Well. This is my last article for our Comments magazine. The time was always going to come at some point, but the circumstances could never be what I imagined. I have been open about sharing that the decision to resign comes due to personal reasons related to my husband having been diagnosed with cancer. A treatable one and prognosis is good, but he needs to be the rst choice for how I spend my time and not less. He has always stood staunchly beside me to let me give my time and heart to the Chamber. Tom, you are rst and forever foremost the rst person I say thank you to for letting me do what I do.
There is a long list of thanks I need to make. Thank you, Ed Rapisarda, for being the rst call that led me on this journey. You are a leader in your own right, over and over again, and gave me the chance to be one too in this role. One of your sayings, “I’m just ghting the alligator closest to the boat,” has been my mantra many days. But we keep facing them and move on to the next one.
The Chamber Board of Directors – past and present – you have all given me the support and freedom to build the Chamber into the powerhouse it is today. You are unbelievable champions for business, role models for our community, and impactful leaders for businesses large and small. I brag about you every chance I get for your ability to tackle tough issues with decorum and thoughtfulness. You care, and that goes a very long way. Thank you.
I don’t even know where to begin with our members. You see value in what we do and there is no bigger compliment. You are a spectrum of business models from independent entrepreneurs to major employers and you continue to nd ways to make our community connected, thriving, and special. You exemplify what our Mayor Carli has said many times, “Vacaville is hard to describe in a word, it’s more of a feeling.”
Which brings me to our city. City Council and city staff, you have continually reinforced your support of the importance that the Chamber plays in economic development for our city. Whether through our annual service agreement, support of Lemonade Day Vacaville, or engaging the Chamber in supporting city strategic goals –thank you. We are all focused on the same end game.
Like an Oscars speech, I’m sure I’m going to forget someone. But I can’t forget our Ambassadors – you rock! I believe the drive to volunteer comes from passion and I am humbled and grati ed that you nd passion in giving your time to the Chamber. I know you are building business
relationships but friendships too, and are having some fun at the same time.
And last, but in no way least, thank you to the Chamber staff that have been on the team during my time at the Chamber. We’ve grown and transitioned but have always been a small but mighty force. I am always amazed at what we accomplish. We do things that other chambers look up to. You have always followed my lead (whether crazy or not), supported each other, jumped in wherever needed, and make us look amazing. The Vacaville Chamber is a success because of you.
It’s often said that adjusting to change is one of the most dif cult challenges people face and I agree. But I also believe that it can be one of the most rewarding. To change, to innovate, to learn, and to grow enriches our experiences. The changes on the Chamber’s horizon will only lead it to new heights. I know that’s a bit cliché, but I believe it.
Thank you for everything over the last four unforgettable years!
Debbie Egidio President & CEO Vacaville Chamber of Commerce
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
As the chill of winter gives way to the warmth and sunshine of spring, I nd myself staring into the abyss of my garden beds brimming with potential for a new season. Just as we engage in spring cleaning to refresh our homes and prepare our gardens for the bounty ahead, it’s an opportune time to re ect on our businesses and the essential elements needed for growth and success.
Spring Cleaning for Your Business
Spring cleaning isn’t just for our homes. It’s a valuable practice for our businesses as well. Take time to declutter your workspace, streamline processes, and revisit your goals. A tidy and organized environment fosters creativity and efciency, setting the stage for a productive season.
Preparing Your Business Garden
Much like a vegetable garden requires tender loving care, watering, and sunshine to thrive, our businesses need attention and nurturing. Here are a few essential elements to consider.
1. Nurture Relationships: Just as plants need water, our businesses need strong relationships. Engage with your customers, chamber partners, and community.
2. Invest in Growth: Fertilize your business with new ideas and innovations. Attend workshops, seek out new technologies, and invest in your team’s development.
3. Stay Adaptable: Just as a garden faces unpredictable weather, businesses must be adaptable. Stay informed about market trends and be ready to pivot when necessary.
4. Promote Visibility: Ensure your business gets the sunshine it needs. Enhance your marketing efforts, update your online presence, and participate in community events.
What Should You Grow This Season?
Consider what you want to cultivate in your business garden this season. Is it a new product line, an expansion of services, or perhaps a stronger community presence? Whatever it is, ensure it aligns with your long-term vision and brings value to your customers.
As we embrace the beauty and promise of spring, let’s commit to providing our businesses with the essential elements they need to ourish. Together, we can cultivate a thriving community and a prosperous future.
And don’t forget your home garden. Here are some great vegetables to consider growing this season:
1. Tomatoes: A garden favorite, tomatoes thrive in warm weather and can be used in a variety of dishes.
2. Lettuce: Perfect for salads, lettuce grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season.
3. Carrots: These root vegetables are easy to grow and can be harvested in late spring or early summer.
4. Peppers: Both sweet and hot peppers do well in warm climates and add a burst of avor to your meals.
5. Cucumbers: Great for salads and pickling, cucumbers grow quickly and produce abundantly throughout the season.
6. Zucchini: This versatile vegetable is easy to grow and can be used in many recipes.
7. Beans: Whether you choose bush or pole beans, they are easy to grow and provide a good source of protein –my favorite!
8. Spinach: A nutrient-rich leafy green that grows well in cooler spring temperatures here in Vacaville.
These vegetables not only provide a delicious and healthy addition to your meals but also symbolize the growth and nurturing needed for your business. Happy gardening and may your business ourish just like your garden!
Wishing you all a season of growth and success!
Stephanie Tarter Chairman of the Board Vacaville Chamber of Commerce
Lemonade Day Vacaville – May 17, 2025!
Dear Prospective Lemonade Day Investor,
Lemonade Day is a national non-profit known for preparing youth for life through a unique entrepreneurial and experiential program which helps them start, own and operate their very own business – a lemonade stand. Lemonade Day is proven to positively impact academic performance, foster career exploration, and supports key developmental assets necessary to become thriving, successful adults.
The Vacaville Chamber of Commerce is proud to launch our third Lemonade Day season in 2025, and I am thrilled to invite you to share in this opportunity to plant the seed of entrepreneurship within the next generation to create the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers, and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow.
Last year we achieved amazing results:
85 Registered Learners12 “Sweet Spot” Businesses
51 Families Participating 6 Event Sponsors
28 Lemonade Stand $238 Average Profit per Stand
With your help, we hope to exceed those numbers this year, growing the impact of Lemonade Day Vacaville in our community.
By running their stand, program participants will gain valuable life and business skills, learn the importance of earning, saving, spending, and sharing money wisely, as well as the confidence that comes from working to achieve their dreams. An investment in Lemonade Day will ensure the materials, curriculum, and all events are free to every youth participant in Vacaville.
As a supporter, you will foster a one-of-a-kind experiential learning opportunity which impacts youth character, teaches financial literacy and business acumen, engages mentors, and provides hands-on experiences to make a profit, save some for a rainy day, and give some to a charity of their choice – all while squeezing as much fun out of the experience as possible!
Thank you for your consideration –you will be a difference maker!
Debbie Egidio
Lemonade Day Vacaville City Director Debbie@VacavilleChamber.com
About Lemonade Day…
Our Higher Purpose
The foremost objective is to help today’s youth become the entrepreneurs, business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow. We want to build self-esteem and new mindsets that can propel youth to success they likely would not have pursued, or known about, otherwise.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help prepare youth for life through fun, proactive and experiential programs infused with life skills, character education, and entrepreneurship.
Our Vision
Provide a nationally renowned quality youth entrepreneurship experience to kids in grades K-8.
Our Value Proposition
Children are introduced to entrepreneurship through the real-world experience of starting their own business – a lemonade stand – the quintessential first business for budding entrepreneurs! By running their stand, they learn how to set a goal, make a plan, and work the plan to achieve their dreams, all while dreaming, innovating, and gaining the foundational business and life skills needed to prepare them for a lifetime of success. Lemonade Day Vacaville is available for all children to participate at no cost.
The Program
With support from a volunteer mentor, children take a free, step by step learning journey to become an entrepreneur through a strategic lesson - based curriculum – an innovative hybrid of STEM + SEL + project-based education.
• What is an Entrepreneur?
• Set: spending, saving, sharing goal
• Make a business plan
• Create a product
• Develop a budget
• Find investors & pitch for a loan
• Design a stand & branding
• Execute a marketing plan
• Purchase supplies & taste test
• Determine business location
• Setup your stand
• Run the business
• Sell the product
• Account business results
Name: Ken Stansbury
AMBASSADOR PROFILE
Business: Bookkeeping & More
Job Title: MarketingWhere did you grow up and/ or go to school? My father was in the military and we moved around a bit. I spent time in New Jersey, Japan, and Nebraska.
What’s your favorite Ambassador memory? Being the Raf e Announcer.
What are your hobbies? Pickleball, watching sports, listening and dancing to music, and doing wine strolls.How long have you been an Ambassador? Six months
Why do you volunteer? To promote Bookkeeping & More and meet new people.
• Avantibody.com
• Bee A Solution LLC
• Blissfusion Vacaville
• Bullish Taxes Data
• CSL Plasma Fair eld
• East Bay Tire
• Ed Neir Construction
What would others be surprised to learn about you? I spent 33 years in the Air Force and then retired from the State of California as a Parole Agent.
What are some of your favorite things about Vacaville? Music and the hometown feeling, plus it’s centrally located to visit other areas of California.
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS
• Fore Play Simulators
• J Lomeli Landscaping Co.
• Joyful Art Center
• Mathnasium of Vacaville
• Muerle Construction
• Natalie Yang Orthodontics
• Oak Street Management, Inc.
• Pink Pixie Studio LLC
• Rancho Solano Golf Course
• Resilient Roots Counseling
• Scholtes Marketing
• Solano Care LLC
• Vacaville Pony Association
Yo Sushi
Rancho Solano
East Bay Tire
Avanti Body
5-Star Car Wash & Detail Center
520 Orange Drive Vacaville CA 95687 (707) 448-9274 http://5starwash.com
7 Flags Car Wash 108 Elmira Road Vacaville CA 95687 (707) 448-0104
http://www.7 agscarwash.com
7 Flags Express Car Wash 1337 East Monte Vista Avenue
Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 451-2493 http://www.7 agscarwash.com
A
A Z Rents 2U
800 Mason Street
Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 469-6200
http://www.azrentstoyou.com
A-2-Z Landscaping 902 Davis Street Vacaville CA 95687 (707) 425-2500 http://www.a2zlandscaping.com
A2R Architects
190 S. Orchard Avenue, Ste C250 Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 453-0196 http://www.a2rarch.com
Aaction Rents & Equipment
28 Union Way
Vacaville CA 95687 (707) 359-2575 http://www.aactionrents.com
Active Wellness Center at NorthBay Health 1020 Nut Tree Road Vacaville CA 95687 (707) 624-8080 https://activewellnesscenter. com/northbay/
Ad Special T’s
202 Bella Vista Road, Suite B Vacaville CA 95687 (707) 452-7272 http://www.adspecialts.com
Solano County Fair Association 900 Fairgrounds Drive Vallejo CA 94589 (707) 551-2000 http://www.scfair.org
Solano County Farm Bureau 130 Allison Ct, 2-A Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 449-8044
https://www.solanofarmbureau.org/
Solano County Library Foundation
601 Kentucky Street Fair eld CA 94533 (707) 421-8075 http://solanolibrary foundation.org
Solano County Of ce of Education
5100 Business Center Drive Fair eld CA 94534 (707) 399-4400 http://www.solanocoe.net
Solano Diversi ed Services 1761 Broadway, Suite 250 Vallejo CA 94589 (707) 552-9443 http://www.sds-inc.org
Solano EDC
5050 Business Center Dr, Ste 200 Fair eld CA 94534 (707) 864-1855 http://www.solanoedc.org
Solano Irrigation District 810 Vaca Valley Parkway Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 455-4009 http://www.sidwater.org
Solano Land Trust 198 Dobbins St. Suite A Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 432-0150 http://www.solanolandtrust. org
Solano Midnight Sun Breast Cancer Foundation 795 Alamo Dr, Ste 106 Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 469-9909 https://solanomidnightsun. org
Solano Mortgage 785 Alamo Drive, Ste. 120 Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 449-4777 http://www.solanomortgage. com
Solano Transportation Authority 423 Main Street Suisun City CA 94585 (707) 422-6491 https://sta.ca.gov/
Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity 5130 Fulton Drive, Ste. R Fair eld CA 94534 (707) 422-1948 http://solanonapahabitat.org
Sonesta Essential Vacaville-Napa Valley 800 Mason Street Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 469-6200 https://www.sonesta.com/ sonesta-essential/ca/vacaville/ sonesta-essential-vacavillenapa-valley
Soroptimist International of Vacaville P O Box 6054 Vacaville CA 95696 https://www. vacavillesoroptimist.org/
Soroptimist of Vacaville Twilight PO Box 658 Vacaville CA 95696 (707) 999-0917 https://www.sivacavilletwilight.org/
Spectrum Properties
785 Alamo Dr. Ste 170 Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 469-8000 http://www.spectrumpropertiesRE.com
Stacy Stream - Realtor
411 Davis St, Ste 104 Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 333-9924 http://stacystream.com
Staples #0409 1010 Helen Power Drive Vacaville CA 95687 (707) 452-8991 http://www.staples.com
State Compensation Insurance Fund
1010 Vaquero Circle Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 975-6858 http://www.statefundca.com
State Farm InsuranceAndy Pignataro 438 Main Street Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 452-9599 http://www.andypignataro. com
State Farm InsuranceVictoria Barros-Ortiz 2050 Peabody Road, Suite 200 Vacaville CA 95687 (707) 447-4697 http://www.iinsuranceteam.com
Stems Florist
218 E Main Street Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 451-8585 http://stems oristvacaville1. com/
Stephanie Ham
233-A Dobbins St Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 688-6241 http://www.stephanieham.com
Stepping Stones Academy 639 Merchant Street Vacaville CA 95688 (209) 855-1556 http://www.steppingstonesacademyvv.org
Stocking, Joe 127 Glacier Circle Vacaville CA 95687
Strada 1200 Luxury Apartments 1200 Allison Drive Vacaville CA 95687 (707) 448-1200 https://www.strada1200. com/?utm_knock=g
StretchLab Vacaville 1671 East Monte Vista Avenue Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 410-0708 http://Www.stretchlab.com
Strong Sons Junk Removal
680 Rambleton Drive Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 805-1777 http://Strongsonsjunkremoval.com
Stumbaugh Realty Advisors
790 Mason Street, Suite 201 Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 451-1900
http://www.stumbaughrealty. com
Suihkonen CPA’s & Consultants PO Box 6537 Vacaville CA 95696 (707) 455-8010
http://www.suihkonen.com/
Summer eld Construction
7253 Pleasants Valley Rd Vacaville CA 95688 (707) 315-5671
