Business Comments: Spring 2023

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2022-23 Board of Directors

Executive Committee

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

Ralph Berumen Business Development Manager

Ralph@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

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE SPONSORS

Titanium

Platinum Genentech, Paci c Gas & Electric Co., The Reporter

Gold

Budget Blinds of Fair eld & Vacaville, City of Vacaville, First Northern Bank, McDonald's Restaurants, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, North Bay Distribution, Inc., NorthBay Health, Placer Title Company, Reynolds Law, LLP, Sunrise Banquet Hall & Event Center, Sutter Health, Western Health Advantage

Ed Rapisarda, Realty ONE Group FOX Chairman of the Board

Vicki Barros-Ortiz, State Farm Insurance Chairman Elect

Allan Haddox, Haddox Consulting Engineers Immediate Past Chairman

Ivan Jones, Travis Credit Union Treasurer

Jeremy Craig, Member at Large Vice Chairman – Business Issues & Advocacy

Teri Johnson, Bookkeeping & More Vice Chairman – Business Resources

Stephanie Tarter, Kaiser Permanente Vice Chairman – Membership Directors

Jason Case Case Electric Inc.

Rosa Gracida Paci ca Senior Living

Jennifer House Business Development Professional

Ken Imah Minuteman Press Vacaville

Todd Lowell Reynolds Law, LLP

Scott Pardini Recology Vacaville Solano

Toni Parkhurst Budget Blinds of Fair eld and Vacaville

Lisa Smith Kaiser Permanente

Liz Wentworth-Kelly Genentech

Kim Whittaker Young Professionals of Solano

FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO

Membership organizations of every shape and size usually get asked the same question most often, in one form or another, by prospective new members: “What’s in it for me?” (otherwise known as WIIFM). When it comes to Chamber membership, we have many answers to that question. The challenge is nding the answer that resonates with you and your business and will bring the most value to you for your membership investment.

Not too long ago, I had a conversation with one of our City Councilmembers covering several topics on a “philosophical level.” I shared that one of the philosophical discussions many chambers have is whether or not to get involved in political advocacy. The Vacaville Chamber has a long-standing tradition of advocating on behalf of issues and candidates that are pro-business. This doesn’t always make us popular, and our candidate or position doesn’t always win, but exercising our voice in support of business is one of the ways we bring value to our membership and the business community as a whole.

Advocacy doesn’t always require taking a stand on an issue, it can also take the form of providing information to our community and better connecting you with our elected leaders and city staff. This was the case at our Movers & Shakers Breakfast Summit held on March 8 at the Opera House. The sold-out crowd was able to learn a wealth of information through the State of the City 2023 presentation by Mayor John Carli and City Manager Aaron Busch. If you weren’t able to attend, you can nd a video of the event on our Facebook feed.

Speaking of social media, communication and marketing are also answers to the question of WIIFM. I think utilizing our outreach efforts is often an underrealized opportunity for our members and maybe this is the membership service that will be most meaningful for your business. We are continually growing our digital network and want to help share your news on our Facebook page, our weekly eblasts, and monthly email of member specials. Don’t forget to include the Vacaville Chamber in your marketing plan!

In addition to communicating about our members, we also share information to help businesses in their day-to-day operations and long-term goals. Our staff scours industry and community headlines to gather knowledge that will help businesses comply with complex laws and regulations, providing resources, training opportunities, and expert guidance on a broad range of issues. This information

can be industry speci c, like the topics discussed at our Vacaville Restaurant Alliance meetings, or bene t any type of business, like the presentations at our Business Issues Forums. If there’s something we can help your business learn more about, let us know and we’ll have our team work on getting you answers.

I don’t think any conversation about Chamber membership would be complete without talking about networking. While I know this may not be at the top of everyone’s list, and means more to some than to others, it is still a viable way to grow your business. The Chamber staff and I hope to meet you at a mixer or other event so that we can learn more about you and your business and help make new connections for you in our network. (Make sure to save the date of June 22 for our Night of Champions Annual Dinner – more details coming soon.)

As always, thanks for reading and hopefully nding an answer to WIIFM in this column. If I didn’t quite get to a meaningful answer for you, give me a call or email and let’s gure it out!

Debbie Egidio President/CEO Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Has there ever been a time in your life when you knew you had to give something up because it wasn’t serving you well?

I have. Probably many times. Recently, I gave up something that was not bene cial to my overall life. At some point I said enough and made the decision to remove it from my life.

And then…change happened.

According to Oxford Languages the word Decide is Latin based, meaning “to cut off.” It has been described by many that making a decision is to remove or cut off options. What I nd interesting about making decisions is that we own them and their effects. For business owners, it’s an asset and a liability. As an adult in the United States of America, we get to choose how we live our lives. Yes, there are exceptions to this, but for the most part it’s one of the greatest things we have in our country. It’s freedom! Based on our decisions, we can choose to focus on the short-term pleasures and rewards that may or may not be bene cial to our overall life or lifestyle. We can also choose to make decisions for the future. Like an investment, the compounding effect shows a lifetime of decisions, good or bad.

What is one decision you need to make in your life or business that, if you did, would change the course or direction for you? What’s stopping you?

William Hutchison Murray, a Scottish mountaineer and writer wrote this quote about decisions: “Until one is committed, there is

hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one de nitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!”

That’s powerful.

Once we make a decision, we cut off the options and move into action. It’s the rst step that is always the hardest. In the military we used to say, “suck it up.” I must admit that in today’s age, that doesn’t sound very nice, but the base of the meaning is that we use grit to push past what is comfortable to obtain our desired goal or end state. I love the mindset “let’s get comfortable being uncomfortable.” If our decision is based on a desired goal or end state, then largely the only thing stopping us is ourselves.

What are you going to commit to today that will make your life better tomorrow? Are you open to being accountable for your own actions? If so, you are UNSTOPPABLE.

Happy Spring!

Ed Rapisarda Chairman of the Board Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

AHealthyBalance

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Thank You for Your Investment in the Vacaville Chamber!

Aaction Rents & Equipment

Adriana Cueva, Realtor

AlarmTech

Alicia Barron, Coldwell Banker Kappel

Gateway Realty

Allied Builders Pro Inc.

American Pacific Mortgage - The Porter

Group

Anderson Family Catering & BBQ

Andre's Air

Arbonne International

ASP Armory

Aspire Solution

Bachi Concrete

Basi Rangi, P.C.

Beacon Home Care

BMW of Fairfield

Brad DeWall, Undersheriff

Brickhouse Mortgage

Brother and Sister Handyman

Bullseye Bookkeeping

California Outdoor Properties Inc.

Carmel, Sweets & More

Chris LeChuga, Vacaville POA

Christina Meek - Realtor

Chuck Timm

Construction Solutions

Corina Marler, State Farm

Cory Ellerbee's Farmers Insurance

Counseling to Inspire, Inc.

CrossCountry Mortgage

Dots Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dr. Chad Tarter

Dr. Randy Johnson, DDS

El Rancho Nursery

Extended Family Care LLC

Famous Creations

Farmers Insurance - Carolina Bautista

Ferdig Fencing

First Citizens Bank

Funtastic Rentals

Gloria Ramirez, Realtor

Hair by Barbara

Hair by Kelly Lamb

Happy Nails & Spa

Hearing Services

Hello Garage of Napa Valley

Helping Hands Senior Resources

Holden Events

Hope Hernandez, Coldwell Banker Kappel

Gateway

Ian Schmutzler, Vacaville Chief of Police

JC Carpet & Upholstery

Jessi Bakes

Jim Wilson Concrete

John Carli, Mayor

John Evalle

Jon Sturdee, Deputy Chief of Fire

Journey Coffee Co.

Joyful Art Studio

Kool Kids

Kris Concepcion, Vacaville Fire Chief

LCB Design Construction

Like That Frenchies

Live Music Center

M&M Mobile Notary

Matt Brock for Congress

NEW MEMBERS

We are 530+ Members Strong and Growing!

Marjorie Traywick, Realtor, Realty ONE

Group Fox

Martha Meza, Aqua Hair Salon

Melanie Campbell, KCM Home Loans

Mike Little, Morgan Stanley

Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop

New York Life, Noah Moretti

Northern California Nursing Academy

Notary2U

Nutty Records

On Sight Construction

On Stage Vacaville

Operation: Care & Comfort

P and T Janitorial

Pam Watson, Realtor

Parker Construction

Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.

Primerica Financial Services Offices of Terry

Lenoir

PRJ Insurance & Wealth Management

Professional Pools

Rapisarda Real Estate

Real Estate By Rheonna

Red Label Automotive & Diesel

Relay for Life Vacaville

Remax Elite Partners

Reyna's Mobile Notary Services

Rice Barn Eatery and Wine Bar

Robinson Rubbish Removal & Hauling

Roof Solutions Inc.

Rose Auto Body

Rough Rider Tattoo Parlor

Roy Stockton

Sabrina Summerfield Real Estate

Sign and Seal Notary

Silveyville Cemetery District

Skylight Electrical Service

Skyline Design

Slade and Co.

Social Butterfly Marketing

Solano County Home & Garden Show

Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity

Stacy Stream - Realtor

State Farm Insurance - Andy Pignataro

Stephanie Ham

Strong Sons Junk Removal

Summerfield Construction

Swank Construction, Inc.

The Loft

The Women's Business Network

Tom Ferrara, Sheriff

Tracy Thomas, Realtor

Travel Wright Co.

Tweed Hut Music Store

Unico Mechanical

Uptown Fox

V Valley Cleaners

Vacaville Glass

Vacaville Honda

Vacaville VFW

Vacaville Volkswagen

Wall 2 Wall Painting

Wendy Jeter

Western Sign Co.

Will Wade

Wolves Heating and Air Conditioning

Your Chamber Connection

THANKYOUFORHELPINGOURCHAMBERGROW!

MembershipEventResults

$11,505& 34New Members!

February14-16,2023

Chair:ToniParkhurst,BudgetBlindsofFairfield&Vacaville

Captains: JessikaReyna,AmyYarbrough&AlixParkhurst

TeamMembers: EdBorini,DanyeaGillard,JenHuff, LeanneReece,MaryKurmonde,GloryTeeves, JadeGutierrez,&CarieThurgood

Chair:RosaGracida,PacificaSeniorLiving

Captains: JenniferHouse,VeraGleason,KiaLutte,Chelsea Dunnington,CristinaKoval,AudreyCalder,&LissetteMora

TeamMembers: ChuckTimm,ShawnMcMahon,Linda Maynerich,VickiBarros-Ortiz,BarbaraLightfoot-Nielson, AngelicaIbarra,StevieGomez,&WendyJackson

Chair:RyanBates,RyanBatesPhotography

Captains: CristieBaron,MelodyOcampo&AaronKing

TeamMembers: DavidRodgersJr.,DelaneyHolden, RandiBolton,ZandrealWhite,AaronGeorge,ZeeDeLeon, KelseyClyma,BrookeFox,RoyStockton,LaurenRunow, StacyStream,MaggieCelestini,AndreyaArevala, AleenaEdney&NiccoleMacleod

$3,440& 10NewMembers!

Chair:JohnEvalle,TravisCreditUnion

TeamMembers: AnnaEaton,JanaeDavis, WillWade,JessicaMoser&ThomasRandall

Chair:MonteHoover,Gillespie'sAbbeyCarpet&Floor

Captains: KelliCourson&CorinaMarler

TeamMembers: DeniseSmith,VankeeshaFrank, KayleeRivas,KimberlyNey,NoahMoretti,JustinaLe, GenesisWilliams,MicaLudovice&JeffreyBlackman

$2,795& 9NewMembers!

Chair:EdRapisarda,RealtyONEGroupFox

Captain: MarjorieTraywick

TeamMembers: FrankGaray,SheilaOakes, &DaveRoberts

GhostTeam:$1,980& 6NewMembers!

Chairs: StephanieTarter,KaiserPermanente

&AndrewWhittaker,WellsFargo

TeamMembers: AndresVigo&VanessaVigo

$14,895& 33New Members!

$6,880& 21New Members!

$3,300& 8New Members!

RunnerTeam:$95& 1NewMember!

Chairs: CherylBovee,SolanoMortgage

TeamMembers: LindaMontenegro, BobbieMartinez,DeziFernandez&TinaNorman

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

Name:

Lauri Law Leifker

Business: Alkar Human Resources

Job Title: Sales and Operations Manager

Where did you grow up and/or go to school? Fairfield, CA since I was three and graduated from Armijo High.

What are your hobbies? Golf, skating, and dancing.

How long have you been an Ambassador? Since 1997

Why do you volunteer? Alkar firmly believes in giving back to the community. I enjoy actively donating my time by volunteering, sponsoring, and supporting nonprofit organizations. Volunteering is also a great way to meet more people, grow my professional network, and make friendships all while creating more sales opportunities and getting our company name

out there. It also lets me stay connected and up to date on different committees or events in the community.

What’s your favorite Ambassador memory? The Night of the Champions dinner with the luau theme was a blast!

What would others be surprised to learn about you? I have four grandsons with a fifth one on the way. I have my own basketball team.

What are some of your favorite things about Vacaville? Our downtown is amazing to walk through and enjoy all the fabulous restaurants, shops, and events. I enjoy the farmers markets too! Love going to events at Journey Downtown. Vacaville has the best of everything!

OF

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

MEMBERSHIPDIRECTORY

Wearesoverythankfulforthemorethan530businessesthatare membersoftheVacavilleChamberofCommerce!

Fromindependentmembers,tohome-basedentrepreneurs, tosmallbusinesses,andtoourlargeemployers-membersofthe VacavilleChambertouchthelivesofourentirecommunity!

Ourmembershipisconstantlygrowingandwehopethatyouwillsupport ourlocalbusinesseswhenmakingyourbuyingchoices.

USETHISQRCODETOJUMP TOTHELATESTEDITIONOF OURSEARCHABLE MEMBERSHIPDATABASE

THANKYOUTOOURTITANIUMSPONSORS FOR YOURGENEROUSSUPPORT!

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER COMITTEES

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce Committees are a great way for members to get involved with various leadership opportunities and have direct input into the activities of our organization. Our committee programs offer a unique, grass-roots experience for businesses to engage in networking, advocacy, and outreach with our community, local policy-makers, and fellow business leaders. Here’s a brief description of each of our committees.

Ambassadors

Serving as the goodwill arm of the Chamber, the Ambassadors attend and assist at various events including Grand Openings, Ribbon-Cuttings, Mixers, and Special Events. It is the goal of the Ambassadors to increase membership and members’ knowledge of the programs, services, and bene ts of membership with the Vacaville Chamber. This committee meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month at 8:00 a.m. to plan for upcoming activities. If you are interested in joining this fun group or want more information, email Chief Ambassador Andrew Whittaker at andrew.t.whittaker@ wellsfargo.com.

BAC-PAC (Business Action Committee & Political Action Committee)

The BAC-PAC exists to encourage active involvement in governmental affairs, keep the public informed, and to support issues and candidates for local impact. The BAC-PAC seeks members who are willing to recommend endorsements for the Chamber Board’s consideration. This committee meets on an as needed basis during the election cycle. For more information contact Mike Fortney at mfortney@ placertitle.com.

Business Issues & Advocacy

Monitors, evaluates, and acts upon proposed city, county and state issues which could affect the Vacaville business community. This committee coordinates the Vacaville Chamber’s premier annual advocacy event, the Movers & Shakers Breakfast Summit. Business forums are also hosted every other month to educate and connect community leaders on important topics impacting businesses of all types. This committee meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. For more information email Debbie Egidio at debbie@ vacavillechamber.com.

Business Resources

Promotes interaction between educational partners and the business community and provides learning tools for businesses. This committee currently coordinates

Inspire: Dreams Start Now, the Work Ready Certi cation Program, and Leadership Vacaville. This committee meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m. For more information email Teri Johnson at teri@ bookkeepingandmore.com.

Fundraising & Events

To support the Vacaville Chamber’s member bene ts portfolio while maintaining a reasonable dues structure, special events are scheduled to raise funds and build awareness of the Chamber’s role in the community. The premier events planned by this committee include the Night of Champions Annual Dinner and the annual Cowtown Classic Golf Tournament. This committee meets on an as needed basis throughout the year. For more information email Debbie Egidio at debbie@ vacavillechamber.com.

Membership

Provides input on recruitment and retention programs for Chamber members, assists in member outreach, development of member bene ts, and helping the Chamber maintain a robust membership. This committee meets on the rst Thursday of the month at 8:30 a.m. For more information email Stephanie Tarter at steph.m.tarter@ kp.org.

Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee (TRAFC)

The mission of TRAFC is to enhance, support, and inspire the quality of life of the men, women, and families serving at Travis Air Force Base. Throughout the year, TRAFC does this by hosting events and programs to support and honor the people and mission of Travis AFB. In short, TRAFC is the community eyes, ears, and voice for the people of Travis AFB. This committee meets monthly on the third Monday of the month at noon. For more information email Debbie Egidio at debbie@ vacavillechamber.com.

Young Professionals of Solano (YPS)

YPS is an enthusiastic group which comes together to empower the next generation of business leaders through professional development, networking, and community involvement. Each year, YPS selects a local nonpro t to support and the pro ts from each of YPS’s events go towards a large donation to that charity at the end of the year. For more information email yps@ vacavillechamber.com.

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

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