Business Comments- Summer 2023

THINGSYOUNEEDTOKNOW

COMMENTSMAGAZINE-SUMMER2023

May20,2023

WE’VEBEENHELPINGPEOPLEFOR70YEARS SWITCHTOTRAVIS &WECANHELPEVENMORE

TravisCreditUnionhasbeenrootedinthecommunitysince1951.With$4billioninassets and24branches,includingseveralthroughoutFair eld,VacavilleandtherestofSolano County,weareheretochangelivesandliftcommunitiesthrough nancialwellness.

In2020,ForbesrankedTravisasaTop10Best-In-StateCreditUnionforourbranchservice, digitaltechnologyandtrust,amongotherthings.Wewerealsoawardedthe2020U.S. AirForceDistinguishedCreditUnionoftheYear,forthesecondconsecutiveyear.

Ifyou’relookingforanewplacetobank,selectalocal nancialinstitutionwithrootsthathave rundeepinthevalleyforthepast70years.SwitchtoTravistoday.

Joinusattraviscu.org,call 800-877-8328 orvisitalocalbranch.

Thankyouforyourmembership.

FederallyInsuredbyNCUA.Everyonewholives,works,worshipsorattendsschoolinour12-countyareais eligibletojoin.Certainmembershipeligibilityrequirementsmayapply.EqualHousingOpportunity.NMLS#643926.

2023-24 Board of Directors

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

Vicki Barros-Ortiz, State Farm Insurance Chairman of the Board

Stephanie Tarter, NorthBay Health Chairman Elect

Ed Rapisarda, Realty ONE Group Fox Immediate Past Chairman

Ivan Jones, Travis Credit Union Treasurer

Scott Pardini, Recology Vacaville Solano Vice Chairman – Business Issues & Advocacy

Teri Johnson, Bookkeeping & More Vice Chairman – Business Resources

Rosa Gracida, Paci ca Senior Living Vice Chairman – Membership Directors

Jessica Callison Young Professionals of Solano

Jason Case Case Electric Inc.

Andy Harper

Hank & Hazel’s Really Good Sausages

Jennifer House Business Development Professional

Ken Imah Minuteman Press Vacaville

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

Todd Lowell Reynolds Law, LLP

Toni Parkhurst Budget Blinds of Fair eld and Vacaville

Stephanie Tarter

Kaiser Permanente

Liz Wentworth-Kelly Genentech

Ilove dogs. All animals really, but dogs are woven into our lives in a special way and lately, they seem to be working their way into a few random experiences of mine. One of those was our Board of Directors retreat in late May. It’s typical at a retreat to have an ice breaker question during introductions, but this year our facilitators asked one I hadn’t heard used before, “What is your favorite dog?” The answers and the reasons behind the choices varied. “That’s what my family has always had. Their loyal and protective. Our dog has a job – it helps us hunt. Mine needs to be portable so it can go everywhere with me. Let me show you a picture of ‘my baby’. They just make me happy. Can I tell you about my favorite cat?”

You can learn something about people based on what they value in their dog (or cat – LOL!). It’s a re ection of what they value in people. Things like loyalty, companionship, practicality, protectiveness, tradition, strength, and joy. I am privileged to have spent the day during our retreat learning more about what is important to the men and women on the Board of Directors who volunteer their time helping guide the Chamber. We reviewed our mission statement, evaluating its continued relevance as the cornerstone for all of our organization’s activities. We spent a chunk of time in the morning talking about advocacy and how that is a critical value we provide to businesses, how we can strengthen our uni ed voice for greater impact, and how we can expand our efforts to touch on more areas important to being a bridge between the community, businesses, and elected

leaders. We also previewed our Leadership Vacaville program which will be reinstated this Fall after a three-year hiatus. (Check out our website for details.)

Lastly, we spent time during the retreat talking about “Thought Leadership.” Thought Leadership revolves around being seen as a person or organization whose views are taken as authoritative and in uential. The Board and staff did some honest self-evaluation and believe that the Chamber is doing pretty good in this area – but there’s always room for improvement and growth. We strive to keep abreast of current issues and resources and be a conduit for information exchange in multiple areas. Thought Leadership is important to the Chamber’s goals and being of value in our community. And here’s where the dog connection comes in. “If you’re not the lead dog, the scenery never changes.” We’re striving to be a lead dog and hopefully you are too in your areas of expertise.

One of the most exciting projects the Chamber did this year as a lead dog, was hold the rst ever Lemonade Day Vacaville on May 20. There were 158 registered learners from 95 families, resulting in 36 stands located throughout the city on one special day. There were 19 “Sweet Spot” businesses offering their location for stands, 10 event sponsors, and 8 local celebrity judges who helped choose the Best Tasting Lemonade and the Best Stand. I want to give a huge thank you to Noelle Buckband, our Digital Communications Manager, for discovering this program many months ago and advocating for how special this could be for the

Chamber to embrace – she was right! Vacaville is only the eighth city in California to hold this nationally recognized event and we have already been approached by other chambers in the state to get our feedback. Lemonade Day Vacaville 2023 was an incredible success and will become an annual event for the Chamber that we hope to grow each year.

I hope you’re looking forward to the “Dog Days of Summer” – I am! It’s right around the corner, considered to be 20 days before and 20 days after the alignment of Sirius (the Dog Star) with the sun, roughly July 3 to August 11 each year. Or if you’re not a research geek like me, it’s simply the beautiful, hot, sultry days of summer lled with family outings, BBQs, swimming pools and of course, dogs. Have a great summer!

Debbie Egidio President/CEO Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

As we nd ourselves in the dynamic ebb and ow of modern business landscapes, we understand the importance of pro cient leadership to guide our companies through any storm. I’ve found the principles that were ingrained during my years in the Marine Corps to be incredibly applicable within the business sector. Here are six lessons I have learned and use in my business today.

1. Be proactive and take initiative. In uncertain times, it’s easy to become reactive and wait for things to happen. However, leaders must take the initiative and be proactive in identifying potential challenges and opportunities.

2. Communicate effectively. Communication is key in any situation, but especially in chaotic times. Leaders must be able to clearly and concisely communicate with their team, providing direction and feedback as needed.

3. Be adaptable. In uncertain times, things can change rapidly, and leaders must be able to adapt to these changes and make necessary adjustments to keep the company moving forward.

4. Lead by example. Leaders must set the tone for their team by modeling the behavior they want to see. This includes demonstrating resilience, exibility, and a positive attitude.

5. Build trust. Trust is essential in any relationship, and leaders

actions.

6. Prioritizing the well-being of the team resonates the Marine Corps’ principle of “Mission rst, people always.” By taking care of our team both personally and professionally, we ensure the longevity of our endeavors.

These principles have proven to be invaluable assets to guide me through turbulent times – empowering me to emerge stronger and more resilient. I hope the same is true for you as well.

As July 1 approaches, I re ect upon my tenure as the Chairman of the Board of Directors over the past two years. It has been my honor to serve alongside such passionate professionals, all dedicated to promoting the economic prosperity and development of our beloved community.

The Vacaville Chamber of Commerce provides us with a rich tapestry of resources to support and amplify our businesses –networking avenues, educational forums, and poignant advocacy for our community’s enterprises. Through our collective endeavors, we create an ecosystem conducive to nurturing businesses, whether startups or established powerhouses.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unyielding commitment to the Vacaville Chamber. We are

stronger together than alone. Your engagement and support are vital to our mission, and I eagerly anticipate the continued growth and vibrancy of our Vacaville business community. To our Board of Directors, thank you for your service and enriching discussions.

To our incoming Chairman of the Board, Victoria Barros-Ortiz, congratulations! The Chamber is ready and eager to embrace your leadership and direction. To our President and CEO, Debbie Egidio, and her incredible team –Rakelle, Noelle, and Ralph – thank you! You exemplify the truth of the saying, “we win with people.” Your unwavering direction and leadership strengthen our business community, contributing to an even more vibrant Vacaville.

Respectfully,

Ed Rapisarda Chairman of the Board

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

Realty ONE Group Fox CA DRE Lic. 01854854 707-685-2472

CultivatingLeadersforaStrong andVibrantCommunity

LeadershipVacavilleisapersonaland professionaldevelopmentprogramdesignedto cultivateinformed,engaged,andskilled communityandbusinessleaders.

Participantscomefromdiversebackgrounds, workroles,andexperiencestoexpandtheir coreleadershipcompetencieswhilelearning abouttheircommunityandhowtomake positiveimpactsonsociet y.

Programsessionsprovideinsightondifferent areasofcitygovernanceandlocalindustry fromleadersineacharea,creatingthedeeper competencyneededtotrulyunderstand Vacavilleanditssurroundingcommunities.

GoalsandObjectives

forLeadershipVacavilleParticipants:

DevelopSkillSetsforIdentifyingPriorities, UnderstandingKeyIssues,TeamBuilding, EffectiveListening,andPublicSpeaking BuildSelfAwarenessandSelfConfidence

EmpowerPersonalandProfessionalGrowth

LearnAboutCriticalIssuesand OpportunitiesAcrossaBroadSpectrumof IndustriesandPublicServices

CreateaDeepandLastingConnectiontothe Community,itsPeople,andFellow LeadershipVacavilleClassmates

PROGRAMTOPICS

(subjecttochange)

KickoffEvent &SkillsAssessment

EconomicDevelopment &BioTech

Education&OurYouth

Environ ment &Agriculture

Government

Health&Human Services

History&Culture

PublicSafety &TravisAFB

Tourism&Recreation

PRESENTINGSPONSOR:

ALeadershipLegacy Since2007

ParticipantsGain...

Expansiveknowledgeofthecommunitythat theyliveandworkin. Anexpandednetworkandlastingconnection withprogrampeers.

Accesstoestablishedcommunityleaders, businessownersandprofessionalconsultants.

EmployersGain...

Employeeswithadeeperunderstandingof localbusiness,cityandregionalgovernment, andthegreaterVacavillecommunity.

Employeeswithtrainedbusinessand leadershipskills,focusedonachievingpositive outcomesandconsensusbuildingwithdiverse groupsofpeople.

Havingtheirbusinessrepresentativesinfront ofprogramparticipants,speakers,andother stakeholders.

CommunityGains...

Individualswithpractical skillsandknowledgeto growintoincreased leadershiproles. Programgraduateswitha heightenedawarenessof civicresponsibility. Informed,educated,and engagedcitizensthathave theresourcesneededto serveonboards, commissions,and councils.

APPLYFORLEADERSHIPVACAVILLETODAY!

ClasseswillbeheldfromOctober2023through June2024onthe2ndThursdayofeachmonth. Eachclassisafullday,8:30AMto5:00PM. Participantsareexpectedtoattendallprogram sessions.

Classsizeislimited.

Tuition:$1,500VacavilleChamberMembers, $1,900Non-Members

Tuitioncoversprogrammaterials,classsessions, lunches,andfieldtriptransportation.(Some independenttransportationmayberequired.)

Applicationdeadline:September1,2023

AHealthyBalance

Alocalnonpro tHMO,WesternHealthAdvantageoffersplans witheasyaccesstoquality,affordablehealthcarefromabroad networkof3,000+doctorsandspecialistsandexceptionalhospitalsnearby.Solanoareaemployerscan ndarangeofhealth planswith exibleoptionsthathelpbalanceyourhealthcare needswithyourbudget.

Countoncollaboration,innovation,andoutstandingservicewith plansthatincludepreventivecare,wellnessprogramssuchas tnessdiscounts,andvirtualcareoptionsmakingiteveneasier toaccesscarewhenyouneeditmost.

Name: Business:

Job Title: Agency Owner

Where did you grow up and/ or go to school? I grew up in Martinez, California.

What are your hobbies? Crafting and walking.

How long have you been an Ambassador? 4 years

Why do you volunteer? I want to support our local businesses and our

to be around like-minded individuals that like to give of their time like I do.

What’s your favorite Ambassador memory? Every memory is a great one!

What are some of your favorite things about Vacaville? There are so many…the tight knit community, non-stop activities for all ages, an excellent team of first responders, our beautiful downtown district with a

variety of small businesses, and all the various holiday celebrations!

CHAMBER EVENTS

MEMBERSHIPDIRECTORY

Wearesoverythankfulforthemorethan540businessesthatare membersoftheVacavilleChamberofCommerce!

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

Ourmembershipisconstantlygrowingandwehopethatyouwillsupport ourlocalbusinesseswhenmakingyourbuyingchoices.

USETHISQRCODETOJUMP TOTHELATESTEDITIONOF OURSEARCHABLE MEMBERSHIPDATABASE

THANKYOUTOOURTITANIUMSPONSORS FOR YOURGENEROUSSUPPORT!

We’re Here For You

At Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center, our Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is open to help care for babies who need a little more love and attention when they come into the world.

Having a child is an exciting time for the entire family! You can count on our specialized team to help support you through your pregnancy, empower you to have a positive birth experience, and help give your baby a happy, healthy start in life. Th

• Alexis Ruiz, Realtor

• Community Housing Opportunities Corp

• Enhanced Business Solutions

• Erlinda Harris – New York Life Agent

• First US Community Credit Union

• Happy Home Montessori

• Hella Hemps Health & Wellness

• Kelly The Clown & Friends

• Kim Whittaker, Realtor

• Kingdom Gates & Fences

• Reaper Disc Supply

• School of Rock Vacaville

• Staples B2B Consultant

• T Mobile

• Taurus Electrical Services

• The Dog Stop

• UpKept

• Young Artists Conservatory of Music

GUEST COLUMN

Chambers to Build Policy Bridges in Polarized World

grow, developing a skilled workforce, and improving the communities where they operate. However, in today’s divided world, even commonsense proposals face scrutiny and blowback.

Trust Barometer Survey

Early this year, Edelman, the global communications consultancy, issued the latest ndings from their annual Trust Barometer survey. The Trust Barometer project is in its 23rd year, and surveys tens of thousands of individuals across the globe to gauge feelings about government, business, media and nongovernmental institutions and their leaders.

Nick Ortiz

Most often, chambers nd themselves at the crossroads of community and industry, at a time when representing the interests of business is challenging, especially in the Western United States. The business community can have an at-times adversarial relationship with government, earning the “bad guy” moniker from public of cials.

As chamber leaders, we know better; we see how deeply our members care about their employees, their communities, and even their competitors. Chambers also face the challenge of trying to advocate for the business community while partisanship and polarization is exploding.

The policy aims of the business community are generally nonpartisan — supporting

The overall ndings are eye-opening; respondents expressed a continued slide in their faith in institutions, with one notable exception. Business was the one area where the public’s trust continues to be above water. And while CEOs in general garnered lower trust scores, respondents did trust their company’s CEO.

Chamber Role

This dichotomy — regulators and legislators thinking that business is somehow inherently untrustworthy, while their constituents think the exact opposite — underlines the need for chambers to not only advocate, but be effective in communicating the key underlying message from the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) branding project. That message: thriving communities are built on foundations of strong and successful businesses.

Chambers must draw a clear line between the industries that drive their local economy, and how those industries directly contribute to their communities’ unique identities and cultures. Our industry must be crystal clear that business isn’t just one facet of a community, but literally its lifeblood, allowing all the other sectors to survive.

Though business was the most trusted, there is a recognition amongst the respondents that business cannot achieve societal goals and policy improvements without the government. Respondents identi ed a government-business partnership as the pairing most likely to achieve positive action across a range of issues.

That finding is the most interesting to me, as what the respondents are saying is that in order to solve big problems, a partner is necessary to bring government and business together. This is where there’s a clear role for chambers to be catalysts, conveners and champions for their communities. In fact, these findings are like a mandate for the chamber industry — the public wants business and government to work together, and we are the vehicle to make that happen!

Caution

While Edelman’s ndings are heartening to the business community, they also come with a dose of caution. As the institution with the highest level of trust, the business community also is subject to the highest expectations. Respondents expressed a desire for businesses and CEOs to engage on societal issues, including climate change, economic inequality and employee issues.

The risk in this incredibly divided world is that business is whipsawed by the polarization

— accused of not doing enough by some and overstepping into social issues by others. So, striking the right balance is important.

In fact, another Edelman survey found that consumers are signaling their support (or lack thereof) for the brands that they believe most align with their personal beliefs. This runs the risk of consumer choices boiling down to their ideological “camp,” thus furthering partisanship and division.

We’re seeing that now with boycotts and backlash aimed at particular brands for engaging in social causes. Interestingly, the survey found that brands that celebrate what binds us or brings us together are a key mechanism in the eyes of respondents for repairing and strengthening the social fabric.

Community Champions

Now more than ever, chambers must be bold champions for community solutions, unabashed advocates for their local businesses and effective messengers about the role of the business community in civic life and identity.

We not only have the responsibility to build collaborations between the public and private sectors; we must give them cover to work together in these divided times. Our communities will depend on our success.

Column provided by and reprinted with permission from Nick Ortiz, President and CEO of W.A.C.E. and Vice President of local chamber relations at the California Chamber.