Business Comments- Summer 2023

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW COMMENTS MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2023

May 20, 2023

WE’VE BEEN HELPING PEOPLE FOR 70 YEARS

SWITCH TO TRAVIS & WE CAN HELP EVEN MORE

Travis Credit Union has been rooted in the community since 1951. With $4 billion in assets and 24 branches, including several throughout Fairfield, Vacaville and the rest of Solano County,we are here to change lives and lift communities through financial wellness.

In 2020, Forbes ranked Travis as a Top 10 Best-In-State Credit Union for our branch service, digital technology and trust, among other things. We were also awarded the 2020 U.S. Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year, for the second consecutive year.

If you’re looking for a new place to bank, select a local financial institution with roots that have run deep in the valley for the past 70 years. Switch to Travis today.

Join us at traviscu.org, call 800-877-8328 or visit a local branch.

Thank you for your membership.

Federally Insured by NCUA. Everyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in our 12-county area is eligible to join. Certain membership eligibility requirements may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #643926.

2

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

2023-24 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

Noelle Buckband Digital Communications Manager Noelle@VacavilleChamber.com

Ralph Berumen Rakelle Broadley Business Development Office Manager Manager Rakelle@VacavilleChamber.com Ralph@VacavilleChamber.com

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, Pacifica Senior Living Vice Chairman – Membership

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

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, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., The Reporter Gold Budget Blinds of Fairfield & 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 Fairfield and Vacaville Stephanie Tarter Kaiser Permanente Liz Wentworth-Kelly Genentech

Business Comments Summer 2023

3

FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO

I

love 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 reflection 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 unified 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 4

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

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 influential. 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 first 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 filled 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

H

appy June and Happy Summer 2023!

As we find ourselves in the dynamic ebb and flow of modern business landscapes, we understand the importance of proficient 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, flexibility, and a positive attitude.

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

must work to build trust with their team by being transparent, honest, and consistent in their actions.

6. Prioritizing the well-being of the team resonates the Marine Corps’ principle of “Mission first, 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 reflect 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 Business Comments Summer 2023

5

Contact us Today for a Debt Recovery Solution Tailored to your Business.

Ask us about our Free Letter Service!

460 UNION AVE. Ste. C FAIRFIELD, CA 94533

(800) 564-6440 www.PacificCreditServices.com

Health & Wellness Products for People & Pets.

We understand the importance of choosing natural alternatives for your health needs. That is why we are committed to crafting products thatt are safe, effective and free from harmful chemicals or additives.

All Natural Hemp Derived CBD

• Oils • Tinctures • Topicals • Pet Drops 640 Eubanks Court Vacaville, CA 95688 707.628.0475 https://www.hellahemps.com/ 6

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

Looking for something that's uniquely Vacaville?

Find dozens of specialty retail, restaurants, local services, events, and more all in one place!

www.ShopLocalVacaville.com Want to join our marketplace?

Inquire at Info@ShopLocalVacaville.com

Come See Our Newly Expanded Showroom Now With Over 25,000 sq. ft. of Quality Furniture at Competitive Prices.

395-A E. Monte Vista Ave., Vacaville 707.449.6385 • LaineysFurniture.com

best 2022 Solano County’s

TM

of

Business Comments Summer 2023

7

A Program of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

Cultivating Leaders for a Strong and Vibrant Community Leadership Vacaville is a personal and professional development program designed to cultivate informed, engaged, and skilled community and business leaders.

Participants come from diverse backgrounds, work roles, and experiences to expand their core leadership competencies while learning about their community and how to make positive impacts on society.

Program sessions provide insight on different areas of city governance and local industry from leaders in each area, creating the deeper competency needed to truly understand Vacaville and its surrounding communities.

Goals and Objectives

(subject to change)

Kickoff Event & Skills Assessment Economic Development & Bio Tech Education & Our Youth Environment & Agriculture Government Health & Human Services

for Leadership Vacaville Participants: Develop Skill Sets for Identifying Priorities,

History & Culture

Understanding Key Issues, Team Building, Effective Listening, and Public Speaking

Public Safety

Build Self Awareness and Self Confidence Empower Personal and Professional Growth Learn About Critical Issues and Opportunities Across a Broad Spectrum of Industries and Public Services Create a Deep and Lasting Connection to the Community, its People, and Fellow Leadership Vacaville Classmates

8

PROGRAM TOPICS

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

& Travis AFB Tourism & Recreation PRESENTING SPONSOR:

A Leadership Legacy Since 2007 Participants Gain...

Expansive knowledge of the community that they live and work in.

An expanded network and lasting connection with program peers.

Access to established community leaders, business owners and professional consultants.

Employers Gain...

Employees with a deeper understanding of local business, city and regional government, and the greater Vacaville community.

Employees with trained business and leadership skills, focused on achieving positive outcomes and consensus building with diverse groups of people.

Having their business representatives in front of program participants, speakers, and other stakeholders.

Community Gains...

Individuals with practical skills and knowledge to grow into increased leadership roles.

Program graduates with a heightened awareness of civic responsibility.

Informed, educated, and engaged citizens that have the resources needed to serve on boards, commissions, and councils.

A P P L Y FOR LEADERSHIP VACAVILLE TODAY!

Classes will be held from October 2023 through June 2024 on the 2nd Thursday of each month.

Each class is a full day, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Participants are expected to attend all program sessions.

Class size is limited.

Tuition: $1,500 Vacaville Chamber Members, $1,900 Non-Members Tuition covers program materials, class sessions, lunches, and field trip transportation. (Some independent transportation may be required.)

Application deadline: September 1, 2023

V a c a v i l l e C h a m b e r : C o n n e c t @ V a c a v i l l e C h a m b e r . c o m o r 7 0 7 . 4 4 8 . 6 4 24 Lisa Gannon, Program Manager: LisaKGannon@hotmail.com or 707.738.6964 Business Comments Summer 2023

9

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

10

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

Where will you be in

Months?

Join TUC’s Accelerated BSN to Master’s in Nursing Program Explore our hybrid model that can be completed while working.

tu.edu/nursing

A Healthy Balance A local nonprofit HMO, Western Health Advantage offers plans with easy access to quality, affordable health care from a broad network of 3,000+ doctors and specialists and exceptional hospitals nearby. Solano area employers can find a range of health plans with flexible options that help balance your health care needs with your budget.

Count on collaboration, innovation, and outstanding service with plans that include preventive care, wellness programs such as fitness discounts, and virtual care options making it even easier to access care when you need it most.

For more information on Western Health Advantage, visit westernhealth.com or call 888.499.3198.

Business Comments Summer 2023

11

AMBASSADOR PROFILE Name: Susan Rose Business: Farmers Insurance 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

community. Also, because it gives me the opportunity 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!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

3 & 4 - Chamber Office Closed 6 - Chamber Mixer

by Valley Strong Credit Union at the Vacaville Museum 12 - Business Issues Forum 17 - TRAFC Meeting

3 - Chamber Mixer at Makse 17 - YPS Cornhole Tournament 21 - TRAFC Meeting

4 - Chamber Office Closed 7 - Chamber Mixer at BMW Fairfield 13 - Business Issues Forum 18 - TRAFC Meeting

Details & Event Updates at VacavilleChamber.com 12

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER EVENTS

Business Comments Summer 2023

13

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY We are so very thankful for the more than 540 businesses that are members of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce!

From independent members, to home-based entrepreneurs, to small businesses, and to our large employers - members of the Vacaville Chamber touch the lives of our entire community!

Our membership is constantly growing and we hope that you will support our local businesses when making your buying choices.

USE THIS QR CODE TO JUMP TO THE LATEST EDITION OF OUR SEARCHABLE MEMBERSHIP DATABASE

THANK YOU TO OUR TITANIUM SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!

14

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

FAIRFIELD - 421.0110 4717 Mangels Blvd.

Apply On-line at www.1alkar.com

We are honored Thank you to all that voted us BEST best HAPPY 2022 HOUR Solano County’s

Expect the best, and get it!

We offer customized service and refer only top talent.

ONE COMPANY. ONE CALL. ONE SOLUTION. Temp to Hire - Direct Hire Executive Search Temporary Services

“Profit from the Experience” Administrative • Hospitality • Winery • Light Industrial • Manufacturing

of

Runner Up

Best best 2022 Bar Solano County’s

of

TM

BEST best 2022 BRUNCH! Solano County’s

TM

TM

of

&

Runner Up

Date best 2022 Night Solano County’s

TM

of

Always Comfortable

349 Merchant St. Downtown Vacaille www.MerchantandMainGrill.com 707.446.0368

Business Comments Summer 2023

15

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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

16

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

NEW MEMBERS •

Alexis Ruiz, Realtor

•

Kingdom Gates & Fences

•

Community Housing Opportunities Corp

•

Reaper Disc Supply

•

Enhanced Business Solutions

•

School of Rock Vacaville

•

Erlinda Harris – New York Life Agent

•

Staples B2B Consultant

•

First US Community Credit Union

•

T Mobile

•

Happy Home Montessori

•

Taurus Electrical Services

•

Hella Hemps Health & Wellness

•

The Dog Stop

•

Kelly The Clown & Friends

•

UpKept

•

Kim Whittaker, Realtor

•

Young Artists Conservatory of Music

We salute Team Travis and all that they do for our community and the world!

Ask the Vacaville Chamber how you can join TRAFC and support the men, women & families of Travis AFB!

Business Comments Summer 2023

17

GUEST COLUMN Public Trust in Business Positions policies that allow businesses to start and Chambers to Build Policy Bridges in grow, developing a skilled workforce, and Polarized World 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 findings 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.

The overall findings are eye-opening; respondents expressed a continued slide in Nick Ortiz their faith in institutions, with one notable exception. Business was the one area where the public’s trust continues to be above Most often, chambers find themselves at water. And while CEOs in general garnered the crossroads of community and industry, lower trust scores, respondents did trust their at a time when representing the interests company’s CEO. of business is challenging, especially in the Western United States. The business community can have an at-times adversarial Chamber Role relationship with government, earning the This dichotomy — regulators and “bad guy” moniker from public officials. legislators thinking that business is somehow 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.

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: The policy aims of the business community thriving communities are built on foundations are generally nonpartisan — supporting of strong and successful businesses.

18

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

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.

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

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!

for repairing and strengthening the social fabric.

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 Though business was the most trusted, to their ideological “camp,” thus furthering there is a recognition amongst the partisanship and division. respondents that business cannot achieve We’re seeing that now with boycotts societal goals and policy improvements and backlash aimed at particular brands without the government. Respondents for engaging in social causes. Interestingly, identified a government-business partnership the survey found that brands that celebrate as the pairing most likely to achieve positive what binds us or brings us together are a action across a range of issues. key mechanism in the eyes of respondents

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 Caution cover to work together in these divided While Edelman’s findings are heartening times. Our communities will depend on to the business community, they also come our success. with a dose of caution. As the institution Column provided by and reprinted with with the highest level of trust, the business permission from Nick Ortiz, President and community also is subject to the highest expectations. Respondents expressed a CEO of W.A.C.E. and Vice President of desire for businesses and CEOs to engage local chamber relations at the California on societal issues, including climate change, Chamber. economic inequality and employee issues.

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

Business Comments Summer 2023

19

Medical Trip Concierge Service Now Expanded To Include Solano County Veterans

GoGo Grandparent Medical trips within Solano County are subsidized* by 60% for residents who are age 60 & older or are Veterans.**

Expanded program now includes: •Trips to Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Martinez & 2 other Contra Costa locations • Up to 20 rides per individual, per month •Pharmacy & other Essential Trips

Call the Solano Mobility Call Center to register and for the latest program information

* Subsidized by 80% for low income individuals ** All riders must be able to enter and exit vehicle independently

SolanoMobility Mobility Call Call Center Center Solano

Let HelpYou YouGet GetAround AroundSolano Solano County County Let UsUsHelp And Beyond!

And Beyond!

­

20

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce