Business Comments- Winter 2022

Visit our website or scan to find out more about the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce!

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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.

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

2022-23 Board of Directors Executive Committee

Healthy Business. Healthy Community.

411 Davis Street, Suite 101 Vacaville CA 95688 Tel 707.448.6424 www.vacavillechamber.com

Debbie Egidio President/CEO Debbie@VacavilleChamber.com

Noelle Buckband Digital Communications Manager Noelle@VacavilleChamber.com

Ralph Berumen Business Development Manager Ralph@VacavilleChamber.com

Rakelle Broadley Office Manager Rakelle@VacavilleChamber.com

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

Chamber Comments is a publication of The Reporter.

To advertise in future issues, call 707-448-6401.

Directors

Cover photo courtesy of Travis Air Force Base.

Jason Case Case Electric Inc.

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE SPONSORS Titanium

Rosa Gracida Pacifica Senior Living Jennifer House Business Development Professional Ken Imah Minuteman Press Vacaville Todd Lowell Reynolds Law, LLP Scott Pardini Recology Vacaville Solano

Platinum Genentech, The Reporter Gold City of Vacaville, First Northern Bank, Knitter & Knitter LLP, Attorneys at Law, McDonald's Restaurants, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, North Bay Distribution, Inc., Pacific Gas & Electric Co., Placer Title Company, Reynolds Law, LLP, Sunrise Banquet Hall & Event Center, Sutter Health, Western Health Advantage

Toni Parkhurst Budget Blinds of Fairfield and Vacaville Lisa Smith Kaiser Permanente Liz Wentworth-Kelly Genentech Kim Whittaker Young Professionals of Solano

Business Comments Winter 2022

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FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO

I

t’s almost the new year (or already is depending on when you’re reading this) which for me means a time to cultivate new opportunities and embark on new adventures. This mindset of embracing change and willingness to try new things is one that I work to promote at the Vacaville Chamber. In order to reap big rewards, we must be willing to try bold, new activities. And the Chamber definitely has a few of those planned for 2023!

The first new opportunity we are pursuing this year is The Perfect Match membership event scheduled for February 14-16, 2023. We are working with a company called Your Chamber Connection (YCC) to produce three days of team-based, high-paced, and fun competition designed to grow our membership. Chambers across the United States have seen measurable success with YCC’s program which is founded on bringing strong community leaders together to contact who they know, and for those people to contact who they know, and for them to contact businesses in our community who could benefit from Vacaville Chamber membership.

We are really looking forward to this campaign as it isn’t just about membership growth, it’s also about a chance to tell our story to a new audience and generate awareness of our Chamber and the work we do to support businesses and our community. The Perfect Match is the type of event that happens only once every 3-5 years. It was planned for this year with the idea that it would be a mini capital campaign for the Chamber to fund another exciting new venture – the creation of a new brand mark (logo) and development of all the new assets that go along with that. We have kicked off the creative process already and plan to unveil our “new look” in early 2023. Stay tuned!

The other new adventure we are unveiling for 2023 is Lemonade Day Vacaville.

Lemonade Day is a well-established, n a t i o n a l l y branded youth entrepreneurship program that teaches leadership and business skills by encouraging children to launch a lemonade business. Since 2007, more than one million kids have learned about business ownership by participating in Lemonade Day and hosting a lemonade stand in their community.

The impact of a program like Lemonade Day is four-fold: 1) teach financial literacy to kids; 2) promote

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

entrepreneurship, which is key to jumpstarting economic growth; 3) teach kids to be responsible and self-reliant, and to contribute to their community’s development; and 4) foster mentorship and bring families together.

Mentors guide participants through the youth entrepreneurship lessons via the My Lemonade Day app or with workbooks and take participants through the journey of planning, launching, and operating a business.

The valuable lessons of Lemonade Day include setting a goal, making a plan, working the plan, and achieving their dreams. Once a youth pays their investors back, they keep all the money they earn and are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some of their profit.

We are really excited and proud to bring this event to Vacaville as are only the eighth city in the entire state that is creating this opportunity for our youth. One of the greatest things about the program is that anyone and everyone can be involved in Lemonade Day. Young entrepreneurs with lemonade stands need mentors, investors, business partners, great locations, and customers too. Mark your calendars for May 20, 2023 and make plans to be a part of Lemonade Day Vacaville!

Debbie Egidio President/CEO Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

H

appy Holidays and Happy New Year! The Vacaville Chamber of Commerce, its staff and Board of Directors send you warm wishes and hope your 2022 year was fruitful. As we near the year’s end and look towards 2023, we are optimistic that there will be plenty of opportunities for all of us.

My theme for 2023 is RESILIENCY. Oxford Dictionary defines resilience as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” I’ve heard it described as grit.

Whatever the new year has in store, toughness and grit are great qualities for all of us.

Over the past two months, my company has been conducting business planning in preparation for the new year. Our planning takes a look back over the past year and provides a real look at our “wins” and “opportunities.” We are the architect of our lives; we build its foundation and choose its contents. To do this, it takes a great work ethic that translates into consistency with an unwavering perseverance, and a positive, cando mindset. When we do this consistently, it provides a road map for us to follow so that we are aligned with our core values, goals, and objectives. Here are five areas we focused on.

1. We set the stage by acknowledging that we are 100% responsible for our own actions. This one fact often sets the difference for everything else. We need to checkin with ourselves and ask the hard questions of whether or not we are doing what we say we would and are we focusing on what is important to accomplishing our goals or objectives or what is in front of us right now? We need to be deliberate and intentional in our communication with ourselves.

2. Do we have a client-first mentality? Too often we focus on the revenue we receive without focusing on our client’s needs. That’s backwards. If we take care of our clients, the money will often flow. Napoleon Hill said, “It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.”

3. What are we doing to create the life we desire?

For many of us, we have continuing education for the technical side of our business, but how many of us actively work to improve our mindset and positivity? If we listen to social media or the news, we will hear what other people want us to hear. It’s often negative. If we seek the information, we can become more selective in what is ingested in our minds. This year, our company instituted a book club where we have read ten books since March. The result is that we are choosing to broaden our mindset and improve the skills necessary

to grow and scale our business and personal lives. We can do the same with podcasts, meditation/prayer, and visualizations of what achieving our goal or objectives looks like. In our monthly meetings we have begun saying affirmations at the beginning. At first, it felt fake or contrived, but the release of endorphins is real and I always end with a smile. It’s amazing. Try it!

4. I don’t have a crystal ball to tell the future, but we have been preparing for a slow down in the economy. It’s prudent. Twice this year, we have taken a strong look at our expenses, both with our business and in our personal life, and cut out quite a few unnecessary expenses. I highly recommend this as we found many areas that we could save on.

5. In conjunction with cutting out needless expenses, we often have resources that we don’t utilize to their full effect. I recommend leaning on or garnering support from business partners, like the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce and its membership, for advocacy, networking, and education.

I look forward to engaging with each of you in the coming year and I am easily contacted by either phone, text, or email at ed@rogfox.com or 707-685-2472. I’m excited for 2023. I hope your holiday season brings comfort and cheer while also rejuvenating positivity and vibrancy. Happy Holidays!

Business Comments Winter 2022

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

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Business Comments Winter 2022

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

It’s our community caring for yours.

Whether you’re getting in shape or dealing with a health problem, your doctor at Sutter Medical Foundation provides personalized care that fits your life. Plus, we offer mobile access so you can message your care team, schedule appointments and renew prescriptions online.

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Genentech Vacaville Technical Operations

F

ounded in 1976 as the first biotechnology company, Genentech has been pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop innovative medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases for over four decades. Its transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Genentech is a member of the Roche Group and employs more than 13,000 people in the U.S. across five manufacturing and distribution sites in California, Oregon, and Kentucky, including its headquarters in South San Francisco, CA. The company is also one of the largest employers in Vacaville where the Vacaville Technical Operations facility has been producing life-changing medicines for nearly 25 years. The 100-acre site houses two large-scale manufacturing facilities, a warehouse and labs that serve both local and global production operations twenty-four hours a day, three hundred sixty-five days a year as part of Roche’s worldwide manufacturing network.

During the pandemic, Genentech and Roche joined the fight against COVID-19 through the development of diagnostic testing, investigational treatment options and industry partnerships. The Vacaville site provided its capabilities and expertise to another company to accelerate the production of a treatment for people with COVID-19 while continuing to make medicines for cancer, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In 2021, the company produced more than 55 million vials of medicine for patients around the world.

In addition to its pioneering science and leading biologics manufacturing capacity, Genentech believes that diversity of thought, background and experience drives innovation. They partner with organizations throughout the Bay Area and across the country to improve awareness of employment opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultivate an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive as their authentic selves. More than 7,000 employees participate in the company’s 14 Diversity Network Association (DNA) groups, which include African Americans in Biotechnology (established in 1993), Asian Pacific Community, Genentech Women Professionals, gPRIDE and gVETS, to name a few.

Genentech’s commitment to Diversity and Inclusion also extends beyond its walls, and even its industry, to help dismantle systemic racism and strengthen the scientific and medical workforce so it reflects the diversity of the people it serves. Since 2017, Genentech and Genentech Foundation have invested nearly $160 million in equity-focused

giving alone, supporting efforts that tackle disparities in the healthcare and education systems, advance diversity in STEM, and support the needs of people of color and underserved communities.

Giving back has been core to Genentech’s culture since its founding, and the Vacaville site has been an active contributor in Solano County and beyond, supporting surrounding communities through corporate charitable giving, employee volunteerism and philanthropic programs like Genentech Goes to Town, which was implemented in partnership with the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce in 1998 to encourage employees to visit local merchants in Vacaville and “shop and eat small” for two weeks every Fall.

Among the many local partnerships Vacaville Technical Operations has worked to foster, the impact of funding and volunteerism with The Leaven and The Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club are examples that have been significant for the community and employees throughout the years.

As an environmental steward, Genentech has set ambitious sustainability goals to reduce its global environmental footprint 50% by 2029 and achieve true zero emissions by 2050. The Vacaville site controls and monitors its impact to air quality, stormwater, effluent wastewater, substances that could affect the climate, and hazardous waste generation. The site boasts one of the largest onsite solar installations in California, which allows it to generate significant renewable energy for its operations.

Genentech believes that making medicines is just one way they can make a difference, and its employees are passionate about applying their skills, time, and resources to positively impact their communities and the patients they serve.

Business Comments Winter 2022

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Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee (TRAFC)

W

hile many long-time residents of Solano County are familiar with the Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee (also known as TRAFC), I am regularly reminded that the vast majority of the residents and business owners in the communities surrounding Travis Air Force Base (AFB) are not familiar with this regional community group and what TRAFC is all about.

TRAFC History TRAFC was formed in 1997 from multiple separate military support groups in Solano County that previously had been operating independently to support the military and Travis AFB. A small group from these separate organizations came together to combine forces and create TRAFC. This provided a unified voice and single community group for the Travis AFB leadership to engage with when there was an opportunity for community support of base activities. TRAFC’s founding leadership included: Mr. Don Erickson, USAF (Ret) DDS, Mayor of Dixon and first TRAFC Chairman Mr. George Tucker, USAF Command CMSgt (Ret) Mr. Philip Velez, USA MSG (Ret) Mr. E.K. Loving, USAF Lt Col (Ret), Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Mr. Gene Kraft, USN (Ret), Vacaville Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Over the past 25 years as an affiliate committee of the Vacaville and Fairfield-Suisun Chambers of Commerce, TRAFC has remained dedicated to supporting and protecting Travis AFB. TRAFC Chairmanship has been held by multiple prominent leaders of our community to include mayors, business leaders, retired senior Air Force officers, and retired Air Force enlisted leaders. TRAFC membership and impact has grown with involvement of business members from all the Chambers of Commerce of Solano County, civic leaders, local, state, and federal elected officials, and other community partners all seeking to better understand their role in supporting Travis AFB. For many years, TRAFC has championed base activities and support for operations to include a community welcome for new Air Force leadership, charitable fundraising, base conducted humanitarian relief operations, base-wide morale functions, financial education sessions, military family activities, recognition of Air Force outstanding performers, contracting “how to” forums for local business opportunities at Travis AFB, Air Force anniversary celebrations, and supporting Travis AFB’s biennial Open House and Airshow.

TRAFC Mission To enhance, support, and inspire the Quality of Life of the men, women, and families serving at Travis Air Force Base.

While the TRAFC mission focuses on programs, activities and events that support the quality of life of servicemembers and their families, it should not be lost that in 2022 Travis AFB had an annual economic impact of approximately $2.6 Billion and remains the region’s largest single employer. Therefore, being a member of TRAFC also has the business benefit of better understanding base operations, needs of the Air Force and civilian workforce, and opportunities to enhance visibility of TRAFC member business services.

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

TRAFC’s support of the base also includes a focus on community health. In recent years, the Department of Defense references “community health” around major military installations in terms of quality and access to the following five elements: healthcare, education systems, affordable housing, childcare, and spousal employment. Many other factors are also considered such as base encroachment and utility infrastructure, but as the majority of military members assigned to Travis AFB live offbase in the communities surrounding the base, the community’s health in these five quality of life areas is largely in the hands of community leaders. In the past, when the Air Force decided to close military bases and shift missions to downsize locations, these five factors played a major role in those decisions. Therefore, TRAFC’s advocacy to support these community health elements is critical to preserving and protecting Travis AFB. TRAFC’s sister organization, the Travis Community Consortium (TCC), is our region’s frontline advocacy group working directly with elected officials and legislators at all levels to address many of these same issues and more to preserve, protect and enhance Travis AFB. As a retired Air Force member with over 30 years of service, I continue to have great pride in supporting Airmen and their families and see this community’s great support of Travis AFB every day.

And while I know the base is a significant economic benefit to our region, a calling to join TRAFC is equally about community pride in supporting and protecting our national defense and the Air Force mission executed at Travis AFB. TRAFC gives you and your business an opportunity to show your appreciation to the men and women serving to defend our freedoms.

So, if TRAFC sounds like an organization you might be interested in joining, contact the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce or come to a meeting as a guest to check us out. Our monthly TRAFC meetings are typically on the third Monday of each month at noon unless there’s a conflicting holiday. Some meetings are held on base where you’ll need to coordinate your attendance and base access, and other meetings are off base in the community. At our meetings we usually have lunch, receive quarterly updates and briefings from Travis AFB senior leadership, address issues impacting military personnel, and often coordinate special social activities.

Join TRAFC today! All Solano County Chamber of Commerce members are eligible to join with an annual membership fee of $150.00. Travis AFB Honorary Commanders, Honorary Commander Alumni, and Military Veterans are also eligible to join with an annual membership of $150.00. If you are not a Chamber member, the cost is $300 a year.

The author, Chief Master Sergeant (retired) John Evalle, is Chairman of TRAFC and Travis Credit Union’s Military Affairs Officer

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AMBASSADOR PROFILE Name: Cheryl Bovee Business: Solano Mortgage Job Title: Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator Where did you grow up and/or go to school?

I grew up in Indiana and went to college at Purdue University where I met my husband, Mike.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy playing tennis and plan on trying Pickleball soon. I love finally getting back to traveling again and exploring new places and enjoying a glass of wine with friends!

How long have you been an Ambassador? I’m not really sure, but probably about 14 years.

Why do you volunteer? I love being connected to the community, meeting and working with new people.

There is such a great network of amazing people that share a common goal of helping our community grow and prosper.

What’s your favorite Ambassador memory? I think having the opportunity to attend some of the Chamber of Commerce Rallies with other chambers has been a

highlight. Meeting people from other areas and learning so much always stand out as great memories.

What would others be surprised to learn about you? I have had a variety of jobs during my life, including teaching, and debt collection, but the most unique has probably been my time as a Keno Runner in Reno.

What are some of your favorite things about Vacaville? It is a great community with a small-town feel. Living in Northern California allows us some spectacular opportunities…visit the city and enjoy the culture, go boating at the lake, spend time at the beach, or take in the beauty of Lake Tahoe and the mountains, but Vacaville has so much to offer right here from the downtown holiday event to the summer music series events. I am proud to call Vacaville my hometown!

Lemonade Day teaches youth how to start, own, and operate their very own business...a lemonade stand!

Kids learn about creating their own success when they learn to set a goal, make a plan, work the plan, and achieve their dreams.

By sparking entrepreneurship, we prepare today's youth to become the business and community leaders of tomorrow.

Lemonade Day Vacaville is May 20, 2023!

Learn more at Lemonade Day.org/Vacaville

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

MIXER PHOTOS

OCTOBER 6 AT LAINEY’S FURNITURE

NOVEMBER 3 AT SOLANO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Business Comments Winter 2022

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MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY We are so very thankful for the more than 415 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!

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

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Business Comments Winter 2022

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

BOARD OF DIRECTORS'

A Few of my Favorite Things...

Stephanie Tarter, Vice Chairman - Membership Kaiser Permanente My favorite things for the holidays…Favorite movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas;” Favorite food, my grandmother’s sour cream twist rolls; Favorite drink, Coquito; Favorite activity, making and decorating holiday cookies with the whole family; Favorite childhood gift, a bike with a banana seat. Most importantly, my favorite thing to do over the holidays is spend time with family and friends.

Rosa Gracida, Director Pacifica Senior Living Holiday season is my favorite time of the year because I have such wonderful memories of my childhood holiday parties with my family as we used to sit around a big table to prepare our favorite food and of course the games, conversations, and joy of having a full house. Please continue to build memories that will last a life time!

Ken Imah, Director Minuteman Press Vacaville The holidays are upon us and I am not a big holiday person, but I like to celebrate Christmas with my family and a few friends. My family migrated originally from Africa and traditionally, we view Christmas season as a time for re-union and re-affirmation of family and friendship. I get to see and be with my larger family. I enjoy cooking and eating everything on the menu. I like to cook Jellof (African-style stewed rice with mixed seasonings), and hanging out with the family. Also, I like the joy that comes from helping others, particularly the needy around this time of the year.

Scott Pardini, Director Recology Vacaville Solano I really enjoy the process of Downtown getting decorated for the Holidays…..the tree and trimmings, storefronts getting painted and the lighting of the Christmas Tree and all of the festivities for Merriment on Main.

Personally, I start decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Usually kicking the season off by watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. My house tends to look a lot like Clark Griswold’s…a lot of “Italian Twinkling Lights”. We also love to take walks and look at all of the decorations and lights on Candycane Lane and Lollipop Lane. My family also likes to look through social media to find the other spots around town that have great decorations…we usually go out for a drive after dinner to look at the decorations.

Business Comments Winter 2022

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS'

A Few of my Favorite Things...

Toni Parkhurst, Director Budget Blinds of Fairfield and Vacaville When my kids were small I could hardly keep their gifts a secret! I would always ask them "Do you want me to at least tell you one of the things I got you?" I was the worst! Now as adults my daughter still wants to know at least one of my gifts to her....my son says absolutely not! I'm the biggest kid of us all when it comes to Christmas.

Lisa Smith, Director Kaiser Permanente Christmas is my favorite holiday. We always have lights up the day after Thanksgiving and I enjoy baking and sharing Christmas Cookies. I’m always on the hunt for a new recipe.

Liz Wentworth-Kelly, Director Genentech Favorite holiday movies - A Christmas Story and Elf; Favorite holiday activity - housebound is making cookies, outside is skiing; Best Christmas Gift as a Kid - The year I got a 10-speed bike AND a cassette player (boombox) when I was 12. Both were an actual surprise. My parents hid them at a neighbor’s house because I was notorious (still am) for looking for and finding gifts. I've actually unwrapped and rewrapped presents, done extensive internet searches, etc., all to not be surprised.

Kim Whittaker, Director/YPS President Rapisarda Real Estate My favorite holiday traditions are eating delicious, homemade gumbo with the family on Christmas Eve and waking the kids up to the smell of warm Cinnamon Rolls on Christmas morning. Then, once all of the presents are unwrapped, having a fun and friendly game of throwing the balled up wrapping paper at each other!

Todd Lowell, Director Reynolds Law, LLP Favorite things about Christmas: Having my grown daughters home with their families is all I ask for Christmas. I delight in our family time together, even if it's just once a year. Holiday movie: Die Hard - What a Christmas Eve work party! We'll have a prime rib feast and a long raucous dinner on Christmas Eve. Oh, the joy!!

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

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

Jennifer House, Director Business Development Professional

Jason Case, Director Case Electric Inc.

Business Comments Winter 2022

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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.**

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

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce