www.tracychamber.org

 

OCTOBER 2014

CEO Message 2

City /Downtown News 3

Bulldog Project 4

Member Spotlights 4 & 6

New Members 5

Professional Services 7

Calendar 8

Vol. 14, Issue 10

“Creating A Communit  Where Business Thrives” 

APOLLO CPR TRAINING KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY MIXER Apollo CPR Training Ribbon Cutting

European Pacific/American Gateways Travel Ribbon Cutting Chevron ExtraMile

Ribbon Cutting

www.tracychamber.org

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Chair: Mike Donaghy, West Valley Mall

Lisa Aguilera, Keller Williams Realty

Dan Ball, McLane

Larry Benson, Nationwide Insurance

Sheri Facciolla, Patriot Pest Management

Bill Fields, Surtec Systems, Inc.

Will Fleet, Tracy Press

Dr. Brian Stephens, Tracy Unified School District

Bruce George, Thrivent Financial

Daniel Greene, Bank of the West

Dana Cooper, PG&E

Cliff Hudson, Fresh Coat Painters

Nolan O’Brien, Lawrence Livermore Lab

Robin Lopez, Taylor Farms Pacific

Scott McFarland, Journey Christian Church

Doshia Myrick, Fairfield Inn Tracy

Al Santa Catalina, Buffalo Wild Wings

Tammy Shaff, Sutter Tracy Hospital

Chad Wood, Willbanks & Wood PLC

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS

Lisa Aguilera, Keller Williams Realty

Julie Andrade, Andrade Chiropractic

Karen Aranda, Altamont Mechanical Heating/Air

Gemaine Clark

Dave Garcia, Dave Garcia Designs

Bruce George, Thrivent Financial

Virna Hudson, Fresh Coat Painters

Ray Lopez, Keller Williams Realty

Conrad Levoit, Levoit Advance Protective Services

Carol Newman, Surtec Systems, Inc.

Brian Schilling, Zero BS Marketing

Lon Swanson, Journey Christian Church

CHAMBER STAFF Sofia Valenzuela, President svalenzuela@tracychamber.org

Maria Valenzuela, Membership/Event Services mvalenzuela@tracychamber.org

Robin Paloma, Events Assistant events@tracychamber.org

Alyssa Mupo, Hire Me First Program Coordinator hiremefirst@tracychamber.org

Carol Neely, Receptionist

A Message from the

Chamber CEO... The Chamber has been actively coordinating the Hire Me First Internship Program with the Tracy Unified School District for over 6 years. Hire Me First is a workforce development training program for students ages 16-18 to promote youth employability through increased employment opportunities, internships, mock interviews and job readiness workshops. If you have a student between

the ages of 16-18 who attends any of the high schools in Tracy, they are missing out on a great opportunity if they are not enrolled in the Hire Me First Program. Hire Me First can facilitate workshops to teach students about work ethics, and employer expectations. The program also connects students with employers to facilitate internships that may result into part time or summer employment. The Chamber annually hosts a Hire Me First Kick Off Luncheon to bring the business community up to speed on the program’s activities and accomplishments. Our goal is to create more internship opportunities for students by involving more businesses in the program. On Friday, October 24th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the Chamber will be hosting the next Hire Me First Kick Off Luncheon and I would like to invite you to be our special guest, particularly if you have never heard about the program. If you are a current Hire Me First employer, please join us as well so we can thank you for your support of this great program. In the last school year, the Hire Me First Program influenced 996 student’s futures by holding job readiness workshops and mock interviews at every high school in Tracy. Tracy businesses supported the internships of over 200 students this past year which resulted in a great hands on career experience with valuable lessons. Why is it important to support Hire Me First? Our students are the future. As business leaders, we have the opportunity to play an active role in their professional development and work ethic by offering an internship at our businesses. The Chamber has had over 6 interns in the past 3 years and we will continue to offer the opportunity because we see the value in serving as a mentor and teacher to these students. Not only are the students benefitting, businesses are also experiencing a fresh and energetic perspective from these sharp students who are interested in developing their work skills today and not tomorrow when they find a job. I hope you will consider joining us at the Hire Me First Kick Off Luncheon Friday, October 24th. If you would like to be added to the event guest list, please email Alysa Mupo at hiremefirst@tracychamber.org . -Sofia Valenzuela, CEO Tracy Chamber of Commerce

www.tracychamber.org

What’s Happening

in your City... Economic Development: El Pollo Loco has an executed letter of intent to develop on the City-owned property adjacent to Texas Roadhouse. Pink Turtle, an ice cream sandwich shop will open in the Little Ceasars’ shopping center on 11th St. I Live for Desserts submitted plans

for a downtown location between the Grand Theatre and the Fire Administration Building.

Ono Hawaiian BBQ submitted plans for a new restaurant in I-205 Home Depot shopping area.

City Council approved an exclusive negotiating rights agreement with downtown property owner Andy Zarakani for development of the Westside Market building. Andy has viable tenants interested in the site and will pursue negotiations.

This year 554 residential units have been allocated to a total of 6 projects. This is a marked increase over the 68 permits in 2013 and 18 in 2012.

For more information about the City of Tracy visit www.ci.tracy.ca.us

Elite Ambassador: of the month:

Lon Swanson

Journey Christian Church

Thank you for your

continuous support to the

Chamber and its members!

What’s Happening

in your Downtown... The City of Tracy sponsored Girl’s Night Out Witches & Broomsticks event will be held at the Downtown Plaza (6th & Central) on Friday, October 24th from 6PM-10PM. This event is a sell out. Tickets can be purchased at www.atthegrand.org. For more

information about the event, call 209-831-6200. Bring your little ghosts and goblins to celebrate

Halloween in Downtown Tracy on Saturday, October 25th for trick-or-treating at 3PM followed by a costume parade at 4PM.

The Law Office of Sydney Alegre has completed their renovations and opened at 1015 Central Avenue.

The Downtown Farmers Market continues each Saturday from 8AM-1PM through November 27th.

This month’s Third Friday falls on October 17th. Several downtown businesses will remain open until 9PM.

For more information about Downtown Tracy, visit www.tracycitycenter.com

www.tracychamber.org

It started out as a basic “Car Wash” Fundraiser in September 2013. Jeff Takahashi, was a Senior and made a “Wish List” which included a new scoreboard for the gym, raising Tracy High School Spirit at Home Games and reaching out to Middle Schools by having “Real Talk” presentations by THS students about Anti-Bullying and Anti-Violence. After recruiting some THS student and community leaders, like the President of Tracy Crime Stoppers – Marshall Rose, City Councilman and Sergeant of CHP – Bob Rickman, and THS Athletic Director – Gary Henderson, the club EXPLODED! Seeing the great need for students to be able to report bullying and violence ANONYMOUSLY, the Bulldog Project partnered up with Tracy Crime Stoppers. The Bulldog Project serves as the Signature Model for TUSD “Student Speaking OUT” program, with membership of 160. Their goals are to serve as role models and talk to Middle School students about how to be successful in High School and “Doing the Right Thing”! They get involved with other Tracy Civic Organizations to help spread the word and encourage their club members to become leaders by serving in local community activities. The Bulldog Project has thankfully raised over $45,000, because of the tremendous support from local businesses and individuals. Sponsorships are available through Football Stadium signs, and Gymnasium Banner signs and individual donations. For more information, contact Kathy Takahashi (209) 481-5960 or Germaine Clark (209) 836-2439.

Tracy High School Bulldog Project

In Partnership with Tracy Crime Stoppers, Inc. In the midst of Tracy’s bustling shopping district, Dr. Singh has

been providing the finest dentistry to families of the Central Valley area.

Warm, inviting and focused on the needs of her patients Dr. Singh and her staff undertake every effort to make sure that her patients, especially those who are fearful of the dentist, are comfortable and well-cared for. This commitment to customer service will be apparent each time you visit our office.

Her practice is welcoming, modern and state-of-the-art and utilizes the most current technology such as Laser and Invisalign to

consistently deliver an exceptional patient experience. We now have the capacity to offer almost all services in office such as: family dental care, smile makeovers, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, dentures and partials. This allows you to avoid the hassle of having to visit multiple practices and specialists as well as saves you time and money and allows you to be treated by the dentist you know and trust. With convenient hours and available for any emergency, come for a free exam with Dr. Singh and see what a difference attention to detail can make. Singh Dental Center is offering FREE Teeth Whitening Trays custom fit to your teeth with a 3 month supply of bleach! Included with your paid new patient exam, x-rays & cleaning (insurance may cover), to Tracy Chamber of Commerce members. Call us TODAY to set up your appointment, 209-833-0020.

Singh Dental Center Special Offer for Chamber Members

Tracy Crime Stoppers hosted the Chamber’s September Networking where the Bulldog

Project was invited to share their story.

www.tracychamber.org

Welcome to the Chamber New

Members! Berberian European Motors

3755 West Lane, Stockton, CA 209-944-5511

Brian Martucci *Automobile - Dealers

George Booth - Keller Williams Realty

2311-A N. Tracy Blvd, Tracy, CA 209-229-5640 George Booth

*Real Estate

The Grant Bar & Lounge 2706 Pavilion Parkway, Tracy, CA

209-221-8977 Dennis Miller *Bar & Lounge

Money Hungry

672 W. 11th Street Ste#220, Tracy, CA 209-831-9795

Monica Smythe *Consumer Finance/Lending

Mountain’s Hope Community Worship

213 W. 11th Street, Tracy, CA 209-831-2940

Apostle Cynthia L. Chess *Religious Organization

Omar Ziad - State Farm

1486 W. 11th Street, Tracy, CA 209-835-1400

Omar Ziad *Insurance

United Site Services

243 Hosmer Ave, Modesto, CA 209-544-0104 Bruce Frank *Site Services

USA Trophies

Tracy, CA 209-839-1785 Ken Pollett

*Awards, Trophies & Screen Printing

Veronica Vargas for Tracy City Council Tracy, CA

209-595-9818 Veronica Vargas

*Political Campaign Committee

Recent Ribbon Cuttings:

Villalovoz Child Development Center

The Grant Bar & Lounge

Journey Christian Church

www.tracychamber.org

Vista Solar Offers Significant Savings to Businesses

BUSINESS QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

   “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly and get on with improving other innovations” - Steve Jobs  

As the price of electricity continues to rise, Vista Solar is helping businesses offset their energy costs and generate income for other key business investments. “Going solar doesn’t have to include a significant capital investment,” says Spencer Wells, Sales Manager for Vista Solar. “The majority of our clients start saving money with solar while never making a single capital outlay.”

In a new video series from Vista Solar, owners of several California companies

discuss the significant financial savings their solar systems have produced after 1-2 years in operation. “Our bills went from $6,000 per month to $50 per month,” said Andre Weiglein, owner of AER Worldwide, an electronic recycling firm based in Fremont, Calif.

“We’ve seen immediate savings, but more importantly, we’re going to see long-term savings that are going to be life-changing for our company,” said Gavin Frase, president of Kortick Manufacturing, a pole line hardware manufacturer. “Our energy bill has plummeted about 95 percent in the last two years and we’ve recovered almost 100 percent of our energy costs,” said Susan Karl, president of Annabelle Candy, makers of Big Hunk and Abba Zaba. Karl’s company is saving more than $130,000 annually from their 438-kilowatt SunPower solar system.

View the video series at www.vista-solar.com. Call Spencer Wells to request a free energy assessment for your business 408-844-7153.

Member Spotlight… Apollo CPR Training

Apollo CPR Training was established in 2013 by owner CoriLyn Francis and her husband Jay with one goal in mind, to help save lives. They have established a mobile training service for all individual and corporate needs.

These affordable and convenient trainings allow you to be trained at your site of choice. Employers, groups and individuals are encouraged to contact Apollo to obtain important and often state or federally required certifications. Apollo is spreading the news; Greater than 80% of all sudden cardiac events are happening within the home. In addition, when you look at Tracy’s geography it includes a large population of swimming pools and river activities, it makes sense to become CPR trained. “We need to educate our community how simple these lifesaving skills can be”. Apollo is passionate about making a difference in our community and look forward to helping you learn these techniques in a personal and comfortable setting. 10% of all profits will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Trainings offered include; CPR/AED, Basic First Aid, Bloodborne pathogens, Child and Babysitting Safety. Call 209-207-6979 or visit their website at apollocprtraining.com.

Renewing Members:

Under 5 Years: Community Center for the Blind

Janet McMahon - Keller Williams Realty Nana Olie’s Panaderia

Stars Casino Tracy Rotary Club

Tracy SDA Elementary School K-8

5-10 Years: Altamont Insurance Brokers, Inc.

I. J. Larsen Pumps, Inc. Nationwide Insurance - Charles Manne Agency

Property Plus Solutions, Inc. Raley’s Fresh Market

Tracy Mazda Tracy Sunrise Rotary Club

Tracy Performing Arts Foundation Trinity Productions

Your Girl Friday, LLC

11-20 Years: AAA, NCNU

American Cancer Society Creative Clowning by Sparkles & Ravioli

Realty World Millennium

www.tracychamber.org

Tracy Chamber Professional Services Listing OCTOBER 2014

AUTOMOBILE - REPAIRS & SERVICE D & M Automotive………..………...…..209-879-9345

BANKS Bank of Stockton………………...……..209-820-2000

BAR & LOUNGE MJ’s Bar & Lounge LLC……………..…209-831-9948

BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL Account Masters Bookkeeping……....209-836-4961

DENTISTRY Shailaja Singh, DDS…………………….209-833-0020 ENTERTAINMENT Creative Clowning Sparkles & Ravioli …………………………………………......209-835-8383

FARMERS MARKET ASSOCIATION Stockton Certified Farmers Market ……………………………………..……...209-943-1830

GRAPHIC DESIGN Dave Garcia Designs…………….….…209-200-3283

GROCERY STORES Grocery Outlet of Tracy………………209-836-2182

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Altamont Mechanical Heating & Air ………………………………………….....209-346-2422

INSPECTIONS/SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION All Aspect Inspections…………………………………. www.allaspectinspections.com

INSURANCE SERVICES Life, Home, Auto, Business, Workers Comp, Motorcycle, Boat

Larry Benson Nationwide Insurance ………………………..……...……...…...209-229-1096

MORTGAGE LENDING Pamela Dew-Diversified Capital Funding …………………………………………..209-833-3338

MOBILE FOOD TRUCK El Toro Food………………...……..…530-953-6614

MOVING & STORAGE COMPANY Greater Bay Relocation Services, North American Van Lines ………………209-830-4435

NON-PROFIT Manteca CPR Classes………………209-817-8464 PET GROOMING Pampered Pet Grooming & Spa….209-833-7600 REAL ESTATE California Advantage Real Estate..209-836-3300 Lisa Aguilera—Keller Williams…...209-814-8256 Ray Lopez - Keller Williams….…...209-914-8010

SHOPPING - RETAIL West Valley Mall Community Room Rental ……………………………..……209-836-4091 x108

SOLAR SALES Verengo Solar……………....…..……209-814-6156

SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE AFLAC…………………….……...……209-323-4183

TERMITE & PEST CONTROL SERVICES Take Care Termite & Pest Control ……………………...............................209-832-7300

WATER WELL PUMP CONTRACTOR Commercial, Domestic, Irrigation, 24 Hr. I. J. Larsen Pumps, Inc……………209-529-2020

WEBSITE HOSTING & DESIGN Nnvent…………………………….....888-408-2515  

 

Your company can be listed here for just $100 per year. Call 209-835-2131

www.tracychamber.org

November Meetings 11/04 & 11/18 12:30PM Hispanic Group El Tapatio 11/04 9:30AM Ambassadors at Chamber 11/13 12PM Starting Your Own Business at Chamber11/12 4PM Board Meeting at Chamber

November Events 11/04 8AM Coffee by City of Tracy at City Hall 11/13 5PM Mixer by TBD

October Meetings 10/07 & 10/21 12:30PM Hispanic Group El Tapatio 10/07 8:30AM Ambassadors at Chamber 10/10 12PM Starting Your Own Business at Chamber 10/22 4PM Board Meeting at Chamber

October Events 10/11 3PM Cruise for a Cause Downtown Tracy 10/14 8AM Coffee by Custom Cuts Construction 10/16 4PM Ribbon Cutting Summit Funding 10/23 5PM Mixer at Great Plate Bar & Grill 10/24 11:30AM Hire Me First Kick Off Luncheon at Tracy Community Center

www.tracychamber.org

www.tracychamber.org