October, 2014 - Tracy Chamber of Commerce

Vol. 14, Issue 10
OCTOBER 2014
CEO Message
2
City /Downtown News
3
Bulldog Project
4
Member Spotlights
4&6
New Members
5
Professional Services
7
Calendar
8
“Creating A Communit Where Business Thrives” Apollo CPR
APOLLO
CPRTraining
TRAINING
Ribbon Cutting
European Pacific/American
Gateways
Travel Ribbon Cutting
www.tracychamber.org
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY MIXER
Chevron ExtraMile
Ribbon Cutting
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
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
www.tracychamber.org
What’s Happening
What’s Happening
in your



City...
in your
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.
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.
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For more information about Downtown Tracy, visit www.tracycitycenter.com
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!
www.tracychamber.org
Tracy High School
Bulldog Project
In Partnership with
Tracy Crime Stoppers, Inc.
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.
Singh Dental Center Special Offer
for Chamber Members
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.
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 Crime Stoppers hosted the Chamber’s
September Networking where the Bulldog
Project was invited to share their story.
www.tracychamber.org
Recent Ribbon Cuttings:
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
Villalovoz Child Development Center
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
The Grant Bar & Lounge
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
Journey Christian Church
www.tracychamber.org
Vista Solar Offers Significant
Savings to Businesses
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.
Renewing
Members:
Under 5 Years:
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.
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 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
October Meetings
10/07
10/07
10/10
10/22
& 10/21 12:30PM Hispanic Group El Tapatio
8:30AM Ambassadors at Chamber
12PM Starting Your Own Business at Chamber
4PM Board Meeting at Chamber
October Events
10/11
10/14
10/16
10/23
10/24
3PM Cruise for a Cause Downtown Tracy
8AM Coffee by Custom Cuts Construction
4PM Ribbon Cutting Summit Funding
5PM Mixer at Great Plate Bar & Grill
11:30AM Hire Me First Kick Off Luncheon
at Tracy Community Center
November Meetings
11/04
11/04
11/13
11/12
& 11/18 12:30PM Hispanic Group El Tapatio
9:30AM Ambassadors at Chamber
12PM Starting Your Own Business at Chamber
4PM Board Meeting at Chamber
November Events
11/04 8AM Coffee by City of Tracy at City Hall
11/13 5PM Mixer by TBD
www.tracychamber.org
www.tracychamber.org
www.tracychamber.org