2013 Annual Report

4 . Message from CEO/President & Chairman of the Board

5. Mission, Vision, Purpose, Chamber Champions

6. Board of Directors & Staff

7. Membership

8. Communication & Publications

9. Ambassadors

10. Framing Hope

11. Leadership Turlock & Economic Trends Breakfast

12. Agriculture Committee

13. Government Relations

14. Turlock Action for Business PAC & Eggs and Issues Breakfast

15. Events

16. Turlock Convention and Visitor Bureau

17. Turlock Film Commission

18. Chamber Members

2013 was a very exciting year for the Turlock Chamber of

Commerce. Once again the Turlock Chamber has been recognized

as one of the top 10 Chambers in the state and received, for the 5th

year in a row, the Cal Chamber’s Presidents Award.

The Alliance Work Force moved their SBD Department into the Chamber giving Turlock

services locally. The Film Commission, which is under the Foundation, landed its first

major film project. Our partnerships with the City of Turlock and California State

University Stanislaus have given us the opportunity to be an active participant in the

Mayor’s Economic Development Task Force; the Development Collaborative Committee

(DCAC), which works with City staff on streamline the process of doing business in

Turlock; President Dr. Joe Shely’s Advisory Committee for California State University,

Stanislaus; and the Business Advisory Board for the School of Business.

The Government Relations Committee, under the leadership of Mike Lynch, had a number

of outstanding speakers on the key challenges and issues facing Turlock. Topics ranged

from the financial health of three of the largest local public employee pension funds to

water issues facing the Turlock area. The goal of these meetings was to inform the business

community and policy makers for the economic interest of local businesses.

In 2013 the Chamber moved forward with the Prosperity 2 program known as P2 to

support the political action efforts of the Chamber. The Turlock Chamber website was

redesigned and updated to assist in keeping our members informed and making it easier to

do business with the Chamber.

The Chamber has set four major goals for 2014: (1) Economic Development; (2) Political

Action (having a voice in political matters that effect Business, from elected officials to

measures and ballots); (3) continuing Education; and (4) Membership Development.

The Turlock Chamber has been fortunate to have outstanding leadership with the Board

and Chairs over the past years, and this year was no exception. 2013 Chairman Dr. Mike

Romeo was always there providing support and guidance to the Chamber’s staff. It is an

honor to work with a Board of Directors who have vision and commitment for Economic

Development and to the Businesses of Turlock.

I look forward to working with the 2014 Board of Directors and Board Chair, Andrew

Wigglesworth, CEO of MedicAlert. It is a privilege to work with a team who wants to

insure that the Chamber of Commerce becomes better at providing services to assist

Turlock Businesses and to work with our partners, the City of Turlock, California State

University Stanislaus, and the Alliance Workforce.

Turlock is an amazing city and a great place to raise a family and run a

business. The community has skilled and effective leadership which has

led to an outstanding quality of life and the ability to shop, learn, work, and

play, close to home.

This past year Turlock has been blessed with new business development, growth of existing

businesses, and job creation. A few of the notable examples of the progress our town is

making:

1. City of Turlock opened its new Public Safety Facility.

2. Emanuel Medical Center completed their cardiac cath and interventional lab.

3. Blue Diamond Grower’s production facility is now up and running.

4. SDLG & Volvo Construction opened a location in Turlock.

5. Wal-Mart Market opened in Turlock.

6. Monte Vista Crossings announced a massive expansion of businesses and services.

7. Film Commission filmed their first movie in Turlock.

8. The development of Healthy Turlock wellness program.

This past year has also been very exciting for California State University, Stanislaus. Dr. Joseph

Sheley was officially sworn in as CSU Stanislaus’ president. He has done a magnificent job at

facilitating local and regional partnerships. He has also played a very important role in our

local economic development. There has been significant growth with his arrival and many

exciting things are happening on campus.

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce has a wonderful and competent CEO in Sharon Silva. Last

year she received well deserved recognition from CSU Stanislaus as Outstanding Business

Leader.

In closing, I would like to express my appreciation for the opportunity to serve as the

Chairman of the Board for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce. Our community is comprised

of outstanding people who work well together to promote a strong regional and local economy.

The future definitely is looking bright for Turlock.

- The Turlock Chamber of Commerce promotes a positive business environment in the greater Turlock area.

The greater Turlock area is the best community to live, work and do business in the Central Valley.

- The Turlock Chamber of Commerce is the business advocate for its members by focusing efforts on promoting a

positive business environment, economic development, a legislative voice and cost-effective programs and services.

The Chamber Champion program is designed for the Turlock Chamber’s top companies. The goal is to assist our major supporters in their budgeting

process and to allow them to identify in advance which programs meet the individual goals for sponsorship opportunities. Chamber Champions make it

possible for the Turlock Chamber to maintain its position as the independent voice of the business community. The program spotlights companies

dedicated to the growth of the Chamber and the economic health of our community. Chamber Champions are among the most influential companies and

organizations in the Greater Turlock Area and have positioned themselves to help maintain a healthy active Chamber so we may compete and be heard at

the federal, state and local political levels.

Requirements for Chamber Champion status is a minimum of:

$800 Distinguished Supporter Investment

A minimum of $4,000 in any combination of sponsorship levels

Combined total of at least $4,800

Jessica Lundberg Administration

Assistant Bachelor of Arts in Education - CSU

Stanislaus

Steven Padilla Sunopta

Mike Lynch Mike Lynch Consulting

Chris Kiriakou Cornerstone Consulting

Julio Hallack Concrete by

Hallack

Steve Gemperle (Treasurer)

Gemperle Enterprises

Fred Brenda Valley Tool & MFG

James Brenda JKB Energy

Dianna Bettencourt Oak Valley

Community Bank

Ashour Badal CSU Stanislaus

Michael Allen Allen Mortuary

2013 - Staff Sharon Silva

CEO / President IOM, Institute for

Organization Management, University of Arizona

Bachelor Arts Organizational

Communication - CSU Stanislaus

Tasha Van Santen Director of

Communication, Development /

Events Bachelor of Science in

Business Administration - CSU Stanislaus

Desa Cammack Director of Turlock

Convention and Visitors Bureau

Academy Graduate of the Western

Association of Chamber Executives

Kassi Fortado Membership / CVB

Assistant Currently working towards Business

Administration - Merced College

Sharon Berry Administration

Assistant Bachelor of Science in

Education - Pacific University Oregon

Dr. Mike Romeo (Chair)

Romeo Medical Clinic

Dean Doerksen Central Ag Products

Paul Porter

(Past Chair)

Winton-Ireland,

Strom & Green

Linda Nowak CSU Stanislaus

Mike Rose B&B Fluid Power

Andrew Wigglesworth (Chair Elect) MedicAlert Foundation

Bill Bassitt Ex-Officio Member

Alliance

Marty Jakosa Ex-Officio Member

Foster Farms

Jeff Segars

Foster Farms

Kyle Kirkes

Kirkes Electric

2013 - Board of Directors

Membership is the core of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce. We strive to provide the very best and most valuable benefits to the outstanding

businesses of this community. Being a member gives you direct access to the “Members Only” section of the Turlock Chamber website which is key

to staying involved and up-to-date.

The goal of the Turlock Chamber is to maintain a steady flow of communication with our members. The

Turlock Chamber recognizes the importance of connecting to all our members in different types of media

and one source we continue to expand in is our social media including Facebook, Pinterest, Google+,

YouTube and Twitter. This has allowed us to post and tweet Chamber news, events, members, as well as

pictures, links, and any additional information our members may post.

In 2013, The Chamber choose to upgrade the Website. Because our website is the main information source

of the organization, it was decided to rebuild the site to be more efficient and to allow in house

management. It was the desire of the Chamber to add more benefits and give our members more

marketing opportunities, allowing them to showcase their business in a diversified way.

The “Members Only” section allows members to update their contact information, pay their dues, buy

tickets to events, display video's and photographs, coupons, job opening and much more. Also, another

advantage of the site will allow the agency to grow with technology. The front page will feature, a calendar of upcoming event, and highlight important

information.

The Turlock Chamber also communicate with our monthly Mixer-Mail and Community E-Newsletter, which is sent to over 700 emails, and includes event

information, member advertisements, articles that are pertinent to our membership needs, plus a mobile APP with real time updates.

Publications of the Turlock Chamber includes our Quarterly Business News Magazine, the Annual Membership Directory and

Community Profile, Economic Profile, and official City Map of Turlock. The Business News Magazine informs and educates

businesses and the public on business concerns and promotes Chamber members, program, events, and also highlights

legislative activities. Our Annual Membership Directory and Community Profile is a informational guide to our community

with a business directory of our members. The official City Map of Turlock is published annually to make sure that the growth

of the community is included to keep the map accurate and current. The Economic Profile, which provides a snapshot of

Turlock Industries top Businesses and the statistical of data of the community.

All of our publication are placed in Hotels, Businesses, and relocation packets.

The Ambassadors are a prestigious and integral part of the success of the Chamber. The Mission of an Ambassador is to serve as the public relations

arm of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce membership. The Ambassador Committee works with the Chamber membership development, retention

of members and is the link between the memberships, Staff and Board. The Ambassador Program requires total commitment, they assist at Special

Events, Ribbon Cuttings, Mixers and any other chamber programs as needed.

Jerry Powell– Co– Chair

Jeremy Benjamin– Co-Chair

Joy Biddle

Timothy L. Bird

Deborah L. Curtis

Bob Field

Cheryl Gerhardt

Tina Gong

Judy Greaves

Kathy Hobby

Regan Jennings

Betty Julian

Mitzi Lucas

Mary Matthews

Don Mundello, Jr.

Susan Quigley

Robert Rodarte

Michael Schulze

David Silva

Stephanie Talkington

Anokeen Varani Susan Quigley

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce met with Home Depot on their Framing Hope Product Donation Program, which is an integral part of how The Home Depot makes a difference in our communities and environment. Products donated through this program are kept out of landfills and are used instead to rebuild neighborhoods and improve the lives of our citizens. The program pairs Home Depot U.S. stores with local charities to donate merchandise (clearance, return to vendor, gently used) who in turn put these products to use improving the lives of our youth, the sick and those in need. Framing Hope significantly increases Home Depots charitable giving with an annual potential of $60 million in product donations. Framing Hope also expands commitment to the environment by keeping merchandise out of landfills. It was determined that the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Foundation had been selected to work with Home Depot on this project. Every month Home Depot donates product that the Chamber Foundation has been able to provide to anyone who qualifies such as non-profits, schools, churches, businesses, agencies, organizations, or individuals who can use the product in a positive manner. The products received for giving are lighting, flooring, windows, appliances, tubs, shower, toilets, fans, cabinets, blinds, outside pavers and many miscellaneous items such brooms, cleaning products just to name a few, most anything can be in the load other than pipe or electrical wiring. These items cannot be sold or auctioned they can only be given away. The Chambers goal is to assist those who will use the merchandise in a positive way. This past year The Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation has had the privilege to work with Home Depot on this program which has given over $60,000 in product to our local community, but if it wasn’t for our other partners, Woods Furniture, who furnished the storage unit to house the product, JKB Energy to transport the product each month, Jay from the Greenery taking a chance of a ticket to drive his forklift to move the product around, Teen Challenge who has helped with both transporting and each month moving the product in the storage area and Home Depot Laurie and their manager Jim this program would not happen, but I have one other very important person who has taken of this project for our agency with tender loving care and full commitment and that is our own Sharon Berry. The Chamber wants to thank each and every one of you for your commitment to making this program such success. Please let us thank all of our partners for this program that has help our community and the needs of our citizens.

WHEN THERE'S A HOME DEPOT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, GOOD THINGS HAPPEN. THAT'S THE ESSENCE OF FRAMING HOPE.

Thank You To Our Partners

The Mission of Leadership Turlock is where leaders come together with a commitment, motivation and

interest in serving Turlock’s community for 20 years.

The purpose of Leadership Turlock is to identify potential leaders to gain an understanding of the community

they may not otherwise have had a opportunity to explore; exchange ideas with current experts, decision-

makers and community leader on a board range of topics; enhance leadership and management skills; develop a

close network with other class members.

The class has no less than 15 and no more than 20 each year. In 2013 there were 15 in the graduating class.

Program Includes: Welcome Reception, Introduction to Turlock Government & Polities, Agriculture Industry and Business, Elementary & Secondary

Education, Land-Use & The Environment, Leadership Retreat, Non-Profit & Social Services, Media in the Community, Legislative Day in Sacramento,

High Education, Health Care, Law Enforcement & The Courts, Graduation.

2013 Leadership Steering Committee

Chair Jeff Segars - Foster Farms

Dianna Bettencourt– Oak Valley

Bob Hansen - JKB Energy

Carl Nielson - Turlock Police Department

Paul Porter - Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

Susan Quigley– Rabobank

Anokeen Varani - The Agency

Tasha Van Santen - Turlock Chamber

Sharon Silva - Chamber President / CEO

On October 30, 2013 the Turlock Chamber of Commerce presented the Annual Economic Trends Breakfast hosted

by Turlock Golf & Country Club. The Economic Trends Breakfast brought together business leaders and local

officials to address the state of our economy and statewide issues affecting businesses today. The Economic Trends

Breakfast featured Chairman and Founder of The Grupe Company Greenlaw “Fritz” Grupe, Jr. as the Keynote

Speaker. Grupe provided a wealth of knowledge from his experiences in building a successful company who has

developed 50 communities in six states to discussing how his company adapted in the ever changing economy from

the drop in the housing/property market and the lack of skilled labor force.

Mission

The Mission for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee is to support events and activities aimed at developing future agricultural

leaders, educating the public and informing policy makers.

Over the past 13 years the Turlock Chamber Ag Committee have raised money to make it possible to help the future agricultural leaders of our

community to earn scholarships that will assist in their college educations. To date the Ag Committee has given away $167,800 in scholarships to

students who wish to continue their education in a agriculture related field; and have donated $90,000 to Stanislaus County Fair to promote Ag through

Public Education.

The Ag committee in 2013 gave 16 Scholarships totaling $16,500 dollars and $8,000 to the Stanislaus County Fair.

2013 Agricultural Committee Members

Chair Mark Bender, CSUS Ag Studies

Vice Chair Dianna Bettencourt, Oak Valley

Community Bank

Jim Booth, Century 21 M&M

Chris Borovansky, Stanislaus County Fair

Bill Daly, A.L. Gilbert

Louis Randall, Livingston High School

Greg Eisenhauer, Turlock Commerce Bank

Vince Flanders, American AgCredit

Wes Jacobs, Dairy Prof. Network

Kent Johnson, Ag Production Co.

Marcus Lema, Swenson Shear

Kim Machado, Golden Bear Physical Therapy

Carol Medeiros, Schmidt, Bettencourt, Medeiros

Todd Morgan, Westamerica Bank

Bart Muller, Muller Berry Farm

Joe Pereira, Jr., Yosemite Farm Credit

Jim Theis, PMZ Realtor

Jack Wilkey, Wilkey Sheet Metal

Members of the GRC 2013 Chair Mike Lynch - Mike Lynch Consulting

Rich Borba - JKB Energy / Living

Mike Brem - SupHerb Farms

Fred Brenda - Valley Tool & MFG

Marty Jakosa - Foster Farms

Chris Kiriakou– Cornerstone Consulting Inc.

Bob Schmidt– United Equipment

Jim Theis– PMZ Realtor

The Government Relations Committee (GRC) was established to act as the “voice of Turlock business” by fostering, supporting, and promoting business retention within the City of Turlock and the State of California. In addition the GRC advocates for pro-business public policies advancing the economic agenda of the City of Turlock, the Central Valley, and the State of California.

The activities of the GRC may include, but are not limited to endorsing ballot measure and making political contributions; educating the businesses and citizens on legislation activity that have an affect on businesses; spending money on polling, surveys and other similar activities; informing businesses and citizens on legislator vote in our quarterly Business News magazine.

The GRC Committee meets monthly with our elected officials representatives who provide current updates on legislation and is a valuable resource for the committee. In addition guest speakers from different industries are invited to speak on various issues. Guest Speakers included representatives from StanCera, City of Turlock, and TID discussed retirement systems; CEO for Stanislaus County and Superintendent of TUSD discussed issues with their organization; General Manager of TID discussed the future of water.

The GRC refocused its efforts in 2013 to give chamber members a better understanding of how public policy issues shape local government and impact local economies and business. To that end, the GRC devoted one meeting to an exclusive discussion with the chief executives of each of the four principle jurisdictions, the city, the county, the irrigation district and schools . After those meeting, the GRC brought in regional agencies and overarching issues like public employee fund sustainability to demonstrate the interrelationship of our jurisdiction. We wanted to augment the traditional and useful legislative score card approach by raising and acting on other local goat issues. To that end the GRC approached other county chambers and all the cities in the county and stressed necessity of united and regional approach to infrastructure funding. Because of that action, the city of Turlock withdrew plans for a local road tax measure which would have undermined needed regional efforts.

Most of all, the GRC sought to engage local business with policy makers before final decisions are made, in the believe that it is easier to enact good policy before bad policy is established

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce has launched a political outreach program called the Turlock Prosperity Project (P2) because we know Government is an important partner in making Turlock a competitive place to do business. TurlockPresperity.com is a website that is linked to the Turlock Chamber which is a comprehensive and nonpartisan resource for businesses and their employees to get informed and educated on Federal, State and local government policies and voting information as well as local issues concerning businesses.

Representatives Congressman Jeff Denham - Rep Dana Ferreira Senator Anthony Cannella - Rep Helen Condit Assemblymember Kristin Olsen - Rep Paul Zeek / Brett McBay Supervisor Vito Chiesa - Rep Bev Hatcher City of Turlock - John Lazar

City of Turlock - City Manager Roy Wasden City of Turlock - City Attorney Phaedra Norton City of Turlock - Ron Reid Turlock Irrigation District - Michelle Reimers Turlock Unified School District - Mike Trainor

Shannon Ding - AT&T

Richard Dye– Pacific Gas & Electric

Christi Falke– Falke Air Conditioning

Kathy Halsey– Retired

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce is the Voice for Business. One of the roles of the Chamber is to communicate to those who have been given

the power to make decisions on issues that have an impact on how business functions. It is important the Chamber provides a vehicle through

which the Chamber acts on local, state and federal government issues.

The goals of the TABPAC

Get the members involved in developing and advocating legislative priorities

Track legislation and issues

Keep the membership informed on voting records of the legislators who represent our region

Select candidates who are business minded and when making decisions fight for the business community’s needs

Support efforts on ballots and measures that have a positive impact on business and help defeat efforts that are job killers.

Work in developing a positive business climate through legislative efforts.

In 2013 the TABPAC Board voted to support fundraising opportunities in efforts of providing additional public forums, and expanding our effort

in supporting business friendly legislation and candidates.

TAB PAC Board Members

Chair Dr. Mike Romeo - Romeo Medical Clinic

James Brenda - JKB Energy / Living

Richard Dye - PG&E

Chris Kiriakou - Cornerstone Consulting

Jim Theis - PMZ

Marty Jakosa - Foster Farms

Yubert Envia - Foster Farms

Katy Halsey - AT&T Retired

Julio Hallack - Concrete by Hallack

Paul Porter - Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

Mike Lynch - Mike Lynch Consulting

The TABPAC presented the first Annual Eggs and Issues Breakfast on August 14, 2013. The Breakfast assisted the U.S.

Chamber of Commerce in honoring Congressman Jeff Denham for his 92% voting record for the previous year on key

issues affecting the economy and was presented with the Spirit of Enterprise Award. Congressman Denham went on to

speak about the many bills and programs he is supporting in Washington, ranging from creating jobs for veterans to his

hopes of a immigration bill. The breakfast provided attendees with a plethora of information on current issues.

.

2013 Committees:

The Turlock Chamber has a diverse number of committees Government Relations Committee (GRC) | Chair: Mike Lynch

Turlock Action for Business Political Action Committee (TABPAC) | Chair: Mike Romeo

Ag Committee | Chair: Mark Bender

Leadership | Chair: Jeff Sugars

Ambassador’s | Chair: Jeremy Benjamin and Jerry Powell

Event Committee | Chair: Dianna Bettencourt

TABPAC | Chair: Dr. Mike Romeo

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce provides our members with programs and events throughout the year from

informational and educational training, recognition, networking opportunities, and to help with funding the organization.

Listed below are the events and programs .

Fundraising and Networking

Monthly Mixers

Golf Tournament

Chamber Trip

Party Under the Stars

Holiday Mixer .

Informational and Recognition

Best of Turlock

Membership Breakfast

Ag Scholarship Luncheon

Eggs & Issues

Economic Trends Breakfast

CEO Round Table .

Educational

Leadership Turlock

Sexual Harassment Workshop

The Turlock Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is responsible, through marketing efforts, for bringing visitors into the

Turlock area, thereby enhancing the local economy.

The CVB is your visitor information center; we provide Community Guides, maps, lists of attractions and so much more. The CVB also provide

essential information to families and businesses looking to relocate to Turlock. We are a key resource for event planners and tournament organizers

alike.

In 2013 the CVB launched a meeting facilities DVD which was featured in the Modesto Bee and the Central Valley Business Journal. The DVD

showcases some of Turlock’s large and unique meeting facilities, restaurants, hotels and attractions. Following the success of this video the CVB

partnered with several businesses to run promotional videos of their services. This year we also launched a redesigned website that would act as a

greater resource to the community and provides a wealth of information on Turlock.

Rebecca Philips Abbott - Carnegie Arts Center

Chris Borovansky - Stanislaus County Fairgrounds

Steve Carkeet - Turlock Community Theatre

Kit Casey - Turlock Community Theatre

Kim Duyst - CSUS, Athletics

Michael Everett -The Creation Lab

Holly Hamilton - Holiday Inn Express

Neyen Khatri - Best Western Orchard Inn

Naresh Patel - America’s Best Value Inn

Jeff Segars - Foster Farms

Bob Stammerjohan - Stammerjohan Consulting

Roy Wasden - City Manager

Maryn Pitt - City of Turlock

Sharon Silva - CEO & President, TCC CVB

Desa Cammack - Director of CVB

2013 Committee:

John Jaureguy (Chair) - Jaureguy’s Paint and Decorating

Mission:

The mission of the Turlock Film Commission (Film Turlock) is to attract film production to Turlock and surrounding areas and ensure an optimal

experience for filmmakers.

Specifically, TFC will:

Set Turlock apart as a unique and premier location for film production.

Assist filmmakers optimize their production experience by:

1. Creating a synergistic relationship between local businesses, government, and filmmakers by providing an integration of

opportunities

2. Maintaining a list of local government agencies, businesses, and services.

3. Maintaining an extensive location library.

4. Acting as a liaison between production companies, local government, and businesses.

Film Turlock got its first major project to film in Turlock in 2013. Home Theater Films from LA came up for 4 weeks to shoot a romantic comedy

Theater Films from LA came up for four weeks to shoot a romantic comedy with several locations in the downtown area. The crew consisted of

around 60 people and many extras from our community. With an estimated $250,000 dollars back into the local economy, it was worth all the hard

work. We had 1087 people show up for extra and crew volunteers auditions over a two-day period. We used several interns from the University

and it was a great overall experience for our town. There are talks to film another feature soon and we look forward to see what 2014 will bring.