www.tracychamber.org

June 2016

CEO Message 2

City/Downtown Updates 3

Hispanic Business Group 4

New Members/Renewals 5

Member News 6

Professional Services 7

Calendar 8

Vol. 15, Issue 18

“Creating A Community Where Business Thrives”

Pink Turtle Shoppe Ribbon Cutting JEI Learning Center

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Design Energy Group

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

www.tracychamber.org

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Chair: Dan Greene, Bank of the West

Lisa Aguilera, Aspire Hometown Realty

Dan Tavares-Arriola, District Attorney’s Office

Dana Cooper, PG&E

Bill Fields, Surtec Systems, Inc.

Will Fleet, Tracy Press

Dr. Brian Stephens, Tracy Unified School District

Bruce George, Thrivent Financial

Joe Homen, Tracy Toyota

Cliff Hudson, Fresh Coat Painters

Sherry Jones, Owens Illinois of North America

Brent Ives, BHI Management Consulting

Nolan O’Brien, Lawrence Livermore Lab

Robin Lopez, Taylor Farms

Scott McFarland, Journey Christian Church

Patricia Palma

Tammy Shaff, Sutter Tracy Hospital

Dr. Shailaja Singh, Singh Dental Center

Chad Wood, Willbanks & Wood, PLC

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS

CHAIR: Carolyn Brown Blunt, Sow A Seed Foundation

Karen Aranda, Altamont Mechanical Heating/Air

Carol Blevins, Aspire Hometown Realty

Germaine Clark

Dave Garcia, Dave Garcia Designs

Bruce George, Thrivent Financial

Flo Guzman, Faifield Inn

Virna Hudson, Fresh Coat Painters

Conrad Levoit, Levoit Advanced Protective Services

Betsy Moreno, California Advantage Real Estate

Carol Newman, Surtec Systems, Inc.

Nicholas Osborn, Electronic Payments California

Debbie Pierotti, All Occasion Gift Baskets

Brian Schilling, Zero BS Marketing

Lon Swanson, Fry Memorial Chapel

Zanna Wolfgang, Aspire Hometown Realty

CHAMBER STAFF Sofia Valenzuela, CEO svalenzuela@tracychamber.org

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

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

Carol Neely, Receptionist

A Message from the

Chamber CEO... Tracy’s Advantage is Location, Location, Location!

According to the recent results from our 2016 Business Walk, businesses are saying that the #1 advantage to doing business in Tracy is its geographical location. We have all heard about the “Tracy Triangle” which describes the access to three major freeways, I-5, I-205 and 580 with the City of Tracy sitting in the middle almost as a

perfect triangle around the freeways. While recent studies have validated the regional appeal Tracy has among its counterparts because of the nature of its location, the Chamber Business Walk confirmed the Tracy business community also describes Tracy’s location as appealing and was mentioned as the # 1 advantage for operating a business in Tracy.

During the Business Walk we also asked businesses what they felt were disadvantages of operating a business in Tracy and the top 3 responses received were the following:

*Tracy is a commuter City *Not enough reasonably priced office space *No disadvantages

Other answers received in this area for disadvantages include finding qualified employees, the perception that Tracy is affordable hurts businesses, and there are too many restrictions for businesses.

The last question was in regards to business concerns and how they are impacting business. Here are some of the responses we received:

*Keeping up with the City’s growth *Too many regulations local, state, and federally *Not enough local work *Crime during night and increase in homelessness *Too many restaurants opening *Insurance reimbursements *Cannot compete with bay area/over the hill wage for employees

During the Business Walk, the Chamber visited 40 business owners and for the most part, they had positive things to say about the current business climate. The Tracy business community is looking forward to the opportunities that a growing City can bring. Common concerns included overcoming the challenges that come with operating a business where a majority of its residents commute out of town for work. Other business concerns that were expressed included keeping up with the City’s current and future growth. Businesses understand the importance of being “ready” for Tracy’s growth and planning ahead to prepare for the influx of new residents is critical. Thank you to all the businesses who participated in our Business Walk! Request the full report by calling the Chamber, 209-835-2131.

-Sofia Valenzuela, CEO, Tracy Chamber of Commerce

www.tracychamber.org

What’s Happening

in your City... Economic Development Update:

The City has received a Development Review application for Home2by Hilton Extended Stay hotel at the corner of North Tracy Blvd. and Larch Road. The project is anticipated to be 4 stories, and 100 rooms with a swimming pool.

The Royal Gymnastics and Sports Academy, to be located at McKinley Village, was approved by the Planning Commission.

Burger King, located at 2890 W. Grant Line Rd. has received Planning Commission approval and has now submitted for a remodel and tenant improvement building permit.

M & J Bistro is undergoing a relocation and remodel into a larger building inside the Big Lot Shopping center.

Morgan Territory, a new craft brewery located on Mac Arthur Drive is now open for business and will be celebrating their ribbon cutting on 06/03 at 1PM.

Amazon will be opening a 2nd fulfillment center in the International Park of Commerce and is expected to employ hundreds of full time employees.

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

Elite Ambassador: of the month:

Carolyn Brown-Blunt

Thank you for your

continuous support to the

Chamber and its members!

What’s Happening

In your Downtown... The Downtown Tracy Farmers Market continues every Saturday through October 29th from 8AM-1PM on 10 Street between Central and B Street.

The first of the Block Party Summer Series concerts featuring Latin Essence takes place on Friday, June 3rd from 6PM-9PM at the Downtown Plaza. This event is FREE for the

whole family. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Main Street Music in collaboration with the Presenting Program at the Grand presents Friday Night Jazz on Friday, June 3rd at 8PM at the Grand Theatre. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased through the Grand Box office or online at www.atthegrand.org

Don’t miss the Downtown Art Walk on Friday, June 10th from 6PM-8:30PM. The Art Walk is a free, self-guided, family-friendly, public event featuring dozens of visual and performing artists in downtown venues and sidewalks. Support local business, meet working artists, and listen to live music.

On Friday, June 24th, Minions will be shown at the plaza outside of City Hall. The Movies on the Plaza begins at sunset and is free. Bring your own blankets and chairs but no pets.

For more information about the Tracy City Center visit www.tracycitycenter.com

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

AT EVENTBRITE

www.tracychamber.org

May Lunch Meet-Up at Jorge’s El Tapatio Bottom Left to Right: David Eveler, Barbara Ramirez, Ron Cedillo, John Pavia, Betsy Moreno,

Patty Knapp, Iris Alvarez, Antonia Hoy, Ceci Haas, Sofia Valenzuela and Silvia Vera.

HBG Raises $400 at Golf Tournament

The Tracy Chamber Hispanic Business Group participated as a hole sponsor in the recent Chamber Golf Tournament. As a hole sponsor, Hispanic Business Group members had the opportunity to network with over 94 golfers while asking for donations to support the Latino scholarship program. Due to the generosity of the golfers, the Hispanic Business Group was able to raise $400 towards the 2017 Latino scholarship program. The amount raised at the golf tournament nearly funds (1) full scholarship next year. The Hispanic Business Group would like to thank everyone who made a donation. If your business is looking to partner with an organization to be able to offer a scholarship on behalf of your company, you can contact the Hispanic Business Group at any time during the year in preparation for the next season of scholarships. In 2016, the Hispanic Business Group awarded (8) $500 scholarships to Latino high school students so they can further their college education. As of today, the Hispanic Business Group has awarded over $80,000 in scholarships to students. To find out more information on how you can become a scholarship sponsor for the Latino Awards hosted by the Hispanic Business Group every spring, contact Sofia Valenzuela at the Chamber, 209-835-2131. Photo of 2016 Scholarship Recipients being recognized during

the March Hispanic Group Mixer.

www.tracychamber.org

Welcome to the

Chamber New Members!

Epitome Real Estate Investment Tracy, CA

510-520-8952 Uzo Ogbodo **Real Estate

Farmers Insurance - Lilia Vazquez 3120 N. Tracy Blvd. Suite D., Tracy, CA

209-836-0407 Lilia Vazquez

*Insurance

Insta FIT 2358 East Street, Tracy, CA

408-250-5174 Cathy Sarratt

*Fitness

JEI Learning Center 1833 W. 11th Street, Tracy, CA

209-213-7711 Kim Sran

*Educational Services

Morgan Territory Brewing 1885 N. Mac Arthur Drive, Tracy, CA

209-834-8664 Michael LaCross

*Brewery

Pavia Law, Inc. A Professional Corporation

672 W. 11th Street, Ste#204, Tracy, CA 209-831-9740

John Pavia *Attorney at Law

Restoration Chiropractic 95 W. 11th Street Ste#102, Tracy, CA

209-229-8756 Kyle Bills

*Chiropractors

**Home-Based Business

Thank You for Renewing With Us

Under 5 Years:

Child Abuse Prevention Council of SJC Firestone

Jorge’s El Tapatio Kelly Moore Paint Co., Inc.

Kids Care Dental LTMT Tracy, LLC

Mount Oso Building Association Pool Table Pros

T & J Educational Tutoring Tracy Chevrolet

Tracy Express Softball League

5-10 Years:

AltaGas San Joaquin Energy, LLC Bill Pollard, Jr. CPA

Brite Smiles Dentistry Fresh Coat Painters Kaiser Permanente

Nationwide Insurance - Larry Benson Agency Pacific Pool and Spa Strings Italian Café

West Park Executive Suites

11-20 Years: Art Freiler Child Dev Center

DKPM, Inc. Fairfield Inn Tracy

P & C Auto Recyclers Pioneer Americas, Inc.

Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. Tracy Hall of Justice Exec Center

Tracy Nissan Tracy Police Officers Association VCA Old River Animal Hospital Wanda Hirsch Child Dev Center

20-30 Years: Cash Saver Ads, Inc.

Party Warehouse Tracy Honda

Over 50 Years: Sutter Tracy Community Hospital

Yandell Truckaway

Thank you for your support!

www.tracychamber.org

BUSINESS QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

“Focus on being PRODUCTIVE instead of BUSY….” - Tim Ferris

Member News:

Kids in a Box September 23 & 24 Join McHenry House Tracy Family Shelter for their 17th Annual

Kids in a Box fundraiser that will begin at 4PM on Friday, September 23rd and will go until 8AM Saturday morning. The event will be held at St. Bernard’s. Registration forms now available at McHenry House located at 739 A Street or online at www.mchenryhousetracy.org 2016 Summer Poise Camp by TCFAA Get prepared for the Tracy 4th of July Pageant and any other pageant by registering for Poise Camp hosted by The Company Fine Arts Academy. Learn to walk, talk, and present yourself with grace and composure. Opportunities for all ages, levels, and styles! T-shirts and snacks provided! Cost is $100. Save your spot with a non-refundable $20 deposit. Ages 4-11 and camp will take place June 14th-17th from 4PM-8PM. Register online at www.thecompanyfaa.com or call

209-836-5678 for more details. 4th of July Event Applications Now Available on Website The Tracy Chamber is gearing up for the 4th of July festivities and is looking for vendors, parade participants, pageant

contestants, and rib cook off participants! If you have a daughter in Kindergarten through 5th grade, register her for the 4th of July Pageant where she will have a great time dressing in her patriotic best while practicing her pageant walk on stage. Back this year will be our 4th of July Rib Cook Off where 6 local participants will be compete to earn bragging rights and a $150 cash prize! Download 4th of July event applications at www.tracychamber.org UNEED2 Computers Starting at $65 UNEED2 is now selling computers that are crafted by the youth in their classes. Each computer has been reviewed by experts to be sure they’re in perfect working order plus each computer comes with a 6 month warranty. For more information about this special offer, call 209-831-3550.

To submit your member news email 100 words to info@tracychamber.org before the 25th of the month.

www.tracychamber.org

Tracy Chamber Professional Services Listing

JUNE 2016

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICE Behnam Accounting Solutions……………………….209-835-9655 Block Advisors…………………………………………..209-836-9600

BANKS Bank of Stockton………………...………………..…....209-820-2000 Oak Valley Community Bank………………...……....209-834-3340

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

BUILDERS / DEVELOPERS JP Palmer……………………………………….………...209-229-7760

CHILD CARE KinderCare Learning Center………………….…...….209-835-9247

DENTISTRY Bright Now! Dental ……………………..……………...209-836-4950 Shailaja Singh, DDS…………………………………….209-833-0020

ENGINEERING/ CIVIL SANDIS Civil Engineers Surveyors Planners…...….209-820-5380

EVENT PLANNER Captivating Moments Event Planning & Mgmt…...408-314-8130

FLORIST Flower Pavillion………………………………..………..209-836-3751

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

INSURANCE SERVICES Farmers Insurance - Hashimi Insurance Agency …………………………………...……...……...……….....925-353-5942

Larry Benson Nationwide Insurance Life, Home, Auto, Business, Workers Comp, Motorcycle ………………………..………………....…………….…...209-229-1096

MARKETING/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Graphic Design, Websites, Social Media Marketing Graphics Connection………………………...………...209-221-8832 Marketing Mojo………………………………………….925-337-3665

MANUFACTURING / ROOFING MATERIALS Duro –Last Roofing Products, Inc. ……………..…..209-993-3221

MORTGAGE LENDING Pamela Dew-Diversified Capital Funding …………………………………………………...…….…..209-833-3338 U.S. Bank Home Mortgage…………...……………….925-998-4204 MOVING & STORAGE COMPANY Greater Bay Relocation Services, North American Van Lines ………………………………………………...…………..209-830-4435

NON-PROFIT UNEED2, INC……………………………………………...209-831-3550

PAINTING CONTRACTOR Fresh Coat Painters……………………………………..209–390-4326

POOLS & SPA Pacific Pool & Spa………………………………………..925-337-4207

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Rosas Professional Services……………………..……510- 461-5610

REAL ESTATE Aspire Hometown Realty..……………………………..209-814-8256 California Advantage Real Estate…………………….209-836-3300 Norine Higa—Century 21 M&M and Associates…...209-207-4439 Ray Lopez - Keller Williams….……………………......209-914-8010 Shelly Simonich - Keller Williams…………………….209-910-3334 Virtue Realty Group Inc……………………………..….209-597-3950

RESTAURANT/BAKERY I Live for Dessert…………………………...……………209–222-4737 Papa Johns…………………………………………….…209– 830-0000

SHOPPING - RETAIL The Owl Box………………………………………..……..209-830-0796

SOLAR SALES Sunrun……...……………………….…………....…..……209-814-6156

SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE A I L ……………………………………………………..….415-510-9599

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

July Meetings 07/07 8:30AM Ambassadors at Chamber 07/12 12:30PM Hispanic Group at Chamber 07/14 12PM Starting Your Own Biz at Chamber 07/21 4PM Governmental Affairs at Chamber 07/27 4PM Board Meeting at Chamber

July Events 07/04 6AM Hot Air Balloon Lift Off Lincoln Park 07/04 10AM 4th of July Parade 07/04 8AM-10PM Vendors at Lincoln Park 07/04 7PM Fireworks Show at Tracy High 07/12 8AM Coffee by VBR Foster Family Agency 07/28 5PM Mixer by All in the Details at Grant Bar

June Meetings 06/07 8:30AM Ambassadors at Chamber 06/09 12PM Starting Your Own Biz at Chamber 06/13 4PM City/Chamber Liaison Meeting at Chamber 06/14 12:30PM Hispanic Group at Chamber 06/16 4PM Governmental Affairs at Chamber 06/22 4PM Board Meeting at Chamber

June Events 06/03 1PM Ribbon Cutting at Morgan Territory Brewing 06/03 5:30PM Ribbon Cutting at Nirvaana Banquet & Event Center 06/10 9AM New Member Coffee at Chamber 06/15 5:30PM S J Historical Society Anniversary/Regional Chamber Mixer at Micke Grove Park 06/14 8AM Coffee by AAA Insurance 06/23 5PM Mixer by Willbanks & Wood PLC