port o call - january 2012
DESCRIPTION
Stockton Chamber of Commerce monthly magazineTRANSCRIPT
Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography
Preparing for SuccessUOP’s Dean Lewis Gale Serves Up
Advice for Local Businesses
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2012 Golf Tournament
The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out is Coming
GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.stocktonchamber.org JANUARY2012
Vol. 57 No. 9
PORT CALL
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PortOCall_8.75x11.25.indd 1 2/11/10 12:43:57 PM
CONTENTS
PORT CALL
Preparing for Success 13
Don’t Miss!Networking Mixer
University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos Center, South Concourse
January 5, 5:00-6:30 p.m.Come for the mixer stay for the game.
Free tickets to that nights 7:00pm men’s basketball game against UC Irvine will be given out at check in.
8The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out is Coming
Photograph by Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography
6 2012 Golf TournamentFrom Your President 4
From Your CEO 5
Events 6
Leadership Stockton 7
Convention & Visitors Bureau 8
Programs and Public 10 Policy Department
New Members 11
Ribbon Cuttings 12
Cover Story 13
News Briefs 15
Calendar 17
PORT CALL
GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE445 W. Weber Avenue, Suite 220, Stockton, CA 95203
209.547.2770 fax [email protected]
Official publication of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. Serving the Greater Stockton area business community since 1901.
CHAMBER OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Debbie Armstrong, Old Republic Title Company
SR. VICE PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers
FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENTSteven Crabtree, Herum Crabtree
VICE PRESIDENT Blain Bibb, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance
VICE PRESIDENT Judith Buethe, Judith Buethe Communications
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Rick Goucher, C B Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate
CHAMBER DIRECTORSStephen Barney, F&M BankMichael Cera, SMG/Stockton Arena/Bob Hope TheatreDonna DeMartino, San Joaquin Regional Transit DistrictDan Durst, Durst Contract InteriorsPat Filippone, Stockton Ports Baseball ClubLewis Gale, Eberhardt School of BusinessClint Harless, Stockton Auto Glass/Quick’s Glass ServiceDan Keyser, Grupe Commercial CompanyKenneth Levy, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLCSonya Morgan, External Resources, Inc.Darryle Oakman, San Joaquin County Rental Property AssociationBakul Patel, Dorfman PacificTina Williams, Pacific Gas & Electric CompanyDiane Vigil, Dameron Hospital FoundationBob Young, Stockton Golf & Country Club
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERDouglass W. Wilhoit, Jr. 209.547.2766
PROGRAM & PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR/ BEAFrank Ferral 209.547.2763
SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTORHeidi Altamirano 209.547.2764
OPERATIONS/FINANCE DIRECTORSandy Dwyer 209.547.2770
MEMBERSHIP SALESMatt Anderson 209.337.2723
SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD.Timm Quinn 209.547.2960
SCAP COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTMikki Gilbert 209.337.2730
SCAP-SE COORDINATORMichael Morales 209.337.2716
BEA/ SCAP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTKarla Gonzalez 209.547.2770
RECEPTIONIST/ CUSTOMER SERVICEAlyssa McConnell 209.547.2770
PUBLISHER Stockton Chamber of Commerce 209.547.2770
GRAPHIC DESIGNNever Boring Design Associates 209.526.9136
ADVERTISING Richelle Alexander 209.988.5800
PRINTINGSnyder Parks 209.466.9026
MAILINGSnyder Parks 209.466.9026
Greater
From Your President...by: Debbie Armstrong
It is my great honor as your Chamber
President to wish you all a very blessed
Holiday Season. I hope you all had a wonderful
Christmas. Mine was so much fun as I had my
family and grandchildren all around me. I enjoy
being your Chamber President so much. As
you know, we have been working hard in 2011
on many issues. My great passion, of course, is
Shopping Local. Living in and Loving Stockton
by remembering to keep our Money here. We
are very blessed to have some of the greatest
businesses and schools right here in Stockton;
Pacific is truly a treasure and so is the Eberhardt
School of Business. It is fully accredited by the
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business, the highest standard of achievement
for business schools and it is right here in
Stockton. Dean Lewis Gale Ph.D. is a California
native and grew up in the Central Valley and
Sierra Nevada foothill region. Dr. Gale has been
actively involved in economic development
projects, corporate recruiting projects and
strategic planning initiatives in Arizona,
Louisiana and Utah and now in California,
and not just California but right here in our
hometown. How fortunate for Stockton. He
was recently named as Pacific’s representative
on the next Economy Steering Committee in
Sacramento, and a new member of the Greater
Stockton Chamber of Commerce Board of
Director’s. We are truly blessed. Have a safe and
Happy New year and remember to Shop Local
and San Joaquin County First!
FOR OVER 35 YEARScompetitive pricing
personalized service
mailing and fulfillment service
custom promotional items
cross media marketing
p a r k s p r i n t i n g . c o mMODESTO209.576.2568 phone209.526.6872 fax
STOCKTON209.466.9026 phone209.943.1974 fax
MODESTO209.576.2568 phone209.526.6872 fax
STOCKTON209.466.9026 phone209.943.1974 fax
printing • cross media marketing • promotions • fulf l
lment • mailing services
attention to de•tails [di'tals; 'detals]
JANUARY2012 4www.stocktonchamber.org
From Your CEO...by: Doug Wilhoit
On behalf of all of us here at your Greater Stockton Chamber of
Commerce it gives me great pleasure to wish all of you and yours
a Very Happy New Year and may 2012 be a turnaround year for
all businesses and our entire community!
As my alter ego (the man in the red suit) made his rounds this
past month, he was so happy to see spirits high and positive! It
was a joy to see so many families, friends and businesses come
together in the true spirit of Christmas with love, understanding,
friendship and hope! Wherever he went: Haggin Museum,
Stockton Symphony, Annunciation School, students from the
Transitional Learning Center (here at the Chamber), charitable
organizations, business gatherings, family celebrations, Chamber
Lunch at the Landfill and the Building and Trades gathering, to
name a few, he saw people showing love to one another and also
bringing joy to so many who may not have had the opportunity
due to individual circumstances.
It is also heartwarming to see the community as a whole come
together to help those most in need and it is our hope that feeling
will continue throughout the year.
On Thursday, December 1 the annual Diversity Mixer was
held at the magnificently decorated Haggin Museum, one of
the true treasures of Stockton. A great time was had by all and
it truly brought the community together which is an example
to all that working as one we can accomplish anything we want
to make this a better community for all. Thanks to your great
Chamber staffers, Heidi and Timm, for all their hard work
in coordinating with the staffs and members of the African-
American Chamber, the Asian-American Chamber and San
Joaquin Hispanic Chamber to make sure all in attendance not
only had a wonderful time but also had an opportunity to make
new friends and business contacts. Also a big thank you to the
Stockton Chamber Ambassadors who worked hard at the check
in desk and serving adult beverages to the attendees! Also those
who provided a wide and diverse selection of delicious food and to
Matt for his bright sweater as he greeted folks and took photos to
memorialize the evening. This has been an annual event started in
2000, the start of the 21st Century, and it is a tradition that will get
even bigger and better with everyone setting the tone of working
as one. Again, thanks to all who were part of the success of this
fun annual event.
2012 brings us a new year full of all sorts of possibilities and
as the Diversity Mixer demonstrates working as one will get all
of us: families, businesses and community to a better quality of
life for all. At times, looking to the future is a daunting task and
as Charles Franklin Kettering (1876-1958) said: “We should ALL
be concerned about the future because we will have to spend the
rest of our lives there.” It cannot be “it is someone else’s job” but
it takes all of us to make a difference and that cannot be done by
sitting back in front of the TV or computer but by getting out in
the community, supporting local businesses and paying attention
to what is really happening in YOUR community not with just
sound bites but by asking the leaders on all sides of an issue the
hard questions to make it clear you want their actions to benefit
the greatest number of hard working, taxpaying and law abiding
citizens and not just a chosen few!
As we approach the election cycle, let us remember the words
spoken on January 8, 1940 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
(1882-1945): “But the future lies with those wise political leaders
who realize the great public is interested more in Government
than in politics.”
Now, more so than in any time in the history continued on page 11
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce5
Eventsby: Heidi Altamarino
JANUARY2012 6www.stocktonchamber.org@ Heidi Altamirano: [email protected]
Sign up Now for Taking Care of Business!!
There is still time to get in on the Taking Care of Business
Sponsorship program for our remaining 2012 events like the Golf
Tournament, State of the City, Business Awards Luncheon and
Installation Dinner.
The Taking Care of Business Program offers our member
businesses a wealth of marketing and sponsorship opportunities
for the upcoming year. This popular program was created to
give Chamber members an excellent way to receive exposure
throughout the year at a dramatic discount off normal pricing.
Sponsoring companies typically select several options from
the events line up. The Chamber allows its members to wisely
choose a yearlong program that meets their marketing, consumer
exposure and community involvement goals. Package prices
enable sponsors to select from several marketing and promotional
opportunities at a significant savings.
For more information on stretching your marketing dollars
through Taking Care of Business, contact Heidi Altamirano,
Events Director, at 209.547.2764, or e-mail
The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce proudly
recognizes the following companies for their year round support
of the Chamber through our Taking Care of Business
Sponsorship Program
2012 Golf Tournament
Reserve Monday, April 2 on your calendar and prepare yourself
for a day of good times and good friends at Stockton Golf &
Country Club. Now in its 31st year, the Golf Tournament always
fills up fast. Don’t miss your chance to play! Call the Chamber to
reserve your space today!
You can also join us as a tee sponsor, a green sponsor or a
business sponsor. Business sponsorship includes signage on a
tee or green and registration for a foursome of players. Single
registration is also available.
Donating a prize to our post-tournament raffle is a great way
to highlight your business. Many high profile business people
participate in our tournament and donating a prize gets
their attention!
For more information about the Chamber’s 31st Annual Golf
Tournament or to volunteer, call Timm Quinn at 209.547.2960 or
email him at [email protected].
Taking Care of Business 2011-2012
A.G. Spanos CompaniesBank of Agriculture & CommerceBuilders Exchange of StocktonCalifornia Water Service Co.Financial Center Credit UnionGrupe Commercial CompanyKaiser PermanenteLincoln CenterNeumiller & BeardsleeOak Valley Community Bank
Pacific Records ManagementR & S Erection of Stockton, Inc. San Joaquin Delta CollegeSt. Joseph’s Medical CenterStockton East Water DistrictSutter Gould Medical FoundationThe Record/San Joaquin Media
GroupUnited Way of San Joaquin CountyUniversity of the Pacific
2012 Golf Tournament Sponsors
Ricky Barnes SponsorGrupe Commercial Company
Fred Couples Sponsors:Oak Valley Community BankSutter Gould Medical Foundation
Tee Sponsors:Bank of Agriculture & CommerceBuilders Exchange of Stockton
Business Package Sponsor:Pacific Records Management
Green Your Bottom Line with Product Stewardship!
Economic benefits abound: reduced operating costs, energy savings, reduced disposal costs, the creation of green jobs.
www.CalPSC.org
Design it Green | Make it Clean | Conserve Resources | Reduce | Reuse | Eliminate Toxics | Take it Back!
Become a Certified Green Business! Save money & gain customers by:
Reducing waste Conserving water and energy
Protecting public health Using recycled-content in your products
www.GreenTeamSanJoaquin.com
SMALL BUSINESS HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL*
Affordable Hazardous Waste Management for Your Business A Program of San Joaquin County Public Works
www.SJCrecycle.org (209) 468-3066
i Low cost way to safely dispose of hazardous materials. (Costs depend on your waste types.)
i Documentation that you properly manage hazardous waste.
i Assurance that the material will be disposed of properly. *Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG)
We also accept universal and electronic waste.
Leadership Stocktonby: Timm Quinn
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce7 @ Timm Quinn: [email protected]
Stockton: History, Arts and Culture
Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union
Session Sponsor: Haggin Museum
Whether you are new to Stockton or have lived here a lifetime,
you are sure to learn something during the Leadership Stockton,
“Stockton: History, Arts and Culture” session. Held each year at
the Haggin Museum, the day is full of fascinating information
spanning from the founding of our great city to the present day,
and including a look at our arts and cultural resources.
Tod Ruhstaller, Director of the Haggin Museum (and Stockton
history guru) was the guide for the first part of the day, taking the
class through a PowerPoint history lesson from the time before
settlers arrived to the present day. After our history overview, Tod
guided the class through the entire museum explaining the history
of the museum and its contents.
After the history lesson and tour, the class enjoyed lunch in the
museum and those who brought a jacket enjoyed the beautiful
scenery of Victory Park, a true Stockton gem.
After lunch, the class returned to the museum and heard from
Wendi Maxwell (LS Class of 1984), who spoke on the importance
of the arts and what the Stockton Arts Commission and Stockton
Arts Foundation do to help. She was followed by Janet Bonner
who spoke about the Stockton Opera and their upcoming
performance in January. Then the class heard from Shane
Williamson about the upcoming San Joaquin International Film
Festival (SJIFF) and all the need for more film knowledge and
instruction in Stockton.
The day finished with Maestro Peter Jaffe from the Stockton
Symphony. Peter spoke of the long history of the Stockton
Symphony (third oldest continuously operating symphony in
California), and previewed the upcoming season. The class was
jazzed to hear Peter play a few pieces from the upcoming year.
A big THANK YOU to the following: Bret Smith (LS Class
of 2010) for all your help throughout the day; to Tod Ruhstaller
and the hard working staff of the Haggin Museum for the use of
the Museum and the all access tour; Peter Jaffe and the Stockton
Symphony; Wendi Maxwell and the Stockton Arts Foundation,
Janet Bonner and the Stockton Opera, and Shane Williamson
and the SJIFF.
ATHENA award recipients in attendance for the 25th Anniversary Awards Luncheon
Convention & Visitors Bureauby: Wes Rhea
JANUARY2012 8www.visitstockton.org@ Wes Rhea: [email protected]
Be sure to become a fan on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Stockton.CVB
The Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to announce the release of the 2012 Official Stockton Activities Guide in mid-January
The guide is a colorful magazine chock-full of new photos
and great information for visitors and residents alike. The guide
features an annual events calendar, arts and entertainment, family
attractions, sports, farm and agriculture attractions and
much more.
Residents interested in obtaining a copy of the new guide may
call the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau at 209.938.1555.
The guide may also be requested and viewed online at
www.VisitStockton.org
The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out is coming this April 1 -15.
Local restaurants will feature dishes that showcase locally grown
asparagus in April. The goal is to have diners enjoy a true “farm
to fork” experience and to taste the most famous of our areas local
crops prepared in a variety of ways by local chefs.
This is the third year for the dine-out which is a spin-off of
Stockton Restaurant Week, held in September.
Restaurants interested in participating should contact the
Stockton CVB at 209.938.1555. More information can also be
found at www.DineOutStockton.com.
Date Set for Tourism Luncheon
April 4 will be the date for the Stockton Convention & Visitors
Bureau’s Tourism Luncheon to be held at the Hilton Stockton.
The luncheon will be a celebration of local travel and tourism,
including a report by the Visitors Bureau’s Executive Director and
President. The luncheon will also include local tourism awards
presented to recipients who have excelled in making Stockton a
better destination. Nominations for the awards will be sought
in early February. Look for additional information soon on the
luncheon or call 209.938.1555.
The Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau is available to speak at your civic club or organizations meeting.
We love to talk about Stockton travel industry and how the
public can get engaged in helping to promote our fine city.
To request a speaker call Wes at 209.938.1551 or email
Professional & Continuing eduCationFor more information call 209.946.2424
or go to www.pacific.edu/cpce
Topics include: ● Entrepreneurship ● Social Media ● eMarketing ● Leadership ● Online Teaching ● Project Management● Business Research● Paralegal Studies● LEAN And more….
Don’t Let Another Year Go By...
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Programs and Public Policy Departmentby: Frank Ferral
JANUARY2012 10www.stocktonchamber.orgFor more info, contact Frank Ferral at [email protected]@
A Unique Community Banking Experience
Member FDIC www.bankbac.com
We Help You Succeed
It’s not our promises that are unique ... it’s our ability to
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VP, Commercial Banking OfficerEddie Lira
VP, Commercial Banking Officer
The Stockton Chamber Apprenticeship Program - Subsidized
Employment (SCAP-SE) would like to take the time to thank each
and every business in San Joaquin County that has helped
our community.
In September 2011, the Chamber engaged in a new chapter in
its award winning program, Stockton Chamber Apprenticeship
Program (SCAP). The new name to the program is the Stockton
Chamber Apprenticeship Program - Subsidized Employment
(SCAP-SE). Companies who use SCAP-SE qualify for a
reimbursement of up to 50% of wages paid for up to 6 months.
We have placed over 50 individuals into full or part time jobs thus
far in San Joaquin County.
Participating businesses have saved approximately $30,798.56 in
wages paid to employees, directly contributing to their
bottom line.
We would like to thank these businesses for utilizing SCAP-SE
and helping the community by utilizing this program for their
hiring needs. We would like to thank:
Automotive Risk Managers (Office)•
Cost Plus World Market (Distribution / Warehouse)•
Green Horizon Manufacturing (Production / Warehouse)•
Hampton Inn and Suites (Hospitality)•
ServiceMaster Building Maintenance (Janitorial)•
The industries these businesses represent show the diversity of
our clientele and the job positions we can assist with. If you would
like more information about this program and how it can benefit
your company, please call Mike Morales, 209.337.2716 or
Mikki Gilbert, 209.337.2730. You can also email
New Members For more information on becoming a new member, please call Matt Anderson
at 209.547.2770. Please allow up to 90 days for your listing to show.
of these United States of America we need all elected government
officials to represent all CITIZENS, as stated by President
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) -“THAT GOVERNMENT OF
THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE
SHALL NOT PERISH FROM THE EARTH” to put aside politics
and personal self aggrandizement, which we see coming out of
Sacramento and Washington D.C. 24-7 and 365 days out of the year.
It is our duty and responsibility to research the issues and
candidates and VOTE with common sense and not just party line
or self-serving philosophy so that the greater good can be done for all.
May 2012 is the start of an even better Stockton, California and
United States of America.
CEO Cont’d from pg. 5
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce11
Diversity MixerDecember 1, Haggin Museum
Computer Consultants, Computer Hardware/Software Supplies &
Consultants
Crown Enterprises445 W. Weber Avenue #200
Stockton www.ce-technology.com
Security Service
Devcon Security3355 Myrtle Avenue #225
North Highlands www.devconsecurity.com
Computer Systems & Service
Doctor Data1711 Telegraph Avenue
Stockton www.mydoctordata.com
Environmental Conservation & Ecological Services
Ecology Action877 Cedar Street #240
Santa Cruz www.ecoact.org
Halls & Auditoriums
525 Channel St. Hall525 Channel Street
Stockton
Television Stations
KCRA 33 Television Circle
Sacramento www.kcra.com
Insurance - Agents & Brokers
Nationwide Insurance - Pat Schumacher2251 Harvard Street, # 200
Sacramento www.nationwide.com/patschumacher
Payroll Services
Paychex1803 Stanford Avenue
Stockton www.paychex.com
Construction, Energy Efficiency
Schneider Electric740 Parkwoods Drive
Stockton www.schneider-electric.com
Ribbon Cuttings For additional information go to www.stocktonchamber.org
Eco Chic Salon for Men & Women5490 Pacific Avenue Ste C Stockton
Ascend Financial2575 Grand Canal Boulevard; Suite 300
Stockton
Elkhorn Golf Club1050 Elkhorn Drive Stockton
525 Channel St Hall525 Channel Street Stockton
Sam WardXango
Nanette SpitulskiParks Printing
Blair HakeAmeriprise Financial Services INC
Patti GulickNew Image Signs
Loretta Lee CA DEPT of Rehabilitation
John PavalKansas City Life
Carol ClemensAngel’s Caring Helpers
Vince RosatoNew Image Signs
Gloria BlaineBasket Caravan & Gourmet Gifts
Ellen PowellDennis Cardoza Representative
Justin RedmanCentral Valley Community Bank
Cindy Ward Xango
Glenn JoseH.O.P.E
Diane Reyes St. Joseph’s Employee Assistance Program
Katharine Edens University of Pacific
Michelle SherlockOptimal Hospice Care
Marilyn MasonRHA
Tim AguirreImpact Promotions
Gregory Walther Press F1 Computer Services
Jennifer Lewis Hilton Stockton
Wes RheaConvention and Visitors Bureau
John Bertilacchi Bertilacchi Insurance Agency
Geri Blas US Post Office
Linda Stockton Entravision Communications Corp.
Ojesa Asejo-Clark Rabobank
Mike SmithComcast
Shannon DingBill Berryhill Representative
Monica Harbut Eco Chic Salon
Nick Harbut Eco Chic Salon
Attending Ambassadors
JANUARY2012 12www.stocktonchamber.org
COVER STORY
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce13
Preparing for SuccessUOP’s Dean Lewis Gale Serves Up Advice for Local BusinessesBy Justin Souza
The last couple of years have been a
difficult time for Stockton business owners,
but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
This according to findings in the California
& Metro Forecast report, published this
past November by the University of the
Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business.
The annual economic report, which
shows improvement across a number of
economic factors for California through
2017, indicates that California and
Stockton are in the early stages of a slow
five-year recovery.
Port O Call Magazine spoke with Lewis
Gale, Ph.D., Dean of the Eberhardt School
of Business, who broke down the famed
business school’s annual report and relayed a
few tips that could help Stockton businesses
weather the storm and position themselves
for success in the coming recovery.
“The good news is there are some positive
indicators here,” said Gale on the Forecast,
“I think that businesses here in Stockton are
doing quite well, despite the challenges.” One
of these indicators, according to Gale, is the
steady pickup at Stockton’s port, which has
recently seen a reverse in a long time trend:
exports from the port are now greater than its
imports. Another positive indicator is purely
anecdotal, said Gale: full parking lots, packed
restaurants and busy retail stores all over
Stockton, especially during the holiday season.
Gale added that these positive indicators
may not mean we’re in for a quick recovery,
but things are definitely looking up across
a number of local industries. “We’re seeing
that this really won’t last forever,” he said,
stressing that it is important for local
businesses to start thinking about how they
can come out of the economic
storm in a better
market position.
Improve Your Market Position
Gale said that now is the time for Stockton
businesses to shake off the complacency that
can come with operating in survival mode
and move forward to put themselves in a
good position to capture market share when
growth occurs. A key component of this
is in establishing a detailed understanding
of where you want your business to be and
what steps you have to take to get it there.
“There are so many examples of firms
that had a large part of their market share
challenged in a short period of time because
they weren’t ready, or they felt like they
didn’t have a competitive worry,” said Gale.
“And because of that, others jumped in
and let them know they were wrong. Just
because you’ve been in business 20 years
doesn’t mean you’re going to be in business
the next five. And that’s the real challenge.
You don’t want to feel like you’re resting.”
Understand Your Participant Media
Gale made a distinction between social
media—the flurry of Twitter and Facebook
feeds and Foursquare check-ins—and
participant media, which are the instances
in which customers are participating in and
spreading the message about a business.
“If someone has a great experience
at a restaurant they’re going to post
and tell their friends about it. Bad
experiences, too, will be posted. That’s part
of the messaging that’s getting out,” said
Gale. “Businesses should keep in mind
that people will be getting their message
in different ways and they should be a part
of the process rather than just reacting to
something negative. People assume that
customers aren’t that smart and pick from
a random selection for their purchases, but
they’re actually very sharp and they do a lot
It is important for local businesses to start thinking about how they can come out of
the economic storm in a better market position.
JANUARY2012 14www.stocktonchamber.org
more research now, particularly since it’s
available in all kinds of formats.”
Early and active responses to participant
media could mean the difference between
viral success and a sharp drop-off in new
business as negative online reviews turn
prospective customers away.
Know Your Competitive Advantage
Gale indicated that a business’s
competitive advantage—the areas that set
one business apart from its competitors,
whether that’s a prime location, great
customer service or essential employees—
is essential in the current economy.
“Knowing your competitive advantage is
very important from a market position
standpoint and also a resource talent
standpoint. Because when growth does
occur, you want to be positioned to take
advantage of it.”
Gale advised local businesses to “spend
some time really understanding and
gathering data,” in order to accomplish this.
“For example, look at what has occurred
in Las Vegas. Some of the businesses there
have become a lot sharper when it comes
to data collection and analytical capability.
They know their customers, their habits,
how often they come in, these businesses
know that if they change certain items in
their area they will get more response or
weaker response, so they have good data
for decisions instead of just relying solely
on intuition, and they’ve had some good
success. There are many business people
who have good intuition, but I think at some
point you have to be able to nail down to the
actual data.”
“Everybody loves the story: ‘I maxed
out my credit card to $5,000 and now I’m
a multimillionaire.’ When that story is told
repeatedly, people behave in interesting
ways. They say, ‘well I can do that too!’ A
great story is a great story but you really
have to go into the data and understand
what led to that.”
Finding Help
Gale added that students at the Eberhardt
School of Business are ideally placed to help
Stockton and San Joaquin county businesses
position themselves for success. “Pacific is a
learning institution, we do have capabilities
that allow students to marry their learning
with needs in the community,” said Gale.
Some of the school’s best and
brightest
students are
in search of
comprehensive
internship
opportunities,
and have the
capabilities to
lend considerable
help to area companies who are looking to
improve their market positions, no matter
the industry or the business size. Those
interested in securing an intern can contact
Margaret Roberts at the Eberhardt School
of Business Career Management Center at
209.946.7350 or [email protected].
News BriefsSubmission Guidelines: News Briefs must be submitted before the first of each month to [email protected]. Please put “PORT O CALL” in the subject line. Submissions must be no longer than 50 words total and should include contact information. News Briefs will be included on a space available basis and may be edited for content.
Seeking Applications for Membership on the Board of Directors
of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
The volunteer leadership of the Chamber provides the energy
and direction for programs and services for our members. Board
members serve a vital role in establishing policy and providing
guidance to committees and staff. To ensure a quality Board, the
applicant, or the applicant’s employer must be a Chamber Member in
good standing and must remain in good standing throughout their
entire Board term, 2012-2015. Go to www.StocktonChamber.org to
download application or call 547-2770.
The San Joaquin Human Resource Association will host
their 13th Annual Employment Law Update-HR Conference &
Exhibition on January 18, 2012 at the Hilton Hotel in Stockton.
This year’s theme is Obtaining & Retaining Key Talent. Register at
www.sjhra.org or contact Linda Hatch 209.402.8008.
The Stockton Council of the Central Valley Association of
REALTORS and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
have announced Becky Mizener as the 2011 ‘Stocktonian of the
Year’. Becky will be honored at a dinner on Wednesday, February
8th at the Stockton Golf and Country Club. Space is limited. For
reservations, please call the Chamber at 547-2770.
Junior League Collecting for “Twice is Nice”
Good quality tax deductible donations are needed for the 56th
Junior League of San Joaquin County Rummage Sale on March 3,
2012 at the S.J. County Fairgrounds. To have your items picked up,
call Claudia at 209.727.5366. Proceeds benefit local charities and
non-profit organizations.
Stockton Women’s Network presents Italian Operatic Feast:
Preview of Pagliacci & Gianni Schicchi
Maestro Peter Jaffe previews both masterpieces, one comedy
and one tragedy, at the Stockton Women’s Network luncheon,
January 4th. Networking begins at 11:30a.m. at the Stockton Golf
& Country Club. Visit www.StocktonWomensNetwork.org or call
209.472.0359 to register.
Community Volunteer Honored by Stockton Opera Guild
Stocktonian Gerry Ascencio has been recognized by the
Stockton Opera Guild for outstanding service as a community
volunteer for the organization.
Mr. Ascencio sang for over 40 years in the Stockton Chorale and
participated in numerous opera productions. Gerry has been on
the board of directors for over 20 years. For more
[email protected], 209.951.7223,
www.StocktonOperaGuild.org.
2012 San Joaquin Entrepreneur Challenge
Aspiring entrepreneurs from San Joaquin, Stanislaus and
Merced counties can compete for cash and services worth
over $20,000 in the third annual San Joaquin Entrepreneur
Challenge (SJEC).
The SJEC is an “American Idol” style multi-round business
plan competition complete with expert and audience judging.
On-line applications to the Challenge are due by February 5, 2012.
Approximately twenty applicants will be selected for a two-minute
“elevator pitch” presentation to a public audience and a panel of
judges on February 29. Eight selected semi-finalists will then
make a five-minute business plan presentation to the audience
and judges on March 21. The final four contestants will participate
in a business simulation to select the two winning businesses who
will receive the cash and services awards. The February 29 and
March 21 events will be held at the Stockton Country Club, from
4:00-7:30 p.m.
Entrepreneurs can prepare for the Challenge by attending
workshops in Stockton, Modesto and Merced, where they will
receive advice on preparing business plans and presentations.
The competition is presented by the San Joaquin Angels investor
group in partnership with several regional educational and
economic development organizations.
For information, application and audience registration go to
www.sjchallenge.com.
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce15
We are the loading dock equipment specialists.
We keep you on the move.
CalendarJanuary 2012
Highlights1/5 - Networking Mixer – 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
@ University of the Pacific,
Alex G. Spanos Center, South Concourse
also don’t miss... 2/2 - Networking Mixer
San Joaquin Delta College
5151 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95207
5 Networking Mixer - 5:00-6:30 p.m. @ University of the Pacific, Alex G. Spanos
Center, on the South Concourse Come for the Mixer Stay for the Game Basketball Game 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Free tickets will be given out at check in. Tigers vs. UC Irvine Anteaters.
13 Leadership Stockton Justice Session - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. @ San Joaquin County Sheriff ’s Office
9 Liaison Committee - 12:00 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
11 Green Team San Joaquin meeting - 9:00 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
12 Manufacturers Industrial Distribution Roundtable - 7:30 a.m. @ TBA
6 Government Relations Council - 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
17 Effective Strategies Group - 8 a.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
26 Chamber Board Meeting – 4 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
27 Government Relations Council - 7:30 a.m. @ Conference Room
25 Business Education Alliance - 3:30 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
18 Chamber Executive Committee Meeting – 7 a.m. @ Stockton Golf and Country Club
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce17 Contact the Chamber at 209.547.2770 for more info*
1.31.12
Share YourSuccess Storywith Port O CallIf your long-standing business has found success despite the down economy, we want to hear from you.
Send your success story to us at [email protected] and youcould be featured in a future columnin Port O Call.
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