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PORT CALLGREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.stocktonchamber.org APRIL 2010
Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography
Vol. 55 No. 12
Local Business Owner’s Cleaning Services Achieve
National GS-42 Certification by Green Seal™
Spearheading HistoryA Tall Green Stalk is Stockton’s Most Popular
(and giving) Rock Star
PR
SRT
STD
US P
OSTA
GE
PA
ID
PE
RM
IT N
O 4
61
STO
CK
TO
N C
A
Small Business Awards
Nominations Needed
Events 4
President’s Column 5
CEO Column 6
Leadership Stockton 7
Programs 10
Visitors Bureau 12
New Members 13
Cover Story 15
News Briefs 23
Calendar 25
CONTENTS
PORT CALL
Spearheading History 15
10Local Business Owner’s Cleaning Services Achieve National GS-42 Certification by Green Seal™
22 Small Business Awards Nominations Needed
Don’t Miss!April Chamber Mixer
Hosted by the Stockton Ports Baseball Club
Thursday, April 1, 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Banner Island Ballpark
404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, CA 95219
Photograph by: Arturo Vera, Arturo Vera Photography
4Asparagus Festival
Photo by: Arturo Vera Photography/Tidewater Gallery
PORT CALLOfficial publication of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. Serving the Greater Stockton area business community since 1901.
CHAMBER OFFICERSPRESIDENT Rick Goucher, CB Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate
SR. VICE PRESIDENT Dick McClure, Woodwork Institute
FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Debbie Armstrong, Old Republic Title Company
VICE PRESIDENT Gary J. Long, Gary J. Long Jewelers
VICE PRESIDENT Stephen Barney, F&M Bank
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTDennis Goldstrand, Goldstrand Planning Group
CHAMBER DIRECTORSPhil Acosta, Delights Waterfront EateryBlaine Bibb, ServiceMasterMelvin Boles, ATM R USJudith Buethe, Judith Buethe CommunicationsSteven Crabtree, Herum CrabtreeDan Keyser, Grupe Commercial CompanyDan Durst, Durst Contract InteriorsBill Harr, Hormel Foods CorporationGeorge Kaplanis, Hilton StocktonKenneth Levy, Wells Fargo AdvisorsTerry Lightfoot, Kaiser PermanenteMike Long, Bekins/ Pacific Storage Co.Brian Martucci, Berberian European MotorsKnute Momberg, Momberg ConsultingFred Walkover, Comcast
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
VISITORS BUREAU DIRECTORWes Rhea 209.547.2770
VISITORS BUREAU/ GROUP SALESMonica Slingerman 209.547.2770
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTMichelle Flores 209.547.2770
MEMBERSHIP SALES CONSULTANTTeri Manley 209.337.2723
SCAP COORDINATORCarmen Lamas 209.337.2718
SCAP COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTMikki Gilbert 209.337.2730
SPECIAL EVENTS/ LEADERSHIP STOCKTON COORD.Timm Quinn 209.547.2960
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FINANCE DEPARTMENTLia Her 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 Amanda Boyer 209.988.5800
PRINTINGSnyder Lithograph 209.466.9026
MAILINGStockton Mailing & Printing Inc. 209.466.6741
GREATER STOCKTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE445 W. Weber Avenue, Suite 220, Stockton, CA 95203
209.547.2770 fax 209.466.5271schamber@stocktonchamber.org
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Greater
2010 Asparagus Festival Volunteers Needed
There is still time to join Tortellini Timm or Angel Hair Heidi
as a volunteer in the Chamber’s Pasta Booth at the famous, world-
renowned Stockton Asparagus Festival April 23, 24 and 25! If you’re
into having some weekend fun with some great people, while raising
funds for our Chamber programs, then you will love preparing pasta
with some like-minded folks. Only a few time slots open so act fast.
To add your name to the volunteer list please call or e-mail
Timm Quinn, 209-547-2960 or TQuinn@stocktonchamber.org.
2010 Golf Tournament
The good news is that our 29th Annual Golf Tournament is
not yet sold out! However, we suggest you sign up your foursome
before it is. Elkhorn Country Club will host our day on the greens
April 12, beginning with registration at 10:00 a.m., lunch at 11:00
a.m. and a shotgun start at noon. After the tournament, we’ll have
an awards reception honoring the top players of the day.
If you’re looking for an easy way to highlight your business
products or services, consider donating a prize for our post-
tournament raffle. It’s an ideal way to market your business to
other high-profile business people supporting and participating in
our tournament.
So make at least one of your Mondays in April a fun one by
joining us at Elkhorn Country Club. Just give Timm a call at
547-2960, and he’ll be happy to sign you up.
Eventsby: Heidi Altamirano
continued on page 22
Annika Sorenstam Sponsor:Food 4 Less/
Rancho San Miguel
Fred Couples Sponsors:National University
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 442
Ricky Barnes Sponsor:Builders Exchange
of Stockton
Beverage Sponsor:Delta Sierra Beverage
Hole-In-One Sponsors:Gary J Long Jewelers
Roger Dunn Golf Shops
Special Thanks to:SJC Economic Development
Association
As of 3/4/10
Golf Tournament Sponsors
APR2010 4www.stocktonchamber.org
www.visitstockton.org
schedule online at www.stanleysteemer.com or call 209-474-7771
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209-474-7771 or 1-800-STEEMER 209-474-7771 or 1-800-STEEMER
@ Heidi Altamirano: heidi@stocktonchamber.org209.547.2764
From the desk of……..The “King of the Wok”
As many of you may have heard I will be
serving as your Chamber President again next
year, as my successor changed careers and wouldn’t
be able to make the commitment next year. I
am humbled and honored that the Executive
Committee and Board of Directors voted to allow
me to serve this second term. I look forward to
helping our members work through these tough
economic times.
April is great month to be a Chamber member.
As noted in the opening line, yours truly was
dubbed “King of the Wok” by Chef Martin Yan,
of Yan Can Cook, at last year’s Asparagus Festival.
From Your President...by: Rick Goucher
Come Saturday April 24th, I will be stationed at
my usual post next to Frank Ferral making the best
Asparagus Pasta known to man (or woman). This
year marks the 25th anniversary of the Asparagus
Festival and is sure to be fun for all. So whether
you like the pasta (and who doesn’t), the deep-fried
asparagus, or the spirits make sure you come out to
the event.
April is also the month of the Chamber golf
tournament, so make sure you get your foursome
together and sign up. Remember an “Event a
Week” is all I ask. See you at the Golf Tournament
and the Asparagus Festival.
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce5
From Your CEO...by: Doug Wilhoit
Homer lived in the 8th century and I think there were folks
around then like the authors of the Forbes senseless “ranking lists”,
and someone like Mr. David Mori whose letter to the editor ran in
The Record on March 6. Mr. Mori referred to the Forbes ranking
of Stockton as the “Most Miserable City” in which he described in
part as, “nothing to do”, “cultural dead zone”, “no entertainment”,
“no independent cinema”, etc. He went on to say, “There’s nothing
for young people to do, because the malls and the movie theaters
aren’t affordable every day.” He also added that he “will be looking
elsewhere as soon as [he] can afford to leave.” Certainly he is a
product of the sad state of affairs within our society today—a
generation living off “entitlements” in which personal responsibility
is not taught nor practiced. He must not have ever heard that
“nothing in life is free.”
I think Homer had Forbes and/or Mr. Mori in mind when he
wrote three things.
1) “Young men’s minds are always changeable, but when an old
man is concerned in a matter, he looks both before and after”
2) “Miserable mortals who, like leaves, at one moment flame
with life, eating the produce of the land, and at the other moment
weakly perish”
3) “It is equally wrong to speed a guest who does not want to
go, and to keep one back who is eager. You ought to make welcome
the present guest, and send forth the one who wishes to go.”
It has been my experience that one who thinks the “grass is
greener” elsewhere soon finds out that is not always the case!
After the letter appeared, Wes Rhea, the outstanding director
of the Chamber’s Conference and Visitors Bureau, wrote a response
and I hope it is in The Record prior to this April issue of Port O Call
hitting the streets. He did a great job responding to Mr. Mori and
Forbes regarding subjects they addressed.
I bet you lunch at Stockton Golf and Country Club the
“miserable” and “nothing to do” Mr. Mori who stated we are a
“cultural dead zone” did not take the time to attend the wonderful
St. Mary’s High School Theatre Department presentation of Les
Miserables, held February 25-March 7, 2010 at the San Joaquin
Delta College Tillie Lewis Theatre. Wow, did he miss something
very, very special. Congratulations to all the students, Director
Kevin Costello, parents, sponsors, and Delta College for allowing
we “miserable Stocktonians” to witness a performance that was just
a exciting on the Tillie Lewis Stage as it has been on Broadway and
cities around the country.
For Forbes and Mr. Mori I will list JUST A FEW (space will not
allow me to list them all) of the cultural opportunities available to all
if they only took the time to explore and educate themselves: Alan
Short Gallery, Ballet San Joaquin, performances and entertainment
of all types at the Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre, Cambodian Buddhist
Temple, Children’s Museum of Stockton, Pacific’s Brubeck Institute
and Festival, Conservatory of Music and Reynolds Gallery at Pacific
and Pacific Long Theatre, Delta Center for the Arts, Friends of
Chamber Music, Haggin Museum, Stockton Opera, 86th Season
of Stockton Symphony Orchestra, LH Horton Jr. Gallery at San
Joaquin Delta College, Goodwin Gallery, Stockton Chorale,
Stockton Civic Theatre, Stockton Empire Theatre (always packed
with young people), Delta Center for the Arts, Tidewater Art
Center and Gallery, and there are many more. But here is one real
special one for Forbes and Mr. Mori replying to his comment of “no
independent cinema”, The San Joaquin Film Society, home of the
International Film Festival.
If anyone reading this knows Mr. Mori I am continued on page 17
APR2010 6www.stocktonchamber.org
www.visitstockton.org
Community Serving Community Session
Leadership Level Sponsor: Financial Center Credit Union
Lunch Sponsor: F.J. Dietrich & Co.
Community-based organizations have always been essential
to our local community. Charitable, nonprofit groups play an
important role in our lives, extending help to our community in
many ways. That is why each year we devote an entire day exploring
some of Stockton’s finest community-based organizations.
For the participants the day began like no other. The class was
divided into six teams, each assigned to a different community-
based organization. The six organizations were: Women’s Center
of San Joaquin, St. Mary’s Interfaith Community Services, Stockton
Shelter for the Homeless, Child Abuse Prevention Council,
Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin, and Gospel Center
Rescue Mission.
Once the teams arrived at their host locations each were
given tours, an information session, and got right to work. After
working hard all morning the class met at the Yosemite Club for
a great lunch sponsored by F.J. Dietrich & Co. The mayor joined
the class for lunch and applauded the class for their choice to join
the Leadership Stockton program and stressed the importance of
volunteering in the community. After lunch, the teams walked to
the offices of United Way of San Joaquin County. There, President
and CEO Andy Prokop introduced the wonderful staff of United
Way, and thanked the class for their commitment to the community
and their participation in Leadership Stockton. Andy spoke about
United Way and how Leadership Stockton participants are already
well on their way to being the future of Stockton.
Each team then had the opportunity to share their experience
with the other members of the class. They used words such as “eye-
opening”, “deep respect”, “life changing”, “better understanding”,
“amazing”, and “extremely impressed” when speaking about
their time spent at the various non-profit agencies serving our
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LeadershipStocktonby: Timm Quinn
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce7 @ Timm Quinn: tquinn@stocktonchamber.org209.547.2960
community. Most participants felt it was one of their favorite
sessions this year.
I would like to thank the following people for their
contributions to the success of this session: Andy Prokop and the
United Way team for all of their help and for the generous use of
their facility, and to each hosting non-profit director who helped
make the day so special: Lindy Turner (LS ’01), Uyen Do (LS ’08),
Tim Viall (LS ’93), Edward Figueroa, John Reynolds and Joelle
Gomez (LS ’95)—Thank you for opening your doors!
Leadership Stockton Accepting Applications for the
2010-2011 Class
Leadership Stockton, California’s oldest adult community
leadership program, is accepting applications for the Class of
2011. Tuition for the 11-month program is $900. Applications
and class schedule can be found at www.leadershipstockton.com
or by calling 209.547.2770. Deadline is June 18, 2010.
The selection process involves a written application and
personal interview. Approximately 26 applicants will be chosen
to attend the program, representing a cross-section of the greater
Stockton community.
For information or an application, visit
www.leadershipstockton.com, call Timm Quinn at 547-2960 or
email tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.
Retail Shopping Centers Senior Housing Medical Offices Industrial Facilities
Office Buildings Private Schools Churches Restaurants Hospitality
. . .. . . .
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4917 Stoddard Road, Modesto, CA 95356(209) 545-7505 • www.huffcon.com
APR2010 8www.stocktonchamber.org
www.visitstockton.org
Green Team San Joaquin Sponsors:
Buy Local, Buy Green Sponsors:
Green.edu Sponsors:
REACON Sponsors:
www.greenteamsanjoaquin.com
P Stewardship stands for Policies, Practices and Purchasing Stewardship. This award was created by the Green Team San Joaquin's REACON Team to draw attention to distinguished businesses that implement green procedures that helps the environment and reduces their cost of doing business in Stockton and San Joaquin County.
For a business to be eligible for the P Stewardship, they must demonstrate best practices:
Nominate an Outstanding Business for Community Recognition!
P Stewardship Award 3
What procedures are being utilized for recycling?
What steps are taken to conserve energy?
How are they reducing air pollution?
What are they purchasing that is green?
What cost-savings have been realized with going green?
The award will be given at the 2010 Chamber Business Awards Luncheon held at noon on June 3rd, 2010 at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. in Stockton.
3
3
P Stewardship Award nomination forms can be found at www.stocktonchamber.org3
ProgramsDepartmentby: Frank Ferral
Local Business Owner’s Cleaning Services Achieve
National GS-42 Certification by Green Seal™
Stockton, CA (February 19th, 2010) – ServiceMaster Building
Maintenance is pleased to announce that we have achieved the GS-42
certification for our cleaning services. As a proud Stockton business
for 3 years, our team worked closely with Green Seal, a respected U.S.
environmental leadership eco-label. In order to attain the coveted
GS-42 certification - the environmental standard for green cleaning
services - our team completed a rigorous certification and audit of our
cleaning services.
Located in Stockton, CA, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance
started green cleaning in 2007. Since then we have seen our business
grow at double-digit rates in this tough economy. As a local business
owner, Blaine Bibb is also a member of the Green Team San Joaquin
• Business Records Storage• Media/Vital Records Vault• Certified Document Destruction• Document Imaging Services
Mike Long, Director of Marketing
209-320-6618www.pacific-records.com
(GTSJ), in which he serves as the Chairman of this trailblazing and
successful program, and on the Board of Directors for the Greater
Stockton Chamber of Commerce. It seemed a natural fit to first test
and use the Green Seal cleaning standards at the Chamber’s facility.
The auditor of the program inspected their location and we could not
have accomplished this without their cooperation.
ServiceMaster Building Maintenance became a leader in the
green cleaning movement by using the proprietary and patent-
pending Capture and Removal Cleaning® system, a highly effective,
environmentally-friendly cleaning system which reduces toxins and
improves indoor air quality—contributing to a healthier workplace.
ServiceMaster Clean partnered with Green Seal to implement GS-42
certifications of local businesses because we determined that the
guidelines established by Green Seal and 3rd party verification of our
cleaning program would set us apart in the industry.
Our Green For® cleaning products are free of surfactants and
wetting agents, and contain no ingredients that are considered
corrosive, alkaline or acidic. They have no VOCs (volatile organic
compounds). ServiceMaster Building Maintenance is committed to a
core value of environmental stewardship.
APR2010 10www.stocktonchamber.org
www.visitstockton.orgFor more info, contact Frank Ferral at fferral@stocktonchamber.org@
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Conference & Visitors Bureauby: Wes Rhea
The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out!
Don’t forget that from April 1-11 Stockton will celebrate
locally grown asparagus during the Great Stockton Asparagus Dine
Out. The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out invites Stockton-
area foodies and families to enjoy delicious dishes prepared with
fresh, locally grown asparagus at participating restaurants. These
restaurants will be featuring asparagus-related menu items , from
Asparagus Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus Ravioli to Rice and
Asparagus Pudding and Asparagus Margaritas.
Check out the participating restaurants and menu offerings at
www.DineOutStockton.com.
Get California Travel Info
The mobile California Welcome Center (CWC), a California-
branded Airstream trailer will return to the Stockton Asparagus
Festival, April 23-25. The trailer will have travel information on
California and specific regions within the state. Sponsored by the
California Travel & Tourism Commission, the Airstream visits the
largest festivals and events in California, including the Amgen Tour
of California bike race.
Be sure to stop by and take a picture with Joe Tourist! By the
way, California travel info is available year-round at the Visitors
Bureau here at the Chamber offices.
APR2010 12www.stocktonchamber.org
www.visitstockton.org@ Wes Rhea: wes@stocktonchamber.org
209.337.2721
Be sure to become a fan on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Stockton.Restaurant.Week
New Members
Animal Shelters
Delta Humane Society
4590 S. Highway 99
Stockton, CA www.deltahumanesociety.com
Coffeehouse
Empresso Coffeehouse1825 Pacific Ave .
Stockton, CA www.empressocoffeehouse.com
Distribution Center
GBM Manufacturing 620 North Monroe St.
Stockton, CA www.gbmceramics.com
Economic Development
Humanists Development Foundation , CA
1459 Venice Cir.
Stockton, CA www.hdf4u.org
Insurance - Agents & Brokers
Medina Insurance Agency
7488 Shoreline Dr. Suite B-4
Stockton, CA www.medinainsuranceagency.com
Mortgage Bankers
Metlife Bank - Reverse Mortgage
PO Box 2236
Murphys, CA www.mlbreversemortgage.com
Night Club/ Restaurant
Taste Ultra Lounge
510 E. Main St.
Stockton, CA www.tasteultralounge.com
Cosmetics & Perfumes - Retail
Mary Kay Costmetics
110 W. Fremont St.
Stockton, CA www.marykay.com/nalferez
Social Media Marketing
Advanced Networking Group1110 W. Kettleman Ln., #24
Lodi, CA www.advancenetworkinggroup.com
Construction - Consultants
Associated Builders and Contractors -Golden Gate Chapter
2433 Tejon St.
Lodi, CA www.abcggc.org
Locksmiths
Big Valley Lock & Key3706 E. Hammer Lane #102
Stockton, CA
Hotels
Clarion Inn & Suites4219 E. Waterloo Rd.
Stockton, CA www.clarionhotel.com/hotel/cac18
Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel110 W. Fremont St.
Stockton, CA www.lexingtonhotels.com
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For more information on becoming a new member, please contact Teri Manley
at 209.337.2723 or email tmanley@stocktonchamber.org. Please allow up to 90
days for your listing to show.
For additional member info, go to www.stocktonchamber.org
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce13
Cash and Carry Smart Foodservice6502 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA
Creekside Care Center9107 N. Davis Rd., Stockton, CA
Quick Connect Sprint Outlet4343 Pacific Ave Ste. A1, Stockton, CA
Ribbon CuttingsMarch 2010
For additional member info, go to www.stocktonchamber.org
Bama Thompson BodyBliss Holistic
Wellness Center
Blair HakeAmeriprise Financial
Bob HurstEducational Psychology
Bruce WertACN Telecommunica-
tion
Carol ClemonsAngel’s Caring Helpers
Ella HolmanOmega Funding
Geri BlasStockton Post Office.
Gloria BlaineBasket Caravan
Gourmet Gifts
Janice Herechski Sunflower Presents
Jeannie ComptonCamlu Assisted Living
Josie MartinezMerrill Gardens
Kamie LongMainstay Staffing
Linda StocktonEntravision Radio
Marshallistic SaulsburyDazzlin’ Cleaning
Service
Matthew GrizzleThe Record
Pattie GulickNew Image Sign Co.
Richard ValenzuelaWadell & Reed
Attending Ambassadors
* Liaison of the month John Paval
WSB Mortgage Services
* Welcome Squad of the Month Gloria Blaine
Basket Caravan Gourmet Gifts
* Honorable Mention - LiaisonKamie Long
Mainstay Staffing
Ana Golden
Ana Golden Insurance Services
Tracee Bucio
BodyBliss Holistic Wellness Center
Skip Benz
Innovative Merchant Solutions
APR2010 14www.stocktonchamber.org
www.visitstockton.org
converted when they saw the long lines of cars
queued up on I-5, on their way to that initial
Asparagus Festival.
“We debuted Asparagus Alley that very
first year,” Post—now the Festival’s Executive
Director—recalls. The Festival’s signature
dish, deep-fried asparagus spears, was also
introduced then. “And to this day it remains
our best-seller,” Post adds. Since that time, a
host of chefs have had great fun concocting
a series of additional asparagus-inspired
favorites, such as asparagus pasta, burritos,
steak sandwiches, and ice cream.
Lovely but Limited
With a lake in the middle of the Park,
Oak Grove was a lovely location for the
Festival for its first 18 years, Post remembers.
But the Festival needed industrial-grade
infrastructure that could accommodate its
rapid growth. “With attendance growing by
leaps and bounds, we had to think about
capacity - like more parking and better access
to utilities,” she says. For many reasons,
downtown Stockton was the perfect place to
migrate the Festival. Move it did to Stockton
in 2004 where it remains today.
When the Festival opens on April 23, the
biggest challenge, says Post, will be managing
the ‘normal chaos’ that happens when nearly
Spearheading History
by: Patricia Kutza
COVER STORY
A Tall Green Stalk is Stockton’s Most Popular (and Giving) Rock Star
Name recognition. For many Californians,
the city of Gilroy is synonymous with garlic.
And likewise, Stockton is inextricably
connected with asparagus. Matches made in
heaven? Truth be told, they were actually
made right here on earth.
In Stockton’s case, it hearkens back to
1985 when a bunch of San Joaquin County
promotional gurus descended on Gilroy’s
Garlic Festival to see what all the fuss was
about. This group included Kate Post who
was then co-founder of GAMUT Promotions
and Advertising and then Supervisor, Doug
Wilhoit, they recall that this exploratory group
came back from that event wondering what
other single crop could attain the same kind
of rock star status that garlic had established
in Gilroy. And a consensus emerged: Why not
audition asparagus in the San Joaquin County?
Started With a Thousand Pounds
It must have been quite a scene in 1985:
Trucks laden with a thousand pounds of
asparagus, picked fresh from neighboring
farms, hauling down Eight Mile Road en route
to the site of the first Stockton Asparagus
Festival – Oak Grove Regional Park, north of
Stockton. Doubters who questioned whether
asparagus could pull in the size of crowds
that garlic was pulling in Gilroy quickly were
By the NumbersThe 25th Annual Stockton
Asparagus Festival
5,500: Volunteers who run
the festival
100+: Non-profit groups
benefiting from the
Festival’s profits
100,000: Average number of
people who attend
40,000: Pounds of home-
grown fresh asparagus
that will be served
11-20: No. of spears in 1 lb.
of large asparagus
4: Calories in 1 spear of
asparagus
2.2: Grams of protein in
3.5 oz. of boiled and
drained asparagus
2: Cups that equate to 1 lb.
of trimmed asparagus
1852: First year asparagus
was grown in California
7lbs 5.81oz.: Amount of
asparagus eaten by
the 2009 winner of the
Deep-Friend Asparagus
Eating Championship,
Patrick Bertoletti
1: Stockton Asparagus
Festival is the largest
charitable food
festival in CA
4,700,000: Dollars
distributed to 100+
local non-profits since
the Festival started
Stats compiled from the 25th
Annual Stockton Asparagus
Festival Cookbook, 2010 Edition
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce15
Spearheading History
by: Patricia Kutza
100,000 visitors negotiate through the maze of food and arts/
crafts booths, entertainment, and all the other activities
planned for three days. It’s a big anniversary - 25 years - and
the historical value is not lost on Post.
A Big Twenty-Five
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Stockton
Asparagus Festival, there are some exciting features. There is a
commemorative Festival cookbook dedicated to the Festival’s
founders: Bill DePaoli of the California Asparagus Commission,
Joe Travale of the Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau, and
Gordon Medlin of the Bank of Stockton. Also featured are the
presence of such perennially popular celebrity chefs like the host
of Yan Can Cook, Chef Martin Yan and marquee talent names
like Pete Escovedo, Blue Oyster Cult, and Sha Na Na.
There is also the immense pride that comes with knowing
the Stockton Asparagus Festival is now the largest charitable
food festival in California. “Many of the non-profits that
volunteered at our very first festival are still with us,” says Post.
“In a faltering economy, a number of fundraising festivals have
gone away. We are delighted that we are still around and still
able to give back so much to so many.”
In a faltering economy, a number of fundraising
festivals have gone away. We are delighted that
we are still around and still able to give back so
much to so many.
APR2010 16www.stocktonchamber.org
www.visitstockton.orgPhoto by: Arturo Vera Photography
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CEO Cont’d from pg. 6
sure he can use a computer for more than playing games, so
direct him (and you too) towards www.VisitStockton.org to
see what is really happening here in Stockton and around the
region. It takes more than just looking up the website, it takes
experiencing what is available to residents and visitors of all
ages.
With that said, it is the month of the Chamber Golf
Tournament held at the Elkhorn Country Club on Monday,
April 12. Hopefully you have already signed up your foursome
because they go fast. If not, you can go to our website www.
StocktonChamber.org for a sign-up form. Always a great event!
Hey, Mr. Mori: April means Asparagus Festival! How
about volunteering to help over 100 non-profits continue to
provide much needed services to your fellow citizens and at the
same time have a great time to sooth your boredom?
The Festival is April 23-25 in Downtown Stockton and
this is the 25th anniversary! It promises to be one of the best.
Volunteers and attendees alike always have a great time and
feel good that they are helping those in need. Volunteer at the
Stockton Chamber booth will be serving asparagus pasta and
this year we have added Asparagus Ice Cream (featured on this
month’s cover), a treat concocted by Wes Rhea and Gleason’s Ice
Cream. Contact Timm Quinn here at the Chamber for available
volunteer hours.
Also from April 1-11 enjoy the Great Stockton Asparagus
Dine Out, featuring many Stockton restaurants showcasing
locally grown asparagus in delicious dishes. Please go to
www.DineOutStockton.com to find which restaurants are
participating and a list of their special menu items celebrating
San Joaquin-grown asparagus and kicking off the 25th
anniversary Asparagus Festival.
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce17
Step through the doors of St. Joseph’s new Patient Pavilion and you’ll be impressed. From its innovative architectural design, the modern two-story foyer, soothing colors, and the original works of art, you might think you are entering a 5-star hotel, but even better . . . you’re entering a 5-star hospital. While you won’t find Egyptian cotton linens or chocolate truffles on the bed, you will find highly trained and compassionate staff, state-of-the-art technology, and a healing environment designed with you, the patient, in mind. And yes, all of our spacious, private rooms have a window – because although we want to give you the ultimate patient experience, we know that you want to be out living life to the fullest . . . and we want that, too.
The new Patient Pavilion includes:Women & Infants Center • Neonatal Intensive Care • Adult Intensive CareOncology Care • Medical/Surgical Care • Healing GardensMeditation Room • Expanded Parking • All Private Patient Rooms
1800 North California Street Stockton, CA 95204 - StJosephsCares.org
with aRoom
View
Introducing our new Patient Pavilion
March 4 Mixer Photos @ Residence Inn by Marriott REXPO - March 11
From left to right: Lloyd Evans, Michelle Sherlock, Debbie Mason 1st Floor
From left to right: Rick Goucher, Andrew Ysiano, Gary Anderson,Guillermo Perez From left to right: Lynn Quijada-Splan, Pati Delahunty, Warden’s
From left to right: Randy Howard, Heidi Moorefield, Gary Torre Shelley K. Burcham, San Joaquin Partnership
From left to right: Margaret Morrison, Toni Taboada
From left to right: Connie Rill, Ed WanketSan Joaquin County Enterprise Zone
APR2010 20www.stocktonchamber.org
www.visitstockton.org
Small Business Awards Nominations Needed
This year our 2010 Small Business Awards ceremony will
take place at the Hilton Stockton on June 3rd at noon. This is your
chance to nominate those businesses, managers, and employees
that you consider to be exceptional in their field. Awards will
be presented in each of the following categories: Small Business
Person of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Business Manager
of the Year, Business Employee of the Year, and the P3 Stewardship
Award. Nomination forms can be found on the front page of the
Chamber website, www.StocktonChamber.org
We look forward to you joining the Chamber in recognizing
the top honoree in each category. The deadline for nominations
is April 9th. You may also nominate your own business, as well as
your employees. For more information, visit the website or call the
Chamber at 547-2770.
June Business Showcase & Tradeshow Mixer
Sign up now for the June 3 Business Showcase & Tradeshow
Mixer at the Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. Expose
your products and services to over 300 business attendees, meet
some new people, and grow your business. Tables are just $250
for Chamber Members. Table space is going fast, so sign up now!
To sign up or receive more information please call Timm
Quinn at 547-2960 or e-mail him at tquinn@stocktonchamber.org.
State of the City 2010 Is Just Around the Corner!
If you’re ever in doubt that we live in a great community, just
attend our annual State of the City 2010! This year the State of the
City will be held May 13th at the Port of Stockton. Sponsored by the
City of Stockton and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce,
this event features exhibits showcasing the critical and inspiring
services available to you, your loved ones, and neighbors—all in the
interest of maintaining a wholesome community.
Mayor Ann Johnston will hold her second State of the
City and will share the many exciting ideas and visions she
has to better our great city. The day begins at 10:30 a.m. at the
Port of Stockton, allowing you to get an early start visiting the
exhibits, as well as with exhibitors ready to answer any questions
Events Cont’d from pg. 4
or concerns you may have. At noon, lunch will be catered by
Outback Steakhouse followed by speaker presentations. After the
presentations, exhibits will stay open until 2:30 p.m. Invite your
clients, friends and neighbors to join you so you’ll all be in on the
reasons we’re so proud of our great city.
Sponsorships are still available, so take advantage of this
high-profile marketing opportunity for your business. For more
information, call Heidi Altamirano at 547-2764 or email to
heidi@stocktonchamber.org.
State of the City 2010 Sponsors
Platinum:A.G. Spanos CompaniesBank of Agriculture & CommerceBekins/Pacific Storage CompanyBig Valley Ford Lincoln MercuryBuilders Exchange of StocktonCity of StocktonDelta Sierra Beverage - Bud Light LimeFinancial Center Credit UnionFood 4 Less/Rancho San MiguelGreen Team San JoaquinGrupe Commercial CompanyHerum CrabtreeHousing Authority of the County of San JoaquinHumphreys CollegeJ.R. Simplot CompanyLexington Plaza Waterfront HotelMetro PCSNational UniversityNeumiller & BeardsleeOak Valley Community BankPark West Place/Pacifica Retail Management
Port of StocktonSan Joaquin Delta CollegeSan Joaquin MagazineSan Joaquin Partnership, Inc. San Joaquin Regional Transit DistrictSt. Joseph’s Medical CenterStockton Conference & Visitors BureauStockton East Water DistrictStockton Ports Baseball ClubThe Record/San Joaquin Media GroupUnited Way of San Joaquin CountyUniversity of PhoenixUniversity of the Pacific University AdvancementWells Fargo Advisors
Gold:Great Valley Center/ UC Merced
Silver:Arturo Vera PhotographyDevcon Construction, Inc.R & S Erection of Stockton, Inc.
As of 3/4/10
APR2010 22www.stocktonchamber.org
www.visitstockton.org
Opening Day of Yachting Season! On April 24, Stockton Yacht
Club is sponsoring its annual opening day parade and celebrating
its 80th anniversary. Weber Point Events Center is the location of
judging at 2pm and will return to Stockton Yacht Club after. For
information email drienhart@comcast.net. $10 entry fee will be
donated to the Red Cross for Haitian disaster relief.
The Stockton Opera Guild is pleased to announce its 35th
Emerald Anniversary Gala to be held 6 p.m., Sunday April
11th at the Stockton Golf & Country Club. Fine wine, hors
d’oeuvres, dinner and live music for $85 per person. For
reservations or information visit www.StocktonOperaGuild.org
or call Chairperson Betsy Erhardt at 954-0219.
Greater Stockton Employer Advisory Council (GSEAC) is meeting
April 16, 2010. Keynote Speaker is Vida Thomas from Carlsen
Thomas LLP on Preventing and Responding to Workplace
Violence. 7:15 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Buffet Breakfast/Raffle included.
RSVP: Colleen Martin 825-2723 or cmartin2@edd.ca.gov.
Jenn August, C.H., a certified hypnotherapist, will speak at
the April 7th luncheon meeting of the Stockton Women’s
Network. Ms. August will share the top 3 mistakes that most
businesswomen make which leads to burnout. Networking begins
at 11:30 a.m. at Elkhorn Country Club (1050 Elkhorn Drive). Visit
www.StocktonWomensNetwork.com for more information.
Romanian-born Pianist Peter Takacs will be featured at Stockton
Symphony’s “Fantastic Finale” Concert in Schumann’s Piano
Concerto. The two concerts will take place at Delta College’s
Atherton Auditorium on Thursday, April 15 at 8pm and on Saturday,
April 17 at 6pm. Tickets range from $20 to $55 and can be purchased
by calling 951-0196 or visiting www.StocktonSymphony.org.
News Briefs Submission Guidelines: News Briefs must be submitted before the 1st of each month to schamber@stocktonchamber.org. 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.
Romanian-born Pianist Peter Takacs
PORT CALL Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce23
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CalendarApril 2010
Highlights4/1 - Chamber Mixer - 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
@ Stockton Ports - Banner Island Ballpark
404 W. Fremont St.
4/23 - 4/25 - Asparagus Festival
New Member Meeting - 10:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference RoomChamber Networking Mixer - 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. @ Stockton PortsGreat Stockton Asparagus Dine-Out
1
GRC - 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference RoomLeadership Stockton Economy Session - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. @ Hilton Stockton9
Business Education Alliance - 3:30 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room28
Chamber Board Meeting - 4 p.m. @ Chamber Board Room29
Coming Up: May MixerMay 6 @ F&M Bank, 4612 McGaw Street, Stockton
Liasion Meeting - 12 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room19GRC - 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber Conference RoomAsparagus Festival Begins23
29th Chamber Golf Tournament @ Elhorn Country Club - 10 a.m.12
Green Team San Joaquin - 9 a.m. @ Chamber Conference RoomChamber Executive Committee - 7 a.m. @ Stockton Golf & Country Club
14
MIDR - 7:30 a.m. @ TBA8
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