Gilroy Chamber of CommerceOFFICERSCHAIR OF THE BOARD DEBBI SANCHEZ • Fortino Winery

PAST CHAIR ERIC GEBHARDT • Hilton Garden Inn

CHAIR OF THE BOARD-ELECT LISA T. FARIA • Coldwell Banker

SECRETARY/TREASURER DAVID MATUSZAK, Ed.D.

VC OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT JAN PEAT • McDonald’s of Gilroy

VC PUBLIC AFFAIRS ERIC GEBHARDT • Hilton Garden Inn

VC BUSINESS PROGRAMS & SERVICES JAY MENCHACA • Menchaca Law Offices

VC MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS LISA T. FARIA • Coldwell Banker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BRIGITTE NICHOLLS • Union Bank

CHERYL ELLEMBERG • ABD Promotions

LLOYD LOWREY • Noland, Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss

TERRY FEINBERG • Moxxy Marketing

PAM GARCIA • Affordable Solar Roofs

GINA LOPEZ • State Farm Insurance

CHAMBER STAFF Mark Turner • President/CEO Michelle Garcia • Administrative Assistant Chris Bevilacqua • Administrative Assistant Rosie Vogel • Administrative Assistant Sue Thurman • Business Relationship Manager

WELCOME CENTER STAFF Jane Howard • Executive Director Pam Gimenez • Office Manager

EDC STAFF Tammy Brownlow • President/CEO Candace Van Sambeek, Administrative Assistant

FOCUS PRODUCTION STAFF EDITOR • Mark Turner, President/CEO Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

PRODUCTION & DESIGN • J. Chris Mickartz InfoPOWER Communications

PHOTOGRAPHY • Larry Mickartz InfoPOWER Communication

7471 Monterey Street • Gilroy, CA 95020 web: www.gilroy.org e-mail: chamber@gilroy.org phone: (408) 842-6437

Page 2 Gilroy Business Focus I June 2014

MARK TURNERPresident/CEOGilroy Chamber ofCommerce

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD

AT A RECENT CELEBRATION of our local law enforcement and fire personnel, the celebratory mood suddenly changed as the names and faces of California’s first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty just this year scrolled across the over-head screen. The stark reality of the sacrifice men and women make in law enforcement and fire services is sobering. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Police Officer’s Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week.

For years, Pastor Malcolm McPhail of New Hope Community Church, who is also the lead Chaplain for the Gilroy Police and Fire Departments, hosts a civil service banquet honoring the fine men and women who patrol our streets and respond to the needs of our community.

A Time To Reflect And Appreciate Our First RespondersAs one listens to the stories told by

emergency personnel the heart begins to pump a little faster, adrenaline begins to surge and even the stress level starts to increase. These men and women respond to various calls at all hours of the day such as medical emergencies, fires, criminal activities and auto accidents to name a few. In some cases we find ourselves on the receiving end of a speeding ticket and wonder why the officer isn’t after more “hardened” criminals. They’re just doing their job, a job not many are willing to do.

First responders such as police and fire personnel, to some degree, are always on duty. They are constantly aware of their surroundings and ready to respond at the first sign of trouble or need. Our community is safer due to the men and women who wear the uniform. Martin Luther King said,

A Tale of Two CitiesIT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES; IT WAS THE WORST OF TIMES.In all times past, present and future one thing is clear; one person’s “best of times” will always be another person’s “worst of times.” This is true for both obvious and less conspicuous circumstances affecting people of a certain era, ours being no exception.

We live at the south end of Silicon Valley. Our region has produced more technology, more start up companies, and more income than just about any other region in the world. Our agriculture industry is booming. Our art and cultural centers have thrived in post recession years. Educational opportunities from public schools, charter and private schools, colleges and universities continually produce students of high intellect, ready to take on the next big thing. Our trade schools and training centers offer excellent choices for non college bound students. And collaboration among industries, non profits and K-12’s are at an all time high. These are all strong arguments to support the fact that we are in “the best of times.”

Juxtapose this reality with the fact that homelessness and near

homelessness are at an all-time high. Add to that unemployment and under-employment are the norm for many, and you begin to see that all is not perfect. Those of us blessed to have transportation rush to get to work, get to an interview, get to the store, get home, get…somewhere. All the while too many of us fail to pause for a moment to let a person in front of us cross the street, drive the limit, or make a complete stop. Too many children in OUR town are hungry. Too many are latch key kids. Even worse, too many are bullied and abused. Could it be the ‘worst of times” for some?

I am an optimist by nature and a realist by experience. I know that some things will simply always be. I also know that some things never have to be. Working together we can

“The ultimate measure of an individual is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy.” We can be thankful for the men and women who are willing to face the challenges, difficulties and dangers of law enforcement and fire services. The next time you see a Gilroy police officer or fire personnel, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate their dedication and commitment to our community.

DEBBI SANCHEZ2014 Chair of the BoardGilroy Chamber ofCommerce

help to improve the quality of life in Gilroy for all residents. It takes coop-eration. It takes vision. It takes cour-age and leadership. As an optimist, I think each one of us can make a difference. As a realist, I know it requires sacrifice.

Help us make these the “best of times” for as many of our fellow citizens as we can. You and I can be a force for good. We can and should volunteer with local non profits who work with the underserved and who are usually under staffed and under funded. We can also slow down and treat others as we would like to be treated. By doing so, we will impact our community for good. To those who currently volunteer to help make a difference, I applaud you! Ready to get involved? I commend you! In all things life and business, here’s to your success!

Working together wecan help to improve the quality of life in Gilroy for all residents.

SUE THURMAN Business RelationshipManager, Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

What’s new with Chamber Businesses!

June 2014 I Gilroy Business Focus Page 5

Moti Phillips, Promotions/Market Manager, California Farmers’ Markets Association with Theresa Ian, 2013 Gilroy Farmer’s Market Coordinator.

Now in its 4th year serving Gilroy businesses and families, South Valley Insurance Services has solidified its spot as one of the premier insurance brokers in the South Bay. In addition to their recent office expansion and renovation at 8339 Church St, Ste. 215, Gilroy, they are pleased to welcome Sarah Holmes to their Client Services team. Owner, Jeff Guenther, attributes their success to prioritizing excellent customer service and main-taining a close eye on the effects of healthcare reform on small businesses and families. SVIS is an employee benefits expert, offering Health, Dental, Vision and Life insurance plans. Office: (408)847-3030.

The ladies, JennBen and Theresa Santa, at iBrand Your Business are happy and excited to have launched their all new product, iExpress Websites. This was an exciting time and milestone for these two entre-preneur business ladies. The launch of iExpress Websites demonstrates hard work and the direction iBrand Your Businessis is taking in respect to the ever changing world of busi-ness. “It’s just the beginning of an all new iBrand Your Business” said both JennBen and Theresa. The move these two have taken with iExpress show that iBrand Your Business is in it for the long haul. Check out the demos of the affordable, easily adaptable, simple, and elegant iExpress Websites that are right for any business in any industry. (http://ibrandyourbusiness.com/what-we-offer/iexpress-websites) Take advantage of a free consultation with JennBen and Theresa by calling 408-667-0620 and scheduling your appointment today!

Why use a travel agent??? Why would you NOT use a travel agent?? People spend days online and thor-oughly overwhelm themselves. A Travel Agent should know where to look, will be unbiased as to what tour company or cruise line to book, and will use her first-hand knowledge matching you with what suits you best. You pay no more to use a travel agent, you have someone in your cor-ner if you have any questions, chang-es or problems, and you have the peace of mind that she will make your dream happen. Give Nancy a call or email and after asking you a few questions about what type of trip you are looking for, she will come up with some suggestions and options. Nancy Diaz, CTC Grande Destination 650-483-2720 NLDIAZ46@yahoo.com

Youth Alliance, South County Task Force, Rotary Club of Gilroy and South County United for Health join with the City of Gilroy Parks and Recreation Commission will host the Party in the Park Summer Series, presented by Kaiser Permanente. Party in the Park consists of three free events, each focused on a different community need, at San Ysidro Park. The first event on Friday, June 6, from 6 pm to 9 pm, promotes physical fitness and nutrition through a health and physical fitness resource fair, Aztec dancing presentation, Mixed Martial Arts demonstration, police and fire department basketball challenge, Zumba class, Cross-fit demonstration, handball tournament, healthy cooking class, DJ entertainment and raffle with prizes. Join us as we support our youth and build neighborhood rela-tionships to increase positive activities in South Santa Clara County’s high-need parks. For more information call the City of Gilroy Recreation Department at (408) 846-0460

Integrated Financial Benefits Network recently hosted their 3rd seminar enti-tled ”What’s In your Purse?“ Women were encouraged to look at their own retirement plan and take charge of their financial future. Typically, women take about 12 years out of the work force to care for children and/or aging parents. As a result, they often have less saved for retirement and lower social security benefits. In addi-tion, women tend to outlive men by four to five years, which makes fund-ing retirement that much more impor-tant. Women walked away from this seminar with strategies to help them better plan for a successful financial future. Check the website at www.ifitfi-nancial.com for links to information on WORTH and our future seminars, or give call 408-842-2716 for a com-plimentary consultation on how you, too, can make plans for a successful financial future.

David Ferry, David Ferry Photography, has a beautiful selection of photos in the Gallery on his website, davidfer-ryphotography.com. And because he is a nature lover, he has assembled a nice selection of landscapes and wildlife but you will also find a beautiful collection of people photos. David’s talent seems to catch people at just the right time and creates those special moments that you would be so glad weren’t missed. See more of David’s work on Facebook or book an appointment at 408-710-5083.

Gilroy’s Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from May-November, 9am-1pm. You’ll find handmade Veracruz style tamales, baked potatoes filled with all the toppings, Indian Gourmet items plus a bountiful spring har-vest of fresh fruit, local vegetables and gorgeous flowers direct from over 25 California family farmers & gourmet food purveyors. Located in the City Hall Parking lot at 7351 Rosanna & 7th Street.

Kids can cool off this summer at Gilroy Gardens’ new Water Oasis, a half-acre attraction that features plenty of water-fueled family fun. Water Oasis has three main compo-nents—Water Journey, Lagoon and Splash Pad—that will allow kids to slide about in the lagoon, get soaked by giant flowers and play with water while parents hang out on Adirondack chairs and sip lemonade. More than just fun and games though; Water Oasis was designed to help children learn how to conserve water while they play in it. Save up to $20 on single-day admission when you buy online. Visit www.gilroygardens.org or call 408-840-7100 for open days and times.

InfoPower Communications is cel-ebrating 20 years of business this month. Originally a marketing and graphic design firm, InfoPower is a thriving publishing company with two major publications: Gilroy

Today that Larry & J. Chris Mickartz have been publishing for eight years and Morgan Hill Today that they started last year. Both publications are focused on the individual communities that they serve. Over 9,000 copies of each publication is distributed by direct mail to the business community and at over 100 locations in each community. The 39th issue of Gilroy Today, available June 10th high-lights the wonderful world of Gilroy Gardens and the folks that made it a reality. Be sure to pick up your copy — everywhere you do business — or read it online at gilroytoday.com.

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