109928_Layout 1 - Turlock Chamber of Commerce

Contents
W.A.C.E. Award Winning Publication of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce
TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Business News
115 S. Golden State Blvd.
Turlock, CA 95380
209-632-2221
Fax 209-632-5289
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm
Sharon Silva
President/CEO
[email protected]
Tasha Van Santen
Director Communications/Development
Ext. 104
[email protected]
Page 7
Solar Energy - The Forecasts Is Looking Rather Sunny
Page 8
Alliance - 2013 Business Survey
Page 9
CEO Roundtable - Down To Two Core Services
Page 10
Best Of Turlock
Page 11
Chamber Breakfast Packed the Carngie Arts Center
Page 12
It’s A New World for the City of Turlock’s Finance Office
Page 12
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
Page 13
Q1 2013 - City Council - A Running Start at Planning for the Future
Page 14
Sequester: So When is a Deal, Not a Deal?
Page 15
Tenent Buys Emanuel
Page 16
World Series Trophy Hits Turlock
Page 16
New Members
Page 17
Chamber Ribbon Cuttings and Mixers
Page 18
Turlock Rea Estate - Limited Inventory Translates to Higher Prices
Page 20
What Can We Look Forward To?
Page 21
12 Steps To a Great Email
Page 22
Turlock Convention and Visitors Bureau Promotes Community Events
Sharon Berry
Administrative Assistant
Ext. 100
[email protected]
Kassi Fortado
Membership/CVB Assistant
Ext. 101
[email protected]
TURLOCK CONVENTION
AND VISITORS BUREAU
Desa Cammack
Director
115 S. Golden State Blvd.
209-632-2221 Ext. 106
[email protected]
PAGE 4
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
Welcome
Chairman
A Long Year . . . . . But a Good Year
Exciting and Busy Year Ahead
From the President/CEO
T
he Turlock Chamber of Commerce
will continue to play a positive role
in making Turlock a business
friendly community in 2013.
Specifically, the Chamber will continue its
strong legislative advocacy on local, state
and federal levels. We work closely and
partner with our state local and federal
representatives on behalf of Turlock and its business community.
The Chamber will champion legislators’ efforts to help our area
and call attention to their hard work. We will continue to assist
local businesses that may have issues with governmental agencies.
The Chamber of Commerce will maintain a dynamic
relationship with regional and valley groups and associations
because there is greater strength in numbers and the Valley has
more that binds us together than divides us. We will keep
reaching out to new businesses in Turlock to offer our menu of
services and aggressively assist existing Turlock businesses in
networking and expanding their contacts.
The Chamber has several committees engaged in a diverse range
of issues including education, economic development, business
resources, governmental affairs and special activities, as well as
other areas of interest. As the voice of business in Turlock, the
Chamber’s goal is to advocate for our members’ best interests and
for those of our community.
The Turlock Chamber offers many services to our members. Call
and see how we can help!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Networking
Referrals
Publicity, Exposure and Marketing Opportunities
Discounts & Services
Education / Training
Business Advocacy
Community Involvement
Sharon Silva, President/CEOand the City of Turlock. The
Chamber ended the year with a 10% increase in membership. The
year began with the privilege of receiving three outstanding awards:
one from
Western
Association
of Chamber
Executives;
one for the
Executive of
the Year; and
the First Place Award for our Business News publication, as well as
receiving
the CalChambers
Award
for the fourth year in
BUSINESS
NEWS « President’s
SPRING
2013
Of The Board - Mike Romeo
2
013 has been and will continue to be a
busy and exciting year for the Turlock
Chamber of Commerce. The new board
of directors is working diligently ensuring the
chamber meets its commitment to be a value
added resource to member businesses and the
local community.
In January the Turlock Chamber hosted their
annual “Best of Turlock” event which was well attended and where
many great people were honored and recognized. In February the
Sixth Annual State of the Chamber Membership Breakfast offered
important updates for our local and regional community. Mayor
John Lazar presented information on Turlock and County
Supervisor Vito Chiesa gave updates on our county. CSU
Stanislaus updates were given by Dr. Joseph Sheley and Turlock
Unified School District updates by Dr. Sonny Da Marto. Everyone
who attended agreed on the value of the shared information.
As you are aware, we are experiencing major changes in the
healthcare delivery system in the Central Valley. Tenet Healthcare
Corporation has entered into an agreement to acquire Emanuel
Medical Center. Upon completion of the deal, Emanuel Medical
Center will become a part of Tenet Healthcare which includes
Doctors Medical Center of Modesto and Doctors Hospital of
Manteca. The goal will be to provide patient-centered care in the
region. These hospitals will combine efforts to work towards
improving the efficiency and coordination of healthcare delivery in
communities where they provide their services.
Locally developed wellness programs are another important
employee-centered care change in the Central Valley. The
Turlock Chamber is actively involved with local groups in the
development of a cost effective employee wellness program. Such
programs have been shown to lower employer healthcare costs
and improve employee productivity and overall wellness. If we as
the Chamber are as successful as we hope to be, there will be as
much as a 30% savings per year for each family who commit to
wellness and disease prevention. Being a family physician, I am
excited about this initiative and the benefits it can offer to our
members. More information will become available on this
unique opportunity as the year progresses.
The Turlock Chamber continues to actively promote its business
members and assist with the development of a business friendly
community. As the chairman of the board I look forward to
working with the individual businesses and to a very productive
and exciting 2013.
Mike Romeo, MD
Romeo Medical Clinic
PAGE 5
2013 Chamber Board of Directors
Mike Romeo (Chair)
Romeo Medical Clinic
Andrew Wigglesworth
(Chair Elect)
MedicAlert Foundation
Paul Porter (Past Chair) Steve Gemperle (Treasurer)
Winton-Ireland,
Gemperle Enterprises
Strom & Green
Mike Allen
Allen Mortuary
Dianna Bettencourt
Oak Valley
Community Bank
Fred Brenda
Valley Tool & Manufacturing
James Brenda
JKB Energy
Dean Doerksen
Central Ag Products
Julio Hallack
DBA Concrete by Hallack
Mike Lynch
Mike Lynch Consulting
Linda Nowak
CSU Stanislaus
Steven Padilla
Sunopta
Mike Rose
B & B Manufacturing
Jeff Segars
Foster Farms
2013
TURLOCK
CHAMBER
OF
COMMERCE
STAFF
Sharon Silva
CEO/President
IOM, Institute for
Organization Management,
University of Arizona
Bachelor Arts
Organizational
Communication
Tasha Van Santen
Director Communications/
Development
Bachelor Science Business
CSU Stanislaus
Chamber Champions
Allen Mortuary • B&B Fluid Power
Emanuel Medical Center • Gemperle Enterprises
JKB Energy / Living • Kirkes Electric
Lancaster Painting
MedicAlert Foundation
Romeo Medical Clinic
Turlock Journal
Turlock Scavenger/Turlock Recycling
Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency
PAGE 6
Sharon Berry
Administrative
Assistant
Bachelor Science Education
Pacific University
Ashour Badal
CSU Stanislaus
Chris Kiriakou
Cornerstone Consulting
Bill Bassitt
(Ex-officio Member)
Alliance
Kassi Fortado
Membership /
CVB Assistant
Merced College
Kyle Kirkes
Kirkes Electric
Marty Jakosa
(Ex-officio Member)
Foster Farms
Desa Cammack
Director Turlock Convention
and Visitors Bureau
Western Association of
Chamber Executives
Academy Graduate
Upcoming Events:
Golf Tournament
April 5th
Mixer MedicAlert
Foundation
April 30th
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
J
SOLAR
ENERGY
The forecast is looking rather sunny
ames Brenda, President of JKB Development
located in Turlock, CA has successfully navigated
the perils and pitfalls of the business
environment for 31 years. In 2007, James was
building homes that met high-energy efficiency
standards by incorporating solar energy to
dramatically reduce homeowner’s utility costs.
Recognizing the housing market was due for a
correction, Brenda saw the potential with an
unfulfilled need of farmers and businesses that were
eager to reduce their rising energy costs by
generating their own energy with solar power. It was
then that JKB Energy was born.
In 2008, with market research and product
development completed, JKB Energy began selling
turnkey solar projects. Because agriculture was less
affected by the recession and was still doing well,
JKB Energy focused their efforts on cost-saving solar
solutions for this market. The declining cost of solar
panels fueled JKB’s business. The company has
experienced steady growth, with sales volume
doubling approximately every thirteen months.
Brenda stated, “Installation costs today are down
75% from just four years ago. California businesses
have never been more interested in solar.”
JKB Energy feels that being involved in the
industries it serves, such as proudly sponsoring the
Almond Board of California, Almond Hullers &
Processors Association, and California Citrus
Mutual, is an important foundation for the
company. In 2009, JKB Energy partnered with
Valley Tool & Manufacturing in Hughson, CA to
manufacture panel mounting and racking hardware
that reduces lead times and improves quality, while
lowering the cost. Brenda explains, “This local
partnership provides us a huge advantage. We can
introduce new innovations to the marketplace in a
matter of weeks versus months. It’s a good feeling
knowing we are helping create local manufacturing
jobs.” JKB Energy has grown from a handful of
people in one office to four locations, and continues
to expand.
In 2012, seeing renewed demand for new homes in
the area, JKB started building single family
residences at its Sterling Ranch development in
Denair, CA. New projects are already in the works
for 2013, and Brenda is optimistic for the housing
industry’s future. He rebranded JKB Homes as JKB
Living to better convey a twenty-first century vision
of sustainable and modern living, which families
desire today.
When asked about the future, Brenda quips, “The
past few years have been challenging at times, but
also a period of opportunity. Looking back, it’s
rewarding to see all we have achieved during that
time. There have been a few cloudy days, but the
forecast is looking rather sunny.”
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
PAGE 7
2013
BUSINESS SURVEY SAYS . . .
E
arly each year, the Alliance conducts a countywide
survey of the business community. One thing stands
out since starting this process in 2005 – every year
brings new challenges that owners and managers must
surmount. This time around, the issue that rose to the fore
was insurance, particularly health insurance. Coverage
mandates for firms with 50 or more employees loom larger
as 2014 approaches.
Nearly two-thirds of survey
respondents expressed uncertainty about having enough
information to support their decision-making process
relating to health insurance.
Among other topics, the survey showed that young
consumers remain a challenging market, with over half
reporting weak demand from those aged 24 and under. On
the other hand, about four in ten businesses experienced
strong purchasing by the 50 to 64 year old cohort.
To view more findings from the survey, visit
http://www.stanalliance.com/dbm/demoind/_2013-Stanislaus-Economic-Outlook-Survey-Results.pdf
Thanks are in order to the Turlock Chamber for helping promote the business survey, and to its members for participating.
PAGE 8
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
CEO Roundtable
Down To Two Core Services
T
he Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department has been cut
to the bone but remains dedicated to serving the
community, Sheriff Adam Christianson told Turlock
Chamber of Commerce members at the February Chamber
CEO Roundtable lunch.
“When cutting, we got down to two core services: answering
emergency calls, and keeping bad guys locked up,” Christianson
said.
The poor economy wiped out 25 percent of the department's
budget since 2008. The department is now hiring for first time
in four years, but only a couple of deputies – not the 80
Christianson said he needs to answer 80,000 calls for service
each year. At times Christianson has just 7 deputies to patrol
the entire county, he said.
Other monumental challenges like realignment only make the
department's job more difficult. That program released
hundreds of less-violent state prisoners into county care last
year, increasing crowding at local facilities. Many of the leastserious offenders end up back on the streets after minimal
sentences now, where a life of crime often awaits.
Some relief is around the corner, as the county will soon open
new jail facilities with nearly 600 beds, adding day reporting
and mental health care facilities. A new coroner's facility will
soon open too, in a repurposed Downtown Modesto county
building.
But it's going to take the entire community working together to
solve the region's crime problem, Christianson said, with
citizens policing themselves. Neighborhood watches can change
the character of a community, he said, and make more impact
than deputies ever could.
“You will never be able to arrest your way out of some of the
public safety challenges we face,” Christianson said.
The bimonthly CEO Roundtable lunches bring together
notable speakers with local business and government leaders for
a discussion about the most important issues facing Turlock and
the region.
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
PAGE 9
Best of
Turlock
T
urlock is a city filled with kind-hearted people, who do whatever it takes to make the city a
better place.
But the work is usually thankless, as those people who make Turlock great often work unnoticed.
On one night a year, the city's finest are recognized at the annual Best of Turlock awards, hosted
by the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.
Awardees are brought to the ceremony under false pretenses, with no clue they are about to be
honored until their names are called. Winners are selected by a panel of past winners who know
what it means to truly be the Best of Turlock.
The 2013 event was held on Jan. 25 at the Assyrian American Civic Club, and was sponsored by
California State University, Stanislaus and the Emanuel Medical Center.
BEST OF TURLOCK WINNERS, 2013
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
Joy Biddle
Biddle was not present to receive her award.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Jerry Powell
Powell was honored mainly for his decade of work with the
Salvation Army, where he sits on the advisory board and helped
build the organization's facility.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Janice Virgo
Virgo spearheaded the creation of the Turlock Community
Theater, at a time when the former Turlock High
School auditorium may have been lost.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Woods Furniture
The family owned and operated furniture has been
in operation since 1950, adapting to the times through
three generations of ownership.
CORPORATION OF THE YEAR
The Tower Health and Wellness Center,
Owned by the Romeo family
The visionary development combines medical services with
restaurants, event hosting, florists, a salon, and a pharmacy.
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT OF THE YEAR
Kathy Sanders
A poultry and dairy leader for Chatom 4H,
Sanders has helped countless children over the years.
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Glenn Blackley
Blackley has taught students ranging from gifted to severely at-risk,
and was instrumental in developing the Turlock
Unified School District charter school, the eCademy.
HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR
Sylvia Cox
Cox founded Turlock's Off-Center Thrift and Gift, an
all-volunteer thrift shop which has donated more than
$400,000 to the community since opening.
AGRICULTURAL LEADER OF THE YEAR
Ron Macedo
Macedo has served on the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau
board, the California Farm Bureau board, and now serves
on the Turlock Irrigation District Board of Directors
while growing almonds, corn, and pumpkins.
BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Dr. Antone Varani and Anokeen Varani,
owners of Turlock Dental Spa
The Varanis' dual dental business and day spa offers relaxing
massage chairs, hand wax, and aromatherapy during dental work,
as well as an array of spa treatments.
YOUTH CITIZENS OF THE YEAR
Pitman High – Kelsee Derr
Derr is is a state-level track athlete, a standout student,
student body president, and recently spent 13 days tiling
bathrooms at an orphanage in Mexico.
Turlock High – Katelyn McGinnis
McGinnis is a member of the Turlock High Speech and Debate Team,
the Key Club, and the Drama Club, has raised $7,000 for
chemotherapy patients, and was recently chosen to be part of the
prestigious Gallo Leadership program.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Shirley Pok
Pok has led Emanual Medical Center's fundraising program
since 2000, raising more than $22 million, while serving on numerous
community boards and helping to organize the
Turlock Mayor's Prayer Breakfast.
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR – HIGHER EDUCATION
Julie Fox
Fox heads the CSU Stanislaus Office of Service Learning, which helps
students earn real-world experience while giving back more than 48,000
hours of service to the community each year.
PAGE 10
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
Chamber Breakfast . . .
offers invaluable inside look at the region
B
usiness and community leaders packed the
Carnegie Arts Center on Feb. 20, waiting with
rapt attention to hear about the state of the
city, county, university, school district and, of course,
the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.
The Turlock Chamber of Commerce's Annual
Membership Breakfast is a Turlock tradition, offering
an invaluable, inside look at the region.
“Long before Modesto started doing theirs, we were
doing it,” said Sharon Silva, Turlock Chamber CEO.
The annual breakfast, catered by Latif's this year,
kicked off with an update on the Chamber's
activities over the past year. Members met the board
and ambassadors, heard about events, and learned
about initiatives like Leadership Turlock, the
Business Leadership Summit, and the Chamber's
government relations efforts.
But major speakers from the community were also
invited, highlighted by Turlock Mayor John Lazar.
Lazar's annual speech at the breakfast is generally
referred to as the State of the City address.
Last year, Lazar announced new businesses pegged
for Turlock – Old Navy and Ulta. This year, the
mayor turned his speech toward Turlock's shoddy
roads, urging passage of a new transportation tax.
“For too long we have waited for some county, state
or federal initiative to improve our transportation
systems,” Lazar said “... I would like to explore the
idea of placing some type of special road
maintenance measure on the Turlock ballot for
residents to give us the tools to fix our streets.”
“
... I would like to
explore the idea of placing
some type of special road
maintenance measure on
the Turlock ballot for
residents to give us the tools
to fix our streets.
”
Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa also
provided an update on the county, offering his vision
to reduce crime, create jobs, and improve education.
And this year, new Interim President of California
State University, Stanislaus Joseph Sheley shared his
vision for the university for the first time, mostly
discussing the potentially hazardous effects of state
budget cuts. Turlock Unified School District
Superintendent Sonny Da Marto closed the event,
speaking about the challenges facing and the
successes of the district.
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
PAGE 11
It’s a New World
FOR THE
CITY OF TURLOCK’S FINANCE OFFICE!
by Fallon Martin
I
n March 2010, our office went live on the utility module of
New World Systems. With this implementation came a
number of changes, one of those changes being a new billing
form. This billing form allows for important messages to be
printed on both the billing stub and bottom portion of the bill. In
January 2010, the City converted from flat to metered water, which
is now reflective on utility bills as well, allowing customers to see
their water consumption (in gallons) for each billing cycle.
Some helpful tips are for our customers to be sure to bring their
City of Turlock utility bill with them when visiting our office to
pay their bill. This allows for accuracy with crediting the correct
utility account. Occasionally, inserts are included with utility bills.
These inserts contain important and useful information to our
customers, such as leaf pick up schedules, holiday events in
Turlock, Take Pride in Turlock, etc…
For the convenience of our customers, there are a number of
payment options available: mail, drop boxes (near TID and at City
Hall), City of Turlock’s website (http://www.cityofturlock.org) phone
(668-5570), walk-in payments at City Hall, and electronically
through banking websites. Customers are also given the option
of managing their utility account from our website. This feature
allows for customers to view their utility bill, make payments,
and customize their account settings as desired (i.e. sign up for
paperless billing, enroll in auto bill payment, etc…).
The utility module is a part of the Financial Software
Application of New World Systems and is near completion. In
January 2012, the Finance Office went live with the business
license module, which is a part of the Community Development
Application. In an effort to streamline processes and improve
electronic communication among City departments,
Development Services, Municipal Services, Neighborhood
Services, Human Resources, and our Payroll Department have
also partnered with New World Systems. This is an ongoing
conversion and the City of Turlock is looking forward to the
enhancements that New World Systems has to offer our
customers and daily processes.
The State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB)
T
he State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is
currently weighing a proposal that, if passed, would
negatively impact our region’s water supply, agriculture
operations and economy. This proposal, which disregards historic
water rights of local irrigation districts, would force these districts
to dedicate 35 percent of unimpaired flows along the Merced,
Tuolumne and Stanislaus Rivers from February 1 to June 30
annually for fish and wildlife beneficial uses.
According to the SWRCB’s Substitute Environmental Document,
if this proposal passes, in dry years, approximately 210,000 acres of
farmland could be fallowed, Ag income loss could total $187
million each year, job losses would exceed 1,200, and Modesto and
Turlock Irrigation Districts will combine to sacrifice 300,000 acrefeet of water annually. Additionally, hydropower generation would
take a hit, groundwater supplies would be impacted, and water and
power rates would likely rise.
What makes matters worse is that this proposal does not possess
any scientific evidence that increased flows will actually benefit fish
and wildlife. Nor does the proposal address other factors that have
been scientifically proven to be affecting fish populations such as
predation by non-native fish. The state’s proposal represents a lowprobability gamble based solely on a whim in a high-stakes game to
benefit fisheries. Except the only stakes in play are family farms,
jobs and the welfare of our region. Learn more at www.tid.com
PAGE 12
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
Q1 2013 – CITY COUNCIL -A Running Start at Planning for the Future
John Lazar
Steven Nascimento
Forrest White
Amy Bublak
December of 2012 and the first two months of 2013 was a quarter of looking
forward for the City Council. Among the major business items that the Council
took action on was the Master Plan development in Southeast Turlock, Fulkerth
Road improvements, a reliable supply of drinking water and the fees associated
with future growth. Council items and votes are as follows;;
MEETING COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
1.
1/8/13
Master Plan Public Improvements
Y
2.
1/8/13
Plan Check Services
Y
3.
1/8/13
Downtown Property Owner’s Association
Y
4.
1/8/13
Water Rate Study
N
5.
1/8/13
Turlock Partnership Incentive Program
Y
6.
1/22/13
Approval of membership in Bay Area Recycled
Y
Water Coalition
7.
1/22/13
Approval of City Labor Agreements
Y
8.
2/12/13
Approval an Amendment to the East Stanislaus
Y
Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
9.
2/26/13
South East Turlock Morgan Ranch Master Plan
Y
10. 2/26/13
Fulkerth Road Rehabilitation
Y
11. 2/26/13
Updates to the Northwest Triangle and Westside
Y
Industrial Specific Plan Fee Study
Bill DeHart
By Chris Kiriakou
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Following is a brief summary of each of the 2012 business related items.
1.
Master Plan Improvements – City staff reported that new home construction in the NE Master Plan Area has been brisker than
anticipated. Developers advance funds for public improvements and the council voted unanimously to reimburse the developers.
The City will then be reimbursed through new home construction fees.
2.
Plan Check Services – Another indicator of improving new project construction. Rather than staff up in uncertain times, the
City is contracting out the plan check services.
3.
Downtown Property Owner’s Association – Reimbursement of administrative funds to the DPOA. Council provides
administrative support to the Association until it becomes more self-sufficient.
4.
Water Rate Study – Council approved hiring a consultant to assist with the preparation of a study of water rates. A No vote by
Blublak reflected her desire to do the study internally and use the money spent on a consultant for other purposes such as roads.
5.
Partnership Incentive Program – Unanimous Council approval to continue funding of a $1,000 economic incentive to new
business locating in existing construction.
6.
Membership in the Bay Area Recycled Water Coalition – Approved of membership in advocacy group for the purpose of
furthering the North Valley Recycled Water Program where the City could sell recycled water to the Westside.
7.
City Labor Agreements - Completion of the City negotiations with the labor unions for the current budget year.
8.
Regional Water Management Plan – Approved an amended cost sharing agreement for the study of long-term water resources for
the cities of Turlock, Ceres, Hughson and the South area of Modesto. Turlock’s share is 20%.
9.
Morgan Ranch Master Plan – Continued development of the Golf Links Road, east of Highway 99 area pursuant with the City’s
master plan for southeast Turlock.
10. Fulkerth Road Rehabilitation – Council approval of needed improvements to Fulkerth Road between 99 and Golden State
partially using Gas Tax funds.
11. Northwest Triangle and WISP Fee Study – Approval of consulting services to update fees associated with development in the two
areas (Monte Vista Crossings area and the Industrial Park).
The first quarter of the City’s year covered a lot of different areas but from a business standpoint it appears to focus on advance
planning and the fees associated with it. Growth brings jobs, opportunity and revenues to the City. These are all good things if
effectively planned, consistent with the citizen’s desires. The City staff has certainly done its share of advanced planning this quarter.
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
PAGE 13
Sequester: So When is a Deal, Not a Deal?
T
here are plenty of newspaper articles
on the Sequester pointing fingers at
one party or another. The national
debt is increasing substantially with no end
in sight. But that’s not what this article is
about. This article is about how we got here
and a lot about when a deal is not a deal.
If you think back to the start of this
discussion it takes place in 2011 when the
nation was approaching the Debt Ceiling,
the maximum the nation could borrow. The
debt ceiling has increased over time as shown
in the US Public debt ceiling Since 1981
graph (Wikipedia, Jeanne Sahadi,
CNNMoney May 18, 2011). The difference
this time was the historically high increases
in debt over the past ten years. As of 3/11/13
it is $16.7 trillion. In summary, the deal
involved a tax increase through the
expiration of the Bush era tax cuts, the
payroll tax cuts and tax increases on the
wealthy in exchange for $1.5 trillion in budget cuts over ten years.
The deal did not specify how the budget cuts would be
accomplished but left it to a “Super Committee” made up of
representatives from both Houses of Congress and political parties,
which failed. In the event of a failure the $1.5 trillion would be cut
evenly from both defense and domestic programs: “Sequestration”.
The deal was for a $617 billion tax increase (Center for American
Progress, 1/3/13) and for $1.5 trillion in budget cuts to reduce the
deficit spending.
The tax increase took effect on January 1, 2013 and the Sequester
cuts took effect March 1, 2013. Ok so just how much will the
government have to reduce its spending? There have been varying
estimates but the Washington Examiner (2/27/13) reported that its
2.5% over the next ten years. But the January 1 payroll Social
Security tax increase was 2% on employees and another 2% on
employers in addition to increases on “wealthy Americans”. Recall
the deal was for a tax increase in exchange for budget cuts. Congress
was able to agree on a series of tax increases but when it came to
cutting the budget what happened?? The Sequester is about a failure
to complete a deal. A deal that may have a tax impact on each and
every one of us and a failure of our elected representatives to live up
to what was negotiated. Sure they can agree on taxes, but budget
cuts, never! James Madison said, “Wherever the real power in a
Government lies, there is the danger of oppression.” (Letter to
Thomas Jefferson (1788-10-17). The test of “real power” for our
elected representatives will be if they can live up to their “balanced”
deals!
PAGE 14
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
TENET
BUYS
Emanuel
T
he landscape of Turlock healthcare will undergo a
seismic shift in the coming months, as Emanuel
Medical Center will be sold to Tenet Healthcare.
Tenet Healthcare is already a major player in the Central
California healthcare industry, owning and operating
Modesto's Doctors Medical Center and Manterca's Doctors
Hospital. The purchase of Emanuel, at an undisclosed price,
will allow Tenet to improve both the efficiency and the
delivery of healthcare locally, Tenet said.
“The combination of Emanuel Medical Center with Tenet’s
existing hospitals represents the alignment of leading
healthcare organizations with a long history of providing
high-quality patient care in the Central Valley region,” said
Jeff Koury, senior vice president for Tenet’s California region.
The sale makes good sense for Emanuel, too, hospital leaders
said. As local healthcare professionals struggle to adapt to the
increased demands of the Affordable Care Act, also known as
Obamacare, the power and resources of a national company
like Tenet will allow Emanuel to continue to thrive.
“This is a way we can ensure we have healthcare in our
community,” Emanuel Board Chair Jennifer Larson said.
Turlockers will likely see little change in the day-to-day
operations of the hospital, which will continue all previous
services and its affiliation with the Evangelical Covenant
Church. Other current Emanuel assets – the Brandel Manor
nursing facility and Cypress of Emanuel assisted living – will
continue to be operated by the Covenant Church, and will
not be sold to Tenet.
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
PAGE 15
World Series Trophy
. . . hits Turlock
I
t's tradition for the World
Series-winning baseball
team to embark on a trophy
tour, showing off the fruit of
their labor to an adoring fan
base spread across a region.
But it's certainly not normal for a World Series trophy to end
up in Turlock.
After the San Francisco Giants won the 2012 World Series,
sweeping the Detroit Tigers in the process, the team planned a
typical trophy tour. Stops were planned across the Central
Valley, in cities like Modesto, Atwater, and Merced – but not
Turlock.
But then on Feb. 20, by happenstance, Giants personnel
transporting the trophy got a little hungry while driving from
Modesto to Atwater. The Giants employees decided to stop for
lunch at the former Wellington Station, bringing the 2012 and
2010 World Series trophies inside for fans to see while they
ate.
The unexpected, approximately one-hour Turlock stop took
even Wellington's owners by surprise.
Just shortly after the World Series trophy left, Wellington
Station too left Turlock. The longtime bar and eatery closed
forever in mid-March, with owners reopening 10 days later as
10 East Kitchen and Tap House, a new restaurant and bar
focused on craft beer and upscale casual food.
New Members
Cindy Fraze Realtor
DAC Remodeling Inc.
First California Mortgage Company
Fresno Pacific University, Merced Center
H&R Block
IBEW Local 684
Jacobs, Wes, D.V.M.
PAGE 16
Quilts of Honor
Stanislaus Council of Governments
Tom Michael Insurance Agency
Turlock Gospel Mission
Turlock Monument Co.
Valley Care Medical Group
Valley Vein Health Center
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
Mixers
CARNEGIE
PET AVENUE
Ribbon
Cuttings
BRENDA
ATHLETIC
CLUB
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
STOP-N-SHOP
H&R
BLOCK
PAGE 17
TURLOCK REAL ESTATE –
Limited Inventory Translates To Higher Prices…
By Jim L. Theis, Broker
W
hat a difference a year makes! Last March we were
still talking about the “foreclosure tsunami” and the
swelling “phantom inventories” of bank owned
properties that were being held by the large banks, both of which
have failed to materialize. As we start the 2nd Quarter of 2013,
there are 53 available properties for sale in Turlock (all prices, all
areas) and approximately 10% are bank owned and another 10%
are short sales. Last year there were 192 homes for sale with 73%
being distressed sales. The market is transitioning from a market
dominated by distressed sales to one that is predominately
traditional sales with “real” buyers and sellers on each side of the
transaction.
still very favorable when compared to the 40-yr historical average
in the 8% range. With the current low inventory levels, there is
strong upward pressure on prices as buyers over-bid asking prices,
with multiple offers the norm on most sales.
Today’s $111/sf median market value is significantly below the
peak of $257/sf, however it is up 19.4% from the bottom last
year. This positive trend is encouraging news for home owners
looking to move back to a positive equity position in their home
values. Low inventory of available homes will continue to be the
story for 2013 as only 19 building permits were issued for new
homes in all of 2012 – down from the peak of 873 issued in
2003.
Going back to 2nd Quarter of 2007, inventories of unsold
properties had ballooned to 481, 30-year mortgage rates were
6.25%, and the median price per square foot was $221 after
dropping from the previous all-time high in 2006 of $257/sf.
Turlock median home prices bottomed last year at $93/sf and
have gradually been moving up to the current $111/sf. Mortgage
rates bottomed at 3.38% and are currently in the 3.75% range –
Opportunities are still available for both first-time home buyers
and investors. With the limited inventory, buyers must be
patient, however must be in a position to move quickly when the
perfect home becomes available. It is still a great time to buy or
sell a home!
CALIFORNIA DISTRESSED SALES
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
9
-0
n
Ja
9
-0
r
Ap
9
9
-0
-0
l
Ju
O
ct
0
-1
n
Ja
0
-1
r
Ap
0
-1
l
Ju
0
-1
ct
O
1
-1
n
Ja
1
r-1
Ap
1
l-1
Ju
1
-1
O
ct
2
-1
n
Ja
2
-1
r
Ap
2
-1
l
Ju
13
2
-1
ct
O
n-
Ja
SOURCE: California Association of REALTORS®
PAGE 18
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
t looks like the Greek government will not go into default on
nearly $1.3 trillion Euros. Oh, by the way 1 Euro = $1.3256
today so that’s really $1.72 trillion give or take a few bucks.
Come on, what does a default in a country the size of
Connecticut mean to me here in Turlock on the other side of the
world?? Well it really could mean a lot because guess who holds
some of that debt??
I
A Greek Tragedy
The Greek government has issued about $1.72 trillion in bailout
bonds to keep the country alive, more or less. A payment on the
debt is coming due March 20 and the Greeks don’t have the cash.
(No wonder, in December unemployment was 21%.) The Greek
government has asked the private bond holders to take a 53.5%
cut in the current value or a near 70% loss in the full value of the
bonds, as well as, seeking a $172 billion loan. Well here’s the
connection between Turlock and Greece, guess who holds Greek
bonds and related derivatives, several large US banks!! Remember
those pesky derivatives from four years ago, Mortgage Backed
Securities (MBS) that we’re still trying to recover from.
Local Banks
In June last year CNN reported that JP Morgan Chase,
CitiGroup, and Bank of America held around $185 billion in
Greek related derivatives. These are some of our local banks that
we rely on for credit and services. But you say that’s a drop in the
bucket compared to the $878 billion the US government bailout
that the banks received under the Toxic Asset Relief Program
(TARP). Guess what, Greece is just the leading edge of the storm
with Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland not far behind. If Greece
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
PAGE 19
forward t
o?
What can we look . . .
by Mike Lynch
W
hile 2013 is not a presidential election year we will
not be spared either political issues or campaigns.
Many very consequential discussions and decisions
will be undertaken which will shape our community state and
nation for years to come.
Locally, foremost is water and power. Agencies like the
California Water Quality Control board are intent on
increasing substantially the flows from the reservoirs on the
Tuolumne, the Merced and the Stanislaus. This could mean
loss of water and power to TID and MID customers and
ratepayers. It is particularly important to TID, where the long
standing plans to provide safer and cleaner surface drinking
water to its area (Turlock, Ceres, Hughson etc) could be
impacted by the decision. TID electric customers, who
already pay much of the cost of bringing TID water to TID
irrigators, could see even larger power bills, since the water
would be released at a time when power generation revenues
are low. The threat to the water supply doesn’t stop there. The
Federal Energy Regulatory commission has to relicense Don
Pedro. More outside demands for increased or water use are
expected at that level.
It is ironic that TID and MID, which have invested in water
storage, are now expected to supply water at no cost to
wealthier areas of California who have made no such
investments. This kind of disparity continues to keep the
PAGE 20
valley well behind other parts of California in economic,
employment and opportunity success indicators.
Roads and police will also be on the minds of local
government. Some cities are considering a sales tax for police
services or road improvements. Stanislaus county is looking at
a county wide road improvement plan. If the jurisdictions
proceed with these plans some may be on the local ballot this
November.
Our state and federal legislators will have to constantly be on
guard to forestall threats not just in water, but in land use, and
funding formulas, so that our area is treated equally with
others.
So we will have an interesting year. Get
ready for political posturing as various
potential candidates for office in 2014 test
the waters. More importantly however,
watch closely the policy developments that
can have enormous impact on our
economy and quality of life in Turlock.
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
12 Steps ...
TO A GREAT EMAIL
Alan W. Seaton
B U S I N E S S C O N S U LT A N T A L L I A N C E S B D C T U R L O C K
P
redictions have a funny way of coming true…or not. A few
years ago, email as a way of reaching existing customers and
potential new customers was said to be going the way of
newspapers, Top 40 radio, and door hangers,. “Not the best way
to target customers”. “No one reads emails anymore” “There’s a
better way”.
There is a better way, and that better way is a better email!
Great restaurants, hotels, even great athletes pay attention to the
details and frequently find success for their efforts. Great email
marketing comes from the right content, an attractive
presentation, and a strategy for understanding how your
recipient reacts and how to follow up. Here are 12 steps to better
email marketing.
Step #1 – Have Clear, Attention-Getting Email Subject Line: If
it’s hokey it gets passed by, if it’s blank it gets ignored. If you take
a minute and really think of what you want them to look for, not
just what your message is about, the chances of it being opened
are increased. Avoid spam triggers.
Step #2 – A Real Person as the Sender: I don’t care what your
company has to say, much less a 3rd party sending email on your
behalf. I want to know it’s you, and why you feel you should be
sending me an email. All this should come across in the From:
line.
Step #3 – Company Logo – I may not care as much about
companies as I do about people but I want to be reassured in it is
you behind a company. In a split second people identify and
associate a logo, to a brand, to a company, to you; a good logo,
makes us think, makes us feel, calls us to action and puts us at
ease all in the same split-second. A great email always features
your logo, prominently. At the beginning, at the end, or both.
Step #4 – Personalized Content – Add the recipient’s first name
to your email. Personalized email increases the click through rate
(the rate your recipient actually opens your email). Think how
your offer affects them personally, and adjust the offer to fit
different demogrpahics, pyschographics or personas.
Step #5 – Create Groups or Segments within your Email List.
Different circumstances, different reactions, different message.
Who are they?, Where are they?, What have they bought in the
past?
Step #6 –State Your Case Early – Your “case” is the value
proposition, or context of your offer. Tell the reader as quickly as
possible, why they clicked open your email. Getting someone to
open an email is hard; getting them to stay through the show is
more difficult. Tell them why you have sent it to them
particularly. This reduces the big brother effect; “why are you
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
sending me an email? Who told you to email me?”
Step #7 – Call to Action – What do you want me to do? Have a
button(hyper link) they can click on to purchase what you’re
selling, or learn more about what you’re saying.
Step #8 – Pictures say a thousand words Emails are like show
and tell in 2nd grade, people want to see pretty pictures rather
than read words.
#9- Sharing buttons/additional links: Facebook, Google+,
Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Reddit. Putting social
media buttons on your emails allows the reader to share their
thoughts immediately if they like what they read.
#10 – Access to the Deep End – If you got a prospect to notice,
open, realize, and understand what your email is about, give
them a bonus link at the bottom which offers more. Kind of like
a complimentary dessert after a great meal. This increases
credibility even if they have not chosen to purchase or taken
advantage of your offer. More detailed information may make
them a buyer.
#11 – Respect Privacy – Be very clear on how you respect the
recipient’s privacy. Have a privacy policy that the recipient can
easily click. Assure those that read your email, and/or click
through for more information, or to make a purchase, that their
information will be protected and respected.
#12 – Allow Them off the Bandwagon – All emails of a nonpersonal nature require an Unsubscribe link. Nothing damages
your credibility more than incessant, unwanted emails from
sellers or providers. It’s the law! Do not send an email without an
Unsubscribe link.
I realize there is much more to marketing, email or other than I
can provide in such a short article but the keys to successful email
marketing are: be clear, be concise, be relevant, call for an action,
show respect, and provide an unsubscribe link.
Email allows companies of all sizes and types to market their
goods or services, but if you don’t do it right, you may cause
more harm than good.
Special thanks to Meghan Lockwood of Hubspot Marketing, for
her inspiration.
Alan Seaton is a small business consultant for the SBDC for local
start ups and business owners that have a issue about their
business. SBDC assistance is provided free of charge. Sign up for
services at alliancesbdc.com. Contact Al at 209-585-9508, or
email @ [email protected]
PAGE 21
CVB Promotes . . .
Turlock Community Events
2013 Distinguished Artist Retrospective
3/14/2013‐4/14/2013
More Info: 209‐632‐5761
www.carnegieartsturlock.org
Intuition And Holistic Expo
4/13/2013 10:00:00 AM
More Info: 209‐604‐5413
www.intuitionandholisticexpo.com
3rd Annual Haywire Car & Truck Show
5/11/2013 8:30:00 AM
More Info: 209‐613‐2654
MACBETH ‐ Shakespeare Under
The Stars
4/30/2013‐5/5/2013 6:00:00 PM
More Info: 209‐667‐3166
www.csustan.edu
6th Annual Rib Cook‐off
4/19/2013 11:00:00 AM
More Info: 209‐668‐5098
Artist Open Studio
4/6/2013‐4/7/2013 12:00:00 AM
More Info: 209‐222‐TOUR
www.facebook.com/StanislausAOS
Bounders United Kanga Roos Chapter
4/2/2013 7:00:00 AM
More Info: 209‐823‐5688
CCAA Track & Field Conference
5/2/2013‐5/4/2013 12:00:00 AM
More Info: 209‐667‐3016
www.warriorathletics.com
Central California Bluegrass Assn. ‐
RV Rally & Campout
4/15/2013‐4/21/2013 12:00:00 AM
More Info: 916‐ 989‐0993
www.cbaontheweb.org
CSUS Student Shows
(Titles & Directors TBA)
3/15/2013‐3/19/2013 8:00:00 PM
More Info: 209‐667‐3166
www.csustan.edu/SOA/theatretickets.html
David Sedaris
5/7/2013 7:30:00 PM
More Info: 209‐668‐1169
turlocktheatre.org
E‐Waste Collection
4/6/2013 9:00:00 AM
More Info: 209‐668‐1738
Gold and Treasure Expo
3/23/2013‐3/24/2013 10:00:00 AM
More Info: 951‐850‐1582
www.goldprospectors.org
PAGE 22
Pitman High School Annual Jazz Band Dinner
3/15/2013 7:00:00 PM
More Info: 209‐277‐3706
www.pitmanhighbands.com
San Joaquin Labrador Retrievers Dog Show
3/15/2013 8:00:00 AM
More Info: 209‐402‐4488
www.shadowbrooklabs.com
St. Paddy's Day Celebration
3/17/2013 12:00:00 PM
More Info: 209‐668‐8729
http://www.facebook.com/events/366434063391373/
St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl
3/16/2013 11:00:00 AM
More Info: 209‐815‐3731
Turlock Chamber 14th
Annual Golf Tournament
4/5/2012 11:00 AM
More Info: 209‐632‐2221
www.turlockchamber.com
Tournament of Champions ‐ Cal State Stanislaus Warriors
Softball Tournament
4/5/2013‐4/7/2013 12:00:00 AM
More Info: 209‐667‐3016
www.warriorathletics.com
TYPA presents Once on this Island, Jr.
4/19/2013‐4/21/2013 7:00:00 PM
More Info: 209.537.5227
Vines, Signature Dishes, Wine & Brews
3/14/2013 7:00:00 PM
More Info: 209‐667‐3836
http://www.csustan.edu/stanbyme/vines/
WGAS Motorsports‐ Monster Truck Spring Nationals
5/11/2013‐5/12/2013 6:00:00 PM
More Info: 530‐745‐0100
www.wgasmotorsports.com
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
BUSINESS NEWS « SPRING 2013
PAGE 23