ZZZ )DFHERRN FRP 9LVDOLD&KDPEHU ZZZ WZLWWHU FRP … · Business-Government BusinessRelations PromotingCommunity StrongLocalEconomy UPCOMINGEVENTS SouthDakota:TheBlackHills& Badlands,

PROOF O.K. BY: __________________________________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

VS-SPAD1214212751.INDD

ADVERTISER: HOUSE VISALIA RETAIL PROOF CREATEDAT: 12/22/2015 10:18 AMSALES PERSON: Teresa Disinger ARS PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 12/21/15PUBLICATION: SPECADS SIZE: 6 col X 21 in

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • DECEMBER 26, 2015

Business UpdateAWARD-WINNING MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JANUARY 2016 • VOLUME 37 • NUMBER 1 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG

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VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISSION ICONS

Business-Government Business Relations Promoting Community Strong Local Economy

UPCOMING EVENTS

■ South Dakota: The Black Hills &Badlands,June 21 - 27, 2016

■ Spectacular South Africa,September 22 - October 5, 2016

■ Colors of New England,October 11-18, 2016

Collette Vacations CST#2006766-20Chamber Explorations CST#2048841-40Grand Circle Travel CST #2041626-40Jet Vacations

For more information, go towww.visaliachamber.org

We Invite you toExplore in 2016!

COMMUNITY LOYAL MEMBERS

Renewing MembersThe Visalia Chamber of Commerce thanksthe following companies for renewing theircommitment to the community of Visalia.

Lagomarsino Group

Redi-Rooter Plumbing*

Media Solutions, Inc

4 Creeks, Inc*

Fairfield Inn Visalia/SequoiaGateway

Paradise Aquatech Pools, Inc.*

Darlene Loose/ RE/MAX-Visalia

Cacciatore Fine Wines & OliveOil Corp.*

Equity Group, Inc.*

MVP Insurance Agency

VisaliaRawhide Baseball Club*

Comfort Inn & Suites AirportDrive*

Golden State Food, LLC*

Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel*

Veterans Memorial District*

VF Outdoor, Inc.*Indicates membership in the Visalia Chamber 110% Club.

A thriving community starts here!

BUSINESSSPOTLIGHT

In-Shape staff at the N. Mooney Blvd club are excited to help you meet your fitness goals.

■ JANUARY 7TH, 20162016 Legal UpdatePresented by Sutton Hague Law Corp12:00 – 1:00 pmWyndham Hotel$35.00Reservations requiredhttp://www.visaliachamber.org/events/calendar/

■ JANUARY 12, 2016Travel Slide Show: Spectacular SouthAfrica12:00 pmChamber Office 222 N. Garden Street

■ JANUARY 20, 2016SEO & PPC SeminarPresented by: GANNETT12:00 - 1:00 pmFree for Chamber Membershttp://www.visaliachamber.org/events/calendar/

■ JANUARY 21, 2016Sexual Harassment WorkshopPresented by: Pacific EmployersLamp Liter Inn7:30 - 10:00 am$35 for Members $45 for Non-membersReservations Requiredhttp://www.visaliachamber.org/events/calendar/

■ JANUARY 28, 2016Chamber Ambassador BreakfastMeetingVisalia First Assembly Church8:00 am

VS-SPAD1214212751

Visalia Chamber ofCommerce Board of Director

Nominations are openThe Visalia Chamber of Commerceis currently accepting nominationsof current Chamber Membersto sit on the Board of Directors.Nominations must be received byFebruary 15, 2016. Please sendnominations to Sue Summers [email protected]

Nicola Wissler,Visalia Chamber of Commerce

Carl Bard once said, “Althoughno one can go back and make abrand new start, anyone can startfrom now and make a brand newending.” Now that Christmas is overand New Years is around the corner,everyone is talking about new yearsresolutions. Every year thousands ofpeople resolve to start new habits,and one of the most common habitsis to get in shape or lose weight. Thisresolution is no easy task and oftenpeople discover that they just don’thave the will power or knowledgeto make their resolution happen. In-Shape Health Clubs are dedicated tohelping individuals to keep their resolutions and start a healthylifestyle. Recently I had the chance to talk with In-Shape abouttheir business and how they are helping people and businessesin Visalia to keep their New Year’s resolutions.

Can you tell me a little bit about the history ofIn-Shape?

In-Shape is a health club business that offers full service fitness,relaxation and recreation opportunities for members across thestate. In-Shape was started in 1981 in Stockton, CA and hasgrown over the last 35 years to include 75 clubs across thestate.

Who is your target customer?

Our customers are everyone, the mom who is trying to losethe baby weight, the guy who is trying to impress the girl downthe street, the grandparent who wants to stay active for theirgrandchild. We service the needs of many different peoplewithin the community. There is always a reason to get in-shape.

We know that individuals can join one of your healthclubs, we would love to know how a business ownersand professionals can benefit from your services?

We offer special programs for businesses to enroll theiremployees. Active employees are less likely to incur sicktime and have lower health care costs. We also haveclasses in the early morning or later afternoons to fit alltypes of working schedules.

What are some of the reasons behind your success?

In-Shape offers our members a diverse offering of waysto get in shape or stay in shape, plus amenities aimedat giving the whole family ways to relax and have fun.We have options for everyone as well as support to make

sure you get the best results from your time with us. We offermultiple locations throughout the city because we knowconvenience is key when working to stay healthy.

What are some of the challenges your business is facing?What would help to overcome those challenges?

Less than 20% of the US population has a health clubmembership butmore than 60% of the population is overweight.We are trying to help solve this problem by encouragingeveryone in our communities to live active, healthy lifestylesand do our best to offer a variety of amenities but recognizethat getting in-shape and staying healthy is always a challengeso we provide destinations that combine fitness, relaxation andrecreation opportunities.

What can people to do to enhance their workouts atyour clubs?

The biggest trend in fitness right now is the explosion ofwearable devices and smart phone apps that allow people topersonally track their fitness goals. This is an exciting timebecause technology has made it possible for anyone to get on

track. We encourage our members to use these toolsboth in and out of the club.

The Visalia Chamber of Commerce is very proud thatIn-Shape works so hard to keep our community healthy.We know that when community members are healthy,businesses thrive, and the city grows stronger. We wouldlike to thank In-Shape for sharing with us some of thetools that they have available to help us to keepour New Year’s resolutions.

In-Shape – Healthy Habitsfor a Strong Community





2 • JANUARY 2016 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber


January 7th2016 Legal Update for EmployersPresented by Brett Sutton, Sutton &Hague Law Corp.Wyndham Hotel, 9000 W. Plaza Drive12:00 - 1:30 pm (registration begins at11:30)$35.00 per person, includes lunchRegistration is required: www.visaliachamber.org/events/details/2016-legal-update-for-employers-3441

January 20thSearch Engine OptimizationPresented by GANNETTBrandman University - Visalia Campus249 S. County Center12:00 - 1:00 pmPlease bring a brown bag lunchFree for Chamber MembersRegistration requested: www.visaliachamber.org/events/details/seo-ppc-presented-by-gannett-3447

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Wishing Everyone a Very Happy Holidaysfrom the Visalia Chamber of Commerce

Gail ZurekPresident & CEOVisalia Chamberof Commerce

GROUNDBREAKING • GRAND OPENING • RIBBON CUTTING • CEREMONIES

Ribbon Cutting

Cricket Wireless5141 W. Walnut Ave • 559--974-6300

Ribbon Cutting

Bethlehem Center1638 N. Dinuba Ave. • 559- 734-1572 • www.bcvisalia.org

Ribbon Cutting

HR Mobile Services1850 S. Central St. • 559-625-2322 • www.hrmobileservices.com

About this publication …Business Update is the official monthly publication of theVisalia Chamber of Commerce, 222 N. Garden St., Ste. 300,Visalia, CA 93291, (559) 734-5876. Periodicals, PostagePaid at Visalia, CA 93277; Publication No. USPS 494-660.Annual Subscription rate $15. Postmaster: Send addresschanges to Visalia Chamber of Commerce, 222 N. Gar-den St., Ste. 300, Visalia, CA 93291. Advertising informa-tion, call the Visalia Times-Delta at 559.735.3235. Editor:Nicola Wissler. Layout: Times-Delta Media Group.©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means ofthe entire contents or any portion of this publication without writtenpermission is prohibited. The appearance of any advertisements inthe publication does not constitute support or endorsement for anyproduct, person, cause, business or organization named therein,unless specifically noted otherwise in the advertisement.

24 local charities and non-profit organizations hadtheir Christmas wishes granted at the 35th annualChristmas Tree Auction held December 11th. Morethan 1,100 guests raised funds of almost a quarterof a million dollars supporting local charities, whileeating great food, drinking local wine, and dancingthe night away.

“On behalf of all the benefiting non-profits, theChristmas Tree Auction Committee and Visalia

Chamber of Commerce, we wish to thank thecommunity and those donors who dug deepand found ways to impact the lives of manyindividuals in powerful, positive ways. Visalia’slegacy of generosity continues to confirms ourfaith in the community’s ability to come togetherand support our vital non-profit organizations”,stated Gail Zurek, President & CEO of the VisaliaChamber of Commerce.

Golden State Family Services Tree– photo courtesy of Roy Dressel Photography

Christmas Tree Auction Attendee chat with local winevendor – photo courtesy of Roy Dressel Photography

15 beautifully decorated trees were auctioned off to raisemoney for local charities – photo courtesy of Goal Line Media

Visalia Christmas Tree Auction is THE formal event of the season, Left to Right - Vincent Marquez,Natalie Alfaro, Lesa Mann, & Lindsay Mann – photo courtesy of Roy Dressel Photography

Christmas Tree Auction attendees bid on silent auctionitems – photo courtesy of Goal Line Media

The Visalia Chamber of Commerce is now seeking open nominations for the2016 63rd Annual Awards Celebration

Categories

Large, Medium, and Small Business of the Year Non-Profit of the Year

Woman of the Year Man of the Year

To nominate a person or business go to: www.visaliachamber.org or call 559-734-5876

The deadline for nominations is April 1st, 2016

11 Participants Graduate fromStanford University’s PatientEducation Program Facilitator

TrainingKaweah Delta’s Empowerment for BetterLiving (EBL) Program is the only sitebetween Madera and Bakersfield licensedby Stanford University’s Chronic DiseaseSelf-Management Program.VISALIA, CA – 11 Tulare Countyresidents graduated this past Novemberas Facilitators from a prominent programfor chronic disease self-managementdeveloped by Stanford University.The Facilitators completed a 32-hourcomprehensive training course thatprepares them to empower membersof the local community living withchronic illness with self-managementskills. Stanford’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) will beoffered locally as Empowerment for BetterLiving (EBL).These graduates are now the first groupof “Stanford-trained” Empowerment forBetter Living (EBL) facilitators for ourcommunity. The program will continue tobe an integral component of the servicesoffered at Kaweah Delta's new ChronicDisease Management Center (CDMC) inVisalia, part of Kaweah Delta’s PopulationHealth Initiative to improve the health ofthe community. Four of the graduates ofthe Facilitator training are staff membersat CDMC. The remaining graduates areindividuals interested in implementing theEBL program in various community sitesand churches throughout the county. AllFacilitator either have a chronic healthcondition or take care of a family memberwith a chronic health condition.Kaweah Delta’s EBL program invites 12-18 participants to meet as a group oncea week for a total of six weeks, and eachsession lasts two and a half hours. TheEBL program has served Tulare Countycommunity members for nearly one year;and has been held in the Visalia PublicLibrary, the Good Samaritan Center, andSt. Mary’s Church. The EBL participantslearn practical tools they can use tomanage their symptoms and to take chargeof their health.There will be future opportunities to betrained as Facilitators for theEmpowermentfor Better Living and Tomando Controlde su Salud (Spanish version). To learnmore about managing your chronicdisease, caring for yourself while caringfor those with chronic disease and/orbeing trained as a Facilitator, please call559-624-2416. The EBL workshops arefree and offered quarterly. Learn more atwww.kaweahdelta.org/livebetter.

SOURCE: http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html





VPD bids farewellto CommunicationsOperator ChristinaCarleton. Christinabegan her employmentwith VPD in 2005 as aPolice Records Specialist.She was promotedto CommunicationsOperator in 2006.Christina has been hiredas a CommunicationsOperator with theOregon State Police

Department in Salem,Oregon. We wish Christina and her family all the best, andthank her for her service to our communitySutton and Hague Law Corp is pleased to announce the

association of Attorney Amy McGeever.College of Sequoias would like to say thank you to

everyone who supported their favorite organizations andcauses this #givingtuesday. We loved hearing our student,

board, faculty and staff stories of why they care!The Visalia Firefighter's Associationwould like to thank

Cal Water in matching our donation today to the Alisa AnnRuch Burn Foundation for their Christmas Party.Christmas came early at The Lifestyle Center! Over the

Thanksgiving Holiday The Lifestyle Center Basketball Gymand Aerobic Room (A) received a makeover! Both floors ineach area were resurfaced and the lights in the basketball gymwere replaced. We're pretty excited about how great theyturned out and hope you all enjoy the new floors as much aswe do! Have a great Holiday season everyone!Food Link of Tulare County - Our Giving Tuesday would

not be complete without us giving thanks for all of youwho GIVE through donations, time, services, and food. Weare excited to share that November's campaign brought in56,955lbs of food (that's 28 TONS!).Ronald McDonald House would like to thank the

community from the bottom of our hearts to everyone whoparticipated in #GivingTuesday and donated to our House!Your support is keeping families close. The best gift a childcould ever ask for is family.Valley Oak SPCA - We would like to introduce our new

veterinarian Dr. Adams. We are so excited to welcome her toour team! We are looking forward to getting back on trackhelping our community.Although we are in the midst of holiday festivities, we at

United Way of Tulare County are committed to workingtowards bettering our community. This season our staffdelivered over 50 food baskets, coats, and blankets to ruralcommunities. We have also have distributed over $17,000 tosupport food pantry’s in 15 Tulare County communities.Visalia Emergency Aid Council wants to say THANK

YOU Visalia VDUBs for collecting over 600 toys!!!

Tulare County Farm Bureau Treasure John Guthrieis now a Leadership Farm Bureau Graduate, at the AnnualMeeting. Congrats John!Congrats Julie Cates of Linwood Elementary in Visalia.

This year’s Ag in the Classroom Educator of the Year!The City of Visalia held its Employee Service Awards

this morning. A total of 46 members of the Visalia PoliceDepartment were recognized for a combined total of 515years of service! Congratulations to al!The Visalia Transit Department has celebrated the

overwhelming success of their new shuttle V-LINE. Since itslaunch on November 18th, the Visalia community has givenit’s full support of the new shuttle - as Visalia and Fresno

residents can catch a ride to Fresno on a more affordable, andconvenient mode of transportation.Family HealthCare Network (FHCN) will donate

holiday food baskets, blankets, and gifts to 77 needy familiesin the communities of Cutler-Orosi, Hanford, Porterville, TerraBella, Tulare, Visalia, and Woodlake. Staff and volunteers arebusy preparing the baskets to be given away as part of theorganization’s Anita Fund, a tradition of FHCN for more than25 years.

WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG • JANUARY 2016 • 3www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz


GoodNews

from our Members

William Martin is the ManagingMember/President of Martin & Martin

Properties; MartinEnterprises. Williamhas been a member ofthe Chamber Boardof Directors for fiveyears.What brought youto Visalia? I was

born in Visalia. Murray Street is namedafter my grandmother’s maiden name.What is your favorite thing aboutyour job/company? Being able tointeract with so many communityleaders.What do you like to do when youare not working? Spending time atmy cabin in Mineral King and house inMorro Bay.What is your favorite place to go inVisalia when you are not working?Eating lunch or dinner downtown orhanging out at Pita Kabob, PHD, andCellar Door.What was your favorite book thatyou read in the last 12 months andwhy? If you want to know the realfuture over the next 25, 50, 75 and100 years read “Physics of the Future”by Kaku. It’s a real eye opener. AnotherI’ve read is; “The Hidden Messages inWater” by Emoto. It proves that theappearance of water crystals will reflectwhat observers are thinking.What is your favorite charityor local cause? The local RotaryCommunity Foundation and andRotary International Foundation are myfavorites in part because less than 1%of all funds are used for administration.Maintaining and improving downtownVisalia as the jewel of the valley is thelocal cause.What is your best advice for youngprofessionals? Always think andmanifest positives and positive thingswill happen in your life. Find a wayto be financially successful doing whatyou’d be willing to do for free.What did you want to be whenyou were in elementary school?An ecologist according to a childhoodscrap book newspaper article on me in1956.What is your favorite quote? Fromme: Thank you sun for being ourphysical life source; Thank you earthfor the fruits of your harvest; and thankyou God for giving us the ability andopportunity to both appreciate whatwe have and be mindful of the needsof others. Another is to paraphrase aquote from Jesus in the new testamentwhich says; We are only as good as theleast among us.

William Martin

William Martin

2015 EBL Program Graduates

Valley Oak SPCA FHCN Anita Fund

Fire Association

Kaweah Delta

Willi M ti

BOARDSPOTLIGHT

VISALIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Musical Season Again!I hope you and your family have had a good holiday

season. This time of the year isone that is full of traditions. I’dlike you to get out your new 2016calendar and schedule some datesfor a VUSD tradition; it is show

time! For many years, our community has grownaccustomed to excellent high school performing artsproductions. Everything from band to dance, wehave wonderful performances all year long and schoolmusicals are perhaps the best example of this longstanding tradition.“Catch Me if You Can” is this year’s production by El

Diamante High School and will be performed on Friday,January 15, Saturday, January 16, and again on Thursday,January 21 through Sunday, January 24, 2016. This will bevery entertaining and will showcase the musical and dancetalents of El Diamante students!“High School Musical” has quickly become a favorite of

many, and this year it will be performed by Mount WhitneyHigh School on Thursday, February 4 through Saturday,February 6, 2016. This is a popular musical, and MountWhitney has an incredible cast and is excited to perform thecrowd-pleasing favorite.Redwood High School's all school show will be

“West Side Story”. It will be performed on Thursday,February 18 through Saturday, February 20, 2016. This fiftieslove story is really timeless and resonates with audiences of all

ages. The setting may be the fifties, but the storyis played out in the lives of youth every day!“Thoroughly Modern Millie” will continue

the Golden West High School tradition ofmusical productions on a grand scale, morethan 100 Golden West students will participatein this year’s musical. I can guarantee that youand your family will “thoroughly” enjoy anevening of wonderful entertainment. Flip openyour April calendar and save these dates: April6-9, 2016!

The Green Acres Middle School musical traditioncontinues with “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. If you havenever attended a Green Acres musical production you reallymust take time to do so. This may be young middle schoolstudents but you will be totally surprised by the quality of theproduction and how entertaining the evening will be. GreenAcres productions include over 100 students and staff; yes, Isaid staff. Traditionally, many staff members perform a numberto the delight of the audience and the principal is always apart of that tradition. Let’s see if Mr. Di Meo can fill thoseshoes! The production is scheduled for February, 11, throughFebruary 14, 2016.This year’s musical selections are excellent choices for family

entertainment. So, get your friends and family together and goout and get your tickets early because several shows could besellouts, and prepare to be entertained!

CraigWheaton, Ed.D.Superintendent, VisaliaUnified School District

AMBASSADOR

SPOTLIGHT

Nicole Centofantiis a CPA with M.Green and CompanyLLP. She has workedfor M. Green for 10years. M. Green andCompany LLP is alocal firm of Certified

Public Accountants, established over60 years ago, with offices in Visalia,Tulare, Hanford and Dinuba. Weprovide the highest quality accounting,auditing, tax and advisory servicesto a broad range of clients, fromsmall businesses to large corporategroups, nonprofit organizations andgovernmental agencies. Our servicesinclude payroll services, bookkeeping,QuickBooks consulting, financialstatement preparation, estate and trustplanning, fraud and business valuationservices. Specialty certifications, suchas Certified Valuation Analysts andCertified Fraud Examiners, are heldby certain members of our firm, whichprovide further depths of knowledgein these technical areas.What are some of the ways you’drecommend getting involved/working with/partnering withthe Chamber? I would recommendbecominganambassador andattendingas many of the ribbon cuttings as youcan. The Chamber

See Centofanti /5

Nicole Centofanti

Nicole Centofanti





www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamberwww.twitter.com/VisaliaBizwww.twitter.com/VisaliaBizwww.plus.google.com www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber4 • JANUART 2016 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber


HEALTHCARE NOTE

LEADERSHIP VISALIA

This year, Visalia Medical Clinic celebrates 75years of providing care to Visalia and surroundingcommunities.Over the decades we have seen huge changes in

our industry, and change continues at a dramaticpace today. Fortunately for our staff and patients, thechanges are primarily good.We are excited about the providers that joined theVMC family inmid- to late 2015. They are young, butwell trained and highly skilled. They are enthusiasticand caring. And, they are very comfortable with thetechnology-based nature of the health care industry today.In 2015, we welcomed pediatrician Kirk Coverston, MD;cardiologist Ashkan Attaran, MD; orthopedic surgeon JasonMihalcin, DO; Alberto Ruvalcaba, MD, family medicine;Candice Lovelace, DO, internal medicine; and Jim Schroder,physical therapist.We expect to add to our family of providers in mid-2016, aswe continue to grow to meet the needs of our patients. As withany business experiencing growth, the challenge is to continueto provide quality service, delivered by staff members who arefriendly, helpful and informed. VMC delivers this service throughongoing training, a patient-centered focus and a highly effectivegroup of supervisors.Another significant change has been the affiliation with the

Kaweah Delta Medical Foundation. We appreciatethe support of our patients as we have workedthrough the transition over the last few months.This new foundationwill help our community as awhole reduce redundancies in the purchase of veryexpensive medical technologies, improve customerservice through improved communications, andserve as a recruitment tool so that we can continueto bring highly qualified and caring providers toVisalia.The changes in our industry also pose challenges.

The technology that provides more accurate imaging and labservices, more effective medications and faster communicationscan also interfere with the human touch. It is our goal to fosterthat very important human touch, while maximizing the benefitsof technology.Changes in the insurance industry can also cause frustration.VMC’s staff is committed to helping our patients navigate thepaperwork so they can stay focused on their health.It is quite an accomplishment for any business to reach the 75year mark, and we acknowledge that it is a result of the leadershipof the physician-owners past and present and a wonderful staff.Thank you to our patients and the community for allowing us tohelp you Be Well. We look forward to another 75 years!

By Richard E. Strid,MPA, CMPE

Chief Executive Officer,Visalia Medical Clinic

A Lesson in Citizenship

Aunna Lopez, VWR International LLCLeadership Visalia Class Member

Leadership Visalia met on December 4th at Visalia City Hall, toembark on their day of learning about Government, Public Financeand Citizenship. Raquel Garcia, Alberto Ramos, and Juan Vasquezfacilitated the day with great eagerness and pride.The class embarked on a short drive to tour the Tulare County

Adult Pre-Trial facility. The class was greeted by a new recruit whoenjoyed the attention and a quick pet behind the ear; but the deputysheriff’s dog was using her enhanced sense of smell to assure we wereall free of illegal explosive devices or drugs. Captain Sigley started ourtour with an enlightening view of the complex security system withinthe facility. The tour then transitioned to the inmate processing area.The administration group greeted us and noted the average processingtime of the 200+ daily inmates averages 45 minutes and includes apsychological review. To provide additional security the facility hasinvested in a full body scanner to search for contraband, weapons andother hidden items on people booked through the facility. Throughoutthe tour, Captian Sigley and others helped our class to understand thecost associated with running a pre-trial facility.Following the tour, Captain Sigley accompanied the class to the

Sherriff’s Farm next door, and introduced us to farm manager, TomGuinn. The farm is one of the major factors that allow the departmentto have some of the lowest foodservice costs in the entire state. Tomgave the class information on the farms sustainability and complexcommodity production. The farm produces beef cattle, eggs, greenhouse garden produce, hogs, hay and grain. Additionally the farmrecycles water from the jail in their farming efforts. This uniqueprogram offsets the food costs of the jail significantly.Next on the agenda, our class headed to the Bethlehem Center

where the members were provided a humble lunch in exchange forvolunteering our time at the center. The class was impressed by the art

work on the wall painted by Joey Carrilloa regular patron of the center. ExecutiveDirector, Benny Rodriguez provideda tour to the class and noted that thecenter serves 250 people per day andover 80,000 meals last year. The centerruns a thrift store that helps subsidizesome of the costs; but they rely on theirannual gala held in November and smallgrants for their funding, they also relyon local donations from communitymembers to support their mission. Inaddition to meals the center also providesweekly laundry service to those inneed and provides families food boxesfrom the pantry. The modesty of thoseworking and volunteering at the centerwas unmistakable. The center is always

looking for volunteers and donations, and they can be contacted at(559) 734-1572.Following this humbling experience class members traveled to

Visalia City Hall to learn more about the City Council from MayorSteven Nelson and Visalia’s Assistant City Manager, Leslie Caviglia.Committees and Commissions Handbook were provided and theprocesses of City Council meetings reviewed. Additionally, CaptainRick Haskill of the Visalia Police Department visited to provide moreinformation on the traffic division and gave the class an up close andpersonal view of one of the 8 new BMW motorcycles purchased bythe department.As the Leadership Class of 2015-2016 closed out its day session

the members reflected on all they learned about local Government,Public Finance and Citizenship. The successful session provided manyof the team members with new perspectives on how they can bemore involved citizens and partake and connectlocally as a resident.

Day Session Organizers checking out the new Visalia Police Department motorcycle

Leadership Visalia Class Members with Tulare County Sheriffs Farm Manager, Tom Guinn

VTEC High School Named 21st Century Learning Exemplar by P21Exemplars nationwide feature how innovation makeslearning possible for all students.P21, the leading organization advocating for 21st centurylearning for every student, has designated Visalia TechnicalEarly College High School as an exemplar school, as partof a nationwide initiative identifying models of exemplary21st century learning practices that are preparing studentsfor success across the United States.Now entering its 4th year, P21’s 21st Century LearningExemplar Program shares case studies of schools and districts thathave successfully transformed student learning through innovativeand transformative practices that include collaborative teaching andlearning, distributed leadership, student voice and choice, engagedcommunity partnerships, a climate of achievement, and evidence-based practices into teacher practice, curriculum, assessment, andprofessional development.The 2016 21st Century Learning Exemplars, including VTEC HighSchool, were selected along with 17 schools and 2 districts through arigorous application process, and evaluated for educational excellenceand 21st century learning implementation.Visalia Technical Early College (VTEC) High School enrolls eachof its 9-12 grade students into specific Career Technical Education

pathway programs of their choice. Students graduatefrom VTEC college and career ready as they complete aprescribed course of study within the agriculturally basedprogram. Pathways are aligned with industry standardsand certifications or community college certifications at theCollege of the Sequoias, and students enroll concurrentlyin high school and community college courses or industry-sponsored courses. The school environment provides ahighly supportive combination of industry-relevant trainingand an early college experience with hands-on, project-

based instruction that re-energizes disconnected students.“The VTEC staff members are well deserving of this award,” saidSuperintendent Craig Wheaton, “They have taken a concept and ideaand created a fabulously successful school environment; one thatengages and supports students in a way that results in high levels ofachievement.““We feel so honored to be recognized for this award,” says VickiPorter, Principal of VTEC High School. “It represents the culminationof our college and career ready focus for the last six years. “I amso proud of our amazing staff and students for their hard work andcommitment toward the achievement of this goal.”Visit www.p21.org/exemplars for a list of all Exemplars, casestudies, powerful learning stories, podcasts, videos, and more.

January 21stLabor Law Compliance SeriesStop Harassment SeminarLamp Liter Inn7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Breakfast IncludedPre-Registration:$35 for Members$50 for Non-MembersAt the Door: $45 for Members -$55 for Non-MembersRESERVATIONS REQUIREDFor registration go to:http://www.visaliachamber.org/events/calendar/2016-01-01

The Power of GivingThursday November 19th the foothill

community of Three Rivers and ourneighboring communities showed whatthe "Power of Giving" is all about. Over400 guests attended the first ever Festivalof Trees hosted by St Anthony's RetreatCenter.

During the evening guest enjoyedappetizers provided by the Chefs at theRetreat Center and the "World Famous"Gateway Restaurant.

Local wineries supplied the winethat was poured and sampled fromCommemorative Wine glasses sponsoredby Cru Winery as a take home token oftheir appreciation, .

One of the finest brewers in the Valleywas pouring generous samples of his finestMicro brews for the guest enjoyment," itwas a great opportunity for Brewer KennyHildebrand to showcase his brewing talentand introduce some new varieties. "

Over 30 non profits participated inthe event, with either a Silent auctionitem or an artificial "Live Auction Tree".Highlighting the evening Justin Martellathe Auctioneer and Master of Ceremoniesfor the evening made his way throughthe crowd and from tree to tree guestswere bidding from their hearts and theircommitment to the non-profit they cameto support.

"The generosity of the crowd exceededour expectations, the evening broughtover $29,000 to support the local charitiesthat participated."

TheFestivalofTrees committee is alreadyhard at work planning next years event. Formore information about participating orfor further information about St Anthony'sRetreat Center contact Darlene Mayfieldat 559 561 4595 or view their website athttp://www.stanthonyretreatorg/.

Cal Water rolls ofCommercial Water-Use

Efficiency Evaluation ProgramContinuing its customer-first approach

to managing the state’s historic drought,California Water Service (Cal Water)announced earlier this month that itwill begin offering its popular Water-Use Efficiency Evaluation program tocommercial, industrial, and institutional(CII) properties as another tool to helpcustomers continue to use water wisely.The Commercial Water-Use Efficiency

Evaluation program is now available to allCII customers in Visalia.As part of the Commercial Water-Use

EfficiencyEvaluationprogram,CalWater'scontractor, CLEAResult, in conjunctionwith the California Conservation Corps,will conduct a thorough evaluation of thecustomer's property, including plumbingfixtures, industrial processes, andirrigation and landscape uses. Customersalso will be provided a water-use reportdetailing recommendations on how theproperty can be more efficient. Theseservices will be provided to qualifiedcustomers at no cost."Programs like this are helping Cal

Water businesses achieve significantwater savings and helping the statereach its water conservation goals," saidKen Jenkins, Cal Water's Director ofDrought Management and Conservation."Individual savings will vary by location,and we are encouraging all eligiblebusinesses to do their part to help withthe drought."If you are interested in having a water

use evaluation conducted at your business,contact Cal Water’s local ConservationCoordinator Scott McNamara at (559)624-1660 or [email protected] Water serves about 132,200 people

through 43,400 service connections inVisalia. The company has provided waterservice in Visalia since 1926. Additionalinformation may be obtained online atwww.calwater.com.

Visalia Medical Clinic Celebrates 75 years





WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG • DECEMBER 2015 • 5www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz


SEPTEMBER 22-OCTOBER 5, 2016 For pricing or registration details callthe Visalia Chamber of Commerce

at 559-734-5876 or visitwww.visaliachamber.org

VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE222 N. Garden St. Suite 300, Visalia

$4,899 PER PERSON(double occupancy)14 days, 22 meals, round trip airfare from Fresno, professional tour guide

Join the Chamber for aslideshow presentation

January 12th at 12:00 p.m. atthe Chamber office

HIGHLIGHTS:

Highlights: Johannesburg, Soweto, KrugerNational Park, Safari Game Drive, Knysna,Featherbed Nature Preserve, Ostrich Farm,Cape Town, Table Mountain.

SOUTH AFRICACULTURE & NATUREIN HARMONY

All I want for Christmas is to start my own company

It would be safe to say that most teenagers spent the monthof December convincing their parents, family members and‘Santa’ that they really needed the latest and greatest phone,tablet, clothes, or gift cards for Christmas. This year, 13 localVisalia and Tulare students spent the month of Decemberconvincing their parents, family, and maybe even themselvesthat they are ready to start their own company. For the last11 weeks the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) studentshave been brainstorming and learning core business conceptsin preparation to start their very own business in the next 6months.

Everyone knows that it takes a lot of hard work to start abusiness. Many adults learn through trial and error thatentrepreneurship is difficult and that you must have a nevergive up attitude. The YEA! students are learning reality, buthave also learned that the business communities in Visaliaand Tulare are extremely supportive of their efforts. So far thestudents have gone on two different field trips one to RosaBrothers Milk Company and the other to A&W Restaurant.They have also had the opportunity to meet with GregoryGillett, an attorney with Philpot Mattos, Attorneys at Law andKevin Daniel, a CPA with Vollmer, Daniel, Gaebe & Grove.Both men spent an hour of their time with the students givingthem professional advice and encouraging them to follow theirdreams.

One of the most exciting experiences for the students so far isthe chance to be paired with a business mentor. Eleven localbusiness professionals have volunteered asmentors for the YEA!

program this year. The mentors will help prepare the studentsfor the upcoming Investor Panel “Shark Tank” event, wherestudents will receive startup funding from local investors. Eachmentor has been asked to help the students to clarify, and adddetail to their individual business plan including marketingplans, short term and long term goals and financial charts.The mentors will also assist the students as they begin to puttheir formal presentations together. We would like to thankeach of our mentors for agreeing to meet with the students inclass on seven different evenings and for making themselvesavailable to the students outside of the classroom for the next3 months. This year’s mentors are: Kim Batty, Staci Chastain,Lori Dunagan, Garth Gipson, Zach Green, Igor Ferriera, KevinMooney, David Moore, Kim Rico, Terry Sayer, and Harley.

“We are proud of these students and commend them for takingon such a large task at such a young age. It is inspiring to seea student set a goal and work diligently to reach that goal. Weknow that through the YEA! program these students will seesuccess and will soon be able to say that their Christmas wishof owning their own business has come true.”

Current student businesses:

M.W. Productions - a rake and shovel combination to help withyard work.

Stack Error - a website for students, teachers, and parents thatprovides better communications tools

Vepo - water bottles that come with charms, proceeds fromprofits are donated to drought relief efforts.

Fruit Frenzy - a custom fruit salad bar

R.E.A.C.H. - an after school tutoring program for high schoolstudents

The Classic Cup - a new twist on a coffee cart/café

Cr8 - a series of children and teen novels with an emphasis onstrong ethics

Gerges Referral Company - a referral service to help connecthigh school students to part time office jobs.

Chocolate Wonders - delicious homemade chocolate candies

MTS Soaps - customize handmade bars of soap.

YEA! students meet with business mentors to discuss business ideas

Bank of the Sierra RunFunds Local Non-Profit;Inspires Fitness for

New Year

The 4th annual Rockin’ ResolutionRun benefits Visalia Rescue Missionwhile giving runners a chance tostart the year off right.VISALIA, CA — Bank of the

Sierra announced that registrationwas still open for its annual runfor charity, the Rockin’ ResolutionRun. The New Year’s Day run aimsto inspire community membersto make fitness goals for the NewYear, while also creating communityawareness. In its fourth year, the runhas raised more than $25,000 forlocal charities.Over the past two years, the

local run has partnered with VisaliaRescue Mission, a local homelessoutreach organization which servesthe community through offeringfood and shelter and other programsfor men, women and children inneed. The group serves an averageof 130 people each night. All netproceeds from this year’s run will goto the Mission.The rock-themed 5k event hosts

several bands along the run route.This year also sees the additionof a costume contest, which willencourage runners to don their bestrock get-up from any era. Prizeswill be given for best individual andgroup costumes.Bank of the Sierra President and

CEO Kevin McPhaill expressed hisappreciation for the work that theVisalia Rescue Mission does. “It’s apleasure to be able to partner withthe Visalia Rescue Mission. TheBank loves to support organizationsthat improve our community, andwe’re happy to show our gratitudefor the Rescue Mission’s importantwork.”The festivities start out with

a 1-mile kids run at 9 am at theDowntown Visalia Bank of the Sierrabranch. Early-Bird Registration isopen through December 11th at adiscount, and registrations will beaccepted through the 24th, withlimited registration available themorning of the event. Learn moreat http://rockinresolutionrun.com, and register online athttp://goo.gl/oxXRqI.

Family healthcare network to open new school-basedhealth center in Traver, Ca

Visalia, CA – After nearly two years of planning anddevelopment, Family HealthCare Network (FHCN) will openthe doors of its newest Community Health Center in therural community of Traver, CA on Wednesday, December 9,2015. Located on a parcel of Traver Elementary School landat 4177 Avenue 368, FHCN’s newest site will be a school-based health center and was developed in conjunction withTraver Joint School District. FHCN’s new Traver HealthCenter will offer comprehensive family medicine andpediatric services for local school children, families, and thecommunity.

“This project is years in the making and with the support ofour partners, patients, and the community, we are extremelypleased to officially begin expanding access to health care forTraver residents, and to be a part of the ongoing developmentof this community,” stated Family HealthCare NetworkPresident and CEO Kerry Hydash.

In early August, FHCN was notified that it was selectedas a recipient of a New Access Point grant from the HealthResources and Services Administration (HRSA) to openthe new site. The 3,700 square foot health center featuressix exam rooms for medical services and supports the

organization’s team-based, patient-centered medical homemodel. The Traver Health Center will mark the organization’stwentieth site, and sixteenth Community Health Center inTulare and Kings Counties.

FHCN’s Traver Health Center will initially open part-time,Monday and Friday from 9:00am to 1:00 pm, and Tuesday,Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Fulltime hours will expand to Monday through Friday from9:00am to 6:00pm. To schedule your appointment, orfor more information about the new Family HealthCareNetwork Traver Health Center, please call 1-877-960-3426, or visit the website at www.FHCN.org.

FHCN Traver

Centofanti(continued from page 4)

offers an abundance of networkingopportunities to make businessconnections and in today’s businessprofession it seems to be more aboutwho you know and not always whatyou know.

What has Chamber Membershipmeant for your company? Chambermembership has helped M. Greenand Company LLP get involved inthe business community by informingpeople about the services we can offerthem. If you would ask the averageperson what a CPA does, the onlything that would come to mind istaxes but our firm offers a wide varietyof accounting and auditing services inaddition to our taxation services.

The best part of Visalia is …..? Thebest part of Visalia is downtown andVisalia’s central location. DowntownVisalia offers many unique localrestaurants and shops and theDowntown Visalians put on severalenjoyable events throughout the year.Then when you need a day away,Visalia is only a short ride away to thenational parks or the beach.

What is your favorite localcharity/non-profit? I love Read forLife’s mission. With a 2 year old ofmy own I can appreciate the value ofreading and this organization providesthe resources to children in ourcommunity.





www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamberwww.twitter.com/VisaliaBizwww.twitter.com/VisaliaBizwww.plus.google.com www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber6 • JANUARY 2016 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber

THANK YOUTO OUR PREMIER

INVESTORS

INVESTOR SPONSORS:BEN-E-LECT

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PRESIDENT SPONSORS:

v i s a l i a t i m e s d e l t a . c om

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Visalia CityCouncil Meeting

4 pm work session;7 pm regular sessionCouncil Chambers

Visalia CityCouncil Meeting

4 pm work session;7 pm regular sessionCouncil Chambers

Travel Slide ShowVisalia Chamber Office

12:00 pmGovernment Affairs Meeting7:15 pm Buckman-Mitchell Office

AmbassadorBreakfast

Visalia FirstAssembly Church

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A new year usually brings new laws for employers toworry about. It looks like 2016 will be no exception.This is not a complete list of every new employment lawtaking effect in 2016, but here are some notable ones:• Restrictions on E-Verify Use (AB 622; Labor Code §2814): U.S. employers must verify that the workersthey hire are authorized to work in this country.But this new statute restricts their ability to use theE-Verify system to do so. Unless required by federallaw, employers can only check the status of applicantswho've received an offer but have yet to start work.In addition, the employer needs to notify the workers promptlyif the E-Verify system doesn't confirm that they are authorized towork in the U.S.

• New Minimum Compensation for Exempt Computer SoftwareProfessionals (Labor Code § 515.5): Effective January 1, 2016,for computer software professionals to be exempt from overtime,they must (among other things) be paid a minimum of $41.85 perhour or $87,185.14 per year.

• Expansion of Individual Liability for Wage Violations (SB 588;Labor Code §§ 690.020 et seq.): The "Fair Day's Pay Act" hasbeen passed to help employees who have difficulty collectingjudgments because their employers change their names or hidetheir assets. It allows the Labor Commissioner to conduct hearingsto determine whether a "person acting on behalf of an employer"should be held personally liable for an employer's violations. TheLabor Commissioner would also be able to levy those individuals'accounts or property to enforce a judgment.

• Piece-Rate Compensation (AB 1513; Labor Code§ 226.2): Under this law, no matter how muchemployees are paid per piece, they must also be paidfor rest periods and other "nonproductive time."

• Protection for employees when a relative working forthe same employer engages in protected activity (AB1509): Under this law, if a married couple is workingfor the same employer, and the husband complains ofdiscrimination, that's not a legal basis to take actionagainst the wife.• Protection for Requesting Accommodation (AB 987):This bill amended the Fair Employment and HousingAct to clarify that employers can't retaliate againstemployees for requesting accommodation for adisability or religious observance.

While it’s extremely unlikely that a single business would beaffected by all these new rules, given the breadth and scope of themtaken together, it’s almost certain that one of these laws will affectyour business in the coming year.This article is for education and information purposesonly; it should not be construed as legal advice. If youhave an employment law question for inclusion in a futurearticle, contact Brett T. Abbott at Gubler & Abbott LLP([email protected]). For specific employment lawadvice or other legal assistance, contact Gubler & Abbott LLP,(559) 625-9600, 1110 N. Chinowith St., Visalia, CA 93291(www.thecalifornialawyers.com).

THE LAW AT WORK

Brett Abbott,Attorney

Gubler & Abbott LLP

Be on the Lookout: New EmploymentLaws for 2016

Suncrest Bank todayannounced that the mergerof Sutter Community Bankwith and into SuncrestBank was completed onDecember 11, 2015.

The acquisition, which was firstannounced on June 25, 2015, wasconcluded following receipt ofshareholder approval for the transactionfrom the shareholders of SutterCommunity Bank and all requiredregulatory approvals. As of September30, 2015, Sutter Community Bank had$68.3 million in assets and SuncrestBank had $218.0 million in assets.

Ciaran McMullan, President andCEO of Suncrest Bank, commented,“The transaction creates a muchstronger community and agriculturalbank with an expanded presence acrossthe Central Valley. Our newly combinedcompany has the ability to offer loansup to $10 million to qualified borrowersthroughout the North and South Valley,and we are excited about the growthpotential this geographic expansiongives us.”

HappyNew Year

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ZZZ )DFHERRN FRP 9LVDOLD&KDPEHU ZZZ WZLWWHU FRP … · Business-Government BusinessRelations PromotingCommunity StrongLocalEconomy UPCOMINGEVENTS SouthDakota:TheBlackHills& Badlands,