A publication of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce l December 2012

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PAIDGILROY, CA 95020

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SOCIAL NETWORK DECEMBER 12

AFTER HOURS MIXER DECEMBER 13

GOV RELATIONS DECEMBER 14

BREAKFAST CLUB DECEMBER 19

Spice of Life Awards2013

2013 MAN OF THE YEAR Sig Sanchez

The 2013 Man of the Year, Sig Sanchez, entered public service in a very unusual way over 55 years ago when a Gilroy mechanic fixed his broken tractor and then proceeded to encouraged Sanchez to join him on the city council. Like the classic American cowboy image he conjures when donning his trademark white hat, Sig Sanchez is tough, resourceful and true to his word, qualities that have carried him through five decades in the political corral.

Born to Spanish immigrant parents, and the second of 11 children, his family was heavily involved in agriculture in the region. Eventually, Sig began farming in Gilroy and made the community his home. His success in agribusiness mirrors his success in public service -- both a result of hard work and dedication.

Once elected to the Gilroy City Council, Sig served for 10 years, five as a councilman and five as the mayor. A 16-year stint on the county Board of Supervisors followed, and then in 1980 he was appointed as an at-large director to the water district board, where he represented portions of the county that once served as the boundaries for the 1967 Gavilan

Gilroy Chamber of Commerce honors those who go above and beyond… The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce will honor and celebrate the accomplishments of the 2013 Spice of Life award recipients at a gala event on Saturday, February 9, 2013, at San Juan Oaks Golf Club.

Water Conservation District.The longest serving member of

the water district’s board of directors, he guided the agency to take a statewide leadership role in the early 1980s on pressing water quality problems. He was also a key player in the 1987 merger of the Gavilan Water District in South County with the Santa Clara Valley Water District, allowing for full integration of all the county’s reservoirs and groundwater facilities.

During his busy and productive career, Mr. Sanchez has also been an active member of numerous national, state, and local water resource affiliations, including the Agricultural Water Advisory Committee, Central Valley Project Authority, Pajaro River Watershed Flood Prevention Authority, San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority Board and Finance Committee, Uvas/Llagas Flood Control and Watershed Advisory Committee, Santa Clara Valley Water Commission, Santa Clara Valley Water District Board Ad Hoc Audit Committee, and the South County Regional Wastewater Authority. He also played an instrumental role in the 1992 development of the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority, a joint organization of 32 water and irrigation agencies that contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation for water from the Central Valley Project. Sanchez also played a major role in water importation into Santa Clara County, both with the county board of super-visors and the South Bay Aqueduct.

And if Sig Sanchez has not made enough of a mark on Silicon

Valley, the 10-mile of stretch of US 101 between Cochrane Road in Morgan Hill and Bernal Road in San Jose bears his name, an honor from county supervisors for his 12-year effort to lobby various government agencies to lay down the road.

Our 2013 Man of the Year has contributed decades to the betterment of our south county region. We recognize him for that history of service and the positive impact he has made for the future of our region.

2013 WOMAN OF THE YEAR Barb Granter

The 2013 Woman of the Year slipped quietly into Gilroy in 2003 and quickly immersed herself into the community. Canadian-born Barbara-Lee Granter is Vice

AWARDS, continued on page 4

HONORING THE AWARD RECIPIENTS

MAN OF THE YEARSig Sanchez

WOMAN OF THE YEARBarb Granter

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEARCostco of Gilroy

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEARMafalda’s Bridal Shop

NON PROFIT OF THE YEARGilroy Foundation

EDUCATOR OF THE YEARJames Dent

FIRMAN B. VOORHIESVOLUNTEER OF THE YEARDavid Boll

SPICE OF LIFE AWARDS DINNER AND BOARD INSTALLATIONSaturday, February 9, 2013San Juan Oaks Golf Club

Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

OFFICERSchair of the board ERIC HOWARD • Bruce’s Tire, Inc.

Past chair KATHERINE FILICE • Articulate Solutions

chairman of the board-elect ERIC GEBHARDT • Hilton Garden Inn

secretary/treasurer DAVID MATUSZAK, Ed.D. • Santa Clara County R.O.P.

Vc oPerations & deVeloPment JAN PEAT • McDonald’s of Gilroy

Vc Public affairs KRISTINA CHAVEZ WYATT • Farmhouse Communications

Vc business Programs & serVices DEBBI SANCHEZ • Fortino Winery

Vc marKeting & communications JULIE ALTER • Recology South Valley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BRIGITTE NICHOLLS • Santa Barbara Bank & Trust CHAR MARRAZZO • Ellington Financial LLC LISA CASSARA • Coldwell Banker GREGG GIUSIANA • Retired Police Chief GREG GALLUP • Individual

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

WELCOME CENTER STAFF Jane Howard • Executive Director Pam Gimenez • Office Manager Tracy Romero • Retail Service Coordinator

edc staff Tammy Brownlow • President/CEO Candace Van Sambeek, Administrative Assistant

focus Production staff

EDITOR • Susan Valenta, President/CEO Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

PRODUCTION & DESIGN • J. Chris Mickartz InfoPOWER Communications

PHOTOGRAPHY • Larry Mickartz InfoPOWER Communications

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

Page 2 Gilroy Business Focus I December 2012

ERIC HOWARD 2012 Chair of the BoardGilroy Chamber ofCommerce

SUSAN VALENTA President/CEOGilroy Chamber ofCommerce

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

THIS WILL BE MY LAST COLUMN as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. It’s been a productive year, and my appreciation is extended to every-one for your volunteer efforts and supporting our #1 goal: creating a strong, local economy.

2012 was a year that brought strategic plans to fruition. One of the key areas was the launch of GilPAC, the political action arm of the Chamber. After almost 10 years of planning, we entered the political arena with endorsements and a campaign strategy that resulted in 100% of our candidates winning the Mayoral and Council seats. The second key area was improvement in our Beer Garden pouring stations. Newly designed units were the creative work of Dave

As 2012 comes to a close…Boll, Beer Committee Chair and were a tremendous improvement. The third key area was an approval by the Chamber Board to renovate the Chamber breezeway. Our organization is very proud of having a professional looking office in the downtown, and the Board takes their role seriously to ensure that your Chamber is progressive and a key player in downtown revitalization.

There are many people who deserve extra thanks for assisting me as Board Chair. First, thank you to our President, Susan Valenta, for always offering sound advice and helping to make sure things ran smoothly and efficiently. I also truly appreciate past chair Katherine Filice for her leadership and support. I’d also like to recognize incoming chair Eric Gebhardt, who I know will do a great job.

TALK TO ANY BUSINESS property owner over the last few years about doing expansion or upgrades on their building or land, and you will hear a common thread. It costs a lot of money – not just the labor and materials of getting the project done – it’s the myriad of develop-ment and construction costs that are triggered by even the smallest changes to an existing property. These range from CEQA and the Americans With Disability Act, to new energy, fire and building codes. There is no getting around it – it is a pay to play world. It costs a lot of private money, and the only way to avoid the cost of improving a prop-erty is to do nothing, which creates more deteriorating and inefficient buildings.

Even to place a temporary structure triggers architectural and site reviews, plan checks, impact fees, and other fees. There are valid reasons why dilapidated structures with cyclone fencing or the painted plywood remains for way too long. And there are valid reasons why businesses opt to remain status quo.

A funny thing happened…

I also want to thank everyone who served on the 2012 Board for their tireless dedication and commitment. Katherine Filice, Julie Alter, and Kristina Chavez Wyatt will be stepping down after this year and will be sorely missed; each has been incredibly generous with their time and talent. Thanks to the Chamber staff as well, who do so much every day to support all of us in the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce.

I wish you all a very happy holiday season and a prosperous 2013!

So here is a story that gives a sobering example of what it is like to be a business interested in a property improvement: An esti-mate was done to repair the South Valley Middle School pool. Original estimates were one-third the amount that the City report gave at the November Council meeting. What triggered the tripling of costs? It was bringing the pool up to par with standards set forth by Americans with Disabilities Act. This included remodeling the men’s restrooms, deck area, parking lots and various other repairs. Beyond the cost issue, why didn’t city and school district staff know what was going to be required when they provided the original cost estimate?

Well, welcome to the world of property improvements. The triggers that are setting this public cost are an example of what happens every day when business try to comply with mysterious standards and requirements. The only difference is that business does not get deep pockets of taxpayer support, such as what Proposition 30 will provide.

In a November 23 Dispatch article, it stated that the Council projects Prop 30 will provide the School District with added funds to pick up these costs. Business and property owners take out loans and use their personal assets as collateral, or just decide not to improve their property.

With the installation of our new Mayor and City Council, we will all be looking at opportuni-ties for streamlining processes and implementing cost-effective, common-sense approaches to development. Whether public or private there is a cost to doing business, and that is understood. To have real progress in our community, there needs to be a mechanism that incentivizes positive change instead of knocking the wind out of every sail with a price tag no one is willing to pay.

TAMMY BROWNLOWPresident/CEOGilroy EconomicDevelopment Corporation

JANE HOWARDExecutive DirectorGilroy Welcome Center

CREATING A STRONG, LOCAL ECONOMY

HOLIDAY, continued on page 9

December 2012 I Gilroy Business Focus Page 3

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR again. Either you are one of those people that finished their holiday shopping in July or, like me, you wait until the mad rush during the last few shopping days. Either way, it bodes well for Gilroy businesses with the city being a retail destination within the region. Gilroy continues to see solid growth in sales tax revenues as evidenced by the most recent sales tax report for second quarter 2012. For the period ending June 30, 2012 sales tax revenues grew by 2.3% over the same period in 2011. Gilroy’s sales tax revenue began to recover more quickly than other cities following the economic downturn primarily due to its strong retail base. Largest gains in the second quarter were in the areas of apparel stores and miscellaneous vehicle sales.

Also noteworthy are the increases in sales tax revenues in the Downtown Economic Incentive Area and at the Outlets Center. The percent change for each of these areas was 12% and 4.1%, respectively, over the

Shopping decisions support our local economysame quarter in 2011. Auto dealers throughout the city generated a 31.2% increase for this period. As sales tax revenues comprise a significant portion of the city’s general revenue, these increases are important to Gilroy residents and businesses.

During this holiday season we encourage you to shop local and support our local businesses. As you develop your shopping list, keep the offerings of Gilroy’s down-town businesses in mind. With two new restaurants soon to open, the relocation and expansion of Amoretto Boutique, and numerous other shops and eateries, the Downtown offers a unique shopping experience.

Holiday shopping accounts for a significant portion of a business’ annual revenues. Following are some U.S. statistics that illustrate this impact:

• #1: The most requested holiday present is a gift card

• $28.7 Billion: Total value of gift cards purchased in 2011

• 61% of shoppers spend more than the value of the card (25%

DISCOVER GILROY for the Holidays www.gilroywelcomecenter.org is the place to visit when looking for holiday events, attractions and shopping opportunities in the area. Following are a few suggestions from the Gilroy Welcome Center Events Calendar:

DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS Parade & Tree Lighting — Saturday, December 8, annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown Gilroy between 4th & 7th Streets. Events begin at 3pm with Holiday booths on 5th Street; 3:30 - Judging of Doggie Dress-Up; 5:30 - Christmas parade begins; 6:30 - Tree Lighting ceremony; 7:00 - Photos with Santa Claus at Mango Street Kids. Enjoy the warmth of the holidays in downtown Gilroy.

GILROY GARDENS brings you 18 nights of Holiday Lights opening December 7. Open Fridays,

Holiday suggestions from the Gilroy Welcome Center

more on average)• A one-star improvement in

a Yelp rating can increase restaurant revenues by 5-9%

• 700,000: Number of seasonal employees retailers will hire in 2012 holiday season

• 93% of consumers believe it’s important to support local businesses

• When customers start holiday shopping: October 39%; November 40%; December 21%

The Gilroy Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) wishes you and your business a healthy and prosperous holiday season. Please contact the GEDC for assistance with any of your business needs at 408-847-7611 or president@gilroyedc.

Saturdays & Sundays in December plus additional days before and after Christmas, Gilroy Gardens adds to the joyous time of the year. During Holiday Lights you’ll find wonder around every corner and see millions of twinkling lights! Meet the Peanuts gang in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” from Knott’s Merry Farm as they sing and dance at Lakeside Amphitheater. Visit Santa’s Workshop and don’t forget…there’s ice skating too!

HOLIDAY GIFT FAIRES & Wine Tasting Visit Fortino Winery or Guglielmo Winery to find wine-themed gifts, holiday gift baskets, or that perfect stocking stuffer – an ornament or beautifully wrapped chocolate. The glitter and beauty of the holiday season can be experienced at both of these family owned wineries – producing award winning wines in the Santa Clara Valley. Another award-winning

winery, Solis Winery is offering vintage wines from their library cellar each weekend through December 31st. (Go to www.gilroywelcomecenter.org/events for specific dates and times.)

SHOPPING — Avoid the stress of traffic by staying local and shopping at one of the many stores that can be found at the Gilroy Premium Outlets. With 145 stores to select from, shoppers can take advantage of special savings and Christmas events all during the month of December. Looking for that special unique gift – check out the numerous

President and General Manager of Gilroy Gardens, formerly known as Bonfante Gardens. She had 20 years of experience with Paramount Parks when she arrived here. In a press release at that time, Bonfante Garden’s board president, Bob Kraemer, was quoted as saying, “Granter’s expertise in management and operations will provide the kind of leadership we need to carry out Michael Bonfante’s vision of horticulture beauty and the educational benefit Bonfante Gardens can bring to families.” And Barb delivered.

Barb enrolled in Leadership Gilroy to learn about the community. She and the other members of her class initiated a one-day science camp session at Gilroy Gardens providing an educational experience for all fourth graders in Gilroy. The highly successful program continues today through the School District, and certainly, the entire Class of 2004 is credited with this unique idea; however, our award recipient has been a key player in the Natural Sciences Education Day’s success, which now includes grades K-2 and 3-5.

Barb continued her involvement with Leadership Gilroy by helping to develop the strategic plan for the future of the Leadership Gilroy (LG) Alumni program; served as president of the LG Alumni Committee for 2 years; and worked with LG in developing its annual fundraising event, The Ducky Derby. She was awarded Leadership Gilroy’s “Alumni of the Year” in 2008. Barb remains strongly committed to the program, currently serving on the board of directors and has personally paid the tuition of others to go through the program.

In addition to her professional role, Barb currently serves on the Gilroy Welcome Center Board of Directors and was Board President in 2012; has served on the Branding Study Committee through the Welcome Center which developed a Gilroy brand that is continually implemented into our community; and the Welcome Center’s Facility Task Force. She dedicated a kiosk at the Gardens to the Gilroy Welcome

Center for promoting tourism and Gilroy, and worked with Gilroy Arts Alliance to bring art demonstrations out to the Gardens.

Susan Valenta stated, “Our 2013 Woman of the Year has made efforts throughout the community to expand the possibilities of Gilroy Gardens from education, recreation, art and culture, and special events. It takes a leader to be a force behind so many positive outcomes, and Barb Granter has been a role model for our community.”

2013 LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Costco of Gilroy

The 2013 Large Business of the Year, Costco of Gilroy, is a part of a world-wide organization with 598 locations and $64 billion in annual sales. Their operating philosophy is to keep costs down and pass savings on to their members. With its tremendous buying power and a never-ending quest for efficiency, the Gilroy location is one of the top 25 sales tax generators in the City of Gilroy.

The store opened in 2003 and from the moment they opened their doors, Costco of Gilroy has been a generous supporter of the community. The company provides over 200 full- and part-time jobs with most employees beginning their careers in the warehouse setting and then becoming experts in Costco merchandising and operations.

The culture of Costco is driven by a Code of Ethics to “Take Care of Our Employees.” The Code ensures that every employee is secure in their job and will be treated fairly. It is not unusual to see employees involved in community events and representing the business.

Regionally, Costco supports and contributed to many organizations through Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and Hollister communities. Children in the Gilroy Unified School District receive 500 backpacks each year. For the past seven years they have organized a Costco Reading Program, where employees vol-unteer their time to help children learn to read. Through those efforts, students have achieved remarkable improvements in their reading skills.

In helping create a strong, local

economy, Costco in Gilroy believes in supporting other businesses, and they dedicate space within their store to promote local businesses. Over the past few years Costco’s restaurant gift card program has resulted in significant sales for participating restaurant locations.

For many non-profit organizations, Costco has been a generous contributor, and anyone who has held a fundraiser knows first-hand the support that Costco provides. True to its corporate culture, Costco Wholesale has raised more than $137 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals since 1988. In all, 471 warehouses participate in this fundraising campaign for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital with Costco in Gilroy giving 100% to the effort with a month-long balloon campaign.

Our 2013 Large Business of the Year makes a difference with its commitment to their employees, the community, and the people they serve.

2013 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Mafalda’s Bridal Shop

Through hard work and determination, Mafalda Freitas has built a business that draws clients from throughout the region.

It all started with a small alterations shop in 1991 on Westwood Drive in Gilroy, but Mafalda’s ultimate dream was to operate a bridal shop. Her clients began looking to her for advice on bridal wear, so she converted the alteration business to Mafalda’s Bridal & Alterations, hired a seamstress to assist her, and within a year had outgrown the location.

Mafalda’s found the perfect space in – what was known at the time as Dick Bruhn’s and M’Lady Bruhn’s – in downtown Gilroy. Her clientele continued to grow, and by 2008, she saw the opportunity to lease space at the corner of Monterey and Fifth Streets. Her husband, Richard, did a complete remodel, and soon the new location became a popular place to purchase wedding and for-mal wear. Opportunity also knocked when she was offered the men’s tuxedo rental franchise.

AWARDS, continued on page 8

Page 4 Gilroy Business Focus I December 2012

AWARDS, continued from page 1

SUE THURMAN Business RelationshipManager, Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

What’s new with Chamber Businesses!

Temporary or long-term, Express has skilled workers ready to fit your business needs.

Contact us and see how Express can help.

Positions include: • Administrative • Clerical • Warehouse • Shipping and Receiving

(408) 778-0729 18525 Sutter Blvd., Suite 210 Morgan Hill, CA 95037

www.expresspros.com

WHAT’S NEW, continued on page 7

December 2012 I Gilroy Business Focus Page 5

Expand your wireless world -- AT&T Wireless Home Phone offers a lower cost alternative to traditional home telephone service. This new wireless solution allows a customer to keep their landline phone number and use their existing cordless home phone(s) to make and receive calls. No phone jack or internet connection required, and no software to install. Connect up to two corded phones or cordless phone systems. Give Andrew Christian a call at AT&T Mobility, 408-846-0744.

Gilroy Chevrolet/Cadillac, 6720 Bearcat Court, welcomes new General Manager, Lee Ledger. Born and raised in Santa Clara, Lee brings 23 years of experience in the auto industry including serving as the general manager for a dealer-ship in Colorado before returning to Santa Clara County. Currently he is focused on the Gilroy community, believing that the dealership should concentrate on their own backyard before they reach out to other cities. He is hiring local, marketing local and encourages you to stop by and give them the opportunity to get to know you better.

Gilroy’s Best Western PLUS Forest Park Inn was recently nominated for Best Fan Award, 2012, and were showcased during the best Western International Convention and Global Conference in October. Only five hotels out of more than 4,000 Best Western properties worldwide

receive this prestigious honor, and it demonstrates the special, unique appreciation provided to their Rewards members by Mike and Jasmina Patel. To book your stay call 408-848-5144 or visit bwforestparkinn@sbcglobal.net.

Gilroy LeTip meets weekly to exchange qualified leads, build solid business relationships and develop strong presentation skills. We “put dollars in your pocket” by increasing referrals, in an atmosphere of loy-alty and abundant “psychological income”. They meet each Wednesday at 11:30 am at the Station 55 restaurant, 55 5th Street, and invite you to stop and see how they can help you increase and build your business. Contact President, Jenn Benninger, jenn@jennben.com or 408-667-0620.

Lloyd W. Lowrey, attorney for Noland, Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss, has received the Client Distinction Award, 2013 from Martindale-Hubbell. Less that 4% of nearly one million attorneys throughout the US receive this honor. Mr. Lowrey has been representing clients in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara Counties for nearly 35 years and is an active supporter of many organizations in both Salinas and Gilroy. To reach him call 831-424-1414 or www.nheh.com.

Ana Lelescu, California Passport, has put together a hand-crafted

blend of wineries and local venues for enjoying the most wonderful time of the year with your family and guests. Tour Downtown, the Outlets and the wineries, and blend shopping and tasting while leaving the driving to them. Create your day of play by calling Ana at 408-659-0050.

Celebrate Holidays at The Barn with Jim and Debbie Hoey. They just returned from an awesome auction at the California Drafthorse and Antique Show with lots of great new pieces. Spend $50 at The Barn and you’ll receive $10 off through December 22. The Barn is located at 2480 Hecker Pass Hwy., 408-309-1179, open weekends, 11 am – 5 pm or call Debbie for a weekday appointment.

Imagine life’s possibilities by trying Penn Mutual’s Possibility Potion Facebook app. To see how your life could unfold, choose your favorite topics, mix them up and then see what could happen. Who knows, it could inspire you to take your life in a new direction! Mix up your “possibility potion” today! Learn more by contacting Jeffrey M. Orth at Integrated Financial Benefits, 408-842-2716 or www.ifitfinancial.com.

Looking for a great Gilroy memento gift for Christmas or a birthday? The Gilroy Museum has a brand new 25-minute DVD created by a local film company that ties the history of Gilroy together with photos and exhibits from the Museum. Buy a copy at the Museum (open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am – 4 pm) 195 5th Street, for $12 -- what a great stocking-stuffer, and the proceeds benefit the Museum.

Coldwell Banker of Gilroy celebrates their one-year anniversary under new management with a ribbon cutting and open house at their Gilroy branch. The real estate firm helps drive a strong, local economy with matching people and businesses with prime locations in the community, and they support local holiday giving programs including Toys for Tots, One Warm Coat, and Habitat for Humanity.

P R O V I D I N G N E T W O R K I N G O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Page 6 Gilroy Business Focus I December 2012

Tom Rohlf, Senior VP/Regional ManagerHeritage Bank of Commerce

Heritage Bank of Commerce partners with Rebekah Children’s Services for November Breakfast

HERITAGE BANK OF COMMERCE and Rebekah Children’s Services teamed up as co-sponsors of the November Chamber Breakfast Club meeting. A full morning of introductions, networking, door prizes, and business and economic news gave everyone the perfect start to their morning.

Based in the heart of Silicon Valley, Heritage Commerce Corp is the parent company of Heritage Bank of Commerce established in 1994. Branch offices are located in San Jose, Danville, Fremont, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill and Mountain View offering a full array of innovative, custom- tailored business and personal banking services and products to the communities they serve. As an example of their services, electronic deposits services are available through Heritage Bank of Commerce. Heritage Bank VP/Regional Manger, Tom Rohlf, extended an invitation for the community to support the 2013 Festival of Tree, an annual signature event that benefits Rebekah Children’s Services.

Rebekah Children’s Services (RCS) promotes the social, emotional, and physical well being of children and families and has been providing valuable services to the community since 1897. Today, RCS is a nonprofit (501(3) (c) corporation that offers a full continuum of family-centered mental health care, education and training that promote the healing, healthy development and future success of those they service. RCS also offers community outreach services that include job readiness and job training. Gilroy based, with offices in Campbell, RCS services are extended to several counties.

December 12Social Media Network4:00 – 5:00 p.m. l The Chamber

December 13After Hours Mixer5:30 – 7:30 p.m. lGilroy GardensCo-sponsored by Coldwell Banker &Greenwood’s South County

December 14Government Relations Committee7:30 – 9:00 a.m. l The Chamber

December 19Breakfast Club6:45 – 8:00 a.m. l Hilton Garden InnSponsored by Santa Barbara Bank & Trust for St. Joseph’s Family Center

Roy Melendez, Director of Development and Community Relations, Rebekah Children’s Services

NEW MEMBERS: Mikele Fowler (Leale’s RV Service & Repair Center) and Carlos Perez (Golden State Portables) introduced their business services to over 75 attendees at the November Breakfast Club meeting.

WHAT’S NEW, continued from page 5

P R O V I D I N G N E T W O R K I N G O P P O R T U N I T I E S

December 2012 I Gilroy Business Focus Page 7

With a 37-year history of creating fine wines, Fortino Winery paired up with another long-established business, The Gilroy Dispatch which celebrates 144 years of bringing local community news to the south county. The prime business networking event provided attendees a venue to meet the hosting businesses, learn about opportunities to connect with their products and services, and also to expand their business networks.

Fortino Winery is a popular venue for weddings, parties, and corporate meetings with both indoor and outdoor facilities. In addition, there is a full gift shop with picnic baskets, painted

glassware and wine accessories. Fortino Winery is located at 4525 Hecker Pass Highway and can be reached at 408-842-3305 or www.fortinowinery.com.

The Gilroy Dispatch recently announced some changes to their print and online products. By becoming a weekly newspaper delivered by the US Postal Service beginning in December, readers and advertisers will benefit from direct mail - which will improve delivery service. Increased frequency of website updates will deliver more local news electronically and print subscribers will continue to enjoy free access to web and mobile sites. Non-subscribers can sign up for online access for a quarterly fee of $22.

ABOVE: Ernie Fortino with Mayor Elect Don Gage. RIGHT: Dana Arvig, Vice President of Advertising, Mainstreet Media Group — Gilroy Dispatch

Christi Garcia, Wealth Management Advisor with LPL Financial, would like to wish everyone a wonderful Holiday Season and express her gratitude to all family, friends and clients for making 2012 such as success. If you have not attended

yet, plan to join Christi in 2013 for Coffee, Conversation and Market Conditions. Same days, the first Friday of the month with a new time – 9 a.m. at Station 55 upstairs. The next Coffee Corner is January 4, 2013. Christi states, “We are

looking forward to another year of meeting new people and building relationships.” Call 408.842.5200 for information on building your wealth portfolio.

Fortino Winery and the Gilroy Dispatch host November Mixer

Chairman of the Board, Eric Howard, presents the Nob Hill Foods Good Egg award to community volunteer Jan Froom. Froom was acknowledged for his volunteerism at Gilroy Gardens, the Gilroy Garlic Festival, and local schools.

Jan Froom is a Good EggEACH MONTH, the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors presents the Nob Hill Foods “Good Egg” award to an individual, group, business, or organization which contributes to making Gilroy a better place to live and work. On November 21, Jan Froom received the award at the Chamber Breakfast meeting in recognition of his volunteer efforts with Gilroy Gardens and other local agencies.

According to Eric Howard, 2012 Chair of the Board, “Jan was presented the Good Egg award in 2000 but his giving continues and has no bounds.” His volunteer efforts include:

• Serving as docent volunteer at Gilroy Gardens. In addition to helping guests navigate the park, he repaired the park’s seismograph, created a large tree “slice” to show the growth of the tree and the happenings in history as it grew, and he helped the Public Art Committee in setting up the first Art in the Park Day at Gilroy Gardens.

• Volunteering for many years to cook for the Gilroy High School spaghetti feed fundraiser – and building a steel basket system for the large cooking pots to make the process of cooking the pasta easier.

• And continuing to volunteer for the Garlic Festival for the Arts and Crafts Committee, for the Special Visitors Committee, and as an active volunteer with the Parent’s Club at Rod Kelley School.

For anyone who has visited Mafalda’s, not only is the interior beautiful, but the business sports one of the most glamorous window displays in Gilroy. Mafalda and her staff plan the displays to show seasonal colors and designs every month.

Mafalda is passionate about Gilroy and extremely generous. She donates to a number of non-profits, loans dresses to high school shows, gives students discounts on their prom dresses, donates her time to the I.F.D.E.S. Hall, provides a significant discount to the Portuguese festival queen’s pageant dresses throughout the region, and donates her delicious Portuguese sweet breads for fundraisers.

With a full staff of professional sales representatives, seamstresses, and bridal consultants, Mafalda’s Bridal Shop keeps a busy schedule. But every client receives the personal touch and a quality, customer service experience that keeps her business thriving – and truly, Mafalda Freitas is living her dream.

2013 NON PROFIT OF THE YEARGilroy Foundation

The 2013 Non Profit of the Year, the Gilroy Foundation, is a local nonprofit organization that is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors and has contributed over $1.5 million to improving the quality of life in the Gilroy area for over 30 years. Working together with their volunteer boards and fund donors, they give charitable gifts that provide a lasting community legacy while striving to improve Gilroy’s health, education, recreation, cultural and civic life. Through their donors’ generosity and the Foundation’s sound investment practices they have accumulated over $8.5 million in assets.

The Board of Directors believes donor gifts must benefit the community. Therefore, they invest members’

donations in an endowment, which is a community savings account, and award only 5 % of the principal through their grant and scholarship programs. They raise separate moneys to cover annual operating costs. The Gilroy Foundation invests its funds through its partner, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, which has assets in excess of $2 billion.

This past year, the Foundation’s accomplishments include its highest ever grant and scholarship distributions of over $432,000. They also established four new Community Needs Funds: Agriculture, Art, Education and Health which also support the Competitive Grants Program: the ongoing promotion of their new campaign of “Give Where You Live”: expansion of an energetic Youth Board to include middle school students as well as high school students: and to continue their signature fundraising efforts of their the Wine Cooler Booth at the Garlic Festival and “Day in the Country” Silent & Live Auction Dinner event.

The Foundation believes in a path of community awareness, learning about the needs of others, and to “Give Where You Live”. Our 2013 Non Profit of the Year is a success story of philanthropy with heart, dedication, and vision.

2013 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR James Dent

When James Dent was hired as principal for Eliot Elementary School in 2007, he wasted no time in focusing on closing the achievement gap and dramatically improving student achievement. By building a strong instructional team and piloting innovative instructional strategies, his approach has proven to be effective.

Under his leadership, and in collaboration with his teachers and

AWARDS, continued on page 9

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Page 8 Gilroy Business Focus I December 2012

AWARDS, continued from page 4

staff, Gilroy witnessed an incredible transformation of Eliot School from one of the District’s lowest performing “program improvement” elementary schools, to earn an API score of 836 and a 10 for 10 ranking for similar schools for two years in a row.

After his first year as principal, Eliot School was ranked the most improved elementary school in the Santa Clara County out of 389 schools in the 2007-08 school year. By 2010, Eliot School had become one of the highest performing elementary schools in Gilroy.

Today, James Dent continues the passion for excellence and achievement in our schools. As the Principal and co-founder of Gilroy Prep School (GPS), Gilroy’s newest charter school continues to exceed expectations. Parents volunteer time to help the campus succeed. Whether it is moving furniture, pulling weeds, organizing fundraisers, or helping in the office, parents are there. Through fundraising efforts during the school’s first year, two computer labs, an audio lab, a library, and a playground for students became a reality.

In 2012, news was announced that the GPS is the highest-performing first-year charter school out of 500 in the state of California since 2006. The second-grade GPS students who took the California Standardized Test last school year is expected to receive an API score somewhere between a 960 and 970. The highest possible score is 1,000. To demonstrate the impact of that success, in 2011, at least 25% of second-grade GPS students were at a learning level that would have

merited repeating the first grade. According to one parent, “This is

the culture that James has fostered on campus – an environment of parental involvement and excitement to improve the educational process and environment, not just for our own children for all students at the school.”

The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce applauds the vision and success of a new educational model in Gilroy under the leadership of our 2013 Educator of the Year, James Dent.

2013 Firman B. Voorhies VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Dave Boll

The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce awards the Firman B. Voorhies Volunteer of the Year award to individuals who give of their time and energy to further the mission of the Chamber. The 2013 Volunteer of the Year, Dave Boll, has a long history of service to the Chamber and continually supports the organization in many ways.

Dave Boll served as Chairman of the Board in 2009 and led the organization in a successful year throughout his term. He has been an active participant on the Government Relations Committee, serving as Chair of the committee in 2007, and fostered the formation of GilPAC. Dave also served two terms on

the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation Board.

Since 2010, Dave has chaired the Garlic Festival Beer Committee. With an eye toward efficiency and service, he implemented a number of innovative ideas. Foremost was the construction of serving stations for the beer gardens. In 2011, a beta site was tested in the Vineyard Garden, and in 2012, the other two sites had new pouring stations. Additionally, through strategic planning, the set up and teardown of the Beer Gardens was completed in record time.

Dave is always a “can do” person, and luckily for the Chamber, he has trouble saying “no” – in fact, when GilPAC had large signs campaign to install, Dave took time from a busy work weekend to help out. He has generously offered space to store needed materials and equipment that would be an other-wise costly impact on the Chamber.

Dave and his wife, Eileen, own Heartwood Cabinets which they moved to Gilroy in 2002 from Palo Alto. They are a custom cabinet manufacturer that has done projects from 400 – 12,000 square feet. Located in the Obata Business Park, they are one of Northern California’s largest producers of fine cabinetry.

SAVE THE DATE2013 spice of life awards dinner and board installationsaturday, february 9, 2013san Juan oaks golf club

December 2012 I Gilroy Business Focus Page 9

quaint antique stores, Amoretto Boutique or Garlic City Mercantile in downtown Gilroy. (Remember shopping in Gilroy keeps our sales tax dollars local!)

NEW YEAR’S EVERing in the New Year at the traditional Casa de Fruta gala New Year’s Eve party. Catered dinner and dancing with champagne and

Valley Symphony’s ‘Tis the Season…. concert at Gavilan College Theater on Saturday, December 8.

In closing the staff and volun-teers of the Gilroy Welcome Center extend our warmest wishes to all of you for a holiday season filled with special moments with family and friends. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

party favors make it an unforgettable start of the New Year!

THEATRE & MUSIC — A local holiday production to choose from – Limelight Actors Theater performance of “A Tuna Christmas”, a yuletide comedy running through December 8 at the Gilroy Center of the Arts Building. Another recommendation to celebrate the season is South

local and ready to lend

12erM0272.© 2012 everBank. all rights reserved.

Chris HochMortgage Loan Officer408.430.3837chris.hoch@everbank.comEverBankMortgage.com/Choch

Contact me to learn more

HOLIDAY, continued from page 3

AWARDS, continued from page 8

Page 10 Gilroy Business Focus I December 2012

Member Renewals

New Members

The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce appreciates the support of our members. Investment dollars are dedicated to vital programs such as economic development, scholarships, business marketing, leadership programs and more. We applaud each of you for helping make Gilroy a better place to live and work.

Dr. Becky Kroll18511 Mission View Drive Morgan Hill • 408-779-7696Physicians & Surgeons

Golden State Portables8482 Murray Avenue Gilroy • 408-640-9351Equipment Rental

Leale’s RV Service & Repair5870 B Monterey Road Gilroy • 408-842-2442RV Repair and Service

A note of appreciation to November 2012 event sponsors and raffle donors:

Thank You

30 YEARS & OVERPhil Buchanan, D.D.S.AAA - California State Automobile Assoc. Barbara DrewitzCasa de Fruta Orchard ResortCharter CommunicationsCunningham Equities CorporationE.W. Mattos Real Estate Investments, Inc.Nob Hill FoodsRapazzini Winery/The Garlic ShoppeRosso’s FurnitureSeledon, Vanni, Humphrey & Kawafuchi, CPA’sTaco Bell

20 YEARS & OVER Cypress Point ApartmentsDentistry for Children, Michael McKeever, D.D.S.Frank FabingGilroy Exchange ClubGilroy Medical PharmacyGreenstreak LandscapingHayes Insurance & Financial ServicesI.F.D.E.S. LodgeNimble Thimble at Garlic City MercantilePrincevalle Pet HospitalRamada LimitedW.E.R.C.Williams Dental Lab

15 YEARS & OVERAffordable RoofingAmerica’s Best Value Residents Inn Blossom Valley FoodsCalifornia Rodeo, Inc.Castro Valley PropertiesColdwell Banker, Nancy RobinsonExcel Auto Body & Paint

Littlejohn’s Fine JewelryS.V. Family & Occupational HealthSafewayShapell HomesSherri Stuartvan Keulen & van Keulen, A.P.C.Weston Miles Architects, Inc.Westwood Cleaners

10 YEARS & OVERAitken Associates Landscape ArchitectsBannings UpholsteryCondo to Castle PropertiesPlatinum TheatersSouth County Rockery & Building Materials, Inc.Staples, Inc.Vanni Properties, Inc.

5 YEARS & OVERA Festive Affair Party RentalBest BuyBruce’s TireComp-Connection, Inc.Costco Wholesale – GilroyDental Office of Dawn Pan, D.D.S.Design Factory Graphics Gilroy Assistance LeagueH & R BlockKLV Bookkeeping ServiceMafalda’s Dr. A.J. Matthews, M.D.Mc Donald’s - Super Wal-MartNet FitnessSharon Holloway. Somatic Massage TherapistSuper 8 MotelLowell O. Tan, D.D.S.Thriving Canine

Joyce’s Collectibles/Joyce DuarteSouth County LineXABD PromotionsRebekah Children’s ServicesPure WaterHeritage BankSend Out Cards – Selena VellaNimble Thimble/Garlic City MercantileIntegrated Financial BenefitsMerry MaidsFortino WineryMiller Computer SystemsGrass FarmGilroy DispatchGuild MortgageRabobankTony’s Embroidery

FA C E S O F G I L R O Y B U S I N E S S

December 2012 I Gilroy Business Focus Page 11

A publicationfor and about the community of Gilroy

Winter/Holiday2012 Issue…Available at over 100 business locations throughout thecommunity and online.

Don’t want to miss a single issue? We’ll mail it to your home … subscribe online at www.gilroytoday.com

T O D A Y

PUBLISHED BY INFOPOWER COMMUNICATIONS

Kaiser Permanente (KP) has such a strong presence in the south county – what are some of the future plans?Kaiser Permanente (KP) wants to grow our membership in the region from our current 38,000 members in the south county. We have been in Gilroy for 26 years with a strong focus on prevention. Looking to the future, preventative care will continue to be our emphasis. We take a lot of pride in our innovative approach to healthcare with treatment delivered by an entire team of health-care professionals including physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, nurses, radiologists, and an entire support team.

Tell us about the economic impact of this local clinic?Within our 66,000 square foot building, we employ 150 full and part-time professionals with 29 of those being highly-educated and highly-trained physicians. We use a state-of-the art electronic medical record system that gives our doctors immediate information for effective health screenings. It also allows every member access to their health information as well as provide a communication tool for setting up appointments or contacting their care provider. From a capital investment perspective, the KP Gilroy location has recently completed an interior renovation and an expansion of the parking area.

Kaiser Permanente has a simple message “Thrive” – what are some of the tools that KP offers to build a healthy community?KP believes in healthy schools, healthy communities, and healthy workplaces. Our employees are involved in the annual Gilroy Fun Run with our doctors on site participating with the kids. BAWSI (Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative) is supported by KP resulting in 660 girls in grades 3 – 5 being able to participate in Santa Clara and Gilroy schools. We also partner with Community Solutions in providing a Healthy Community program in Morgan Hill and Gilroy as well as a school-based violence and substance abuse program. Also, KP works closely with the City of Gilroy on emergency planning.

What are some of the areas that KP likes to focus on in the south county?KP has an emphasis in the south county on obesity prevention, violence prevention, access to care, and promoting healthy schools, community, and work-places. In the south county, we provide a lot of outreach to our members to ensure preventative screening with the goal of accessing needed health care and related services on the same day.

Does KP have some ‘best kept’ secrets?It’s not really a secret, but people are thrilled with KP healthcare access when they want it. We work hard to provide same-day appointments because we know that people have busy personal and professional lives, and receiving superior care when you need it is our goal. Combining that with 24/7 access to medical information and healthy living tools through the kp.org website helps us all “Thrive”.

Lori Radich is the Site Administrator at the Kaiser Permanente Gilroy clinic. She has been with the organization for 30 years covering all phases of managed care including emergency room hospital, home health and hospice and administration.

Kaiser Permanente builds healthy communities

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Page 12 Gilroy Business Focus I December 2012