gilroy business focus - june 2012 edition

A publication of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce l June 2012

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PAIDGILROY, CA 95020

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SOCIAL NETWORK JUNE 13

BUSINESS MIXER JUNE 14

BREAKFAST CLUB JUNE 20

NETWORKING CAFE JUNE 27

Chamber endorses challenger Rob Bernosky for the 30th Assembly District

Gilroy graduates receive Chamber scholarships

ROB BERNOSKY was unanimously endorsed by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at the May 22 meeting. Recognizing the need for a business-savvy candidate, Rob Bernosky is considered a strong leader and someone that can help bring California back to economic vitality.

Bernosky has a career that spans the semiconductor, software, capital equipment, personal electronics, pharmaceutical, recreation equip-ment, financial services, gourmet foods and research and develop-ment industries. He is well-versed in issues related to agriculture and advocates for sound business prac-tices.

As a former elementary school trustee, Bernosky has witnessed first-hand the triggers that can improve

Robert E.(Rob) Bernosky, Assembly CandidateState of California District 30

achievement in the classroom and bring true reforms within the educa-tional system. He was instrumental in transforming a troubled district to high performing.

Currently, Assembly Member Luis Alejo, who is vying for the same seat has been lock-step in support of job-killing legislation and anti-

The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors awarded $3,500 in Business and

Education Scholarships to Gilroy High and Christopher High School seniors. Recipients

of the awards included: Marcella Rubio ($1,000 Bill Lindsteadt Memorial Scholarship),

and Kyle Collett, Patrick Mank, Kade Pourroy, Martin Ettema, and Ryan Orosco who

each received a $500 Business and Education Scholarship.

The students will be honored at the June Breakfast Club meeting.

California needs true transparency and leadership that can bring our economy back.

business measures such as auto-matically indexing minimum wage to inflation. The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce has consistently opposed bills authored by Assembly Member Alejo and have monitored the “bait and switch” tactics used in proposed legislation, such as AB 1439, which gutted language intended to protect employees from deposit of wages and related activi-ties and completely replaced it with a minimum wage bill that was tied to annual indexing.

Susan Valenta, President/C.E.O. of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce states, “California needs true trans-parency and leadership that can bring our economy back. Rob Bernosky understands business and will ensure that common sense will prevail.”

FocusJune12webC.indd 1 5/30/12 4:41 PM

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

Past chairman KATHERINE FILICE • Articulate Solutins

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 • Meridian Pacific

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 GREG GIUSIANA • Retired Police Chief GREG GALLUP • Cintas Corporation

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 Coordinator Tracy Romero • Retail Service Coordinator

edc staff Tammy Brownlow • President/CEO Kris Mangano • 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: [email protected] phone: (408) 842-6437

Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

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

Gilroy Business Focus I June 2012

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.” John Adams was two days off when he wrote that in a letter to his wife, Abigail. The signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, remains one of history’s premier events, and throughout the world, countries today struggle to reach the levels of social change we have enjoyed in our country for over two centuries.

America cherishes the rights inscribed in the Declaration of Independence. Its relevance has transcended multiple generations of people who have come to this country to build the American Dream that is built on a platform of freedom. Memorial Day and Independence Day are intimately connected, for without a strong commitment to protecting our

A date that changed the worldcountry, the ideals of our forefathers would have only been empty words on a piece of parchment.

As American citizens, we each have a responsibility to ensure a strong, independent country. That responsibility takes place every time there is a call for us to vote. Business depends on a government that understands the free enterprise system. Business does not have the luxury of printing money or receiv-ing tax dollars to provide services. It is all contingent on profitability and the survival of the fittest.

That is why, as a Chamber Board, we unanimously endorsed challenger Rob Bernosky for the 30th Assembly District. Mr. Bernosky understands business, and he is a strong advocate for good governance. Watching the shenani-gans of Sacramento as language in legislative bills were gutted and replaced with a completely differ-ent purpose does not speak well

OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, the Chamber has undergone a “makeover”, and the June issue of the Gilroy Business Focus ties into the evolution from the Chamber’s initial touch point survey, branding study, and implementation. The journey has been fascinating and the results are impressive. A great deal of appreciation is extended to Katherine Filice of Articulate Solutions and her professional team for all the expertise and creative direction that they have generously contributed to the process.

As a business organization, we work hard to exemplify strong business practices and standards. The image of a business or organization is tied closely to marketing – but it goes even further with the delivery of the value proposition. And, the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce takes that proposition very seriously in everything we do to facilitate a strong, local economy, cre-ate valuable networks, promote Gilroy, take a role in political action, and represent the interests of business with government.

Your Business I Is Our Business

for transparency in government or an understanding of how those bills would have affected business should they have gone through the legislature.

Take the time to read both sides of issues, learn about each of your candidate’s personal and voting his-tory, and recognize that there are very few rights more precious that the right to vote. In a few weeks, citizens all over America will cel-ebrate with fireworks, picnics, and parades for this “great anniversary festival”. Let’s all be good stewards of government and ensure that this great festival is enjoyed by our next generations.

With technology being such an important part of expanding the busi-ness reach, not only is the Gilroy Business Focus delivered via mail and through the Dispatch, our online ver-sion is completely hyperlinked so that there is even more exposure for anyone advertising or placing information in the publication. We constantly monitor our Google Analytics, and the growth in our unique visits to www.gilroy.org has almost doubled in six months. With this new, online version, we expect those numbers to grow even more.

In addition, our Facebook page is a popular spot for members to post information on Open Wall Mondays. Again, our total weekly reach is 1,000+, so this is phenomenal growth and a powerful tool to build business for Chamber members. All that is need-ed is a “like” and the rest is an open slate for posting business information.

We are very excited about the new, Discover Gilroy Savings Book. Kudos to all the businesses and orga-nizations that took advantage of this

premium, low-cost marketing tool. Not only are 10,000 copies being distrib-uted through the Chamber and Gilroy Welcome Center, the coupons will also be featured online.

If you are not a member of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce and want to build your business, give us a call at 842-6437. Through our close alliance with the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation, Gilroy Welcome Center, Gilroy Downtown Business Association, City of Gilroy, Leadership Gilroy, Small Business Development Center, and our hundreds of partnering businesses, we are con-fident that you will achieve success through the Chamber because Your Business | Is Our Business.


TAMMY BROWNLOWPresident/CEOGilroy EconomicDevelopment Corporation

JANE HOWARDExecutive DirectorGilroy Welcome Center

CREATING A STRONG, LOCAL ECONOMY

June 2012 I Gilroy Business Focus

EACH DAY we hear on the news what is going on with the national economy. Unemployment rates may be up or down, job creation and loss, or retail sales are strong or lag-ging, nationally. But national data can have little resemblance to what is happening in the local economy. The condition of the local economy affects people’s lives more than national data or trends reflect.

So why do some communities do better than others? One answer to that question has to do with the types of businesses in the community and how revenues from these businesses stay in the community or leave. Businesses can be defined as either a “primary” or contributory industry or a “consumptive” industry. A busi-ness that is a primary industry sells its goods or services outside of the area and imports money to the local com-munity. Examples of these businesses are manufacturers, sellers of raw materials, or professional services that have clients outside the area.

A thriving community in balanceIf the business is not dependent upon the local marketplace it is most likely a primary industry.

A consumptive business, on the other hand, is dependent upon the money flowing into the area. They include most retail stores, service companies, restaurants, banks, physi-cians and attorneys. Local govern-ment is a consumptive enterprise as it depends upon local money. The majority of all businesses in a com-munity are consumptive in nature. Typically, about 75% of an area’s workforce is employed by consump-tive businesses.

Gilroy’s local economy, as well as the consumptive businesses in the area, will grow or decline in direct proportion to the amount of money being imported into the community by primary businesses. Although retail and service-related jobs in the community are important and contrib-ute to the sales tax base of the city, in order to build a thriving community additional primary industry jobs must

QUARTERLY the Gilroy Welcome Center receives a report from the research department of Visit California (formerly California Travel & Tourism Commission) which provides tourism updates in the state. This month I am including in my column data from the March, 2012 report for your information.• March data showed gains in hotel

average room rate at all regions of the state, and occupancy gains in all regions other than Orange county where there was a small year to year decline. Overall, first quarter statewide hotel occupancy was up 3.7% and average room rates were up 4.6% - both on par with growth in the US as a whole.

• A new trend evident in 2012 is sub-stantial growth in California’s domes-tic air traffic in both January and February. The 8% domestic growth in February even outpaced interna-tional traffic growth – up 5% for the first time in a year.

News from the Gilroy Welcome Center

be created. The Gilroy Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) understands this concept and is actively working to attract businesses that will add value to our local econ-omy. Many of the GEDC marketing and attraction activities are directed at these types of businesses. While Gilroy is a retail destination within the region as demonstrated by the positive “pull-factor” for most retail sectors, the addition of more primary industry businesses will strengthen and diversity our local economy. For more information on the GEDC’s marketing efforts, visit our web site www.gilroyedc.org or contact our office at (408) 847-7611.

• The April update of the California Travel Forecast reports that the travel outlook for 2012 is positive, with forecasted growth in visits of +2% and forecasted growth in travel spending of 5%.

• Growth in 2012 will be led by over-seas markets, especially Asian and South American markets.

• With this steady growth, 2012 visits will surpass the pre-recession peak of 2007.Locally, the tourism data is also

trending upward as TOT collected for the quarter January – March 2012 increased by 8.4 % and for the fiscal year to date an increase of over 12% compared to the same time period last year. The number of visitors at the Gilroy Welcome Center for the time period of January – March, 2012 totaled 5,976 which contrasts to 324 for the same time period in 2011. Similar to the state data, the Gilroy Welcome Center is seeing a large number of international

visitors from China, South Korea and Brazil visiting the area.

In summary, the travel and tourism industry in this state and locally con-tinues to contribute significantly to the economy. Travel related spending in California surpassed the $100 billion mark for the first time ever last year, and was accompanied by a 1.5% growth in spending supported employment. Locally, the hundreds of thousands visitors to the Outlets, Gilroy Gardens, Garlic Festival and other venues all bring increased revenue to this com-munity and jobs for many in the region. The Gilroy Welcome Center will con-tinue our strong marketing message of Discover Gilroy in support of travel and tourism to this region.


KRISTINA CHAVEZ WYATT V.C.Public Affairs DivisonGilroy Chamber of Commerce

REPRESENTING THE INTEREST OF BUSINESS WITH GOVERNMENT

Mayor Al Pinheiro looks on as City Administrator, Tom Haglund, briefs the GRC on the California High Speed Rail project and the Gilroy alignment. $800,000 in funding will include $600,000 (CAHSR) and $200,000 between the City of Gilroy and VTA. The City Councils of both Gilroy and Morgan Hill are staying in close contact with the CAHSR in every step of the process. Updates are provided regularly at the monthly GRC meeting which is held the second Friday of every month from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at the Chamber.


WITH THE CURRENT economic cli-mate and closure of the State legisla-tive sessions combined with the June Primary and November General elec-tions, political and legislative activity have been brisk. Thankfully, Chamber staff and volunteer leadership have been doing a yeoman’s job in con-ducting due diligence and advocat-ing on behalf of the Gilroy business community.

At the last meeting of the Government Relations Committee (GRC), Mayor Pinheiro provided an overview and update on the Mobility Partnership- realignment of Highway 152 and the potential for a section of the Highway becoming a toll road. The Mayor and Supervisor Wasserman (Roland Velasco alter-nate) serve as our regional rep-resentatives to the Partnership, a regional board comprised of Santa Clara, San Benito, Madera and Merced Counties. The Partnership is a policy advisory board to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) charged with advancing 152 improvements including route alterna-tives, funding mechanisms and the development of a trade corridor.

The GRC has also been tracking the progress (or lack thereof) of High Speed Rail. The City is integrating the plan for the downtown station into the next General Plan Update. It sounds as though the Gilroy section is now the last on the phased development plan, and as “additional funding becomes available.” The first $6 bil-lion phase of construction is slated for 130 miles in the Central Valley from

An update on GRC advocacy

Madera to just north of Bakersfield. In light of the Chamber’s position

to support the extension of the Santa Clara County Water District’s Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Plan parcel tax, a letter has been sent to the District offering support pending evaluation of ballot language and other implementation measures. In the big picture as the let-ter states, “We must protect our water supply and local dams from earth-quakes and natural disasters. The Anderson Dam needs to be brought up to compliance with today’s seis-mic standards and state dam safety restrictions. Additionally, Anderson Reservoir needs to be brought to full capacity to ensure future water sup-plies for our valley.” Additionally, we must “Complete promised flood protection programs in the south county. Cities, such as Morgan Hill, are exposed to property damage and disruption to homes, businesses, schools and roads which would have been averted if these projects had been completed as promised.” That being said, we are watching this issue closely due to impacts on private property and triggers on land use regulation.

As for state legislation, support for SB 973- a bill that would exempt limited duration events from CEQA, has been held due to bill language amendments. AB 1543 (Alejo), a bill opposed by Gilroy and CalChamber that would require state and local governing entities to contract only for goods and building projects that use materials and structural components

made in the United States, substan-tially all from materials produced in the United States has been pulled by the author. Chamber opposed AB 1439, another attempt by Assembly Member Alejo to tie minimum wage increases to the CPI has thankfully been placed in the Appropriations suspense file.

Thank you for your support of the launch of GILPAC- the Gilroy Business Political Action Committee. Stay tuned for upcoming events and ways that you may contribute your time, energy and talents to furthering efforts to elect candidates who will back you and your business. Remember, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu!”

At upcoming GRC meetings, we are planning on hosting presenta-tions and updates on the Gilroy Climate Action Plan, County Habitat Conservation Plan and our public access media partner, Community Media Access Partnership. Please advise any issues or opportunities that are impacting your business and let Chamber staff know if you’d like to be added to our GRC communica-tions list. Join us for the GRC, coffee and spirited conversation on the sec-ond Friday of every month at 7:30 am in the Chamber boardroom.


SUE THURMAN Business RelationshipManager, Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

What’s new with Chamber Businesses!


The team at Hello Gorgeous is already putting their plans together for the fifth annual Child Help Fashion Show Fundraiser. If you enjoy seeing the latest in hair, fashion and make-up and appreci-ate being able to help thousands of abused and neglected children then you just can’t miss this event on October 7 in the Piazza Complex. You’ll be treated to a fashion show, silent auction, raffle, music appetiz-ers and MORE! Don’t miss out-mark your calendars today! Visit the web-site, www.childhelp.org or www.hellogorgeousgilroy.com.

On Friday, July 20, the Bay Area’s most popular band, the Joe Sharino Band (winner of 17 Best Band Awards in Northern California) returns to beautiful Guglielmo Winery for Sharino and Chardonnay Under the Stars. Doors open at 5pm and you’ll be treated to a view of picturesque vineyards, beautiful lawns, barbecue and Italian cuisine will be for sale and taste the best wines in the state. The huge dance floor will be ready for some dancing under the stars, and tickets are specially priced for Chamber members at $25 (regular $35) using the discount code, CC88. Groups of 6 or more-save even more! Visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/245411 or call 800-838-3006 (don’t forget to use the discount code, CC88).

Have you tried reaching your health or weight goal on your own without success? The Wellness Coaches at BAM would like to get to know you. Their one-on-one coaching and BAM’s delicious three-part meal may be just what you need to successfully reach your goals. Give them a call at 408-842-2261 or stop by 1340 First Street #E, M-F, 7am-3 pm. www.allaboutbam.com.

Players of all ages and skill-sets will be participating in the Gilroy Sunrise Rotary Scholarship Golf Tournament at Eagle Ridge Golf Course on June 8. Entry includes golf on Gilroy’s premier golf course; lunch, dinner, mini-contests like

closest-to-the-pin; longest-drive; even a hole-in-one, win-a-car* competition and prizes to the best teams of the day. There’s still time to join in the fun, but if golf isn’t your game, join everyone after the tournament for a barbecue dinner upstairs with a silent auction and raffle. Call Chairperson Tony Marandos at 408-710-5974 for details. *professional golfers are not eligible for the hole-in-one contest.

Christi Garcia, Wealth Management Advisor with LPL Financial, translates complex financial terms and data into simple concepts clients understand. Christi keeps professional relationships active and interesting by staying engaged in your business, family and financial needs. She educates clients and is proactive in retirement planning, reallocating, and investing, reviewing and forecasting markets. You can meet Christi at a Coffee Corner, July 6, 8 am. Guest speaker will be local realtor, Brenda McKenna from Keller Williams, who will give a housing update---coffee, conversation and market conditions will be the focus! 8339 Church St. Suite 102; 408-842-5200. www.lpl.com/christi.garcia.

The “Fun for the Whole Herd”, 89th annual San Benito County Fair is slated for September 28-30 at the San Benito County Fairgrounds/Bolado Park. Entertainment will include a carnival, mud drags and truck pulls plus many more family-friendly activities. For more information visit www.sanbenitocountyfair.com.

Whether you manage your business from home or the office, you need key day-to-day skills to run it successfully. Power QuickBooks 2011, offered by Gavilan College Community Education, will give you the skills to get the information you need to make important business decisions that will bring you success. This class is on Tuesday evenings, July 10-31 and is a must for every small and medium sized business and is taught by local professionals,

Pat Catanzaro and Debra Riess. Microsoft Office 2010 classes begin in June: Excel (June 9); Word (June 16); PowerPoint (June 16). For more information go to www.GavilanCE.com or call 408-852-2801.

Jeffery M. Orth, ChFC, CASL Integrated Financial Benefits Network, has been invited again to the annual meeting of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) in Anaheim this month. There he will be among the best, learning from the best, attending seminars and workshops on advanced wealth management and investment concepts as well as hearing from leading economic advisors. To receive Jeff’s high quality service call 408-842-2716 or visit www.ifitfinancial.com.

Country superstar Alan Jackson will perform at California Rodeo at the Salinas Municipal Stadium on Saturday, July 21. Tickets for the show can be purchased Monday-Friday from 10 am - 6 pm at the Salinas Sports Complex Box Office; by calling 800-549-4989 or visit tickets.com. Tickets are $35 for general admission (plus service fees). And enjoy professional bull riding on Friday July 18 (non-stop bull-riding action). Tickets are priced from $10 to $55. Win a chance to dine with some of the bull riders in the Eat & Greet contest-visit www.carodeo.com for information.

AT&T Mobility will help your business benefit from Intuit GoPayment. Ensure that you get paid now and improve your cash flow: sell to customers who don’t carry cash or checks; link card payments to Intuit Quickbooks; email or text receipts to your customers and accept Visa/MasterCard/AMEX/Discover cards. There are no entry or exit costs, free setup, a free credit card reader and no contract or cancellation fees. You’ll appreciate two simple pricing options-visit AT&T at 8647 San Ysidro Ave. or call 408-846-0744; www.att.com for more information.

For business banking that’s a pleasure, Go West! Bank of the West is offering special rates and terms on commercial real estate lending; business line of credit/term loan; business equipment loans and business checking. See Cheryl Brown at 7865 Monterey or call 847-2919 • bankofthewest.com.

It’s going to be a party at the Vince Camuto Outlet store on Saturday, June 23 at 12 pm. You’re invited to join in the fun with discounts and surprises -- even cake! We’ll be there to celebrate by bringing the big scissors and red ribbon. Vince Camuto is located at 8155 Arroyo Cr. Ste A016, 408-842-6762, www.vincecamuto.com.


PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNIT IES


Sue Howell, Executive Director of the Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center (WERC) accepts the Good Egg award from Eric Gebhardt on behalf of Timberland of Gilroy. Timberland was recognized for their volunteer services at WERC.

MORGAN HILL FREEDOMFEST – once known as the Independence Day Committee brought a resounding invitation to the south county to join in this year’s July celebration. The festivities have been happening since 1896, when Morgan Hill held a parade, a picnic and a horse race. More recently, a core group of 30 volunteer leaders formed to plan the events and coordinate the efforts of over 500 volunteers from the community. The Morgan Hill FreedomFest extended an invitation for everyone to mark their calendars and support America’s birthday in Morgan Hill. For information on the 2012 FreedomFest, go to www.mhfreedomfest.com.

Morgan Hill FreedomFest promotes America’s birthday celebration

New membersnetwork atMay Breakfast

The Timberland team is a Good EggIN MAY, the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce presented the Nob Hill Foods Good Egg award to Timberland, a local business that cares about their community and gives generously of their time. The award is presented each month to an individual, group, business, or organization which contributes to making Gilroy a better place to live and work – and all on a volunteer basis.

Timberland was nominated by the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center (WERC) for their volunteer efforts. The store is located at the Gilroy Premium Outlets, but what many people do not know is that the employees at Timberland have adopted WERC. For the past year employees have spent entire days on a monthly basis to paint the outside of the animal enclosures, weed and rake the grounds, clean debris, repair barbed wire fencing, and haul tons of crushed granite and soil up and down several flights of stairs.

Timberland encourages and equips its employees to volunteer their ser-vices to environmental and social causes in order to make a difference in the world. The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center is the fortunate recipient of this corporate good will.

Charles Weston • 2012 Morgan Hill FreedomFest President

New members received their membership plaque and were provided an opportunity to give a business promo at the May Chamber breakfast. Pictured here (l-r) David and Martha Cervantes (YoghArt), Ruben Arias (Hoodz), Jonny Vu (TelePacific), and Jay Menchaca (Menchaca Law Offices).


PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNIT IES


YoghArt

El Grullense JalHugo Llamas and his family welcomed everyone to El Grullense Jal at the Chamber ribbon cutting ceremony. Located at 1280 - A First St. in the Hecker Pass Plaza, the restaurant specializes in fine, Mexican cuisine.

YoghArt brings the finest, freshest yogurt treats and toppings to Gilroy. Located in the Hecker Pass Plaza, at 1230 First St., Ste. 105, David and Martha Cervantes combines art, WiFi, and a fun, dessert

experience. Chamber members and the Cervantes family joined in a ribbon

cutting ceremony at the May After Hours Mixer.

Morgan Hill FreedomFest promotes America’s birthday celebration

Hecker Pass Plaza showcases business in Gilroy at May MixerHECKER PASS PLAZA brings a full array of retail, services, and fine cuisine at the center located at 1230 First Street. In May, Chamber members enjoyed a full evening visiting each business and discovering what makes this center such a popular destination. Featured businesses included: Mama Mia’s Ristorante, B.A.M., Westside Market, All Pro Bail Bonds, Ayuttaya Thai, Moon’s Kitchen, El Grullense Jal, Penny Cakes, Claddagh Irish Pub & Restaurant, Ace Hardware, Saigon Bistro Express, Magic Touch Relaxation, and R.J. Dyer Real Property Investments. The event was such a success that the center is already planning next year’s Mixer.

Rick Dyer, Property Manager, Hecker Pass Plaza

The Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) held their ribbon cutting ceremony at the Chamber office in May. The WBA supports women in the development and expansion of their business networks. For information, contact Mary Squier at 408.310.1488.

The Women’sBusiness Alliance (WBA)


The Gilroy Downtown Business Association (GDBA) welcomed the community to their new office located at 7780 Monterey Street with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Dave Peoples, a long-time promoter of the downtown joined GDBA Chair of the Board, Amber Madrone, in cutting the ribbon.


NEW MEMBERSPrimus Security408-465-4661 • [email protected] • Contact: Monica Lara

Primus Security Group, Inc. (PSG) is a professional and reliable private security company, woman- and Hispanic-owned. Their mission is to provide excellent and quality security services with the passion and professionalism that provides secure environments for corporations, industries and building infrastructures. PSG has a large number of experts who are skilled and eager to contribute in securing assets and providing excellent security services.

Their task is to remain first among equals and to be recognized leaders with premier professional security services for industry. They are committed to support their client’s requirements by delivering cost effective, ethical, reliable and high quality solutions of strategic value, while sustaining a challenging and reward-ing work environment for their greatest assets, their employees. Their goal is to strengthen the value of the client they serve by providing the highest level of customer satisfaction and security services.

TelePacific Communications408-240-2200 • www.telepacific.com • Representative: Jonny Vu

TelePacific offers local, long distance and dedicated internet access. They provide private networking, data collection and other data services to business customers, primarily in California, Nevada and Texas and offer TI service, Ethernet-over-copper solution and PRI’s.

Currently, TelePacific is offering a Chamber special of $365.50 for eight landline + 1.5 mbps TI Services bundled with 2000 LD minutes; or a package for $573 that includes 3M-TI + 8 call paths and unlimited intra-LATA 722 call-ing in the Bay Area.

Santa Clara County Regional Occupational Program (ROP) office located at 700 W. Sixth Street, Suite L, showcased their new Dental Assistant Learning Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. Dr. David Matuszak was accompanied by students and representatives from the Chamber and EDC.

Gilroy’s newest school, the Gilroy Prep School invited the community to a full afternoon of fun and entertainment along with a Chamber ribbon cutting. Principal James Dent was joined with students to announce their school, located at 277 I.O.O.F. Avenue.


PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY

High Five Youth award presented to Anajeli and Alexandra MontesTHE GILROY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE presents a “High Five” to a Gilroy youth or group in recognition of outstanding community ser-vice and leadership. In May, Anjeli and Alexandra Montes, students at Antonio del Buono Elementary School, were acknowledged at the Chamber Breakfast Club meeting for their community service.

The sisters volunteered their time to help at the March 3 bike rodeo which was a joint effort between the Gilroy Unified School District and the Gilroy Police Department in support of the California State Safe Routes to School grant.

According to Cheryl Ellemberg (ABD Promotions), “These students enthusiastically volunteered by encouraging safe walking and biking – handing out stickers to young children, handing out parent and student tip sheets, and making bike rodeo signs.”

In addition to the recognition, the students were presented two $75 gift certificates from Sunshine Bicycles who sponsored the May Youth High Five award.

Each month the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce awards the Youth High Five, Good Egg, and Business Beautification awards at the Chamber Breakfast Club meeting to acknowledge contributions made on a volun-teer basis. The community is invited to submit nominations by contacting the Chamber at 842-6437 or going online at www.gilroy.org.

Eric Gebhardt, Chamber Chair of the Board-elect presents the Youth High Five award to Anajeli and Alexandra Montes, students at Antonio del Buono Elementary School who were recognized for their community service.


Downtown HappeningsBy Melanie Corona, GDBA Coordinator

With another successful Art and Wine Stroll under our collective belts, it is on to the Eleventh Annual Garlic City Fun Run/ Car Show on Saturday, July 14 in Downtown Gilroy! Lots of new “stuff” is in the works for a Car Show that prom-ises to be as successful as those of years past. Contact Brian Dauenhauer via email or telephone with questions or registration information: [email protected] or the GDBA Office: 408-842-0005. We are looking forward to seeing the Classic Cars on display as well as catching up with good friends and familiar faces. Vendors slated to appear are beyond fantastic as well.

Fifth Street Live Music SeriesFifth Street Live begins Downtown on July 6 and will run for eight weeks through August 31 (taking the Friday of Garlic Festival Weekend off). Music begins at 7:00 pm and con-tinues until 9:00. Bands scheduled to appear include: JJ Hawg (July 13), the Blue Sky Band (August 3), Buffalo Canyon Band (August 17) and the Usual Suspects (August 24) . The remaining four bands are still in the works but promise to be just as dynamic and toe-tapping as those already scheduled. Block out Friday nights on your calen-dar beginning July 6 and join us Downtown for free, fun and family-friendly entertainment! John Garcia performing in 2011.


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Member RenewalsNew MembersThe 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 pro-grams and more. We applaud each of you for helping make Gilroy a bet-ter place to live and work.

40 YEARS & OVERSyngenta Seeds

20 YEARS & OVERBottomley Distributing Co.Gilroy Police Officers Assoc.Gilroy Veterinary HospitalGregg Giusiana, Retired Police ChiefSolis Winery

15 YEARS & OVERArticulate SolutionsGilroy Antiques

10 YEARS & OVERJimmy Shrull RoofingKent ConstructionMission Park ApartmentsNW Photography, Inc.Rainbow Carpet OneBruce Sarhaddi, D.D.S.Tom Valenta

5 YEARS & OVERFirst Street CoffeeGilroy Garlic USA RV ParkJudy Hess Landscape DesignSouth county Democratic PartyAdrian A. Villarreal, D.D.S.

El Grullense Jal1280 A First Street Gilroy • 568-8635Restaurants & Catering

Fast Dragon Asian Gourmet769 First Street Gilroy • 847-1888Restaurants & Catering

Labor Max Staffing343 E. 10th Street, Ste. 5 Gilroy • 848-5700Employment Services

Meineke Car Care Center190 Welburn Avenue Gilroy • 847-2900Auto & Truck Services

MLC Insurance Services, LLC.10245 Parrish View Drive Gilroy • 848-2271Insurance Services

Santa Clara County Association of Realtors1651 N. First Street San Jose • 445-5063Real Estate Services

ServiceMaster2276 Freedom Boulevard Watsonville • 686-1021Janitorial Services

YoghArt1230 First Street, Ste. 105 Gilroy • 337-5304Frozen Yogurt / Ice Cream Shop

Breakfast:Pure Water DistributorsGilroy Sunrise RotaryMorton Septic ServiceSouth County LineXFortino WineryNimble Thimble at Garlic City MercantileHeritage BankHilton Garden InnABD PromotionsJoyce’s CollectiblesMorgan Hill FreedomFest

Mixer:BAMThe Claddagh Irish Pub & GrillYoghArtPennyCakesWestside MarketMoon’s KitchenFortino WineryABD PromotionsJoyce’s Collectibles

Thank you Raffle Prizes May 2012:


FACES OF GILROY BUSINESS


Syngenta is one of the world’s leading companies with a significant presence in Gilroy. Pictured here (l-r) Keelan Pulliam, Head, Flowers Professional North America, Mark Honeycutt, Corporate Counsel), and Tim Kroenke, Head, Lawn & Garden North America.

SYNGENTA FLOWERS, INC. is a global leader in the breeding and production of hybrid flower seed and vegetative cuttings for high-quality pot and bedding plants. Syngenta is one of the world’s leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in 90 coun-tries.

Over the past year, Syngenta invested $8.25 million into its Gilroy campus to shape and drive new market opportunities coming out of its new Center for Excellence (COE) Research & Development breeding facility. Housed in three new, energy-efficient greenhouses, the state-of-the-art facility will deliver unrivaled genetics research and plant produc-tion capabilities.

Syngenta — bringing plant potential to life

How can the City of Gilroy support Syngenta in Gilroy

The City of Gilroy has been supportive of Syngenta’s desire to upgrade its R&D capabilities so that we can grow and shape new markets. We’re very pleased with the support we have received from the City to date and look forward to continuing our relationship.

What is it like to work for Syngenta?

Syngenta is a great place to work. Employees in the agribusiness are committed to feeding the growing world population. In Lawn & Garden North America, we’re very focused on helping to feed and nurture the soul through the high-quality flowers we breed every day. The people at our site are particularly engaging to work with as they literally create beautiful flowers for the world to enjoy and work hard to ensure our customers have the same experience.

The world is no longer flat: explain how Gilroy connects internationally

The Gilroy Syngenta Flowers facility is one a handful of Syngenta R & D facilities focused on the breeding of flowers in North America. The process of creating new varietals can take 3 – 5 years, but once the pedigree is established, the seeds and vegetative cuttings can be re-produced in countries throughout the world including

Syngenta Seeds2280 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy847-7333 l www.syngenta.com

Mexico, Guatemala, and Africa. Syngenta’s supply chain creates efficiencies in production and delivery, so that our flowers can end up in independent garden centers throughout our region while our seeds may be marketed in Japan or Latin America.

Syngenta makes an economic mark worldwide. What are some of the economic benefits Syngenta brings to Gilroy?

The majority of our employees live and work in Gilroy, so as a result, Syngenta contributes to the local economy in tangible and intangible ways. For example, though our flower seeds are sold globally, sales that originate in California generate valuable tax revenues for our state. Locally, we have made a significant capital investment into our Center for Excellence. To support construction we con-tracted with established companies from our region.

Because of its splendor and beauty, the Gilroy facility often hosts international meetings and trials at the site. As a result, attendees support the local economy via hotel stays, shopping at local Outlets, and by frequent visits to local restaurants, attractions, and wineries.

We are very committed to the community and partici-pate regularly in fundraisers. One such example is the Rotary FlowerFest. In 2012, the FlowerFest gernerated over $40,000 for local youth programs.


gilroy business focus - june 2012 edition

Documents

business mixer

business measures

gilroy high

challenger rob bernosky

businesssavvy candidate

sound business prac

assembly member alejo

assembly member luis