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BusinessAWARD-WINNING MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE VISALIA CHAMBER OFUpdate COMMERCE Vol. 42, No. 8 | August 2021
INSIDE
Regional nonprofits awarded $655K from Bank of America Unemployment Four Tulare County nonprof- its will received a share of the is down as home $655,000 in Bank of America grants. 4 Delta variant sparks prices inch up in new vaccination urgency Tulare County Many of us are ready for the pandemic to be over, but we cannot ignore that COVID-19 and Visalia numbers are on the rise. 6 Tulare County unemployment mostly EVENTS rebounds from pandemic, median housing prices in the county are $324,000 compared FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR DATES to $346,000 in Visalia Coffee & Conversation with Your Chamber CEO-Facebook Live Time: 8 a.m. John Lindt AUGUST 11 & 18 Publisher Visalia Chamber Travel Sierra2theSea.net Slideshow Businesses are hiring, and while some Time: 12 p.m. would-be workers are waiting for their Location: City Admin Building extended unemployment benefits to 220 N. Santa Fe Avenue end, others are leaping into the scarce AUGUST 19 workforce. YPN Rawhide Takeover In Tulare County the unemployment rate was 10.2% in May 2021, Time: 6 p.m. down from a revised 11% in Location: Visalia Rawhide April, and below the year-ago es- AUGUST 26 timate of 16.5%. This compares Ambassador Monthly with an unadjusted unemploy- ment rate of 7.5% for California Meeting and 5.5% for the nation during Time: 8 a.m. the same period. Location: Visalia First Tulare County has approximately 5,400 more jobs than a year AUGUST 26 ago including 1,700 more in the hospitality industry, according to State of Tulare County the California Employment Development Department. And more income may be exactly what workers need as housing prices con- Luncheon tinue to inch upward. Time: 11:30 a.m. Visalia and Tulare County median home price are hitting a re- Location: Bello Vita Venue cord high. Tulare County’s median home sales price in May hit a record at $324,350 says Brett Taylor, CEO of Tulare County Asso- ciation of Realtors. Visalia- as well - hit a new high median num- TRAVEL WITH US ber at $346,00, adds Taylor, calling the trend “remarkable.” On the state level, California Association of Realtors reports ex- OCTOBER 4–11, 2021 isting single-family home sales totaled 445,660 in May, down 2.7 Colors of New England percent from April and up 86.7 percent from May 2020. May’s statewide median home price was $818,260, up 0.5 per- OCTOBER 9–16, 2021 cent from April and up 39.1 percent from May 2020.Year-to-date New England Rails & Trails statewide home sales were up 34.6 percent in May. Tulare County sales are up 17% year to date. NOVEMBER 2–9, 2021 Irish Discovery
DECEMBER 3–8, 2021 Music Cities Christmas
DECEMBER 5–9, 2021 Santa Fe Holiday ADOBE STOCK JANUARY 29–FEBRUARY 6, 2022 Tropical Costa Rica FEBRUARY 15–24, 2022 PRESIDENT’S CORNER Sunny Portugal Raising Cane’s MARCH 6–20, 2022 Colors of Morocco Keyboard vigilantes create announces August APRIL 19–26, 2022 Highlights of Italy’s Amalfi treacherous divide opening date Coast Gail Zurek er, and more treacherous. I thought the lifting struction for months. And as APRIL 25–MAY 1, 2022 President and CEO of COVID restriction would ease tensions. I of last week the chicken finger Visalia Chamber Southern Charm thought we just needed a bit of normal back. restaurant announced they’ll We live in a world While many things have gone back to “normal”, open their doors in late August. MAY 18, 2022 the divide is still there. The tension is still rising. The company stated in a press JUNE 7 & 15, 2022 of keyboard vigilan- tes. You’ve seen them; I worry we’re headed down a path that will rip release that they’re excited to AUGUST 16, 2022 this community apart. One of Visalia’s newest capture all of the traffic creat- SEPTEMBER 13 & 21, 2022 heck, maybe you’ve been one. I know I have When I was younger, I ran home from school restaurants has zeroed in on an ed by the national parks and frustrated, angry, and scheming for ways to set- Oberammergau Passion been tempted a time or opening date, and people are nearby College of the Sequoias tle the score. I hated to lose, and I was already Play Germany & Austria two. Keyboard vigilan- raising their hands for chicken down Mooney Boulevard. working on a plan to win when my mom sat tes fire off social media fingers. “The new Restaurant is con- JUNE 11–17, 2022 me down. She patiently listened to why I was comments on public Raising Cane’s Visalia’s lo- veniently located in a popular frustrated and heard all the details of my grand Landscapes & Lighthouses meeting live streams. See CANE’S on page 3 comeback plan. Beyond winning, she asked cation has been under con- of Coastal Maine Their comments about my goal. She asked what I was trying to OCTOBER 4–12, 2022 address things happening in the actual meeting accomplish. She pushed me to see what I wanted being live-streamed. In particular, the keyboard beyond the emotion of the moment. And then Normandy, Paris & the vigilante is interested in fighting for ‘their side.’ Seine River Cruise she delivered the line that stuck with me, ‘ya get Sitting at home on their phones or behind their more flies with honey than vinegar.’ computers, they use social media comments I am a fighter. I want what is right to be known to argue with speakers presenting at the public and done. I understand getting caught up in the meeting, even though the speakers cannot hear moment. It’s easy to do. It’s even easier to do or respond. The comments I fear are less for the when you quickly, too quickly, can type what speaker and more for the others watching the you “really think.” But as my mom’s line push- meeting at home. These keyboard vigilantes feel es, what’s the goal. Vinegar divides. Most times wronged, want to fight for what is right, and think winning isn’t the win we want at all. their comments will make the difference. More We need to try the honey approach. Instead of troubling, I think some fire off comments just to firing off a pithy retort, take a moment and listen ‘start something,’ ‘stir the pot’ or ‘keep fighting.’ more. Typically, particularly locally, we want the Travel provided by: Keyboard vigilantes create unintended con- same large goal but disagree on the road to get sequences. The goal of wanting to help show a there. That perspective of having the same goal Collette Vacations different perspective, or right a perceived wrong, helps me find a common-ground look for ways CST #2006766-20 instead leads to hurt, divide, and sows discon- to come together. The road to the goal becomes tentment. Quick responses are encouraged, rath- Mayflower Tours less bumpy. er than thoughtful ones. Zingers are celebrated, Human interaction cannot be overlooked, cer- CST #2044099-20 and collaboration gets lost in the mix. When the tainly when tackling large and complex prob- Chamber Explorations meeting is over, we aren’t stronger. Solutions lems. Social media is fantastic but not a tool to CST #2048841-40 have not been found, but instead, we’re more di- solve societal challenges. We must be willing to vided and the goal even further away. meet, talk, and—here’s the critical piece—listen For more information, go to I am deeply worried about our community. to each other. www.visaliachamber.org/travel The divide seems to be getting deeper, wid- We are a community together, not apart. ADOBE STOCK
Published by The Sun-Gazette § August 4, 2021 Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce § U1 2 | August 2021 • visaliachamber.org /VisaliaChamber @VisaliaBiz /VisaliaChamber
EDUCATION
Community Loyal Members | A thriving community starts here! Ag Irrigation NEW Valley Children’s Healthcare The Visalia Chamber of Commerce would Business Connector Members: PROUD MEMBER like to welcome our newest members. We en- Bank of America - Main St. courage individuals and businesses to support Central Valley Christian School* Academy will chamber member businesses. Century 21 Jordan-Link & Com- Business Builder Members: pany* Freestyle Event Services* Mountain West Builders quickly launch Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers IDEA! Printing & Graphics Inc* La Quinta Inn* Business Connector Members: Peninsula Messenger Service* Redi-Rooter Plumbing* 4 Dimension Films Ruddell Stanton Bixler Mauritson & Ev- Scott, Mainord Langley & Simmons, Inc.* careers Small Business Members: ans, LLP Super 8 Motel processes are followed. Cora Heiser Special Education Advocate TechCare360 Inc.* Sutton Hague Law Corporation Those interested in jump- Gong Cha United Wholesale Lumber Company The Perez Law Firm* starting their careers may go to Small Business Members: The Pickled Deli the Ag Irrigation Academy web RENEWING VastNetworks - CVIN page (COS.edu/AgIrrigation) Armstrong Community Management* The Visalia Chamber of Commerce thanks Cal-Valley Insurance Services ZenBusiness and contact Chelsea Cushing for individualized assistance the following companies for renewing their Component Coffee Lab, LLC* Community Investor Nonprofit Members: with enrollment at chelseac@ commitment to the community of Visalia. Gilman Harris Travioli Slover* Gateway Church* In response to the urgent cos.edu or 559-688-3044. Keller & Wegley Consulting Engineers need for skilled workers who Keystone Members: Business Connector Nonprofit Members: The college is seeking em- Kens Stakes & Supplies, Inc.* can design, install and main- 4Creeks, Inc.* Sequoia Parks Conservancy ployers to host interns for up to LPL Financial tain new water-saving agricul- Kaweah Health Medical Group (KHMG)* Visalia Public Cemetery District* 225 hours. Companies can con- Lucky Day Laundry* ture irrigation technology, Col- tact Cosmo Costales, CTE Ca- Community Investor Members: Mayflower Tours* Small Business Nonprofit Members: lege of the Sequoias (COS) has reer Services at cosmoc@cos. Sequoia Gateway LLC NSE Insurance Agencies, Inc.* Visalia Fire Assoc. Local 3719 opened the Ag Irrigation Acad- edu or (559) 688-3122. * Indicates membership in the Visalia Chamber 110% Club. emy. After just 18 weeks of in- tensive training, participants will be able to launch their ca- reers in this new well-paid field AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT with many employment oppor- tunities in the Central Valley. within and providing an environment for em- The new Ag Irrigation Acad- ployees to succeed. I can speak from person- emy combines two days of al experience, as I was recently promoted to hands-on instruction in the my position as Business Development Manag- classroom and outdoors at the er here in Visalia. Also, Tri Counties Bank be- farm on the Tulare campus, ex- Name: Jason Deniz lieves in providing the best customer service plained Charles Abee, COS Ag- Company: Tri Counties Bank experience possible, which directly reflects on riculture instructor, who devel- Title: Business Development Manager our own customers. In my short time here in oped the new curriculum and certificate. “Students will use The Chamber helps Tri Counties Bank by recog- Visalia, I have met many customers who also the other days to complete up nizing us throughout the town and notifying us of have the sense that Tri Counties Bank is like to 225 hours of paid or unpaid upcoming social events, which allows us to be in- a family and treats our customers as part of internships,” said Abee. “Stu- volved with the local community to make Visalia a this family. dents and industry need a fast better community for all. The Chamber also gives In Visalia, there are so many places to go turnaround time, so we con- the Bank the opportunity to make important an- out and have a great time with family and densed the program into a se- nouncements. Our Ambassador meetings give us friends. The two locations that stick out to mester.” Upon completion, the opportunity to network so we can get to know me the most are Mooney Grove Park and participants will be prepared local leaders in our community. It also gives us a Visalia Downtown. for skilled employment and to chance to reach out and inform our local business- Mooney Grove is a great space to have a pic- earn industry certification. es and community members of the different finan- nic, go fish, or even visit the museum. There Employers such as Wildeye® cial services we offer to help improve their finan- are so many possibilities there that are fun and Exeter Irrigation are eager cial well-being - from a simple checking account, for the entire family. It’s an easy and inex- to collaborate with the college Home Equity Line of Credit, or auto loan, to com- pensive way to enjoy Visalia and have a great to prepare the next generation mercial and equipment loans, and business ac- time with family and friends. SUBMITTED PHOTOS of skilled employees and indi- counts. Through our partnership with the Cham- Visalia Downtown is another great location cate that there are excellent ca- ber, we can assist our community to prosper during to take family and friends. There is a wide va- reer opportunities with con- these difficult times, thus allowing us to all grow in riety of shops, restaurants and entertainment tractors, manufacturers and the process. available for an evening of fun for all ages. farms. Getting involved with the Chamber helps The downtown area lights up in the evening “The COS Ag Irrigation employees directly assist their community, gain and has a positive atmosphere filled with ex- Academy is a great hands-on notoriety within their community and to get to citement. The street comes alive with locals program that will produce ex- know what is happening in their own backyard. browsing the shops, enjoying delicious local cellent candidates ready to Being a part of these events allows employees cuisine and dancing the night away at any of work,” said Daniel Eisenberg, to build advantageous business relationships the local bars/clubs. You can always attend many of the downtown annual events to en- General Manager, Wildeye®. within the city of Visalia. These programs and Name: Zac Blythe “With the increasing demand events also promote team bonding and social- joy a unique local experience, see a show or Company: GreenBean for skilled individuals in agri- izing which, in turn, improves team collabora- performance at the Fox Theater or even plan Title: Compliance Manager cultural irrigation, the deeper tion and morale. a relaxing evening at the local movie the- the Visalia and greater Tulare understanding of fundamental The best part of working for Tri Counties ater. Whatever it is you are looking for, you Founded originally in 2013 County communities for years. principles and technical expe- Bank is the people and feeling like a part of will find it in Visalia Downtown. And lucky by Visalia natives as a medi- Our dedication to our local rience this program will pro- a big family. Our employees get treated with enough for me, Tri Counties just moved cal cannabis delivery service communities led us to Wood- vide could not come at a better respect and kindness from the top down. The downtown on Main Street so we can enjoy in Tulare County, GreenBean lake, where we recently opened time,” said Kiel Taylor, General Bank is a firm believer of promoting from what it has to offer. has been serving members of our new 4,000-square foot re- Manager, Exeter Irrigation. tail cannabis store in what was For job seekers and those once the High Sierra Lumber wanting a career change as well yard. as college students and recent Our first recreational dispen- high school graduates, the Ag sary recently launched on Dec. Irrigation Academy offers a fast Q&A with Leslie Caviglia 28, 2020 and represents a new track to interesting, reliable, Visalia’s next—and first female—city manager answers our questions take on the cannabis buying ex- outdoor employment. Salaries perience. start at $18-25/hr. to $26-35/ Leslie Caviglia ent ways to engage the community. It’s a new era, and I look for- With a focus on interactive hr. with experience with many Assistant City Manager ward to working on new methods for involving our citizens. Work- product displays and knowl- current job openings and excel- ing to attract and train competent, committed staff. Our staff has edgeable cannabis consultants, lent long-term prospects. No How would you describe the city of Visalia for those who are not fa- long been a vital Visalia asset. We’ll be working on the next two the newly renovated facility prerequisites or experience are year budget and will be utilizing a more participative process in the provides an unmatched atmo- required and the COS Ag Irri- miliar with the city? development of our budget. Our Councils have traditionally been sphere of professionalism. The gation Academy program is tu- It’s a great place to live, work and play! financially prudent and I see that continuing. And, in the next cou- approach dispels the stereo- ition-free when financial aid There are so many opportunities that ple of years, we are also going to have an amazing opportunity with types of an atypical “cannabis someone can access to create the life they shopping” experience. Wheth- want to live. the Covid recovery money. It comes with a lot of rules and audit requirements, but I’m hoping that there will be opportunities for er you’re a seasoned cannabis Where is your favorite place or some transformational projects/programs that will have a positive user or just trying to figure it space to visit in the city? impact on the community. out, GreenBean is the ideal ABOUT THIS Any of our parks… I love the seren- destination for all of your can- PUBLICATION ity of Blain Park, the vibrancy of River- What’s your leadership style? nabis needs and education. way Park, the picturesque pond at Sunset Situational. I lean towards participative, but have found that We here at GreenBean pride Business Update is the official Park, etc … our parks are a great asset and seeing more people in adapting to meet the needs of the current participants and situation ourselves on giving back to the monthly publication of the Visa- the parks and on the trails recently has been a positive outcome of is usually most effective communities we serve. Most lia Chamber of Commerce, 222 this difficult last year. How do plan on interfacing with city council and city recently, GreenBean sponsored N. Garden St., Ste, 300, Visalia the Woodlake Kiwanis 3rd of What initiatives or programs are you focusing the city’s staff? July Blast and partnered with CA 93291, (559) 734-5876. Pe- efforts on for the remainder of 2021 and 2022? What are Frequently! Communication is key to building trust and confi- the Visalia Rawhide Ballpark riodicals, Postage Paid at Visa- dence. It’s kind of easier with the five Council Members that I will you hoping to accomplish? to promote and sponsor a ball- lia, CA 93277; Publication No. see frequently… it’s harder given the diversity and distribution of Continuing to work with Council to plan for the future… we need park movie night. GreenBean is USPS 494-660. Annual Sub- our staff. It’s something we, as an organization, need to strive to to have a comprehensive plan for infrastructure needs and quality also set to assist in the upcom- scription rate $15. Postmaster: improve. of life amenities… and the funding to accomplish those plans so ing Mariachifest in downtown Send address changes to Visalia businesses and our citizens can thrive. Looking for new and differ- See CAVIGLIA on page 4 Woodlake. Chamber of Commerce, 222 N. The best part about work- Garden St., Ste. 300, Visalia, CA ing for GreenBean is being 93291. Advertising information, able to share your passion and call Jena at (559) 734-5976 or knowledge of cannabis with email [email protected]. your customers while work- ing alongside people with that Editor...... Gail Zurek same ambition. We carry awe- Layout ...... The Sun-Gazette some products, but those prod- ©2020, Visalia Chamber of ucts don’t sell themselves. Our amazing team of cannabis con- Commerce. All rights reserved. sultants or “budtenders” are Reproduction by any means of not only some of the greatest the entire contents or any por- people to work with, they are tion of this publication without also experts when it comes to written permission is prohibit- cannabis products and desired ed. The appearance of any ad- effects. vertisements in the publication Our cannabis consultants does not constitute support or are trained with a key focus on endorsement for any product, helping customers better un- person, cause, business, or orga- derstand the differences be- tween the wide variety of can- nization named therein, unless nabis consumption methods specifically noted otherwise in and products available. We en- the advertisement. courage everyone 21 and old- er to come and check us out CONTACT US in Woodlake at 515 W. Naran- jo Blvd. Our hours are 10 a.m. Send briefs via e-mail to to 9 p.m. Monday through Sat- [email protected] urday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Call 734-5876. Mail to: Sundays. You can view more Visalia Chamber of Commerce about our facility, company 222 N. Garden St. #300 and product menu by visiting Visalia, CA 93291 our web site www.greenbean- Visit www.visaliachamber.org pharm.com.
U2 § Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce Published by The Sun-Gazette § August 4, 2021 /VisaliaChamber @VisaliaBiz /VisaliaChamber visaliachamber.org • August 2021 | 3
After nearly 40 years, Training Academy. Tucoemas Feder- Dani Blain Real Estate partnered with al Credit Union Salt + Light Works’ Food Truck to food said goodbye and prep and serve meals to those experiencing closed their Whiten- homelessness in the Visalia Community. dale branch location Tachi Palace Casino Resort announced in July. The cred- 600 new parking spaces available to guests and it union will open the reopening of their Coyote Entertainment a new branch on Center in July. August 9 on Cen- Sierra Bancorp, parent of Bank of the Si- ter Street in down- SUBMITTED PHOTO erra, an- town Visalia. nounced a Bank of America SUBMITTED PHOTO awarded $655,000 in record quarter and year to date grants to 18 nonprofits in Fresno, Tulare, earnings. The net interest in- Visalia Sunset Rotary recently pre- Kings, Madera, and Merced counties that come had a 13% increase over Assistance League of Visa- sented will help drive economic opportunity and the second quarter in 2020. lia (ALV) with their Nonprofit of the Year upward mobility for individuals and families and put them Congratulations to Pita Ka- check for over $1,800. The money was do- nated by on a path toward stability and success. Tulare County nonprofits bob on their new PK Deli & CSET, Family Services of Tulare County, Visa- rotary members during Cherie Barnes’ presidency. Several ALV included: Bakery located next door to lia Emergency Aid Council, Visalia Rescue Mission members were on hand to thank Sunset Rotary for the mone- and . their Downtown Gastropub! Bay Alarm Company tary donation at the Rawhide’s Valley Strong Ballpark. Thank you, Congratulations to who is celebrating Their menu consists of tradi- Sunset Rotary, for your help with supporting ALV philanthropic 75 years! tional Mediterranean fare for Valley Children’s Healthcare is a recipient of the “Healthy programs throughout Tulare County! breakfast and lunch consisting Relationships Community Grant” from Major League Baseball and Quesadilla Gorilla announced in July that they will be ex- of deli-inspired sandwiches with the Major League Baseball Players Association. The $50,000 grant panding to a fifth location in downtown San Luis Obispo. Con- a Mediterranean twist. SUBMITTED PHOTO gratulations! will go towards mental health resiliency, specifically for those seen Visalia Res- at Valley Children’s Guilds Valley Strong Credit Union recently announced the retire- cue Mission held a graduation for their 4th Quar- Child Abuse Prevention ment of its President/CEO Steve Renock and its new President/ ter Life Change Academy residents in July. CEO Nick Ambronsini. Ambronsini has been with Valley Strong and Treatment Center. Three new Tulare Congratulations to Merritt Wiseman, the 2021- for more than a decade and most recently served as Executive Vice County Sheriff Of- 22 Visalia County Center Rotary Club Pres- President/CFO. fice deputies were pinned ident. Congratulations to The Darling who celebrated their first full Central Valley Community Bank by their family members an- year of being open in July! during a graduation cere- nounced the addition of Kelly Tenente to the Agri- Visalia Rawhide offered free Hall of Fame Club tickets to in- mony for the Tulare-Kings business Lending Department as Vice President, dividuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine through Adventist Counties Law Enforcement Portfolio Manager throughout the San Joaquin Val- Health in July. SUBMITTED PHOTO ley and Greater Sacramento regions.
CANE’S THE LAW AT WORK such as part-time, temporary, or probationary A cap on vacation time may set a maximum Continued from page 1 employees from vacation plans. To avoid misun- amount of vacation time an employee may ac- derstandings, employers should have a clear and crue. Once an employee reaches the maximum specific policy that states the classifications that or cap, they will not accrue additional vacation shopping area, less than three Rules on vacation pay are entitled to vacation time. time until they use some of the time that has By Brett T. Abbott miles from the College of the Vacation time is considered wages Un- been accrued. Sequoias, so we are expecting Gubler & Abbott LLP der California law, earned vacation time is con- Controlling vacation time Employers to see a lot of locals and visitors As many of the pandemic’s restric- sidered wages, and vacation time is considered have the right to manage vacation pursuant to alike stop in to get their chick- earned as an employee performs work for the the terms of their vacation policy. This right in- en finger fix,” regional vice tions loosen around the country, people are ready and excited to travel. Put an- employer. In practice, this means that vacation cludes being able to direct how an employee re- president Chris Zygler said. pay is accrued as it is earned and cannot be for- quests vacation, when an employee can take va- other way, summertime is back to being “Now that we’ve found the per- feited unless otherwise allowed by applicable cation time, and how much an employee can take vacation time for many employees. And fect location, we will soon start law. Upon the termination of employment, an at a given time upon proper notice. hiring an enthusiastic crew…as for employers, that means vacation pay employee must be paid all earned and unused This article is for education and information purpos- we work towards becoming an requests. Below is a quick refresher on vacation time at the employee’s final rate of pay. es only; it should not be construed as legal advice. If you integral part of this city.” California’s vacation pay rules. Reasonable Cap While an employee cannot have an employment law question for inclusion in a fu- The press release stated that Vacation not required There is usually forfeit vacation time once earned, an em- ture article, contact Brett T. Abbott at Gubler & Abbott they will be hiring as many no requirement for California employ- ployer is permitted to place a reasonable cap on ([email protected]). For specific employ- as 120 local “crewmembers” ers to provide vacation time to employ- vacation benefits. Per the Labor Commissioner, ment law advice or other legal assistance, contact Gu- for multiple positions ranging ees. Moreover, employers are permitted policies that require an employee to take all va- bler & Abbott (559) 625-9600, 1110 N. Chinowth St., from management to hourly to exclude certain classes of employees, cation in the same year it is earned are unfair. Visalia, CA 93291 (www.thecalifornialawyers.com). employment. Raising Cane’s will make its Northern California debut in Hanford on July 6 and has big plans for continued expansion Happening at Arts Visalia throughout the San Joaquin Valley. eye that give them an appear- At Raising Cane’s, it all ance of a 3D form. starts with the chicken finger. September’s exhibition will The 100% premium white feature the sculptural work of lo- meat chicken tenderloins are cal artist Peggee Davis and a ret- marinated, hand-battered and rospective display of artwork by acclaimed artist Dolores Witt. cooked to order. The menu is Arts Visalia is celebrating 25 These works will be on display also renowned for its crave- years as Visalia’s premier cen- able—some say addictive—se- Sept. 1 through Sept. 24 with a ter for the visual arts. With the cret-recipe Cane’s sauce, crin- First Friday reception on Sept. 3 support of many throughout the kle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas from 6 to 8 p.m. years, we have fervently carried toast, freshly brewed sweet Arts Visalia’s Fall class enroll- on the founding vision of a pio- tea and fresh-squeezed lemon- ment forms are available at Arts neering group of artists and art ade. The company is likewise Visalia and online. Adult Class- known for its commitment lovers of a permanent center for es resume in August and Chil- to active community involve- the visual arts where you can view dren’s classes in October. Vis- ment, centered on its six areas and purchase art and participate it our website to see the wide of focus: education, feeding the in quality arts education classes range of classes offered for chil- hungry, pet welfare, business for children and adults. Further, dren and adults. development and entrepre- we provide a space where local, We are pleased to be open neurship, active lifestyles and regional, national, and even inter- Wednesdays through Saturdays “everything else!” national artists may apply to ex- from noon to 5:30 p.m. Exhibi- Raising Cane’s is consis- hibit and sell their artwork. tions change monthly with an tently ranked among the top Our current exhibition fea- opening reception on the first Fri- restaurant brands for food turing the works of Kalee Ap- day evening of each month from quality, speed of service, clean- pleton and Brita d’Agostino 6 to 8 p.m. Check our website at liness, and customer service. In ends with a First Friday recep- www.artsvisalia.org for current 2020, Sandelman ranked Rais- tion on Aug. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. and upcoming exhibitions. ing Cane’s the third-highest Kalee Appleton’s work blurs the The gift shop offers a delight- restaurant brand in the U.S. for lines between drawing, sculp- ful selection of unique, hand- overall customer satisfaction. ture, and photography to create made artworks by local artists. Technomic also recently an- alluring new forms and shapes Open year-round, we have gifts nounced Cane’s was voted by that merge both 2D and 3D el- perfect for every style, occasion, its customers as the top fast-ca- ements. The exquisite collage and purpose. Shopping in our sual restaurant for customer and installation works of Brita gift shop is a great way to sup- safety during the pandemic. d’Agostino create a trick of the port local artists!
How can the Chamber help with a problem with my business? If we don’t have the answer, we will connect you with someone who does. As a catalyst, convener, and champion of local business, we fight for our members!
How can I participate in Oktoberfest? The Chamber is currently accepting vendor applications for food, beer, and wine. Contact me directly.
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Published by The Sun-Gazette § August 4, 2021 Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce § U3 4 | August 2021 • visaliachamber.org /VisaliaChamber @VisaliaBiz /VisaliaChamber
Bryan Company is proud to be celebrating 50 years in business! We have been providing com- mercial and residential demolition and earthwork Regional nonprofits services since 1971. In 1986, we purchased a roll off truck and one roll off container in order to up the efficiency of our projects. That same year, Bryan Company began offering roll off services awarded $655K from to other contractors and DIYers in Tulare, Kings and Fresno Counties. We are so very grateful to the customers who became friends over the de- cades and we are honored to have this opportunity Bank of America to say Thank You! We appreciate your continued Four Tulare County nonprofits will received a share of the $655,000 in support. Special thanks to our co-workers who are the backbone of this company. A great big thank you to the Chamber for con- Bank of America grants tinuing to support and fight for small business! We have been Chamber members for nearly 20 years and support our commu- nity via Rotary, Habitat for Humanity and many others. We are grateful to be able to give back. Thank you so very much! Bank of America announced no-Visalia. “By investing in the County Food Bank they were giving out $655,000 region’s incredible network of Madera County: Made- to regional nonprofits. Four of nonprofits, Bank of America ra Food Bank and Madera them are in Tulare County. provides philanthropic capital Rescue Mission to help advance economic and Out of that heaping pile of Kings County: Kings social progress, enabling our cash, Community Services and Community Action Orga- community to succeed.” Employment Training (CSET), nization. Family Services of Tulare Specifically, many of the or- County, Visalia Emergency Aid ganizations are using the bank The funding also includes Council and the Visalia Rescue grants to bolster their work- the commitment to Fresno’s Mission will get a share. Four- force development programs in two Student Leaders this year. teen other nonprofits in the some of the region’s most vul- The grants so far this year Central Valley will also benefit. nerable neighborhoods. For ex- build on the $1 million award- Local nonprofits receiving ample, the Fresno DRIVE Ini- ed to nonprofits in 2020 and $500,000 in 2019. These grants funding will help address two tiative will use the funds to are part of the company’s com- key factors in improving eco- launch an upskill training and mitment to responsible growth nomic mobility: access to ed- internship program to train as it works to improve the fi- ucational and workforce de- teens and young adults from nancial lives of individuals velopment services building disadvantaged backgrounds for and families, and additional pathways to employment, in- jobs with the region’s employ- grants in the region will be an- cluding providing resources to ers. The United Way of Fres- nounced later this year. Philan- rebuild careers that may have no and Madera counties will thropic and volunteer invest- been impacted by the pandem- use the grant to help fund its ments play a key role in this ic, and basic needs fundamen- African American Leadership Program, a nine-month pro- effort to build thriving com- tal to building life-long stabil- munities. In 2020, bank em- ity, including access to food, gram focused on the personal and professional development ployees in the region record- shelter and health services. ed more than 4,600 volunteer While the Fresno-Visalia re- and growth of Black leaders, while the Fresno Area His- hours to benefit the communi- gion is experiencing general ty in a variety of ways. economic recovery, the state panic Foundation will use the Employment Development De- support to help Hispanic-Lati- partment reports that unem- na women launch and expand ployment rates exceed 8.8% small businesses in the region. in the region. In addition, the Other organizations receiv- Census Bureau reports that ing grants are: poverty levels range from 16- Fresno County: Boys & 20%. Both are well above the Girls Club, Central Cali- statewide average. fornia Food Bank (fund- CONTACT US “The strategic investment ing also supports Tulare into immediate short-term County), Fresno Mission, Send briefs via e-mail to SUBMITTED PHOTOS and longer-term needs has GRID Alternatives (fund- [email protected] been key in helping disadvan- ing also supports Madera Call 734-5876. Mail to: taged communities progress County), Live Again Fres- Visalia Chamber of Commerce as society begins to safely re- no, Marjaree Mason Cen- 222 N. Garden St. #300 open,” said Mark Riley, pres- ter and Poverello House. Visalia, CA 93291 ident, Bank of America Fres- Merced County: Merced Visit www.visaliachamber.org
SUBMITTED PHOTOS Jr. CEOs looking for partners After great success, the Visa- driguez at the Visalia Chamber lia Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or is proud to bring back the Jr. (559) 734-5876. CEO Fall program. Presented by ServiceMaster by Beneven- to, the Chamber Jr. CEO pro- gram is a five-week digital business education course that teaches kids the basics of start- ing their own company. Course CAVIGLIA subjects include Business Fun- Continued from page 2 damentals, Cost Models, Safe- ty & Food Prep, Marketing & Customer Service, and Savings What is some advice you’d give to someone aspiring & Money Management. Regis- to be a city manager? What tration for the fall program is skills should they develop open with sessions scheduled or expertise should they to start in September. Students have? can register at visaliachamber. Advice… take advantage of org/ceo. every opportunity that comes Along with the program, your way! Getting a broad based the Chamber is excited to an- understanding of the communi- nounce Hot Chocolate Day ty and the organization is very will take place on November valuable. Skills? The ability to 6, 2021. Students from the assemble a great team. We’re program will take what they a large City with over 650 full learned and set-up their busi- time employees and a budget nesses across Visalia. Previ- that is about a quarter of a bil- ously, Jr. CEOs have partnered lion dollars… having a commit- with Chamber members to ted, qualified team to manage host their hot chocolate stands. the organization and provide As a Business Host, business- services to our citizens is key. es can provide a location for a Also… good communication local Jr. CEO business during skills, analytical ability, patience Hot Chocolate Day. If you are and a lot of energy… it’s a busy interested in being a Business job! Host, please contact Jena Ro-
U4 § Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce Published by The Sun-Gazette § August 4, 2021 /VisaliaChamber @VisaliaBiz /VisaliaChamber visaliachamber.org • August 2021 | 5 Oktoberfest highlights #loyaltolocal News broke in April that Oktoberfest would make a comeback this year, set for September 24 at Vossler Farms. The Visalia Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back this event that highlights some of the best of what the Central Valley has to offer. In 2019, the event sold out with 1,500 attendees showcasing the Valley’s best food, wine, and beer. Event tickets went on sale in the spring and are going fast. This year’s event is highly expected to sale out far in advance. The Cham- ber is currently accepting vendor applications. Vendor applications and event tickets can be found at visaliachamber.org/Oktoberfest.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Small cast to bring Little Women to small screens Tulare County Office of Education Theatre Co. wraps up filming of Little Women: The Musical to stream online at a later date
er date. Theatre Company director, Bethany Rad- er, said productions rarely have a small cast so it took some getting used too. However, Little Women was a perfect musical for their numbers and everyone was happy to be back in person. Summer productions are back for the Theatre “It took all of us a few moments to get back Company, but with a twist. into the swing of things after not having in-per- Due to COVID-19 restrictions on perform- son rehearsals for over a year and a half,” Rad- ers and audiences, this year’s production of Lit- er said. “But it was worth all the hoops we had tle Women: The Musical has a small cast of 10 to jump through and protocols we had to follow, and was filmed so it could be streamed at a lat- so we could look each other in the eyes again
without a screen in between us. We did have to wear masks the whole time and try to stay three Principal characters feet apart, which was very difficult with such an emotionally heavy show. But these students are Jo March...... TESSA HEMPHILL troopers and stuck with it.” Redwood High School Little Women: The Musical is a coming-of-age Meg March...... KATHY GONZALEZ story based on the novel, Little Women, by Loui- Redwood High School sa May Alcott. The story is about the four March sisters, their mother, and their lives while their Beth March...... ELISABETH SMITH father is away during the Civil War. Redwood High School “It tells an amazing story of sticking togeth- Amy March...... LYRA PAEZ er no matter what,” Rader said. “Of a family’s Golden West High School love, through anything. I think that’s an import- Marmee March...... PAIGE RAGAN ant message right now.” Mt Whitney High School The entire musical was rehearsed and filmed last week by Travis Walters and Film Owl Pro- Laurie Laurence....BRENNAN CHURCH ductions at Visalia’s Ice House Theatre. The mu- Golden West High School sical was filmed from start to finish several times John Brooke...... JACOB LUCIO to keep the cast in their character headspace as Redwood High School much as possible. There was also an audio-only Mr. Laurence...... CADE GANN recording done. Redwood High School SUBMITTED PHOTO “These parents and students were amazing TCOE Theatre Co. has been off stage for a year but will be returning with an in-person summer perfor- and stuck with us through it all,” Rader said. Aunt March...... EMILIE WALKER mance. The company has put on a variety of plays over the years giving students a chance to express their “They wanted to be back doing what they loved, Alum talents. no matter how.”
Published by The Sun-Gazette § August 4, 2021 Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce § U5 6 | August 2021 • visaliachamber.org /VisaliaChamber @VisaliaBiz /VisaliaChamber
HEALTH CARE NOTE Delta variant sparks new vaccination urgency By Gary K. Herbst building into compliance with earthquake standards. We’ve Chief Executive Officer carefully researched a number of options, but they’re too cost- Kaweah Health ly and impractical. For example, it would cost up to $300 mil- CHAMPION: Many of us are ready for the pan- lion to retrofit the Mineral King Wing with structural shear demic to be over, but we cannot ig- walls on the exterior of the building. During construction, the nore that COVID-19 numbers are on building would have to close for months or years, severely re- the rise in all 50 states and the Delta ducing our capacity to care for our community. On top of that, variant is spreading in areas with low the option would leave us with fewer hospital rooms, which vaccination rates. Unfortunately, that are small and outdated. Retrofitting the building does not ap- includes Tulare County. As a health- pear to be a viable option, although we continue to carefully care organization, we encourage ev- evaluate it. eryone to carefully consider getting a It is almost certain that we will need to replace the Miner- COVID-19 vaccination. al King Wing, not only to modernize and replace the existing It’s good for us and our 206 patient beds, but to also expand access and add an addi- employees—those who tional 34 private patient rooms. With cost and efficiency in are unvaccinated are at mind, we’re hoping to preserve funds by working to complete VISIONARY: much higher risk of get- this construction project in a two-phased approach that will ting COVID-19 and are also far more likely to suffer severe ill- be more affordable and will meet our community’s growing ness, hospitalization, and death. COVID-19 vaccinations may needs. Back in 2018, RBB Architects was unanimously select- also be best for our local economy. We can all agree that the ed in an open and transparent public bidding process for its pandemic was devastating to local business. To end up there proven track record of building lower-cost hospitals that are again would be deeply disappointing. As we look at the situ- highly efficient to operate. Their first option would be to build ation unfolding around us, in California and throughout the two 120-bed towers, opening the first tower by 2030 and the nation, please consider getting vaccinated if you are not al- second tower by 2040. Their second option would be to build ready, and encouraging others to do the same. It may be our one nine-story tower with five completed floors including 120 best defense to avoid another shutdown so that this can be a beds, dietary, and pharmacy by 2030; and infilling the remain- season of recovery for local business. ing four floors (adding 120 beds) by 2040. We will be inviting At Kaweah Health, we are not only preparing for the imme- you to review the two options developed by RBB soon and we diate future when it comes to caring for our community, we’re look forward to your feedback. also looking long-term with our master facility planning pro- Finally, I leave you with good news in the progress Kaweah cess. We’re currently looking for feedback from our commu- Health’s residency programs are making to bring more phy- nity on two options that our architect, RBB, has developed sicians to the Central Valley. In June, we graduated 43 res- to solve one of our immediate needs—a newer, more mod- ident physicians in six specialties, including our first class ern hospital wing to replace our 1969 building, which hous- of anesthesiologists, as part of our sixth annual commence- es 206 of Kaweah Health Medical Center’s 435 inpatient hos- ment ceremony. Since its inception, Kaweah Health has grad- pital beds on our downtown campus. California regulations uated 118 resident physicians, 45 percent of whom have re- (SB1953) restrict us from using these beds for patient care mained in the Central Valley to practice medicine. We also after 2030 because they do not meet State earthquake stan- recently welcomed a new class of 48 resident physicians in six dards. While it was state-of-the-art when we built it, in the programs—Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Psychia- same year the U.S. went to the moon, a lot has changed since try, General Surgery, Anesthesiology and a Transitional Year then. Healthcare has dramatically changed, but the 1969 Program. Throughout their training, residents will take care building has not. Our patients and visitors repeatedly tell us of community members throughout the hospital and at vari- that it no longer meets their needs and our healthcare team ous participating sites. Please join us in welcoming these resi- agrees. dents to our community. Our ultimate hope is that they fall in Since 2016, we’ve worked closely with experts and commu- love with the area and our community, so that after residency, REGIONAL LEADERS: nity members to determine whether we can bring the 1969 they too will make the Central Valley their home.
KEYSTONE:
ADOBE STOCK
Conserving water with help from Cal Water It’s often said that every drop gram which provides a free con- device from the list of approved preserve our most natural re- counts. Did you know that set- sultation with an irrigation spe- devices, provide a receipt of source while providing for our ting mower blades to three inch- cialist to evaluate the efficiency purchase and meet the re- residents. For information on es encourages deeper roots and of a resident’s irrigation system. quired guidelines. these and coming saves between 16 to 50 gallons Necessary corrections are made And it’s not just programs, Cal Wa- of water per day? Every drop completely free of charge, some for homeowners, ter customers can adds up! In fact, washing a full limitations apply. there are rebates visit www.calwater. load of dishes can save 5 to 15 Heading inside, rebates are available for com- com/conservation gallons of water per cycle. available for residents with mercial properties or contact the Visa- As the public utility company high efficiency toilets, washing as well. lia District Custom- providing water to our city, Cal- machines, and sprinkler noz- Free conserva- er Center at (559) ifornia Water Service continues zles and there is even a rebate tion kits are avail- 624-1600. to be a partner in conservation, for smart irrigation control- able too, and For the city’s cur- and they offer a number of pro- lers. These Cal Water rebates include items rang- rent watering sched- grams that Visalians can use to may cover a portion of the cost ing from high-efficiency shower- ule, information on conservation, save water (and money). of the devices or even pay for heads to toilet leak tablets. landscaping ideas and more, vis- These programs include, but them entirely, programs vary. With additional programs on it www.visalia.city/savewater or CORNERSTONE: are not limited to, Cal Water’s To be eligible for these re- the way, Cal Water continues to call our Water Conservation Divi- Smart Landscape Tune-Up pro- bates, Visalians must choose a work with the city of Visalia to sion at (559) 713-4531. CIGNA, CSET, E.D.I.S., LAMP LITER INN, M. GREEN & COMPANY, gases (45%) per gallon of milk MILLIPORESIGMA, produced over a 50-year period. SOCCER CITY 1852 VISALIA, California Dairies, Inc. More recently in 2020, CDI SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON joined farmer cooperatives and other dairy companies around the U.S., led by the Innova- announces launch of farm-to- tion Center for U.S. Dairy, in co-signing the 2050 Environ- MEDIA PARTNERS: mental Stewardship Goals, consumer sustainability effort which include a goal to be car- bon neutral or better by the California Dairies, Inc. look forward to formally quanti- year 2050. Today’s announce- (CDI), the largest dairy farm- fying those efforts in the coming ment and the work being done er-owned cooperative in Cal- months in order to better com- is key to delivering on this com- ifornia and second largest in municate the work being done mitment. the United States, today an- to our customers, consumers, “CDI’s membership has been nounced the formal launch of and government regulators, as leading the way in sustainable an initiative aimed at measur- we chart an achievable roadmap dairy farming investments, ing, validating, and further im- for the future.” from water conservation to re- proving sustainable business Today’s announcement newable solar energy to anaer- practices. builds on a long history of fo- obic digesters and more, and CDI has assembled a team of of sustainability, as well as lay cus on sustainability by CDI we continue to move as fast as experts in the field of sustain- out a roadmap of goals and tar- and our family dairy farms. technology and on-farm eco- ability across numerous prior- gets going forward. Twenty years ago, before sus- nomics allow,” said Simon ity areas: from environmental “Given our exclusive produc- tainability became a household Vander Woude, Chairman of stewardship to employee wel- tion in California, CDI’s mem- term, CDI co-founded Dairy CDI’s Board of Directors. “This fare to animal husbandry and ber farms understand the re- Cares, a leading non-profit pur- is an opportunity to showcase beyond. Our team has substan- sponsibility that comes with suing research and innovation that hard work, while doubling tial knowledge of the dairy in- producing milk and have been in the area of sustainable dairy down to drive innovation and dustry and expertise in sustain- on the leading edge of the sus- practices in California. Accord- further improve our environ- ability from farm to consumer. tainability movement,” said ing to a 2020 study in the Jour- mental footprint, ensuring that Over the coming months, this Brad Anderson, President and nal of Dairy Science, California our farms produce some of the team will work to quantify Chief Executive Officer. “To- dairies have already reduced most sustainable milk in the the current baseline status of gether with the industry experts the amount of land (89%), world, across all the various CDI’s supply chain in key areas we have teamed up with, we water (88%), and greenhouse pillars of sustainability.”
U6 § Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce Published by The Sun-Gazette § August 4, 2021