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BusinessAWARD-WINNING MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE VISALIA CHAMBER OFUpdate COMMERCE Vol. 41, No. 22 | October 2020

INSIDE from the food court and the mall has cordoned off every oth- er sink to maintain social dis- New obligations for Visalia Mall reopens, again tancing. During a walk-through small employers: Ex- Indoor shopping is limited to 25% capacity, food court seating is moved of the mall on Sept. 4, mall panded state leave law staffers could be seen sanitizing outside of west doors as changes COVID-19 metrics and wiping down tables, chairs, Gov. Newsom recently signed doorways and benches. Certain legislation (SB 1383) that will parts of the mall remain off lim- significantly expand the Califor- its including the playground, nia Family Rights Act (CFRA). candy machines, coin-operated This legislation goes into effect rides, massage chairs, water fountains, baby changing sta- on Jan. 1, 2021 3 . tions and ATM machines. “Our security team is active- Do you really need a ly monitoring the property and physical office? will have face coverings avail- able for those who need one,” We have certainly had a lot Feder said. “They are also con- of change over the last seven tinuously monitoring the traffic months. Moving towards less of the mall to ensure that guests face-to-face interaction has are practicing safe social dis- forced businesses to come up tancing.” with different solutions on how The mall even has a new to deal with virtual offices. 4 tenant in the depths of the pan- demic. Aerie, a subsidiary of American Eagle Outfitters spe- More COVID-19 cializing in lingerie, opened on testing could move us June 1. Last year Aerie opened to a safer reopening 60 new stores — a mix of stand- alone stores and American Ea- After seven months, COVID-19 gle-Aerie side-by-sides, bringing may not be consuming every the total number of Aerie stores waking moment of our lives, but to 332. This year, the brand has it is still very real for all of us and plans to open about another 60. it certainly has not gone away. 6 Construction is underway on a new building at the southeast corner of the mall property that EVENTS will house two restaurants new to Visalia. California Fish Grills is expected to open in Decem- OCTOBER 7, 14, 21 & 28 ber. California Fish Grill strives

Coffee & Conversation PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SUN-GAZETTE to make healthy, delicious sea- food, easy to get and affordable. with Your Chamber Shoppers move through the main breezeway at the Visalia Mall in June when they were first allowed to reopen as Menu favorites such as Cajun CEO-Facebook Live COVID-19 cases went down. They were then shut down as cases grew, but were allowed to reopen in September salmon and battered shrimp when the state changed their tracking metrics that eased some restrictions on businesses. Time: 8:00 a.m. tacos are prepared in an open kitchen as vegetables and herbs OCTOBER 8 nor’s guidelines, an outdoor dining area has are chopped, fish is hand bat- been set up outside of the west food court YPN Monthly Virtual The Visalia Mall has reopened tered, and meals are cooked on doors so that guests can enjoy a meal at the their signature flame grill. again, this time with a few mi- Trivia Night center. General manager Richard Feder said Next door to the fish house will nor changes to guidelines for Red Robin is in the process of setting up a Time: 6:00 p.m. be Urbane Café, which is slat- indoor shipping malls. tented area in front of their restaurant. Our Location: Zoom ed to open in February. Known Visalia Mall opened its doors common areas have been modified as well to for its fresh fire-baked focaccia on Aug. 31 with about 85% of allow for appropriate social distancing. OCTOBER 9 breads, hand-carved meats and its stores opening before the “As always, our highest priority is the hearty salads, Urbane Cafe is Lunch Bunch @ Quail end of week. Malls were allowed health and well-being of everyone that works a consistent favorite on Yelp, Park at Shannon Ranch to reopen under the governor’s and shops at Visalia Mall,” Feder said. “We Google, TripAdvisor and oth- Blueprint for a Safer Economy are excited to reopen our doors and look for- er restaurant review web sites. Time: 8:00 a.m. announced on Aug. 28. Even ward to welcoming our community back to Popular with health- and bud- Location: 3440 W. Flagstaff under the state’s “purple” tier the property.” get-conscious customers for 15 for widespread cases of the vi- Still in place from June’s reopening are years, Urbane Cafe is a lunch and OCTOBER 19-23 rus, shopping malls are allowed touchless hand-sanitizing stations, touch- dinner destination for families Positive Week to open indoors as long as they free interactions, frequent and intense clean- and business people who want a Challenge limit capacity to 25% and close ings and social distancing directions. Touch- fast, fresh, affordable meal. The common areas and food courts. free interactions include using a foot pump lunch and dinner menu at each The primary difference between OCTOBER 20 at the hand-sanitizing stations and swipeless Urbane Cafe restaurant features when the mall reopened in June credit card readers at participating stores. fresh, healthy sandwiches and YPN Monthly Virtual and last week is offering out- Stickers urging residents to remain six feet salads served in a warm, inviting CEO Chats door seating for the food court. apart dot the floor of the walkways, half of setting. Catering and take-out In order to abide by the gover- the chairs and tables have been removed are also popular. Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Facebook Live

OCTOBER 22 PRESIDENT’S CORNER Ambassador Monthly Breakfast Agents of change Time: 8:00 a.m. It’s a wonderful life Recently, a few of us at 4Creeks gathered to Location: Visalia First Outdoor consider how we might help those who have Courtyard Gail Zurek open, as business owners trying to keep up with been impacted by COVID-19 in our commu- President and CEO new safety protocols and reduced earning power; nity. During our discussion, it became abun- Visalia Chamber as the nonprofit executive with more need than dantly clear that there are still many busi- nesses that need our collective support and TRAVEL WITH US Our community, revenue from a canceled event. Look around, our encouragement. full of George Baileys, business community is full of George Baileys COVID-19 has accelerated the pressure for needs a whole lot more asking why they ever decided to get into business. APRIL 11–19, 2021 businesses to be online. Yet too many busi- Clarences. These local businesses, these owners, need us nesses were unprepared for the economic fallout and quick shift in Heritage of America In the 1946 Frank to be Clarence. They need us to show them what buyer habits. Recent studies show that nearly half of all small busi- Capra holiday clas- they mean to us, why we need them, and inspire nesses don’t have a website, which made the impact of the stay-at- APRIL 20–MAY 3, 2021 sic, It’s a Wonderful them to keep going. We all have those businesses home orders even more consequential. Life, we’re introduced that have made an impact on us, big and small. Culinary Italy It’s heartbreaking to think that our neighbors and friends who’ve to George Bailey, a Businesses that if they weren’t around, Visalia worked tirelessly to build their businesses might lose them in such 13-Day Tour man who sacrifices would not be the same. Can you imagine wak- a short period. It’s just plain wrong. So, we decided to do something his dreams to help his ing up and there being no [fill in the blank]? We OCTOBER 19–27, 2021 about it. community, and Clarence, the lovable angel try- can’t let that happen! We have to be Clarence and We reached out to some friends in the community, began brain- London and Paris ing to earn his wings. If somehow you’ve missed help these businesses know they are appreciated, storming and Channels of Change was born. This campaign was this black and white classic, I’d suggest spending loved, and needed. Discovery developed as a small way to give back to the small businesses in our some time watching it. Its message is powerful, The holidays will likely look different. Big holi- powerful beyond the holidays, and particularly community. We decided to pool some of our time, resources, and NOVEMBER 2–9, 2021 day parties jammed in back rooms of our favorite powerful in the current season we find ourselves. skills—along with the support and help of many partners—to try to restaurants won’t happen. Holiday events bring- help four businesses on their way back to a full recovery. Irish Discovery In the movie, after a particularly bad day and ing shoppers through the door have been can- what he views to be a string of bad luck, George Channels of Change is offering four small businesses the chance celed. These details leave a wake of George Baileys to be selected for free new website or social media makeover. These Bailey is pushed beyond his limits. Standing on a in need of our support. Your dollar is mighty and bridge contemplating taking his own life, Clarence efforts will aid in lifting these small businesses out of the current spending it locally is more important than ever economic downturn, equipping them with the tools to continue is sent to help George. Frustrated, George wishes before. Maybe it’s time to cater that holiday meal? he’d never been born. Clarence uses this wish to their businesses, better than before, with no money out of pocket. Maybe you can be a blessing and cater a meal for a show George what life would be like if George had We’re working with members of our community from The Cham- nonprofit agency? Beyond dollars, use your voice. never been born and how the community would ber of Commerce, The Fox Theater, TCOE, The Miracle League, and Tell business owners what their business means have developed without him. What follows shows 4Creeks to select businesses who apply. Additionally, we are bring- George his impact on the people in his life in big to you. Write a positive review on a review site. ing in some talented young college and high-school interns that will and small ways. George sees the things he did to Use your social media to help your friends discov- be mentored by our professional marketing team (4CC) and work help the people around him, and he comes to un- er and support a local business. with the selected businesses. derstand that the things he thought were small As Clarences, our work takes creativity. We We understand what it is like to face difficult times. Our business Travel provided by: and simple had lasting impacts on people, institu- must see the needs of our local businesses. We was launched right when the great recession hit in 2008. We had have to be willing to remind them why they are Collette Vacations tions, and his community. the blessing of a helpful business community and were supported by essential to this community, show them support, some great people who helped us through tough times. Because of CST #2006766-20 This heartwarming movie is a lesson to us all. Traditionally, we watch this movie and relate to and do what it takes to keep them here. We are that experience and our core values, we want to give back and help Mayflower Tours George’s character. We watch the movie remem- sad that many of our traditions will change this other small businesses grow and succeed in the face of adversity. CST #2044099-20 bering all that we have done or can do to help year. But join me in making sure that as those tra- Channels of Change is one small way that we can rally as a com- others. Right now, I’m worried we have too many ditions change, we are committed to supporting munity to create more stories of hope, faith, courage, and fortitude. Chamber Explorations “George Baileys” at the end of their rope. I’m those businesses that have depended on those We believe in small business and we are standing with the “Da- CST #2048841-40 concerned there are not enough “Clarences” will- traditions to stay alive. Buy from local business- vid’s” in the face of this Goliath moment. ing to show them how valuable they are to our es, support local businesses with positive reviews Last day to apply is Sept. 27. If you or someone you know could For more information, go to community. COVID has cast George Baileys as and word of mouth, and we’ll be the local com- benefit from this, head over to channelsofchange.org and apply www.visaliachamber.org/travel the local restaurateur trying to keep their doors munity that survives this pandemic. now!

Published by The Sun-Gazette § October 7, 2020 Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce § B1 2 | October 2020 • visaliachamber.org /VisaliaChamber @VisaliaBiz /VisaliaChamber

BOARD SPOTLIGHT Community Loyal Members | A thriving community starts here!

NEW boosting their commitment to the „ Mechanics Bank-Main Street* PROUD MEMBER „ ReNew Visalia* The Visalia Chamber of Commerce community of Visalia. would like to welcome our newest Regional Leader Members: Small Business Members: members. We encourage individuals „ Tucoemas Federal Credit Union „ Amtrak San Joaquin and businesses to support chamber „ Ashoori & Co. Jewelers* member businesses. RENEWING „ Equity Group, Inc.* „ The Visalia Chamber of Commerce Hadley-Marcom Funeral Chapel* Small Business Members: „ thanks the following companies for Kaweah Container, Inc.* „ Brian Keeley’s American Floors „ „ renewing their commitment to the Integrated Care Systems ItsFree2You.com „ San Joaquin Valley Homes* „ NSE Insurance Agencies, Inc. community of Visalia. „ ation of Tulare & Kings Coun- „ Personnel Solutions Unlimited, Precision Prep Community Investor Members: ties* „ Inc. Residence Inn by Marriott Visalia „ Valley Children’s Healthcare „ Sun Fresh „ Family Builders Foster Care, „ The Pickled Deli SUBMITTED PHOTO Inc.* „ Vintage Visalia Business Builder Members: Business Connector Nonprofit „ Tri Counties Bank* Members: „ Saint Anthony’s Retreat and Name: Crystal Jordan „ Company: Armstrong UPGRADE Business Connector Members: Pipeline Church Visalia Conference Center* „ Community Management The Visalia Chamber of Commerce „ Devon Mathis for Assembly* Small Business Nonprofit Valley Life Charter School* Title: Owner/President thanks the following companies for „ Just Between Friends Visalia/ Members: „ Valley Oak S.P.C.A.* upgrading their membership and Fresno „ Building Industry Associ- „ Visalia Sunset Rotary* Why do you serve on the Chamber Board of Directors? * Indicates membership in the Visalia Chamber 110% Club. I serve on the Chamber Board to help represent the small business community. As a small business owner, I think it is important to share our per- AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT spective and serving on the Chamber Board allows me to Name: Annabel T. Prindle welcome door to newcomers. It’s what Having lived in Visalia’s “histor- do that. Company: Educational Employees Credit Union all vibrant and growing towns and cit- ic” neighborhood for over 18 years, Title: Community Relations Officer ies along with their chambers do. I have to say I love Main Street and What has the chamber done downtown Visalia. Whenever fam- in the last 12 months that How has the chamber and the Ambassa- The best part of working for your ily and friends visit—we love walk- has helped your business? dor Program helped you or your business to company is…? ing downtown. Lunch, dinner—even The primary thing the Cham- grow? The amazing family/team of my breakfast—you can’t beat the choic- ber has done for me is keep me As a business partner with one of the most vi- fellow co-workers. I have been fortu- es and variety of great restaurants informed. The recent months brant Central Valley cities Chamber—our Cred- nate to work for several amazing en- in Visalia. One of my dearest friends have been filled with so many it Union has enjoyed the benefits of serving this tities in my 20 plus year career and lives in France and she has three or unexpected happenings and community for years. Our networking via the have literally thought I’d died and four boutiques that she must visit we’ve all been pulled in differ- Ambassador Program gives us the opportunity gone to heaven—but there is no job each time she comes to town—and ent directions. The newsletters, to share stories of how we have helped Visalia that tops the one I currently have— webinars and member portal she sends me her “Christmas wish” and the South Valley grow and prosper and we which gives me the opportunity have all connected me to useful list—all of which come from down- are grateful for our presence in our community. to live the true Credit Union mot- information amongst it all. town! We also love going to the Sat- to—“people helping people”—which Why is it important to employees to get in- urday Farmer’s market. My foodie/ What’s your favorite family is what I get to do—get that word volved in the Visalia Chamber programs and food snob sister who lives in Berke- tradition? out every day and earn my livelihood events? ley—claims that the Visalia Farm- My family’s favorite tradi- doing just that. tion is our Sunday night sum- To learn from others—to support one another— er’s market is better than hers in the mer barbecues. My children and our local businesses—to share in the celebra- Where is your favorite place to go Bay Area. Yes, to me—Visalia is the are small and just learning to SUBMITTED PHOTO tion of a prosperous community and opening the in Visalia with friends and family? “Jewel” of the Valley. swim, but we really enjoy our Sunday pool time and meal together. Come winter, we are always wishing for warm- er weather, so we can enjoy the THE LAW AT WORK backyard and fire up the grill again. Fall into fun at McKellar Farms “If you are ready to get out of Does your family have a Tracking time while “motto”—spoken or unspo- confinement and breathe some ken? fresh air, come breathe ours Our unspoken motto is to be and, bring your cameras/phones working remotely kind, be respectful and work to record this memory-making hard. family experience…” Brett T. advance. If the employer knows Farm wagon and walking Abbott that work is being performed, the What was your first job? tours are now available for fam- Attorney time must be compensated. My first job was at a flow- ilies and groups seven days a Gubler & The DOL’s guidance also re- er shop in Visalia. I worked the week by reservation at McKel- Abbott minds employers that under the sales floor and took phone or- lar Family Farms near Ivanhoe. FLSA, employers must pay for all As the ders. I learned everything from time they know or should know Tours provide families a unique COVID-19 stripping thorns from roses to is being worked. This “should real-life farm experience social- pandemic how to count a cash drawer at know” standard is important for ly distanced and sanitized with continues, end of day. employers to understand. Em- face masks as optional. There more ployers must use “reasonable are two tour choices: a 40-min- and ute moderated wagon tour and diligence” to determine all hours more being worked by their employ- movie or an exclusive walking em- tour guided by an experienced ees. For example, an employer ployees are working remotely. could provide non-exempt em- citrus grower. Wagon tourists Recently, the federal Department receive a cold bottle of water ployees with a form explaining of Labor (DOL) provided some that no work is to be performed and can take home an orange guidance explaining employ- right off the tree. Price is $65 for off-the-clock and that if they per- ers’ obligations when it comes form any work outside of their up to 5 people and $10 for each to tracking compensable hours additional family member. scheduled working hours (e.g., worked by non-exempt employ- responding to emails, texts, or Farmer Bob’s World will also ees who are teleworking during soon be one of the sites in Visit calls), they must report it using the pandemic. that form. If the employee fails Visalia’s Wellness program, pro- As a starting point, the guid- to report the time worked, the viding visitors with a place to ance explains the standard for employer generally does not have walk/run while visiting Visalia. what constitutes compensable an obligation to investigate fur- In addition, it was announced hours worked under the Fair La- ther to determine whether any as one of the qualifying sites for bor Standards Act (FLSA). Under work is being performed off-the- Citrus Stride. Sponsored by Cal- the FLSA, an employer must pay clock. The reasonable diligence ifornia Citrus Mutual (CCM), for all time that an employee is standard is based on what an Citrus Stride is the week of Oct. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCKELLAR “suffered or permitted to work.” FAMILY FARMS employer “should” know, not 5 to 11 to “move a mile” to help This means that an employer on what an employer “could” Families can arrange farm wag- stop food insecurity in our com- must pay an employee for all know. “Though an employer ABOUT THIS munities. For every person who on and walking tours at McKel- hours the employee is scheduled may have access to non-payroll lar Famiy Farms near Ivanhoe. PUBLICATION registers and participates, CCM and/or directed to work, but it records of employees’ activities, will donate 1,000 pounds of cit- With the weather cooling and also means that an employer such as records showing em- Business Update is the official rus to local food banks. To par- autumn in full swing tours pro- must pay for time that an em- ployees accessing their work-is- monthly publication of the Visa- ticipate in the Citrus Stride, reg- vide a unique real life farm ex- ployee is permitted to perform sued electronic devices outside lia Chamber of Commerce, 222 ister online at www.citrusstride. perience. The farm ensures that unscheduled work. So, if an em- of reported hours, reasonable N. Garden St., Ste, 300, Visalia com. There will be no charge to families will be social distanced ployee performs work outside of diligence generally does not re- CA 93291, (559) 734-5876. Pe- run or walk that week at Farmer and every common surface will the employee’s scheduled hours, quire the employer to undertake be sanitized. Visit their website riodicals, Postage Paid at Visalia, Bob’s. the employee still must be com- impractical efforts such as sort- McKellar Family farms is a at www.mckellrfailyfarms.com pensated. An employer cannot CA 93277; Publication No. USPS ing through this information to 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organi- or call 559-731-7925 for res- refuse compensation because determine whether its employ- 494-660. Annual Subscription zation located in Ivanhoe CA. ervations. the work was not authorized in ees worked hours beyond what rate $15. Postmaster: Send ad- they reported.” dress changes to Visalia Cham- The DOL’s guidance, while ber of Commerce, 222 N. Gar- specific to the federal FLSA, den St., Ste. 300, Visalia, CA applies equally under Califor- 93291. Advertising information, nia wage and hour law. The call Jena at (559) 734-5976 or key takeaway is that employers email [email protected]. must implement and communi- cate reasonable procedures for Editor...... Gail Zurek reporting all hours worked by Layout ...... The Sun-Gazette remote employees, and should not discourage accurate and ©2020, Visalia Chamber of complete reporting or tell em- Commerce. All rights reserved. ployees that work performed Reproduction by any means of outside of scheduled working the entire contents or any por- hours will not be compensat- tion of this publication without ed. Ultimately, if employees written permission is prohibit- working too many hours off the ed. The appearance of any ad- clock becomes a problem, the vertisements in the publication way to deal with it is through does not constitute support or discipline of the employee, not endorsement for any product, through denial of pay. This article is for education person, cause, business, or orga- and information purposes only; nization named therein, unless it should not be construed as specifically noted otherwise in legal advice. If you have an the advertisement. employment law question for inclusion in a future article, CONTACT US contact Brett T. Abbott at Gu- bler & Abbott (brett@thecali- Send briefs via e-mail to fornialawyers.com). For specific [email protected] employment law advice or oth- Call 734-5876. Mail to: er legal assistance, contact Gu- Visalia Chamber of Commerce bler & Abbott (559) 625-9600, 222 N. Garden St. #300 1110 N. Chinowth St., Visalia, Visalia, CA 93291 CA 93291 (www.thecaliforni- Visit www.visaliachamber.org alawyers.com).

B2 § Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce Published by The Sun-Gazette § October 7, 2020 /VisaliaChamber @VisaliaBiz /VisaliaChamber visaliachamber.org • October 2020 | 3

of a bank-wide food drive throughout Central and Members including the . The food was donated to food Visalia Police Depart- banks and other nonprofit organizations, includ- ment, Chapala Grill, ing the Bethlehem Center. Component Coffee, and Congratulations to Visalia Ceramic Tile’s Quesadilla Gorilla col- Leo Reynaga who was the recipient of the Na- lected donations to assist tional Tile Contractors Association’s 2020 Tile evacuees and first respond- Setter Craftspersons of the Year Award in the SUBMITTED PHOTO ers working the Creek Fire. residential category. Tulare County Fresno Yosemite International Air- Com- port held a groundbreaking for the airport’s munity Care Coalition distrib- new FATforward multi-year expansion pro- uted bottle water to those af- SUE HENDRICKSON-CASTRO gram, including a parking garage. fected and suffering from the The Painted Table COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to all the first-responders for launched a special new corporate The Tulare County Health their hard work combating local wild fires, & Human Services Agen- including KRC Safety owner Gary Castro. luncheon ser- Provost & Pritchard Consulting vice. cy announced that the Public The Assis- Group recently welcomed four new em- ployees Health Branch has been awarded tance League to their team and announced Ed Caminata, from the firm’s Visalia national accreditation through of Visalia office, passed the exam to become Provost & Pritchard’s seventh the Public Health Accreditation (ALV) SUBMITTED PHOTO licensed agricultural engineer. assist- Board (PHAB). ed two Visalia Quail Park at Shannon Ranch thanked fellow chamber Precision Prep launched students whose member American new workshops, “Kid’s Kitchen with Arianna” and “Prep Live with home was de- Ambulance for their Lauren”. Weekly, Precision Prep will produce live cooking demon- stroyed in a fire hard work with break- SUBMITTED PHOTO strations with in- in August. ALV fast. Visa- gredient and sup- Happy Trails Rid- members, lia Unified School District, and the family met at JCPenney ply lists provided ing Academy part- where students were able to choose new clothing. In addition, the ahead a time. nered with Habitat for A ground- Humanity of Tulare students received hygiene kits through ALV’s Le Bag philanthrop- ic program. The program recently received a generous donation breaking was & Kings Counties to from the Tulare-Kings Dental Society, supplying ALV with held for Visa- assist with a house build. 576 toothbrushes and 612 tubes of toothpaste to be distributed in lia’s newest hotel Bank of the Sier- hygiene kits this year. Hilton Garden ra collected over 3,100 Fresno Pacific University is offering new campus features Inn Visalia on canned and nonperish- like virtual campus tours for prospective students. West Hillsdale. able food items as part SUBMITTED PHOTO SUBMITTED PHOTO

among the highest 10% of the employees and where the refus- Rawhide gives $250K New obligations for small employers: al is necessary to prevent sub- stantial economic injury. Expanded state leave law New Law Creates A “Stack- to local charity ing” Problem With The Federal Gov. Newsom recently signed health condi- Family and Medical Leave Act legislation (SB 1383) that will tion. (FMLA). For example, suppose significantly expand the Califor- Other an employee working for an em- nia Family Rights Act (CFRA). Changes to Ex- ployer with 50 or more employ- This legislation goes into effect isting Law SB ees needs to take family leave on Jan. 1, 2021. 1383 deletes to care for a sister with a seri- The CFRA requires covered the provision ous health condition. Under SB employers to provide up to 12 of law that 1383, CFRA would provide the weeks of unpaid leave during specifies that if both parents work for the same employers, the em- employee with up to 12 weeks each 12-month period for pur- To commemorate the one In April, at the beginning of ployer is not required to provide more than a total of 12 weeks for of leave to care for the sister. poses of family and medical year anniversary of winning the pandemic, the Sigal family leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care place- However, because “siblings” the Championship of the Cal- donated over $30,000 to sup- leave. The current CFRA applies are not covered under the fed- to employers with 50 or more ment of a child. Therefore, such an employer may now be required ifornia League, the former and port Central Valley non-profits. to provide 12 weeks to both employees in that situation. eral FMLA, that same employee current owners of the Visalia employees within 75 miles of In collaboration with the Cen- Also, SB 1383 deletes language from the CFRA that authorizes would potentially still be eligi- Rawhide have jointly contrib- the worksite. tral Valley Community Foun- an employer to refuse reinstatement to salaried employees who are See LEAVE LAW on page 4 uted $250,000 to the Visalia dation, support was directed Senate Bill 1383 expands Rawhide Charitable Fund at to emergency relief funds, food CFRA: the Central Valley Community bank distribution efforts, and „ Applies to employers with Foundation to serve the com- local hospitals. five or more employees munity where Visalia Rawhide “The Visalia Rawhide has instead of 50 or more em- fans live, work, and play. been an iconic presence in Tu- ployees Two initial grants from this lare County by tipping its hat „ fund will support the com- Eliminates the require- to the Ag industry that pro- munity during the COVID-19 ment that employees work pandemic. A $50,000 grant pels our community. And by within 75 miles of the will give six family resource stepping up to help financially worksite support our Healthy Harvest centers, including the Visalia „ Expands the scope of program, the Community Care Family Resource Center, the “family members” for Coalition in Tulare County can funds needed to support fami- whom employees can take lies with childcare costs, food, bring much needed support- leave to include many ad- distance learning supplies, and ive services to our farmwork- ditional categories other essential services. Fam- ers and their families affected „ ily resource centers in Tulare by COVID-19,” said Coalition The list of family members County are experiencing, on Co-Chairs Rosemary Caso, is expanded to include sib- average, a 50% increase in the Executive Director of United lings, grandparents, grand- number of calls for assistance, Way Tulare County and Fran- children, and domestic many from families that have cena Martinez, Division Man- partners never sought help before. ager, Tulare County Health & „ The definition of “child” A second $50,000 grant will Human Services Agency. “We is expanded to cover all help fund The Healthy Harvest applaud their efforts in mak- adult children (regardless Program in Tulare County. The ing sure this critical program is of whether they are depen- local agriculture industry is es- available to those that need it.” dent) and children of a do- sential, and has continued the For more information about mestic partner food production we all rely on. the efforts of the Central Valley This Healthy Harvest Program Note: Even employers cur- expands messaging to the Val- Community Foundation in the rently covered under CFRA will ley’s food production indus- fight against the Coronavirus, have to provide leave to employ- try about coronavirus safety, contact Hannah McAbee (Han- ees caring for a broader list of provides access to testing, [email protected]) family members with a serious houses workers who need to self-isolate, and provides food and transportation to make quarantine possible. These are essential steps to stop the spread of the virus throughout the community. The program is a partnership with the state’s Home for the Harvest Program and brings together state, fed- eral, industry, and philanthrop- ic dollars. Among the agencies that support The Healthy Har- vest Program are the California Department of Food and Agri- culture, Tulare County, and the Tulare Farm Bureau. “The Visalia community pro- vided great support over our What can I 18 years with the Rawhide do with the ballclub,” said Tom Seidler, former Rawhide co-owner and Member Portal? President of Top of the Third, Inc. “We are excited to have the The Member opportunity to give back to the Portal offers many marketing community during this time of great need, in partnership with opportunities, including posting jobs the Rawhide and the Sigal fam- and events to the Chamber Website, the ily. I can’t think of a better way to commemorate the one year ability to offer special discounts and anniversary of the Rawhide more! championship than this effort to help many families in need through these two grants.” Is it too late to sign up for Jr. CEO?

“It takes all of us coming to- No! The program is self-paced and can gether to make a difference in be completed at any time. But save the this national crisis,” said Sam Sigal, current co-owner of the date! Saturday, Nov. 7, participants will Rawhide and Vice President open their hot chocolate stands around of First Pitch Entertainment, LLC. “It is an honor to be sup- town. porting our new community in this way. Although profession- al baseball is in a pause due to Have a questions about the Chamber? the pandemic, we look forward to many enjoyable seasons in Send me a message: the years ahead. For now, the [email protected] health of the people of Visalia and the surrounding area is our focus.”

Published by The Sun-Gazette § October 7, 2020 Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce § B3 4 | October 2020 • visaliachamber.org /VisaliaChamber @VisaliaBiz /VisaliaChamber

LEADERSHIP VISALIA Jacobsma worked in the insur- ance sales industry and as a “So how sales leader for Pier 1 Imports. Meet the Leadership Visalia Class of 2020-2021 She enjoys volunteering with much Visalia Christian Reformed The Visalia Chamber of Com- Church as a youth group leader merce welcomes the Leader- for 10th grade girls and helping do you ship Visalia class of 2020-2021. out in the church nursery. For more than thirty years, the Paola Martinez, Valley make?” Visalia Chamber has worked Strong Credit Union to develop community leaders Born and raised in the Cen- It finally happens. It always to fill roles in the private, pub- does, especially with kids. It tral Valley, Paola Martinez’s lic, and non-profit sectors. The main goal is to make the Valley tends to take a little more time intensive leadership develop- with kids from rural, blue-collar a better place to live in. She at- ment course is designed to help tended Cal State, Bakersfield as backgrounds. They’re taught to emerging leaders in businesses be respectful, and so they usu- a full-time student while work- and other community organi- ing as a part-time teller for Val- ally wait. But zations further develop their eventually ley Strong Credit Union. Upon sills, experience and commu- graduating with her Bachelor’s someone asks nity knowledge. Over the next and the class- in Business Administration in 7-months, class members will 2018, she served as primary room erupts participate in evening classes, in delight. backup to the assistant branch day sessions featuring guest manager. Martinez was recent- It’s what they speakers and on-site experienc- all wanted ly promoted to Universal Ser- es, and a community project vices Manager for the Visalia to know. It’s that fosters civic responsibili- what they think matters. It’s branch and is excited to grow ty and will leave a lasting posi- what almost everyone thinks and serve her new community. tive impact on the Visalia com- matters. It’s my favorite part, munity. Aubrey Mathis, Century 21 the part when I get to shock ev- Jordan Link eryone and say, “What I make is Alicia C. Balderas, County Aubrey Mathis is a realtor irrelevant. The better question of Tulare – Board of Super- PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE with Century 21 Jordan Link. is, ‘how much do I spend?’” visors Visalia Leadership through the Visalia Chamber of Commerce pushes through the unique challenges brought on by Prior to her current position, I’ve acted in this play over Alicia C. Balderas was born the coronavirus pandemic and continuing on with their ultra-successful leadership class for 2020-2021. she worked in various indus- and over in school class- and raised in Visalia. After tries including serving 10 years rooms. Private and public; priv- graduating high school, she munications, marketing, and in the U.S. Army. Mathis has a ileged and challenged; chil- joined the Marine Corps where general public relations align drive to help others, especially dren and adults. It’s usually a she was stationed in , with the organization’s overall Veterans services. She is a wife Career Day event or a person- , and mission. Gonzalez also assists and mother of 8 children, in- al finance class. And it doesn’t South Africa. Balderas graduat- with event planning and fund- cluding her exchange student matter if the kids have been ed in 2016 from Fresno Pacif- raising. Prior to her current son from Kyrgyzstan. raised around money or not. It ic University with a B.A. in Or- moved to Visalia from Green- Gallery Director at Arts Visa- role, she worked with the Mar- Kristine Price, QK doesn’t matter if they go to pri- ganizational Leadership. Prior ville, SC, to pursue a lifelong lia Visual Arts Center she held jaree Mason Center. Gonzalez Kristine Price is an Account- vate school or public. No mat- to her current position as Ad- career in the flooring indus- several leadership positions in- graduated with honors from ing and Benefits Coordina- ter whom I’m talking to, every- ministrative Aid K for the Tu- try. Prior to his move, he was cluding retail management, in- Fresno Pacific University with tor with QK. Price is a prob- one believes the number one lare County Board of Super- in sales for Ashley Furniture. formation technology supervi- a Bachelor’s degree in Social lem-solver and believes there measure of success, the key to visors, she worked in various When not working, Bledsoe sion, and event coordination. Work. When she’s not work- is a work around for any situa- happiness is- making money. fields including operations and spends time with his 3½-year- While running the gallery, Go- ing, she is most likely crafting, tion and enjoys coming up with The truth is, they’re not spent time working with chil- old black lab mix, PC games, ans is also an artist whose art baking, or planning her next solutions. When not working, alone. Most children feel this dren with autism. When not and looks forward to meeting has been exhibited across the adventure. new people and friends in the United States, including juried, she enjoys upcycling furniture way because someone has in- working, Balderas is focused Emily Jacobsma, California Visalia community. group, and solo exhibitions. and amateur hiking. formed them, directly or indi- on getting her master’s degree Dairies, Inc. Heather L. Reed, Family Ser- rectly, that making more mon- in Leadership Organizational Michelle Goans, Arts Visalia Amy Gonzalez, Family Ser- Emily Jacobsma is a Senior vices of Tulare County ey is the key to a good life. Studies and spending time with Michelle Goans was born in vices of Tulare County Financial Analyst at California Heather L. Reed is a Hu- Those people are often their her fur babies. and graduated Cum Amy Gonzalez is the Devel- Dairies who works with exec- man Resources Coordinator parents. But the reality is that Cameron Bledsoe, Franey’s Laude from Northern Illinois opment and Communications utives to understand the mar- with Family Services of Tu- it’s more about good habits and Carpet One Floor & Home University in 2013 with a Bach- Coordinator at Family Services gin on dairy products and bud- lare County. Reed finds great math. This isn’t a sexy answer, Design Center elor of Fine Arts degree. Pri- of Tulare County. In her role, get and forecast for the future. but it’s the right one. Cameron Bledsoe recently or to her current position as she ensures the agency’s com- Prior to her current position, See LEADERSHIP on page 6 What I attempt to show my audience is that at the end of the day, what they’re real- ly asking about is “margin.” I anyone with any income can do ple investment strategy. Either CITY UPDATE LEAVE LAW demonstrate this with an easy it. The problem is: most of us way, you’re committing some math lesson that goes some- Continued from page 3 struggle to follow this rule. money to your future, even a thing like this: rainy day. “Who’s richer: a family that There’s never a better time Next, develop a habit of giv- Next steps in water ble to take 12 weeks of leave un- makes $65k a year or a family to start than when our children ing. By helping our children der the FMLA their own serious that makes $165k a year?” are young and still at home. understand that they can help health condition, or to care for a Seems easy, but now they Keep it simple, don’t overcom- conservation plicate it. Use a the 1/3, 1/3, others and to be a positive child, parent, or spouse. Under know it’s a trap, they just don’t this example, an employer may know why. So, I do the math. 1/3 model. Whatever mon- force in their community, we As we head into fall, the hope ter Stage 3 ey they have, help them save empower them. It could be to for rain is one shared across the Water Use need to provide up to 24 weeks If the first family spends $40k of leave to such an employee. to live, and the second fami- 1/3, give 1/3 and then they can a favorite cause like the SPCA, community, but a wet winter Restric- ly spends $163k a year to live, spend 1/3. Not only does this or their church or service club. won’t solve our groundwater tions. This Mediation Pilot Program who has more money left over? model help them budget, but it Giving not only helps others, problems. Given the new state means Visa- While SB 1383 made its way In simple terms, the first family also helps them develop habits but it also helps us feel more regulations regarding Ground- lians will be through the legislative process, is “richer.” of saving and giving. connected. Doing good is good water Sustainability Agencies able to irri- small businesses expressed con- And that’s the real point. Financial experts recom- for them too! (GSAs) and sustainable ground- gate exclu- cerns about the increased litiga- Healthy financial habits begin mend that you “pay yourself Finally, knowing that they water levels, we need to signifi- sively with drip irrigation any tion risk for employers with five with the simple decision to live first.” This means before you still have 1/3 to buy new cantly adapt our outdoor water day of the week between 6 p.m. or more employees if they do clothes, get something to eat within your means- spend less start buying, invest in yourself. usage. and 8 a.m. and use sprinkler ir- not correctly implement CFRA. with friends, or pay for gas, Visalia has been diligent in rigation on watering days. Be- than you make. If you do that It can be as simple as putting As a result, the legislature put in helps them have a clear picture implementing progressive mea- tween March 1 and Nov. 30, wa- your whole life, you’ll always money in an interest-bearing place a “small employer family of what they can do. This dis- sures (groundwater recharge, tering is one day per week with be rich. And the good news is: account, or creating a sim- leave mediation pilot program.” cretionary money can be placed water exchanges, and water re- no sprinkler irrigation allowed in This program applies only to in a checking account where use from the upgraded water December, January or February. employers with between five children (and parents) can track treatment plant), but usage has The water conservation mea- what they spend and see where continued to climb. We are in sures the Council has adopted and 19 employees. Under some their money goes. our ninth year of below average are an effort to maintain a cost circumstances, these employers There’s one final step that ev- rainfall in the last 11 years. In effective and environmentally may request mediation through eryone here at Tucoemas is ex- fact, groundwater levels in the sound water supply for Visalia. the Department of Fair Employ- cited about—credit unions! Visalia area dropped seven feet Currently the City of Visalia is ment and Housing (DFEH). When you’re teaching your chil- between April and June 2020, in Stage 1 of the Water Conser- This pilot program remains in dren about impact, it’s a per- and are now 30 feet lower than vation ordinance, but it’s never effect until Jan. 1, 2024. fect time to talk them about they were in 2010. too early to start additional con- If you are an employer who the benefits of supporting lo- While we work under the re- servation efforts as we prepare previously was not covered by cal businesses. Banking with a gional framework of the Mid- to transition to Stage 3. the CFRA, begin to prepare non-profit, locally-based credit Kaweah GSA, California has Find the City’s Water Conser- now by developing policies and union like Tucoemas, not only laws coming into effect over the vation Ordinance, tips and more procedures for implementing can they earn interest on their course of the next decade that at www.GoGreenVisalia.com. and administering these new free checking account, but by will require further conserva- For the latest updates and leave requirements. Please con- simply placing their money in a tion. It’s vital we act now. news from the City of Visalia, tact SinglePoint Outsourcing at local institution means they’re Based on recent City Coun- visit www.visalia.city or visit (559) 625-4800 if you would making their local community cil action, on March 1, 2021, the them on social media @Cityof- like to discuss how we can help stronger, happier and healthier. City of Visalia is scheduled to en- Visalia. your prepare.

Do you really need an office?

We have certainly had a lot of change over the body language. last seven months. Moving towards less face-to- The Technology Factor face interaction has forced businesses to come Making sure your team has up with different solutions on how to deal with all the tools they need at home virtual offices. We have heard a lot lately about is also a challenge. Some com- businesses finding that workers are more pro- panies are sending home ductive at home. So, what is the point of having desks and computers with the overhead cost of an office? team members to be able to be more comfort- The Office Factor able at home. Our company gives our team mem- There is a lot of cost associated with having bers a stipend to help with the internet and phone an office. Rent, utilities, internet, and supplies costs. There are many ways we have talked before are just some of the costs. It also removes team in previous articles to help your team work more members from their families. I have been work- efficiently at home such as cloud phones, cloud ing remotely for quite a while and I appreciate be- workstations, VPNs, and Remote Desktop solu- ing near my family. I believe the human cost is a tions to name a few. factor as well. There is, however, a downside to The Company Culture Factor working remotely in an office by yourself all day. To combat the loneliness and lack of connection The Human Factor you get working from home, many businesses There is something different about not being have decided to ditch the office and instead throw with people in a room when or the office next some great company retreats. Some companies door when you are at work. I have also heard that have still saved money even though they are mov- sales are a lot harder because it is lacking the hu- ing from once a year retreats to three or even four man connection. Our team has found ways to times a year get-together. This is a great idea that bring that human factor back to the workspace. gets people out of their homes and together with We rely heavily on remote video platforms such coworkers outside the normal working environ- as Microsoft Teams and Zoom to help unite the ment. It allows for creativity and relieves a lot of team. In our company we have a daily morning the stress of what is going on in the world today. meeting to reduce the loneliness that comes with So, do you need a physical office? That is some- working remotely. We have found that it sets the thing you will have to decide for your business. I tone for the rest of the day. We also encourage think this has been something that has been pos- video calls whenever possible instead of on the sible for a while that a lot of leaders have been re- phone. You at least get to see your team’s general luctant to change.

B4 § Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce Published by The Sun-Gazette § October 7, 2020 /VisaliaChamber @VisaliaBiz /VisaliaChamber visaliachamber.org • October 2020 | 5 Opportunities and challenges CityServe Tulare- of distance learning Kings goes the ‘Last Tamara Ravalin, Ed.D Superintendent Mile’ to help families Visalia Unified Some generous local organizations, School District agencies, and businesses have stepped The shift to distance forward to create a “low barrier” system learning has provided to distribute free food boxes to individu- educators with the op- als and families who may not be reached portunity to learn new in- by existing non-profit organizations and structional strategies and government agencies. CityServe Tulare- explore ways to connect Kings, as part of the “Last Mile” in the differently with students. USDA’s “Farmers to Families” program, Teachers are creating vid- is focused on fighting hunger during our current pandemic crisis. eos and lessons that they The effort is being led by Jason LeFaive, Lead Pastor of SevenOaks. will be able to use in fu- Church in Visalia and Executive Director of CityServe Tulare-Kings. ture years and are sharing CityServe TulareKings has positioned itself with regional orga- with each other to expand nizations and agencies, along with the local church, to distribute resources. Educators are USDA approved Food Boxes. As part of the USDA’s “Farmers to developing a digital li- Families” and the “Last Mile”, CityServe TulareKings is partnered brary for classroom use to serve the most vulnerable and those with food insecurities during and for the digital education community. The shar- the current pandemic crisis. The USDA has agreements throughout ing of resources and instructional approaches has the nation to distribute food products that farmers might otherwise the power to positively impact instruction. Teachers be forced to plow under or dispose of. Our region and counties has are also “flipping” their classrooms, which allows benefited greatly from this partnership and the “Farmers to Fami- them to provide basic instruction prior to students lies” program. gathering for class. This allows class time to be Since May, CityServe TulareKings has helped distribute an aver- spent on higher level skills, collaborative projects, age 8,000 free boxes of fresh produce to needy families throughout debates, and inquiry. Tulare and Kings Counties weekly. Each box weighs between 20-25 Some of our students are thriving in the online pounds and contains 7 or 8 items. Food boxes are initially delivered model which means that as a District, we need to to a local Cold Storage by USDA approved distributors and farmers offer more options for this type instruction to our and briefly stored in space donated by Garth Ramseier, manager of students. Educational technology also provides the the Anchor Warehouse in Exeter. opportunity to provide more specialized courses in Every week participating local churches and organizations pick secondary schools by having one teacher instruct up the prepared food boxes to personally distribute to families and students from all sites simultaneously. individuals in need, regardless of their current socio-economic po- Students and teachers miss the social and emo- sition. Local Churches and organizations that would like to join the tional connections that occur when we are at USDA’s “Farmers to Families” can reach Mark Peters with City- school. Designing lessons that are engaging and Serve TulareKings by email: [email protected] encourage student interaction can be a challenge. Thanks to the vigorous efforts of local volunteers, just 10 days For many students, it may be difficult to feel com- after the USDA program announced the program, Pastor Jason’s fortable speaking to peers and a teacher they have regional group was able to distribute their first 6,000 boxes of free not had the opportunity to meet in person. We have food. Harold Meyers of Visalia, an agriculture consultant, mobi- many online tools teachers can utilize for student lized his contacts in the industry to jump start the effort. The group participation, but it takes time to master teaching quickly secured donations of storage space plus contacted multiple in a different format. food distributors who could meet USDA requirements. Rapidly switching to teaching and learning on- In addition, Tulare County Sheriffs Deputies Police Activities line creates additional challenges for students and League (P.A.L.S.) continues to serve the rural communities of Tu- teachers. Students can be easily distracted at home PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SUN-GAZETTE lare County. Since May, they have distributed over 10,000 boxes. which makes focusing and completing assignments Teachers have offered new ways to connect with students by creating pre-recorded instruc- Since then, Fresno Pacific University Visalia Campus, Family Ser- more difficult. Teachers may struggle with lesson tional videos and a developing digital libraries for them to access. Superintendent Tamara vices of Tulare County, and over 50 local churches has contributed design as lessons may take longer, and it is more Ravalin said that some students are thriving in the online model and should offer similar to the success of the USDA’s “Farmers to Families” throughout Tu- difficult to check for student understanding. In- options of learning in the future. lare and Kings Counties. stead of walking around the classroom and looking We are excited to announce that in September, USDA’s “Farmers over students’ shoulders, teachers have to rely on services include speech therapy, occu- steps are taking place, we are awaiting to Families” will begin distributing food boxes that contain Protein more formal questioning, written responses online, pational therapy, physical therapy, etc. for our preschool through K-2 elemen- and Dairy. This will have significant impact in our community and and formative assessments. Next we will bring back stable cohorts tary waiver to be approved by Tulare counties as families prepare for continued economic impact and Moving forward, we have started offering one-to- for targeted groups of students such County and the state. Our commit- students who will be staying home while distance learning with one assessments and services to our students with as homeless and foster youth into spe- ment remains to return to school in a their respective districts. disabilities and English learners. Individualized cialized learning centers. While these safe and responsible manner. See SEVEN OAKS on page 6

WIB distributes more than $5 million to local businesses On July 14 the Tulare Coun- ty Board of Supervisors au- thorized the County Admin- istrator to earmark up to 7.5 million dollars of CARES ACT Funding to support local busi- nesses who experienced a neg- ative financial impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was intended to assist small businesses (20 or fewer employees) who had not previ- ously received relief funds and provide those businesses with website was equipped with an grants of $5,000. The County extensive FAQ page, tutorials, asked the Workforce Invest- and a chat feature which was ment Board of Tulare County monitored by WIB staff daily to administer the newly creat- in order to assist businesses ed Tulare County Small Busi- who had questions about the ness COVID Relief Fund. process. Small businesses could qual- Throughout the three-week ify for grant funding if they period, more than 1,400 busi- met the following criteria: nesses submitted applications for funding. Of those submit- „ The business must have a ted application, more than physical location in Tulare 1,180 businesses have been County. approved and awarded the „ The business must have $5,000 grant funding. Each 20 or fewer employees. business that was awarded „ The business could be a funding signed an agreement for-profit, non-profit orga- with the County of Tulare in- nization, or independent dicating that they agreed to contractor. follow all of the grant funding guidelines and spend the funds „ The business must be a on allowable costs which in- primary source of income cluded: for the applicant. „ Business rent from March „ The business must show 19 – Oct. 30, 2020 negative financial impact „ Business Utilities from due to COVID 19. March 19 – Oct. 30, 2020 „ The business must not Other expenses associated have delinquent proper- with operating business in a ty taxes. way that protects employees „ The business did not re- and customers from expo- ceive funds from Paycheck sure to COVID-19 and helps Protection or Economic prevent the virus’ spread. Ex- Injury Disaster Loan. amples include cleaning and The Tulare County Small disinfectant supplies for em- Business Relief Fund appli- ployees and customers, face cation launched on Aug. 1, masks, gloves, service count- 2020. The WIB worked in er modifications, plexiglass partnership with local Cham- shields, social distancing sig- bers of Commerce, City staff, nage, health and safety sig- nage, systems that encourage Community Based Organiza- social distancing and limit tions, and Economic Devel- cash handling, etc. opment partners to advertise By Sept. 30, nearly 5.5 mil- and do outreach to communi- lion dollars will be in the ties throughout Tulare Coun- hands of local small business ty. All of the grant materials owners, helping to mitigate including the website, social some of the financial impact of media, e-mail, and the appli- the COVID-19 Pandemic. cation itself were available Below is a quick snapshot in both English and Spanish. the businesses who benefited The user-friendly grant appli- from the Tulare County Small cation could be completed in Business COVID Relief Fund. 10 minutes and was available for 3 weeks. The application See WIB on page 6

Published by The Sun-Gazette § October 7, 2020 Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce § B5 6 | October 2020 • visaliachamber.org /VisaliaChamber @VisaliaBiz /VisaliaChamber

HEALTH CARE NOTE More COVID-19 testing could move county to Tier 2, a safer reopening CHAMPION: By Gary K. Herbst with and without COVID symptoms. Chief Executive Officer This Quidel Sofia-2 platform, a rapid lab analyzer, allows Kaweah Delta Health Care District us to do just a swab of the nostril without going deep into After seven months, COVID-19 the sinus cavity, so it’s much more comfortable for our pa- may not be consuming every wak- tients and it’s a quick-result test. While the test can be pro- ing moment of our lives, but it is cessed in 15 minutes, we will run them in batches through- still very real for all of us and it cer- out the day. Our goal is to process everything same day so tainly has not gone away. For the you get results within 24 hours. past couple of weeks, we have hov- We have literally opened this up to the entire county. We ered around 27 to 30 COVID in- want to test everybody through this partnership between patients being cared for at Kaweah Kaweah Delta and the Tulare County Public Health Depart- Delta Medical Center, whereas in ment. We really need to start testing the high percentage of VISIONARY: July, we cared for 91 COVID pa- people in Tulare County who don’t have the virus. We want tients in a single day. We’re now to increase that denominator without adding to the numera- a little more than two weeks out tor. This is a great opportunity for us to test whoever we can, from Labor Day, staring flu season partnering with schools, businesses, first responders, etc. to in the face and we’re holding our see how we can really impact the positivity rate. breath hoping that members of our Rapid testing is already available at Visalia Medical Clin- community heeded our warnings to ic and at our Exeter Health Clinic. In coming weeks, we will limit social gatherings. also make this rapid testing available at our Dinuba and Lind- There has been a slight uptick in our positivity rate, which say health clinics, along with our Sequoia Health & Wellness is disappointing, because I know we are all anxious to move Centers in Visalia, and ultimately, at our Kaweah Delta Ur- out of the state’s purple Tier 1 and move into red Tier 2. gent Care Centers. To get tested, people should call Kaweah That would allow us to move into in-room dining, allow Delta’s free COVID-19 Screening Hotline at 559-624-4110. gymnasiums to open, and schools to open up more. But Finally, as cold and flu season begins next month, I ask that we’re above the thresholds in the two areas—daily new cas- you continue to exercise those responsible behaviors that es per 100,000 population and percent of positive tests. we can all probably recite from memory—wear a face mask, One thing that can impact both of those numbers is great- wash your hands, and practice social distancing. Please add a er testing across the county. Our team has worked tireless- flu shot to that list if you can; it can help keep you from get- ly throughout the pandemic to support our community in ting sick with the flu and prevent hospitalization. We normal- this regard and that continues to be the case. We recently ly look to those in the southern hemisphere to predict our flu purchased 20 Quidel Sofia-2 antigen-based testing analyz- season and while they had a relatively mild flu season, that ers in partnership with the Tulare County Health & Human doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods just yet. A mild flu sea- Services Agency using CARES Act funding and are now of- son will help us deal with any influx of COVID-19 that we fering rapid COVID-19 testing in Tulare County for people experience in the coming months, and we need your help.

REGIONAL LEADERS:

ADOBE STOCK

KEYSTONE: LEADERSHIP she received her bachelors in fied School District. Sullivan WIB Continued from page 4 Ethnic Studies. Her goal is to grew up in Fresno and gradu- Continued from page 5 continue her education and at- ated from Fresno State. Prior tend the Graduate Business to his current position, he was joy in supporting a team of su- Program at Fresno State, con- a teacher at Fairview and El- Businesses by Supervisor perheroes so that they are bet- tinue her work for CASA and bow Creek Elementary. When District: ter equipped to serve our com- open a small business to con- not working, Sullivan enjoys District 1 – 22.4% munity. Non-profit human tinue to give back to the com- spending time with his wife District 2 – 15% resources are a passion of hers, munity. and two daughters and travel- District 3 – 39.3% and when not working, she is Sonia Smalley, Tucoemas ing as a family. District 4 – 13.7% involved with The Visalia Naz District 5 – 9.6% Federal Credit Union Esta Willman, Communi- Widows Outreach group and Sonia Smalley is the VP of ty Services and Employment CASA of Tulare County. Reed Lending at Tucoemas Feder- Training, Inc. (CSET) Number of Employees: dreams to retire at 55 and start al Credit Union in Visalia. Esta Willman is the Chief Fi- Employees – 71.1% a small business or new career. She graduated from Western nancial Officer for Communi- 2-5 employees – 26.2% Rosa Rodriguez, CASA of CUNA Management School in ty Services and Employment 6-20 employees – 2.7% Tulare County 2014 and has been with Tu- Training, Inc. (CSET). Will- Rosa Rodriguez is an Ad- coemas since her junior year of man was born in . Prior Length of business estab- vocate Coordinator at CASA high school. Smalley was born to moving to Visalia in 2012, lishment: of Tulare County, where she and raised in Visalia. she lived in Yucca Valley and „ Established before 2000 trains, guides, supervises, pro- Jim Sullivan, Visalia Unified worked in the healthcare in- – 33.3% vides support and resources to School District dustry for over 30 years. When „ Established 2000 – 2009 the advocates. Rodriguez grad- Jim Sullivan is the Adminis- not working, Willman is an – 33.3% uated from California State trator of Family and Commu- avid backpacker, hiker, and am- University, Sacramento, where nity Services at Visalia Uni- ateur wilderness photographer. „ Established 2010 – 2020 – 33.3% CORNERSTONE: Business Classification: CIGNA, CSET, E.D.I.S., „ Sole Proprietor – 55.2% LAMP LITER INN, „ Independent Contractor M. GREEN & COMPANY, NAKED NUT, – 21.5% MILLIPORE SIGMA, „ Non-profit – 4.8% SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON „ Partnership, S. Corp, LLC, Partnership, Corporation – 17% MEDIA PARTNERS: The WIB would like to thank all of the staff, Middlestate, and the many community partners who made the Tulare County Small Business Relief Fund a huge success. We would also like to thank the County Ad- ministrators Office and the Tulare County Board of Super- visors for their support and the opportunity for our team to administer this project with is making a huge impact in our business community and the local economy.

SEVEN OAKS Continued from page 5

If you have questions regard- ing CityServe TulareKings or the USDA’s “Farmers to Fam- ilies”, please contact Mark Pe- ters Coordinator for CityServe Tulare Kings by email: MarkP@ cityservetularekings.com

B6 § Business Update § Visalia Chamber of Commerce Published by The Sun-Gazette § October 7, 2020