Daughters of Charity Health System Sale Approved – With Excessive and Restrictive Conditions

How elected officials choose to support an issue. There were a large number of state and federal officials who signed a letter asking California Attorney General, Kamala Harris, to reject the sale of DOCS to Prime Health Care. Sadly, not one of those elected officials surveyed the communities where the DOCS facilities exist to determine how their constituents felt about the issue. At least the Attorney General held public hearings in each community to allow for feedback from hospital employees, patients, city officials and the community at large. Elected officials should have discussions with their constituents regarding issues that impact them directly.

Remove the power of the decision from one elected official.The sole power of one elected individual to impose conditions on the sale (without the right of the one being imposed upon to appeal the decision) seems fraught with potential for bias and influence from

special interest groups. This process needs to be reviewed and modified. A decision of such magnitude should not rest upon one individual. I would suggest convening a panel of 5 non-elected individuals to review, research and recommend a decision. Any conditions placed upon the buyer should be within reason based on historical data from past agreements of like kind. Approving a sale with conditions that are so restrictive, unprecedented and detrimental to the organization’s financial survivability is the same as rejecting the sale.

Refuse to demonize an organization who chooses to run a profitable business.A lot of noise was made about the fact that Prime Health Care is a for profit organization. To the chagrin of many business owners who know profitability is the only way to survive, Prime Health Care was made out to be less compassionate because of its “for profit” business model. Maybe a health care

provider who actually makes a profit can indeed offer more and better products to their customers and patients, not to mention those who are less fortunate and need greater assistance. Businesses within Gilroy are a great example of generosity. Local business owners give to non-profits, the homeless, those in need, youth programs and many others. Generosity is a condition of the human heart, not a condition forced upon an organization by the government. Thankfully, Apple Computer is not told they must operate their business in a deficit mode for 10 years. If so, they may have no other choice but to purchase the State of California from the Federal Government and run it profitably.

Gilroy Chamber of CommerceOFFICERSCHAIR OF THE BOARD LISA FARIA • Coldwell Banker

PAST CHAIR DEBBI SANCHEZ • Fortino Winery

CHAIR OF THE BOARD-ELECT TERRY FEINBERG • Moxxy Marketing

SECRETARY/TREASURER DAVID MATUSZAK, Ed.D.

VC OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT TERRY NEWMAN • Gavilan College

VC PUBLIC AFFAIRS TERRY FEINBERG • Moxxy Marketing

VC BUSINESS PROGRAMS & SERVICES JAY MENCHACA • Menchaca Law Offices

VC MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS CHERYL ELLEMBERG • ABD Promotions

BOARD OF DIRECTORS JASON RABY • Articulate Solutions DAVID JEWELL • Syngenta Flowers ERIC GEBHARDT • Hilton Garden Inn PAM GARCIA • Affordable Solar Roofs GINA LOPEZ • State Farm Insurance

CHAMBER STAFF Mark Turner • President/CEO Michelle Garcia • Administrative Assistant Chris Bevilacqua • Administrative Assistant Sue Thurman • Business Relationship Manager

WELCOME CENTER STAFF Jane Howard • Executive Director Pam Gimenez • Office Manager

EDC STAFF Tammy Brownlow • President/CEO Candace Van Sambeek, Administrative Assistant

FOCUS PRODUCTION STAFF EDITOR • Mark Turner, President/CEO Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

PRODUCTION & DESIGN • J. Chris Mickartz InfoPOWER Communications

PHOTOGRAPHY • Larry Mickartz InfoPOWER Communication

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

Page 2 Gilroy Business Focus I April 2015

LISA FARIA2015 Chair of the BoardGilroy Chamber of Commerce

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD

BY NOW YOU ALL HAVE had a chance to meet the winners of the Spice of Life Awards for 2015, if only in reading about them in this newspaper! We are so blessed in Gilroy to have what appears to be a never ending supply of dedicated, outstanding citizens. Each year the Chamber recognizes some of these fantastic people. But I am sure if you were to ask them, none would seek the recognition.

Why do we serve? What makes a local hero? Do you know there are people in our town who get up early on a regular basis and read to local youth? Have you heard that there are citizens who spend time entertaining our senior citizens by reading to them, playing cards or just visiting? There are people who rescue animals – of every kind!

“The miracle is this - the more we share, the more we have.”People volunteer and are trained to help the community during an emergency.

What do all of these people have in common? They sacrifice, they train, they succeed. I am amazed at the number of these unbelievable citizens I encounter at the Gilroy Chamber. Come to a mixer, break-fast, ribbon cutting or meeting – you will see every day citizens who go above and beyond to make our town a better place.

Here is the good news! You can help identify our outstanding citizens, youth that deserve a High 5, Gilroy businesses who have taken the initiative to beautify their business - by nominating them for a Gilroy Chamber Award. Log on to Gilroy.org and you will

find the nomination forms. Together we not only make a better community, but we can help recognize others who are working to make Gilroy the community with a Spice for Life.

Each month I would like to recommend a Book of the Month and an App of the Month. Going with the theme of outstanding Gilroy Citizens – and just for fun – I recommend Any Bozzo Can Cook by SakaBozzo, Gene Sakahara and Sam Bozzo. And my App of the Month is My Chamber App to keep up with events - download it today.

— Leonard Nimoy

MARK TURNERPresident/CEOGilroy Chamber ofCommerce

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO

Three Things I Would Change About the Process

For Information About Our

Member Businesses, Visit Us On Facebook

What’s New With Chamber Businesses!

April 2015 I Gilroy Business Focus Page 5

SUE THURMAN Business RelationshipManager, Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

BMI Products of Northern California, who produces and sells a full range of mortar products and systems for the construction industry, has been acquired by Sika. The acquisition will accelerate Sika’s global expansion in the fast growing mortar busi-ness with an extended new supply chain in the Western US. The BMI plant, which is located in Milpitas, brings Sika’s mortar footprint to 76 factories worldwide. The BMI facility, together with Sika’s Santa Fe Springs production facility near Los Angeles, provides strong access to the large and fast growing California construction market.

The Gilroy Assistance League announces its eleventh annual signature fundraiser, “Impressions” Home and Garden Tour, featuring four homes and a garden in South County’s western foothills on May 8 and 9. Guests enjoy complimentary light appetiz-ers and no-host wine along with a Home and Garden Boutique at the end of the tour. Tours will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 4:00 p.m. with final check-in at 1:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the event and are available on the Gilroy Assistance League website, gilroyassistanceleague.org or from members after April 1. All proceeds benefit local health and recreation programs, visual and performing arts, and numerous other youth-oriented projects in our local Gilroy community.

Following last year’s successful day of giving that benefited more than 600 nonprofit organizations by raising over $8M last spring, Silicon Valley Community Foundation is excited to announce that it will again host Silicon Valley (SV) Gives 2015. On Tuesday, May 5, Silicon Valley Gives will raise money for local nonprofits through a single online donation platform, providing a simple way to connect donors to the charitable causes they care about most and encourage them to take action. And Gilroy Foundation is on board challenging 16 of its nonprofit partners to spread the news of this 24 hour Day of Giving in our Valley. The Foundation hopes to surpass the funds raised last year--more than $47,000. As the day draws closer, you’ll be hearing more about how to “Give Where You Live.” Visit the website at gilroyfoundation.org and following the link on the Home Page and if your company would like to sponsor a dollar for dollar match of gifts given in the 24 hours, con-tact the Foundation at 408-842-3727 or email Vicki@gilroyfoundation.org.

Nancy Diaz, Grande Destinations says there are lots of travel ideas for you with summer approaching: Hawaii is waiting for you with amazing values on air this sum-mer. Find out which island is right for you. Whether a honeymoon, a family vacation or a relaxing getaway, Hawaii is always a great choice. And, right now the US dollar exchange against the Euro is the best it has been in 12 years, making this a great time to travel to Europe, or to plan for 2016. Most of the cruise lines, either ocean liners or river cruise have their 2016 itineraries and prices, so if you are looking for a spe-cial occasion cruise for yourself or a group, this is the time to start planning. Nancy would love to help you with all your travel plans....remember it costs no more to use a travel agent: 650-483-2720 or nldiaz46@yahoo.com.

Nimble Thimble has started a new group, “Enjoy Designing Gorgeous Embroidery” or EDGE. This is a FREE group for those who enjoy doing machine embroidery, who might like to try it, or even those who appreciate the skill and want to learn more. There will be 2 meetings a month: the 2nd Thursday to discuss practical embroidery issues and the 4th Thursday for Floriani software. Everyone is welcome to attend. Topics will be determined at every meeting. Updates will be provided to the Nimble Thimble email followers, and basic information will be available on the web-site. EDGE will also have an on-line user forum. Please join us as we develop this GREAT south county embroidery resource. Visit nimblethimble.com or call Linda at 408-842-6501 for info.

The California Rodeo Salinas is now accepting entry applications for the 2015 Colmo del Rodeo Parade. The parade has been a part of the traditions associated with Big Week and the California Rodeo Salinas for many years. The parade will roll through Old Town Salinas on Saturday July 11th starting at 8:00 pm, following the Kiddie Kapers Parade. Thousands of people line the streets for this free parade that features lighted entries consisting of floats, tractors, golf carts, bands and more. Information and entry forms can be found at carodeo.com/events/2015/colmo-del-rodeo-parade(2) and will be accepted until June 1st. The committee is seeking addi-tional sponsors for this community event. Contact Barbara Balentine at 831-775-3104 or bbalentine@carodeo.com to get your company involved in the Colmo del Rodeo Parade.

A secure Financial Future doesn’t just hap-pen by accident. It requires thoughtfully identifying your goals, and developing a plan to achieve them. Now is the time to make or adjust your plan toward a secure financial future. Call Jeffrey M. Orth, ChFC, CASL, owner of Integrated Financial Benefits Network at 408-842-2716 for your complimentary appointment to get a head start on securing your financial future.

The newest play at Pintello Comedy Theater is a bright, warm comedy about dreams, life and love. Running from March 27 through April 18, the play features Jayson Stebbins and Denee Lewis Bohnsack, veterans of Pintello Comedy Theater. “First Night,” directed by Whitney Pintello, will delight with its humor and heart. The performance on Saturday, April 11, is a fundraiser for Gavilan Early College Academy, GECA, where Pintello granddaughter Shelby McClelland is a senior. Half of every ticket sold will be donated to the GECA Sober Grad Night celebration. Reservations and information are online atPintelloComedy.com or 408-337-1599, or email Pintello@charter.net. Gilroy Grange Hall, 8191 Swanston Lane.

Mark your calendars for the 7th Annual Hello Gorgeous ChildHelp Fashion Show. ChildHelp is an organization that aids, edu-cates, and brings awareness to the issue of child abuse. Come and enjoy food, music, hair and fashion, deluxe raffle prizes worth $750-$1,500, and more on Saturday, September 19. Tickets will be on sale soon, get them while they last. For future updates on the fashion show visit hellogor-geousgilroy.com and for more information on ChildHelp visit ChildHelp.org.

Jayson Stebbins and Denee Lewis Bohnsack in costume for play at Pintello Comedy Theater.

Mixer

Joyce’s CollectablesGuild MortgageHeritage BankLisa Faria, Coldwell BankerRealty World-Cindy DallaCal-SOAPSan Benito BeneGilroy Nissan Hyundai

A Special Thanks for March Raffle PrizesBreakfast Club

Integrated Financial BenefitsPintello Comedy TheaterFortino WineryBach to Blues Festival Mission Powder CoatingNancy Diaz, Grande DestinationsCindy Dalla, Realty WorldJoyce’s CollectablesMichele Campbell Insurance ServicesMark Turner, Chamber of Commerce

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