www.tularechamber.org — 220 East Tulare Ave., Tulare, CA 93274 — (559) 686-1547

“You can always judge a tree by the fruit it produces.” For me, these words have served as a great reminder on how to care for the things we

are responsible for. Having moved to the Tulare area when I was around 12 years old from Riverside, CA I never would have imagined that

those words would have the impact that they do on me today. Bravo Farms has been no exception to this, and neither have I. Our first loca-

tion was actually started just up the road a few miles where my dad keeps large amounts of old signs and some really cool things for families

to do while they stop off the highway. We were approached by the Tulare Outlet Center not too long after. We have since opened two other

locations. One in Visalia, and one in Kettleman City. Each location offering it’s own spin on our version of hospitality.

UPDATE S E C U R I N G T U L A R E ’S F U T U R E

OCTOBER 2015

S M A L L T O W N G R O W T H Tulare: Soil For Sowing By Jonathan Van Ryn

Freedom Christian Academy

Freedom Christian Academy is a developing University-

Model® School (UMS). The University-Model is a hybrid of 3

educational models, taking the best aspects of public school,

private school and home school and rolling them into one high-

ly effective model. Students attend classes 2 days a week & are

schooled at home under teacher-directed, parent implemented

lesson plans. Parents in direct partnership with teachers provide

a complete educational program. Until now, the University-

Model has not been among the typical options for parents in

education.

Freedom Christian Academy (FCA) follows a traditional school

year beginning after Labor Day and ending just before Memori-

al Day. Freedom Christian Academy opened in 2015 with stu-

dents from Kindergarten to 3rd grade. The plan is to add 1-2

grades each year and eventually offer high school level courses.

The immediate goal of Freedom Christian Academy is to pro-

vide a quality, cost-effective, Christ-centered education accom-

plished in a way that gives parents time to impart their faith and

values to their children. Freedom Christian Academy edifies

parents by providing training, support, encouragement and af-

firmation so that they will be confident in educating their stu-

dents at home. The UMS schedule offers parents the "Gift of

Time." With 3 days at home, parents have time to impart their

family values, their faith and their family traditions.

Freedom Christian Academy also provides parents with the

opportunity to use curriculum infused with faith and Christian

principals. The unique educational model affords parents the

opportunity to really discover their student’s strengths and

weaknesses, academically, emotionally and spiritually.

The ultimate goal of Freedom Christian Academy is to produce

wholesome, competent young men and women of character,

who will make a positive impact for Christ in the next genera-

tion. It is the desire of FCA to assist parents in raising children

who will leave a positive imprint on their communities through

local service, who will leave an optimistic future for coming

generations, and who will fulfill the great commission globally.

FCA is a member of the National Association of University-

Model Schools (NAUMS), an or-

ganization which offers support

and guidance to UM schools.

Parents looking for a quality educa-

tional experience will find this at

Freedom Christian Academy.

Nominations for Tulare’s Man and Woman of the Year and

Small and Large Business of the Year are now being accepted

by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. Nomination Forms can

be picked up at the Chamber office or printed from the Cham-

ber’s website, tularechamber.org, and must be submitted by

5:00 pm on Friday, November 4, 2015.

Each year, the Chamber recognizes two individuals whose

community activities have been sufficiently outstanding to war-

rant receiving the Man or Woman of the Year Award. Nomina-

tions can be submitted by individuals or by organizations in the

Tulare area, along with a brief resume of the nominee’s civic

and social activities, and a description of how those activities

have contributed to the quality of life in Tulare. Nominees for

these awards must be at least 21 years of age.

Nominations for the Chamber’s Small and Large Business of

the Year awards are also being accepted. Nominees must be

current members of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, doing

business within the greater Tulare area. Awards will be based

on demonstrated business innovation and job creation, commu-

nity support and participation, and business practices. To be

nominated for the Large Business of the Year, the business

must employ more than 25 people.

This year’s recipients will join a prestigious list of past hon-

orees that have helped shape our community. Last year’s recip-

ients were: Tom Drilling, Man of the Year; Sandra Gist-

Langiano, Woman of the Year; Palace Food Depot, Large Busi-

ness of the Year; and Happy Cookers, Small Business of the

Year.

Return nominations to: Tulare Chamber of Commerce office or

faxed to (559) 686-4915. The winners will be honored at the

Annual Chamber Banquet on Friday, January 29, 2016.

Man/Woman of the Year and

Small/Large Business of the Year

S E C U R I N G T U L A R E ’S F U T U R E

2

As more kids use mobile phones and surf the web at increasing-

ly younger ages, sexting and internet safety are becoming big-

ger childhood health concerns.

That is a big change from the 70's and 80's when most of my

time was spent caring for kids with acute infections, premature

babies and well baby care!

According to a recent poll (May 2015), the top concerns of

parents are: childhood obesity, bullying, drug abuse, internet

safety/sexting, school violence, teenage pregnancy and stress/

anxiety/depression.

Some more common issues like Asthma and Diabetes did not

make the list because doctors and parents have a good idea of

how to address these conditions. By contrast, parents, educa-

tors and health providers are still trying to determine the best

approaches for obesity and internet safety.

These health concerns highlight a need for parents to foster

open communication with their children and teens and monitor

not just their coming and going but also their activities on line.

Parents must take on a greater “hands on” approach to parent-

ing, knowing what their child is texting, emailing, Facebooking

and blogging and with who they are communicating in these

fashions.

The key recommendation for parents is to keep communication

open. Make sure your child feels comfortable coming to talk to

you when problems arise.

3

ABLE Industries was incorporated in 1962 in the City of Tulare

as the Tulare County Training Center for the Handicapped. It

began with a volunteer staff and a client population of under 20

individuals. While beginning as a drop-in center for arts and

crafts it grew over time to incorporate work training as its pri-

mary focus. Stuffing envelopes, packaging, and product sorting

were early contracts with local businesses.

ABLE Industries is a non-profit organization that offers a varie-

ty of services to adults with disabilities. If you have a disability

and would like information on services we provide, please visit

our ABLE Programs area on our website - Life Skills Learning

Center, Organizational Employment and Community Employ-

ment sections (ableindustries.org).

ABLE Industries has over 50 years experience in assembling

and packaging. We help small to large businesses grow with

our unique combination of physical and human capital. If you

are a business looking for temporary labor to help with your

business needs or you want to buy personal care kits, personal

care products or sweep nets, please refer to our Products and

Services area for ways that ABLE can meet your needs.

Over time, the agency has grown to provide services to the

greater part of Tulare County. We currently have an 85,000

square foot facility in the Industrial Park of Visalia allowing for

production training, warehousing, and location of our adminis-

trative offices and employment programs. While this facility

focuses primarily on work training and community crew/

employment services, ABLE has a day training program, the

Life Skills Learning Center, located in its former community

work center in Visalia. This program addresses the life skill

needs of adults with more severe disability issues.

ABLE Industries is committed to improving the lives of people

with disabilities by creating opportunities to maximize their

independence.

Their vision is to be the leader in quality job training, employ-

ment, life skills education and community supportive services

to people with disabilities.

S E C U R I N G T U L A R E ’S F U T U R E

Tulare Pediatric Group ABLE Industries

Dr. Prem Kamboj M.D. of the Tulare Pediatric Group

4

S E C U R I N G T U L A R E ’S F U T U R E

Gary Bates

Tulare City Schools

Sponsor Tulare City School District

L E A D E R S H I P T U L A R E C L A S S O F 2 0 1 5—2 0 1 6

Megan Ellison

Tulare County Probation

Sponsor Tulare County Probation

Department

Crystal Boling

Rabobank

Sponsor Tulare Noon Rotary

Denise England

County of Tulare, Administrative Office

Sponsor County of Tulare

Lateena Ling

United Way of Tulare County

Sponsor United Way of Tulare County

Janet Frausto

St. Rita’s Catholic Church

Sponsor St. Rita’s Catholic Church

Kevin Mikesell

County of Tulare

Sponsor Tulare County Health &

Human Services

Michelle Pyatt

Gainsborough Studio

Sponsor J.D. Heiskell & Company

Nicole Riley

County of Tulare, Administrative Office

Sponsor County of Tulare

Krissy Schultz

Tulare Consolidated Ambulance Dispatch

Sponsor Lifestar Ambulance

Lauren Torrence

Tulare Chamber of Commerce

Sponsor Citizens Business Bank

S E C U R I N G T U L A R E ’S F U T U R E

5

Leadership Tulare Welcome Reception

The 2015-16 Leadership Tulare class and their sponsors were

introduced at a welcome reception in their Honor at the Tulare

Historical Museum on Tuesday, September 8th. The new class

members and their sponsors are: Gary Bates-Tulare City School

District, Crystal Boling-Tulare Rotary Club, Joseph Carlini-

City of Tulare, Maritsa Castellanoz-Luis Navarez, Megan El-

lison-County of Tulare Probation Department, Denise England-

County of Tulare, Janet Frausto-St. Rita’s Catholic Church,

Lateena Ling-United Way of Tulare County, Kevin Mikesell-

Tulare County Health & Human Services, Michelle Pyatt-J.D.

Heiskell & Co, Nicole Riley-County of Tulare, Kristina Schultz

-Life Star Ambulance, Lauren Torrence-Citizen’s Business

Bank.

Prior to the reception the new class toured the Tulare Historical

Museum with Leadership alumni and museum curator Chris

Harrell. Former Leadership Tulare alumni Kevin Mooney and

Erika Vejar-Zamorano were the evenings MC’s. Daniel

Schultz, another Leadership Alumni, introduced the class. Fam-

ily members, Leadership alumni, sponsors, employers and Tu-

lare City Council Woman Shea Gowin were in the audience to

support the 2015-16 Leadership Tulare Class.

Back for her third year as facilitator is Terry Sayre. Terry is a

Leadership & Educational Coach and CFLC Certified Fearless

Living Coach. Terry was an educator in Tulare for over 30

years. “I am pleased to have a diverse group of men and wom-

en in this year’s program. The next year will be an exciting and

empowering time for each of them. The major goal of the pro-

gram this year is to strengthen our skills in six areas: Commu-

nication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Compas-

sion and Commitment. These are identified skills for leaders of

the 21st Century. “

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce could not fulfill it’s mission

to advocate for and engage in efforts to encourage economic

opportunity and business prosperity in Tulare without the sup-

port of these sponsors.

Chairman Sponsors

President Sponsors

Director Sponsors

Ambassador Sponsors

Harris Construction, Law Office of Michael Lampe,

Southern California Edison, Tulare Outlets,

Valley Business Bank, Will Tiesiera Ford

S E C U R I N G T U L A R E ’S F U T U R E

6

New Member

Chamber Board Nomination

The Chamber Board has approved a nomi -

nating committee led by Chair Elect Kerissa

Chapman (International Agri-Center).

Kerissa and her nominating committee have

nominated Ken Dodson, retired Tulare City

Fire Department Division Chief, to fill the

board vacancy. The Tulare Chamber of

Commerce Board unanimously approved of the committee’s

nomination.

Ken is an active Chamber member through Noon Rotary. Any ten

Chamber members in good standing may submit additional nomi-

nations to the Chamber CEO by October 9, 2015. If no new nom-

inations are submitted from Chamber membership then Ken Dod-

son will be deemed elected to the Tulare Chamber of Commerce

Board effective November 2015.

October Calendar

October 1, 3:00 pm, 263 S West St., Tulare

Family HealthCare Tulare Health Center Grand Opening

and Ribbon Cutting

October 5, 5:30 pm, 3206 N. Dinuba Blvd. Ste. F., Visalia

Visalia Modern Dentistry Ribbon Cutting

October 12, 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm, Apple Annie’s

Governmental Affairs Committee

October 20, 8:00 am—9:00 am, Tulare Chamber Board Room

Ambassador Meeting

October 20, 8 am - 4:30 pm, Tulare Chamber office

Quick Books Basics

October 21, 8 am – 1 pm, Tulare Chamber office

Quick Book Intermediate

Loyal Renewing Members

Alisa L. Martin D.D.S.

Associated Soils Analysis, Inc.

Cardoza Company

Carvalho's Pool Service

Carver Pump Service

Clarklind Farms

Colleen's Services

Cross Street Small Animals Veterinary Hospital

Daro Commodities

Doug Anderson Real Estate, Inc.

Encore Theatre Company

Functional Fitness - Tulare

Gillett Philpot Mattos Attorneys at Law

Greg Watte Ranch

Iron Grip Gym

Kirby Manufacturing, Inc.

At Visalia Modern Dentistry we are committed to understanding and meeting your needs as

a patient. Our state-of-the-art equipment makes us one of the most technologically advanced

offices in the area. We have intra-oral cameras, which allow us to view your teeth on a flat-

screen monitor directly in front of you, and digital X-rays, which emit 90% less radiation

than standard X-rays. At Visalia Modern Dentistry you can even watch a movie while you're being treated. All of this technology

allows us to be more accurate and efficient with your dental care, which enables us to provide the best dentistry at an affordable cost

to you. Our experienced associate dentist, Dr. Rasul, has spent 8 years in practical dentistry in Visalia and enjoys helping patients

obtain their perfect smile.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Tulare

La Quinta Inn & Suites Tulare

LPL Financial

Lynn & Annette Dredge

Mario Simoes Family Dairy

NAMI Tulare Co.

Que Pasa Mexican Grill

Richman Property Services

San Joaquin Valley Homes

Sequoia Beverage Company

Sign Time

Steven & Arlene Hettinga

Suncrest Bank

Tulare County Board of Supervisors/Pete Vander Poel

Vermillion & Associates Insurance Agency

William F. Adkins OD

S E C U R I N G T U L A R E ’S F U T U R E

7

Business After Hours Mixer hosted by

Coulter’s Flooring America on September 10th

Happy Trails Saputo Arena Ribbon Cutting

2773 E. Oakdale Ave., Tulare

Grant Writing Workshop, September 15th

Presented by Michael Cortes

Member News

Mission Oak High School Selected to Join the Lenovo

Scholar Network Mission Oak is excited to announce their

selection for the 2015-2016 Lenovo Scholar Network. The

program, now in its second year, provides select NAF acade-

mies across the country with a comprehensive mobile appli-

cation development curriculum, promoting critical thinking,

team building and analytical skills needed to create the next

generation of developers and innovators. Mission Oak is

one of 20 NAF academies selected to participate in the

Lenovo Scholar Network during the 2015-2016 academic

year.

LPL Financial Invites You To An Open House Party LPL

Financial is holding an Open House Party celebrating their

clients and our community. The party will be held at 3000 W.

Main St., Visalia on October 29th from 4:00 pm—7:00 pm.

Please RSVP to Kim at 559-625-4005 or

kim@thiesendueker.com

Tulare County Fair Continues to Rebound The Dairy Re-

placement Auction and the Junior Livestock Auction hit a

new record of over $1 million during the 2015 Tulare County

Fair – and the fair itself surpassed last year’s record attend-

ance. The auctions generated $1.13 million, all of which goes

back to the youth to support their animal projects, reported

Pamela Fyock, chief executive officer of the fair. Attendance

was 117,679, up 12.2 percent, and the carnival was up 5.3

percent, to an all-time high in revenue. Food and beverage

sales were up 22 percent.

Personnel Solutions Unlimited, Inc. Honors Contribu-

tions of Temporary, Contract Employees to California’s

Economy Personnel Solutions Unlimited, Inc. based in Visa-

lia, CA is joining staffing firms from across the nation in

celebrating National Staffing Employee Week, Sept. 28–Oct.

4. Established by the American Staffing Association, this

commemorative week honors the millions of temporary and

contract employees working for U.S. staffing firms each

week.

Tulare County Symphony Features Latin Music The

sounds of Latin folk music, rhythms and dance will keep the

Visalia Fox Theatre hopping when the Tulare County Sym-

phony performs “Celebración” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.

3. Tickets are $30 to $39.50 at the symphony office, 208 W.

Main Street, Suite D, Visalia, downstairs in Montgomery

Square. Student prices are $10. Tickets are also available at

732-8600 or go to www.tularecountysymphony.com.

PRSRT U.S. POST-

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TULARE, CA

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