The Voice November 2011

Based in Vallejo, Meyer Corpora-tion is part of Meyer Interna-tional Holdings. With manufacturing plants through-

out the world, they manufacture and distribute high quality, top performing cookware, utilizing cutting edge technol-ogy and design. Using various materials such as stainless steel, hard-anodized aluminum, and nonstick aluminum, they produce four different brand names, including Farberware and Kitchen Aid, that are effectively marketed to satisfy a wide spectrum of cookware needs.

This marketing strategy made them one of the fastest growing cookware companies during the 90s. Today, they are the second largest distributor of range top cookware in the country.

“Our newest distribution center in

VoiceThe

OUR MISSION: Improve the local economic base through active advocacy and programs to assist our members.

On the Web: www.ffsc-chamber.com

FAIRFIELD-SUISUN CITYCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

November 2011

pRESIDENT’S CLUB•Anheuser-Busch

DIRECTOR’S CLUB•Copart•Hilton Garden Inn•Lewis Planned Communities•MV Transportation•Solano Garbage Company•Sutter Health (SRMF/SSMC)•Techpro Source

CHAIRMAN’S CLUB DIAMOND CLUB•B & L Properties•Bryan-Braker Funeral

Home•Credit Bureau

Associates

•Daily Republic•Emerson West Coast

Engineering, The•First Northern Bank•Ford Lincoln Fairfield

•Gaw Van Male•Pacific Gas & Electric•PRIDE Industries•Rexam Beverage Can

Co.

pREMIER CLUB•Costco of Fairfield•Goodrich•Quality Inn & Suites•Kaiser Permanente

•Potrero Hills Landfill•Raley’s Super Stores•sMarketnow.com•Solano Athletic Clubs

•Wal-Mart•WestAmerica Bank

UpcOMINgMIxeRS

11.14 Jelly Belly Candy Company

11.30 Staybridge Suites

See Meyer, Page 6

1

Governor vetoes four ‘job killer’ bills; signs one into law

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. concluded his work on legislation last month, vetoing two more CalChamber-opposed “job killer” bills in addition to two earlier vetoes and signing one job killer bill into law. A total of five job killers ultimately made it to the Governor’s desk from the 30 that were identified for 2011.

“We commend Governor Brown for vetoing nearly all CalChamber identified job killers,” said Allan Zaremberg, President and CEO of the California Chamber of Com-merce. “Governor Brown’s commitment to ‘do no more harm’ to California’s economy

Solano named one of 100 Best Communities for Young People

Solano County has once again achieved national recognition as one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by ING for its ongoing activities to help children and youth.

This year marks the fifth time that Solano County has been recognized as a 100 Best winner. The competition recognizes communities across the country that focus on

See Governor, Page 9

See Solano, Page 11

Robinson Kuntz/Daily Republic (2010)

An automatic rail system moves pallets of cookware at Meyer Corporation’s distribution center.

B U S I N e S S S p O t l I g h t

Meyer Corporationuses cutting edge technology to produce cookware

In times when the world is upside down with unemployment rates that are skyrocketing, the stock market is unstable, the housing market is a disaster, small businesses are closing because the mandates are unfair, manufacturing jobs

are being exported to other countries, school achievement scores are not where they should be, and national politics are becoming a joke, how can we be thankful? Many ways!

We must look around and think about our forefathers and their contributions to the economy and recognize why business was good and great. Thank you.

We can be thankful for all the past presidents of the Chamber. They worked together with their board members and other volunteers and did many great things for this Chamber. Many past presidents continue to be involved – like Ray Schoch, Ben Huber, Kendall Hillman, Mac MacManigal, Kathy Parsons, Anand Patel, Scott Reynolds, Darelyn Pazdel, Gary Falati, Steve Epps, Yvonne Greer-McManigal, John Monson, Chuck Goldman, Mark Sievers, Steve Spencer, and Ed Lippstru. We couldn’t ask for a more professional dedicated group of men and women who devoted their time and effort towards the success of the Chamber. Thank you.

Volunteers are special . . . it is very important that we make sure we express our appreciation in many ways. Today our ambassadors continue to support the Chamber by volunteering countless hours to make sure the Chamber’s good will is spread to others. To Charles McCullar, chief ambassador, and all the other ambassadors of good will. Thank you.

It has been an exceptional few months for the Chamber. We are blessed to have filled some of our office space with new tenants who not only want to

be a part of the Chamber team, but a part of a great atmosphere to work. We are all working for the common good – to advocate for our businesses! Welcome, Bob Lee with BluePrint Investing, LLC; sMartketnow. com – Don MacDonald; The Friend-raisers – Lanny Couvillon and John Youngberg; Ken Brock of the Brock Law Group; and Anand Patel, The Fairfield Tourism Association. Thank you.

We are also blessed to have a great relationship with Travis Air Force Base and the command officers. The Travis Regional Armed Forces Commit-tee continues to strive for the highest when it comes to support for the base operations. Thank you.

I am personally thankful to work for a loyal group of individuals and professionals on the Fairfield- Suisun Board of Directors and to have a great staff – Melissa, Debi, Darlene and Maury.

It is also wonderful to have the partnership with the City of Fairfield and Suisun City – our neighbors and friends! Thank you.

May you all have a blessed holiday and remember how important it is to be thankful for what we have around us in Fairfield and Suisun!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Board of Directors2010 - 2011

•CHAIRBarry Young Solano Athletic Clubs

•CHAIRMAN ELECTSue VaccaroSolano Garbage/Republic Services

•VICE CHAIR/TREASURERDavid Welch David L. Welch, CPA

•VICE CHAIRT. Burt McNaughtonDaily Republic

•VICE CHAIRAnthony Russo B&L Properties

•VICE CHAIRSteve Lessler The Lessler Group

•IMMEDIATE pAST CHAIRKevin JohnsonHilton Garden Inn

•DIRECTORSAndy AndersonTravis Credit Union

Ken BrockBrock Law Group, APC

Kevin FingerAnheuser-Busch

Ron MarletteMission Solano

Don McDonaldRE/MAX Gold Elite

Bridgit StrachanNorthBay Healthcare

•EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSHarry priceCity of Fairfield Mayor

pete SanchezCity of Suisun City Major

Dr. Jowel LaguerreSolano CC, President

•COMMITTEE CHAIRSCharles McCullarChief Ambassador

Chuck WoodChair, Business Issues

Steve LesslerChair, Membership

Mike CortezChair, Technology

Dale BaumlerChair, TRAFC

•CHAMBER STAFFLeslie FayPresident & CEO

Melissa ManryAdministrative Assistant

Debi TaveyCommunity Relations Director

The Voiceis published monthly by the Fairfield-Suisun City Chamber of Commerce1111 Webster StreetFairfield, CA 94533707.425.4625707.425.0826 / [email protected]

Printing by: Daily RepublicFor advertising call: 425-4646

the VOIce The official newsletter of the Fairfield-Suisun City Chamber of Commerce2 November 2011 www.ffsc-chamber.com

CITATION CLUB•Amos & Andrews, Inc.•AT&T•Ball Corporation•Cache Creek Casino

Resort•Creegan & D’Angelo

Engineers•Emeritus at Rancho

Solano•enXco

•Fairfield Tourism Association

•Gateway Health Alliance•Gillespie’s Abbey

Carpet•IHOP of Fairfield•Meyer Corporation•Momentum Auto Group•Paradise Valley Estates•Taco Bell

•Umpqua Bank•Video Pro Productions•Wells Fargo Bank•Westfield Solano•Yin McDonald’s

pAST CHAIRS CIRCLE•EdLippstreau76-77

•RaySchoch94-95

•BenHuber98-99

•KathyParsons01-02

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

chAIRMAN OF the BOARD

3 Reviewing Your Organization By Barry Young

Don’t Forget to Update Your Info for the New 2012 Business Directory

4 Business News

5 Calendar

6 Chamber Events

FAIRFIelD cItY MANAgeR

7 New Educational Opportunity for Local Youth By Sean Quinn

Special Events Downtown

8 New Members SUISUN cItY MANAgeR

9 How Many Shopping Days Until? By Suzanne Bragdon

Why we are thankful for our ChamberF R O M T H E D E S K O F

president/ceOleslie Fay

: Website numbers, referrals forSeptember2011Unique visitors:2,049Total visitors:5,318Total page hits:71,251Member referrals:90

A s a business owner or leader, you can never go wrong by taking a close

look at your business or depart-ment. We get used to habits and daily routines. We are so close to the work, we don’t see the possibilities of redesigning and re-engineering.

As the “driver-leader,” you must accept total responsibility for the results you are getting. No one on your team should care nor will care more than you! Owners and leaders must eliminate confusion; they must be clear and complete . . . they must keep the “main” thing, the main thing. I would like to suggest that you get and read (if you haven’t already) the great book, “Good To Great” by Jim Collins. This book can serve as a great workbook for you and your team as you begin to redesign and recreate your organization or department. I will provide the following briefs on two key points for your consideration.

“Becoming a Level 5 Leader” – Great companies have leaders who build cultures of greatness through a rare blend of personal humility and professional will. They lead by example and ensure that communications are clear, reasonable, fair, and that all people are treated with respect and integrity. No great organization can be built that has double standards and inconsistency. Level 5 Leaders find ways to recognize, reward and celebrate the good work of their team members. Level 5 Leaders also hold people accountable and are sure to redirect energy and effort that is

not consistent with the stated goals of the company. How do you stack up?

“The Hedgehog Concept” – Have you heard the Greek parable of the hedgehog and the fox? The cunning and quick fox is after the hedgehog only to always find the hedgehog tightly closed up with nothing but sharp quills to attack; a very focused and well protected animal that is built to survive the assault. Is your business “tightly focused?” Do you have laser quality focus? Great companies build goals around three basic concepts: What can you be the best at? What, exactly, drives the economic engine of your business? What are you deeply passionate about? Have you built your company around these kinds of concepts?

If you have the privileged opportunity to either own a business or lead one, you also have the chance to make it great! The concepts and ideas mentioned offer a start as to how to move from good to great! The choice is yours . . . why not begin today to take the first steps.

The official newsletter of the Fairfield-Suisun City Chamber of Commerce the VOIce www.ffsc-chamber.com November 2011 3

Barry YoungChairman of the Board

: Opportunities to build business relationships

Reviewing your organization

Don’t forget to update your info for the 2012 Business DirectoryBy Debi taveyCommunity Relations Director

It’s that time of year again to get out last year’s Business Directory and review your contact information. Every year the Fairfield-Suisun

Chamber of Commerce partners with the Daily Republic to publish and distribute the annual Business Directory. The 2012 Business Directory will reach more than 65,000 readers which will result in “new” business for our members.

I’m sure you understand the importance of reviewing the existing directory. Go to the Chamber’s website at www.ffsc-chamber.com to make sure your information is correct, especially if you joined after Nov. 30, 2010.

There are three key components to an effective listing, the first being your general information name, address, and phone number and if you have moved, added a name or changed your phone number. The second would be to review what three industries you are listed under, have you added or illuminated a service

and no longer belong under the category in which you are listed. The third is contact information. Are the people you have listed still with the company and is their contact informa-tion correct? This should be reviewed on a regular basis. If you see any changes that need to be made please email me at [email protected] or call 425-4625. I assure you the changes will be made in the system and in the 2012 Business Directory.

Having updated contact information for your business on our website and in the print direc-tory is key to the success of your business. While perusing our member listings last week on the website, I noticed how many of our members haven’t yet put their bios on their listing. I encourage all of you to tell us what makes your business special, why should a potential cus-tomer do business with you? Tell them what sets you apart from like businesses. If you need help navigating through this process, please don’t

See Directory, Page 8

NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield is Solano’s first trauma center

It’s official. NorthBay Medical Center is

now Solano County’s only Level III trauma center. An unveiling party was held Friday, Sept. 30, to undrape the Trauma Center sign, now posted at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and B. Gale Boulevard in Fairfield.

The crowd roared when the blue blocking was pulled down by a host of NorthBay officials and local dignitaries.

Representing NorthBay at the ceremony were Dr. Pete Zopfi, trauma medical director and chief of surgery, Kathy Richerson, vice president and chief nursing officer, Heather Venezio, trauma director and Daman Mott, director of Emergency Department/Trauma Services.

Also present were Solano County Supervisor Linda Seifert

and Fairfield City Councilman Rick Vaccaro, who were ably assisted by Fairfield Fire Chief Walt Tibbet and Solano County Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Michael Stacey, along with Fairfield Fire Battalion Chief Rob Bartoli and Fred Zaragoza, representing county Supervisor Mike Reagan.

The party in the adjacent parking lot included NorthBay Healthcare staff and senior managers, the NorthBay Trauma Team, local responders from fire departments, CALSTAR and Medic Ambulance.

“It’s been a long journey, but well worth it. We’re very proud of all the hard work that went into this achievement,” said Richerson.

“It’s a real victory for the citizens of Solano County,” said NorthBay President and CEO Gary Passama. “They will no longer have to take their injured 45 minutes away to a trauma center.”

Dr. Zopfi said he’s been


See News, Page 10

Business NewsTell us about your accomplishments, promotions and items of interest regarding your business. E-mail a press release to the Chamber at: [email protected] or fax it to 707-425-0826.

Nov

1tUe I AMBASSADOR

cOMMIttee MeetINg8 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, 1350 Holiday Lane, Fairfield

Nov

14MON I tRAFc

execUtIVe MeetINg9 to 10 a.m.

Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce, 1111 Webster Street

chAMBeR’S BUSINeSS AND SOcIAl hOUR MIxeR5:30 to 7 p.m.Jelly Bell Candy Co., One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield

Nov

16weD I lUNch & leARN

SeRIeS11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Call Melissa for de-

tails425.4625. Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce, 1111 Webster St.

Nov

17thU I MeMBeRShIp

cOMMIttee MeetINg9:30 to 10 a.m.


Nov

21MON I tRAVIS

RegIONAl ARMeD FORceS cOMMIttee MeetINg

Noon to 1:15 p.m.Delta Breeze Club, Travis AFB

Nov

22tUe I BOARD OF

DIRectORS MeetINg9 to 10:15 a.m.


Nov

23-25weD-FRI I chAMBeR

clOSeD FOR hOlIDAY

Nov

30weD I chAMBeR’S

SUNRISe MIxeR8 to 9 a.m.Staybridge Suites,

4755 Business Center Dr., Fairfield

Dec

1thU I SpIRIt OF

SOlANO11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Hilton Garden Inn,

2200 Gateway Ct., Fairfield

Dec

6tUe I AMBASSADOR

cOMMIttee MeetINg8 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, 1350 Holiday Lane, Fairfield

Dec

12MON I chAMBeR’S

ANNUAl hOlIDAY MIxeR5:30 to 7 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn, 2200 Gateway Ct., Fairfield

Dec

23FRI I chAMBeR

clOSeD FOR hOlIDAY

Dec

26-30MON-FRI I chAMBeR

clOSeD FOR hOlIDAY


cAleNDARNovember and December

lOOK FOR eSheetSON OUR weBSIte

jOIN the chAMBeR: cAll 425.4625 OR VISIt www.FFSc-chAMBeR.cOM

pleASe VISIt www.FFSc-chAMBeR.cOM FOR UpcOMINg RIBBON cUttINgS AND

gRAND OpeNINgS

“Serving Local Business Since 1947 For Account Receivable Solutions”

CREDIT REPORTSCOLLECTIONS

707-429-3211800-564-6440

www.cbacredit.com

460 UNION AVENUE • #C • FAIRFIELD, CA 94533

• Tenant Reports

• Collection Solutions

• Legal Division

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• Credit Reports

• Bad CheckCollections

• EmploymentReports

• Credit Reportsfor Consumers

New, unique educational opportunity for local youth

T he Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District announces the creation

of a new academically and physically rigorous program infused with character and citizenship education. The Public Safety Academy program is designed to provide rigorous academic and career prepara-tion for those interested in law enforcement, fire prevention, emergency response and related fields. Education will take place through an experien-tial, hands-on, project-based program. All state standards will be met and taught through the common core curriculum, ensuring that all graduates will qualify for the college or secondary training program of their choice. Through partner-ships with police and fire professionals, community college personnel and members of the community, graduates will be prepared to meet the demands of public safety careers in today’s world.

In addition to solid academic achievement, PSA students will graduate with proficiency in communications, problem-solving, critical thinking, technology applications, leadership and teamwork, and ethics and legal responsibilities. Graduates will be college and

career ready, with a solid foundation for future employ-ment in a public service agency.

The academy opens in 2012, and will be located at 1100 Civic Center Drive in Fairfield. Any student who is on grade level academically and willing to learn and apply the PSA core values of fidelity to others, diligence to succeed and scholarship in the classroom is welcome. Students must accept both uniform attire and behavior expectations.

Even if students are not yet certain of a career path, this program will be valuable. In ninth grade, students will focus their work with teachers, mentors in the public safety and security fields, and others to help explore career options which may be a good fit for them. If students change fields,

or even decide to pursue an entirely different type of career, the skills and character traits fostered at PSA will be a great advantage to them in their future endeavors.

The academy is currently accepting student applications for fifth- through eigth-grade classes. Each year the academy will add additional classes, ultimately creating a fifth- through 12th-grade program. Applications are now being accepted at: https://sites.google.com/a/fsusd.org/psa/home.

For more information, contact Gale D. Spears at 428-7611 or [email protected].

Companies continue to relocate, remodel and open

Despite the slow recovery in the housing marketing, Fairfield is seeing new industrial and retail business development and job growth. The following is an update on current projects:

TenCate Advanced Compos-ites is moving from Benicia to the former Tri-Eagle Beverage space on Cordelia Road. TenCate is a manufacturer of composite materials for the aerospace and other industries. The company will have 100 employees and has begun the multi-phase moving process.

Frank-Lin Distillers Prod-

ucts built a $34 million, 288,000-square-foot building in the Tolenas Industrial Park. Frank-Lin is a family and employee-owned business that produces and distributes more than 2,000 distilled spirits, wine, and beer.

TricorBraun, a packaging company, leased 127,000 square feet of space at 2280 Cordelia Road. TricorBraun is moving its location from Benicia to Fairfield and will have approxi-mately 80 employees.

The Wood Group recently moved into an 11,000-square-foot space at 2485 Courage Drive. Wood is a mechanical contractor involved in the installation and maintenance of mechanical equipment. Wood will have 10 office employees and between 10 to 100 employ-ees working in the field.

Harbor Freight Tools opened an 11,500-square-foot store at 1595 Holiday Lane fronting Interstate 80; and Chick-fil-A opened a 4,637-square-foot store at 1750 Travis Blvd. in the former Marie Callender’s space next to Blue Frog Grog & Grill.

Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield was scheduled for a soft opening in October. The 41,300-square-foot building includes 26 maintenance stalls and both indoor and outdoor

customer lounges.Lowe’s construction at the

N. Texas Street/I-80 Interchange is also well underway. The projected opening is spring 2012.

Sports Authority’s October opening of their 44,000-square-foot store shows that Fairfield continues to be the epicenter of retail in Solano County. The ground floor tenant occupies one-half of the former Mervyn’s space at Westfield Solano and opens just in time for the holiday shopping season.

Sephora beauty products and accessories opened in Septem-ber in the remodeled JCPenney store at Westfield Solano mall. The new $4 million “contempo-rary look” store renovation also includes a remodeled jewelry department, improved fitting rooms, new escalators and customer service booths relocated near store entrances.

The City’s Economic Devel-opment Division has not been deterred by a soft economy or the challenges before us during a virtual freeze on new redevel-opment activities. The division remains focused on attracting new businesses and new jobs to our community to ensure our economic health and recovery.

For more information, contact Karl Dumas at 428-7454 or [email protected].

THE VOICE The official newsletter of the Fairfield-Suisun City Chamber of Commerce6 November 2011 www.ffsc-chamber.com

The official newsletter of the Fairfield-Suisun City Chamber of Commerce THE VOICE November 2011 7

RibbonCuttings

Anniversaries

Autumn has arrived downtown and we are gearing up for our annual Veterans Day Commemoration and Parade on Nov. 11 followed by our annual old-time Candlelight Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 2.

This year’s Veterans Day Parade theme is “All Gave Some, Some Gave All.” Parade entry forms are available on our website and the entry fee will be waived for all veterans. This year’s parade will include school bands,

veterans groups and, of course, a strong presence from Travis Air Force Base, including the Band of the Golden West.

The parade entry fee is $45 and the deadline is Nov. 1. The Commemoration Ceremony will take place before the parade at 9:30 a.m. and is hosted by the American Legion Post 182 at the Fair-field Center for Creative Arts. The program will feature guest speak-ers, patriotic music from the Alive Music Orchestra and a POW/MIA Five

Hat Ceremony.As we approach the holiday season,

visitors will enjoy a few surprises. For starters, there will once again be a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony downtown. Like last year, there will also be plenty of family-friendly activities and entertainment. Begin your evening with our old-time Candlelight Parade led by Santa and Mrs. Claus! Visit the new Candyland attraction, take a ride on the trackless train, sing along with

carolers, and enjoy performances from local talent.

A crowd favorite last year was the stocking stuffer scavenger hunt. Chil-dren will receive a free stocking and follow the clues to receive their treats. Of course, no holiday event would be complete without a picture with Santa. Please join us for both the Veterans Day Parade and our fun holiday activities in downtown Fairfield! Visit www.fairfield mainstreet.com for more details.

Sean QuinnFairfield City Manager

Join Jelly Belly at their annual mixerDid you know about Jelly Belly’s

exclusive tour for the candy lover who seeks the VIP, personal travel experi-ence? A behind-the-scenes factory tour takes visitors onto the floor of the factory for an up close and personal experience like no other. Limited to six participants, the Jelly Belly University Tour gives fans a real education on how the candy is made. Another insider’s secret to the Jelly Belly Visitor Center is the corporate

meeting and banquet facilities. They accommodate small or large groups for corporate events. AV equipment is available, food service, and alcoholic beverages are options. On nights and weekends, weddings and birthday parties take place. Send your request to [email protected] for details. Join us for our annual Mixer on Nov. 14

from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in our Community Room upstairs in the Visitors Center.

Sunrise at StaybridgeYou are invited to the

Staybridge Suites’ Chamber of Commerce Mixer on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 4775 Business Center Drive in Fairfield. Join us for this great opportunity to unveil what lies here in Fairfield. Experience the charm and

hospitality of Staybridge Suites Fairfield/Napa Valley, an extended-stay all-suite hotel.

Fairfield was added to provide better service to our growing number of retail outlets as well as satisfy direct fulfillment ship-ments generated from our website potsandpans.com, stated Mike Rummelhoff, Director of Distribution Logistics, at Meyer Corp.

Two 2-Tiers Pick Modules Utilized in Full Case Order Picking System: The majority of product shipped from the Fairfield distribution center originates in the full case pick modules. Labels are generated and applied to full cases. Cases are loaded onto Automotion Slider Bed Belt conveyors and transported out of the pick modules. Full cases are replen-ished to carton flow rack from the rear of the pick module.

Split Case Order Picking System: Slower moving SKU’s, which make up a small portion of the overall shipments, are picked in a separate pick module. After verifying the contents of the split case orders, cartons are void filled, sealed, labeled, and merged with other full case product on the main trunk accumulation conveyor lines.

Two-Wide Merge Tables: A combination of zero-pressure live roller accumulation conveyor and decline belt conveyor transport cartons to the two-wide merge tables. Photoeye

sensors and a programmable logic controller are used to introduce cartons to the merge tables where they are seamlessly merged onto one conveyor.

Product from the pick modules accu mulate on Automotion Zero Pressure mechanical accumula-tion conveyor. The accumulation conveyor feeds the induction system.

Induction System: The induction system utilizes two varying speed belts to effectively “pull” gaps between cartons so they can be introduced to the sorter one carton at a time. The second, or downstream bed of the induction unit runs at a faster speed so that it pulls product away from the slower running first induction bed.

Full Case Order Verification System: Each full case carton is tagged with two barcodes. One that is affixed at the Meyer Corporation factory that manu-factured the cookware, and one that is generated and affixed at the Distribution Center. Once inducted, each carton is scanned by a side mounted Accu-Sort barcode scanner. The scanner records data from both of the barcodes and transmits the data to the Automotion Data manager, which directly interfaces with the Warehouse Management System. The Automotion Data Manager compares the data from the

factories barcode, which contains a description of the contents of the box, with the Distribution Centers barcode, which contains a description of what was ordered. If they match the carton is approved and is assigned to the designated divert lane. Once diverted, the carton is validated and confirmed with the WMS via the same interface. If the two barcodes do not match, the carton is diverted to an inspec-tion area for further disposition.

High Speed Flat Face Ship-ping Sorter: After induction and scanning, the Warehouse Management System, within milliseconds, records the scanned information, matches it to the order, and responds by automatically assigning divert lane information. With the sorter running at a constant speed and with a shaft encoder reporting data to the Automotion Sorter Controller, the ASC is able to approximate the distance each carton has traveled on the sorter. Lane assignments as determined by the Warehouse Management System are reported to the ASC and cartons are diverted to their appropriate destination.

The sortation system includes eight shipping downlines and one value-added line where additional internal labeling requirements are met.

Special events downtownBy Margaret ManzoExecutive director, Fairfield Main Street Association

11.14Jelly Belly

11.30Staybridge

Suites

Meyer, from page 1

Sam’s Club1500 Helen Power Road, Vacaville

The Leaven1970 Grande Circle, Fairfield

Front2Back Designs ~ 10 years

Travis Credit Union ~ 60 years

DaCosta’s Auto World 1907 N. Texas St., Fairfield

Dionne McCullar, Gysele Pearson and Charles McCullar

Patsy Van Ouwerker, President and CEO

Ambassadors: Cindy Rhodes, Full Plate Marketing and Kenny Lostica, Freedom Equity Group.

Chamber Sunrise

1076 Horizon Drive, Suite 13, Fairfield

649 Skymaster Drive, Travis Air Force Base

New MeMBeRSSeptember 2011

•Alvina SheeleyPO Box 402Fairfield, CA 94533 Phone: 707-425-5181Associate Member

•Full plate MarketingCindy Rhodes 771 East Monte Vista #29Vacaville CA 95688 Phone: 707-624-5464Network Marketing

•Mars hill christian SchoolJason Yarbrough 2075 Dover Ave.Fairfield CA 94533 Phone: 707-427-2665Education

•NorthBay elite Futbol clubMatt Bernard PO Box 2086Fairfield, CA 94533 Phone: 707-235-0466

MeMBeR ReINVeSt MeNtSSeptember 2011

•Robert W. Aubuchon, DDS MSD

•Brandman University

•Calbee America, Inc.•Clorox Company•Driven Raceway•Efrain Anthony Marrero Foundation

•enXco•Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District

•First 5 Solano•Hopkins Acura of Fairfield•JHL Commercial Properties•Leaven, The•North Texas Business Street Association

•Osterhout Contracting•Park Crossing Apartments•Parkside Dental•Raley’s Super Store #331/371•Rio Limousine Services•Solano Community College•Solano County Library Foundation

•State Farm Insurance•Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar

•Sutter Regional Medical Foundation

•Teichert Construction•University of San Francisco-San Ramon

•UPS Store, The•Woodcreek Plaza•Workforce Investment Board of Solano County

110% clUBSeptember 2011

•Calbee America, Inc.•Osterhout Contracting•Rio Limousine Services•Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar


MeMBeRShIp ANNIVeRSARIeSNovember 2011

MeMBeR # OF YeARS

James D. Prigmore, D.D.S. Since 1975 36Welch, David CPA Since 1982 29 Dr. Darwin F. Lum, D.D.S. Since 1987 24 Rotary Club of Cordelia Since 1988 23 Pacific Bell Smart Yellow Pages Since 1988 23 Comfort Inn Since 1989 22 Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Since 1995 16 Curtis Designs Since 1995 16 Solano Diversified Services Since 1997 14 Wiseman Company LLC, The Since 1997 14 City of Fairfield-Planning Commission Since 1998 13 Les Schwab Tire Center Since 1999 12

MeMBeR # OF YeARS

Sunni G. Yoon, D.D.S. Since 2000 11 Men’s Warehouse, The Since 2000 11 Alejandro’s Taqueria Since 2001 10 Sutter Solano Medical Center Since 2001 10 Rotary Club of Fairfield-Suisun Since 2001 10 Hector Ontiveros - REMAX Gold Since 2004 7 Pointe Apartments, The Since 2004 7 Segala, Mike, Councilman Suisun City Since 2004 7 sMarketnow.com Since 2006 5 Jiffy Lube Since 2006 5

The Chamber recognizes long-time members (five years or more) and we thank them for their years of support.

jOIN the chAMBeR: VISIt www.FFSc-chAMBeR.cOM

Directory, from page 3

hesitate to contact us 425-4625.It’s really that simple. As a

consumer I know when I’m ready to make a purchase it’s important the company I’m looking to do business with is easy to locate with strong community ties and accurate contact information. The Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce gives consumers in

Fairfield and Suisun City the information they are looking for in the directory and that same information is provided world-wide with our website. The Chamber wants to assist all of our members in obtaining new business and staying connected in the community, please give us a hand in providing accurate information.

will send a strong message that eliminating economic uncer-tainty is the first element of any program to make California more competitive.”

The Governor vetoed: AB 1155 (Alejo; D-Watson-

ville) Would have increased costs and lawsuits in the workers’ compensation system by eroding the apportionment provision that protects an employer from paying for disability that did not arise from work. Among other things, Governor Brown cited new litigation costs for businesses as a reason for his veto.

AB 325 (B. Lowenthal; D-Long Beach) Would have added to California businesses’ legal costs and responsibilities by requiring an employer to provide employees with up to three days of unpaid bereave-ment leave. In addition, the bill would have elevated the significance of the right to bereavement leave to the same level as the right to be free from racial or gender discrimination and harassment. In vetoing the bill, Governor Brown agreed with CalChamber, saying he believed the bill was unneces-sary because the vast majority of employers voluntarily make such an accommodation for the loss of a loved one. He also echoed CalChamber’s opposi-tion to the far-reaching private right to sue that the bill would have established.

The Governor signed:AB 22 (Mendoza; D- Artesia)

which will limit private employ-ers’ ability to use consumer credit reports for legitimate employment purposes, such as for screening potential hires who have direct and unsupervised access to any amount of cash and/or valuable non-financial assets. CalChamber argues that this bill will place California companies at a competitive disadvantage to other states.


How many shopping days until?Don’t panic. As I write, we

have 80 shopping days until Christmas (I’m

laughing – or maybe crying – as I write: Only 80 days???!!!)

But don’t panic. Truly. Let’s have some fun with this.

The kick-off of the holiday season for me starts with Halloween. In Suisun City alone, let’s just consider all of the great events we have awaiting us over the next (gulp!) 80 days . . .

Oct.22: Halloween HOWL at the Suisun Wildlife Center from noon to 3 p.m., where critters creep, screech hoot and hoooooowl!

Oct.25: Halloween at the Library – crafts, puppet show and more from 3-6 p.m.

Oct.29: Halloween ‘be creative’ Costume Party – Adults Only at Dimitri’s Lounge, 8 p.m. Make it a date night – singles and marrieds alike! Urban Bushman begins rockin’ the stage at 9:30 p.m. Tickets only $15.

Oct.31: Suisun City’s own Halloween Parade and More at the Waterfront, sponsored by our very own Volunteer Fire Department! The fun starts at

4:30 p.m., and includes costume parade (all ages), haunted houses and Merchants Trick or Treat along Main Street.

Oct.31: Halloweenie Cookout at Hall Park, hosted by the Salvation Army Kroc Center (Go Kroc!) The fun begins at 6 p.m.

Nov.4-20: Varied perfor-mances of “The Foreigner” presented by the Solano Repertory Theater at the Suisun City Harbor Theater. Another date night opportunity!

Let’s take a minute and “breathe.” You made it through Halloween. You’re heading into Thanksgiving and hopefully you’ve planned well and you’re a guest of someone else’s and have been assigned something simple

like the mashed potatoes!You’re gaining strength,

energy and endurance to make it to the final stretch of holiday shopping. And do we have some deals for you!

Nov.25-27: Old World Christmas Market at the Waterfront from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A holiday tradition that brings a bit of Europe to the Suisun City Waterfront for three days, with charming market stalls brimming with unique holiday gifts and treats.

Nov.27: Lawler House Artists Gallery Trunk Show – the perfect place to finish your holiday shopping with an artists’ flair!

Dec. 3: Old Town Christmas at the Waterfront – one of Suisun’s signature events. Truly the best in the region! Solano County’s only outdoor skate rink, encore of the European-style Christmas market (to really finish off your holiday shopping needs!), Christmas tree auction to benefit local charities (and help you deck – your halls or office or . . . ), lighted boat parade and much, much more! We start at noon and run through 8 p.m.

Dec.16-17: Holiday Movies Sing-Along presented by the Solano College Theatre Associ-ations and SCT’s Theatre Touring Company.

Still worried about the shopping? How about some unique, gourmet food items? Think the Shared Spoon with cake pops, cookie creations, let’s go nuts, Mille’s Biscotti, plumeria flours, flavored oils or just a simple cupcake (kidding – they’re anything but “simple”). Check out www.SharedSpoon.com for all the delicious details. Shared Spoon is one of our newest businesses, and as a gift of goodwill to the city, Jody Anselmo, owner and entrepre-neur, is donating the Christmas tree for City Hall this year. And we thank her!

So. You made it. Now the only question that’s left is, “What about New Year’s Eve?” The answer: Ascension will rock in 2012 at Dimitri’s Lounge. Advance tickets only.

Suisun City is Happening! Check out www.VisitSuisun.com for all the details as you make this holiday season enjoyable and fun. As it should be.

governor, from page 1

Suzanne BragdonSuisun City Manager


News, from page 4

ANNIE VOGELPOHL

Annie Vogelpohl Real Estate

Annie VogelpohlBroker CRS, LTG, RRC

Office: (707) 399-6959Cellular: (707) 373-6949

[email protected]

1261 Travis Blvd., Ste #270Fairfield, CA 94533

For the answers to yourreal estate questions call

Annie today!

waiting years to see the desig-nation come to fruition. “We’ve always handled trauma and we’ve done it really well, but now the focus is on making sure everyone knows what to do and when to do it. We’ve really come together as a team.”

The designation means nearly all trauma cases, with the exception of neurological cases, will be brought to NorthBay Medical Center by first responders.

Leadership Today of Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce: Heroes to Our Kids

When The Leaven celebrated the grand opening of its fourth tutoring center on Oct. 3, the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce Leadership Today Class of 2011 had reason to stand proud.

Adopting this site on Grande Circle as their project, Leader-ship Today’s “Solano Great Race” raised more than $18,600 for The Leaven. This amazing contribution is being perma-nently honored on a plaque in the center that expresses deep gratitude for Leadership Today.

“Without a doubt, the donation from the ‘Great Race’ will impact children in school this year – and for their futures,” said Mark Lillis, executive director of The Leaven. “The commitment of the Leadership Today class was unprecedented; it was a privilege to have them come alongside The Leaven, because they made such a profound difference to our program through this gift.

The Leaven is based in Fairfield, and brings

after-school homework and reading assistance to commu-nities where at-risk children live. To learn more about The Leaven go to myleaven.org.

Sutter named among top performers statewide

Sutter Medical Group in Solano County (formerly known as Solano Regional Medical Group), was recently named by the Integrated Healthcare Association as Most Improved and Top Performer – a recogni-tion few medical groups in the state ever receive.

Several years ago, Sutter Medical Group began taking steps to deliver care that is both high-quality and affordable. “We believe health care is personal – it means something different to each and every one of us,” says Fred Blair, M.D., divisional director of Quality, UM and Network Management for Sutter Medical Group in Solano County.

“Every employee brings a unique perspective to improv-ing health care for patients and plays a vital role in creating a highly coordinated, integrated system of care,” Dr. Blair continues.

At Sutter Medical Group, clinical and operations leaders collaborate with each other, as well as clinicians and staff, to identify and implement best practices. Comprehensive education programs include rounding with employees; newsletter articles and other communications tools help reinforce learning’s. Recogni-tion programs that celebrate achievements are also key

elements of Sutter Medical Group’s transformation.

Dr. Blair adds, “We’re a team. By supporting and motivating each other – and even some-times making each other laugh – we continue to advance clinical quality and enhance our patients’ experiences.”

Each year, IHA determines the top physician groups that have demonstrated best overall performance for each pay for performance measure includ-ing preventive care and chronic care management, patient satisfaction, and use of informa-tion technology to support safer, more effective care. Top performing physician organiza-tions in 2010 were identified by an overall composite score, based on their P4P domain scores, and compared against a comprehensive threshold calculated from the top 25 percent scores statewide for each P4P quality measure.

Most Improved winners are determined by calculating the relative improvement for each physician group on the overall performance composite score for this year compared to the overall performance composite score for last year. In order to be eligible, a group must have improved performance in both clinical quality, IT-enabled systemness, coordinated diabetes care, and patient experience domains. The physician group in each of the eight P4P regions that has the highest improvement score for overall performance is recog-nized as the most improved group in that region.

According to IHA, approxi-mately 35,000 physicians in more than 200 physician organizations across the state participate in California’s P4P program.

H H

H HWestamerica.com Member FDIC

An Awards Luncheon to honor Solano County businesses

which most embody the Spirit of Solano.

Thursday, December 1, 201111:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfield, CA

Invitations for all Chamber of Commerce members to follow.

W E S T A M E R I C A B A N K & S O L A N O E D C

p r e s e n t

T H E S I X T E E N T H - A N N U A L

M A R K Y O U R C A L E N D A R S

Your Community Banker ™

SolanoSPIRIT OF



Solano, from page 1

reducing high school dropout rates and providing service and support to their youth.

“Once again America’s Promise Alliance has affirmed that we are working hard to make our county one of the best places in the country for our kids,” said Supervisor Mike Reagan, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This award recognizes the hard work of many community members who have dedicated their time and talents to making a differ-ence in the lives of our young people.”

He noted that as in previous years, Solano’s strong collabora-tive such as the Solano Coali-tion for Better Health, BabyFirst Solano and the Children’s Alliance continue to be recog-nized by America’s Promise in their determination of the 100 Best honorees. “We commend the continuing focus on those efforts as well as those of the team recognized this year for efforts to reduce school dropout rates,” Supervisor Reagan said.

Through teamwork and local involvement, Solano County’s winning application empha-sized the fact that education does not begin and end in the classroom. America’s Promise was impressed with how Solano residents engage youth through various service programs, helping instill the notion that everyone can make a difference. They also noted that Solano partners came together despite tough economic times to make sure that children still had safe places after a critical state-wide child care program was eliminated.

“Solano County has an

especially vibrant network of non-profit and faith-based organizations that are dedi-cated to improving the lives of our children and that work very effectively with law enforce-ment agencies and the schools,” said Don du Bain, Solano County District Attorney. “All of us recognize that the welfare of our community depends ultimately on the educational, economic, social and spiritual opportunities that are provided to our youth, and we’ve been working collaboratively to provide those opportunities. I would like to thank all of the non-profit and faith-based organizations that participated in this year’s application by Solano County to become one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People, and to congratu-late them for their success.”

Programs highlighted in the Solano 100 Best application included:

BabyFirst Solano, which serves high-risk pregnant women. 97 percent of newborns in this program were born healthy and 99 percent were immunized last year.

Partnerships to create a college and career-going culture among its young people with the five-year Master Plan for College/Career-Ready Gradu-ates initiatives in Vallejo. Based on the Ford Foundation’s best practices, this plan was created by the education, business, nonprofit, city, county and faith communities, and builds on the success of career academies already in place in the Vallejo City Unified School District and elsewhere in the county.

Eagle Scouts who performed community services:

Kyle’s service project was to teach kindergarten through eighth-graders bike safety. The project took more than 100 hours to complete and involved advertising, schedul-ing and coordinating with 14 peers and adults to provide the expertise at the event.

Zachary’s project was to construct four picnic tables for use by families visiting Solano Land Trust’s Rush Ranch (163 hours).

William’s project involved collecting winter coats from Holy Spirit Church parishioners and donating the 200 new and gently used coats during the 2010 holiday season to Mission Solano, the local homeless shelter (138 hours).

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets at Vanden High in Vacaville who performed more than

2,750 hours of community service such as the Fairfield Veterans Day Parade, Vacaville Veterans Crab Feed, the Blue Star Mothers Troop Support Drive, Boys’ and Girls’ State dinners, and the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce dinner saluting Travis AFB enlisted members.

“In a nation where 7,000 students drop out of high school every day, we hope Solano County’s initiatives inspire other communities across the nation to take action to solve the challenges facing their young people,” said Marguerite W. Kondracke, America’s Promise Alliance president and CEO. “Solano County is especially deserving of this recognition due to their efforts to ensure that their young people graduate high school and go on to lead healthy,

productive lives. Solano County refuses to let the challenges they face determine the future for their young people. Instead, they are helping their youth prosper and become contribut-ing members of society.”

At 9 a.m. Oct. 12, Kondracke will join America’s Promise Alliance Chair Alma Powell and ING Foundation President Rhonda Mims at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., to officially announce the 100 winning communities in a live webcast at www.americaspromise.org/ 100bestwebcast.

Solano County will receive a $2,500 grant, signage identify-ing the community as one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People, and access to America’s Promise Alliance’s community development resources.


12 November 2011 The official newsletter of the Fairfield-Suisun City Chamber of Commerce the VOIce

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Documents

The Voice November 2011