Class gets close look at local economy

May 2008 - Stockton’s economy is influenced by many factors. During the annual Economy Session, the class got a glimpse of a few of those factors, and learned about the bright future that lay ahead for Stockton.

The day began with an overview of our host location by Jeroen Gerrese, Vice President of Regent Development and General Manager of the brand new Stockton Sheraton at Regent Pointe. Gerrese shared information about the 179 room property located on the Downtown Waterfront, and also about future endeavors. Following Gerrese was our very own Chamber CEO Doug Wilhoit who provided inspirational words appropriate to the topic of economy. Doug, who has chaired the Economy Session many times during the program’s 25 years, and with his breadth of knowledge about the history and inner workings of the local economy, set the tone for the day.

The first presenters of the day were no strangers to Leadership Stockton as they spoke about agriculture and its impact on the economy. Katie Matthews with the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation (SJFB), brought a special guest, almond grower Dave Phippen with Travaille and Phippen Inc. Katie spoke from the viewpoint of the nearly 6,000 member families of the SJFB and the larger challenges facing the industry, describing the mission and many programs the SJFB offers to assist its members.

She addressed current issues and recent successes, and provided a glimpse of what lies ahead. Dave provided the farmer/grower perspective, specifically talking about the almond industry. He shared the ins and outs of almond growing and the great growth the commodity has seen in recent years. Both gave the class a better appreciation of our county’s top industry. We look forward to continuing and expanding our relationship with the Farm Bureau in the future.

Following agriculture on the agenda, was local economic development, by none other than the City of Stockton Economic Development Director , Steve Carrigan. Steve provided a brief history of the City’s recent economic development projects and a glimpse of what is to come. From new shopping areas and restaurants, to development north of Eight Mile, the future of Stockton continues to be a bright one. Steve’s candor and his obvious passion for his job are easily evident and his energy and humor are always a welcome addition to the economy session.

Next on the agenda was Fran Aguilera, the Economic Development Director for San Joaquin County, who spoke about the Enterprise Zone. With over 20 years of experience in our region, Fran discussed the recent expansion of the zone and the benefits to both community and businesses.

After lunch, the class carpooled over to Farmington Fresh where they were greeted by partner Dave Rajkovich. Dave gave the class a tour of this state of the art facility located east of the Stockton Airport. Beginning later this month with cherries and then on to such fruits as apples and pears, Farmington Fresh is the only fruit packing and distributing plant that sits next to an airport in the nation. This amazing facility gave the class a true appreciation for the products we grow in San Joaquin County and the far reach they have worldwide.

Following the Farmington Fresh tour, the class headed back to the Sheraton to discuss the current class project at Nightingale Elementary School. Wow, things are happening.

I would like to thank the following people for their contribution to the success of this session: our speakers (Jeroen, Katie, Dave, Steve, Fran and Dave) for taking time out of their busy schedules; Stockton Sheraton at Regent Pointe for the use of their beautiful facilities; and to Doug Wilhoit, who, as one of the founders of the Leadership Stockton program, continues to give his knowledge and support to the program in this session and many others.

See us here next month as we recap the “Day at the Capitol” session to be held on Thursday, May 8th at State Capitol in Sacramento.  If you would like more info on Leadership Stockton or wish to sponsor a session next year, please contact Wes Rhea at 547-2770 or leadership@stocktonchamber.org. 

Applications for the Leadership Stockton Class of 2009 will be accepted until June 20^th and can be downloaded from www.leadershipstockton.com.