It could be argued that creating the affordable, delectable phenomenon that is Two Buck Chuck is all the giving back one company could ever owe the world. But Bronco Wine Company, the Ceres-based, family-owned winery that has risen to become the fifth largest in the United States in just over four decades, is getting attention for efforts to reduce their carbon footprint in the form of a certification from a national council.

 

When Production Manager and Recycling Program Head Robert Hall got the request from John Franzia (one of three family members that co-own the winery) to apply for certification from the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council (USZWBC), he snapped into action with his trademark enthusiasm and diligence. There was a mountain of forms to complete, visual evidence to gather and policies to interpret but Hall's persistence resulted in a Gold certification, a number that recognizes a diversion rate of 99.7%. Continue Reading.

The social and economic downturn of 2008 hit Modesto, California hard and resulted in empty storefronts, unkempt structures thirsting for a coat of paint, unfunded (or underfunded) social welfare programs, and fewer municipal services. For years, the city's unemployment rate has been high (it's currently 7.6 percent), which has meant fewer people shopping or dining downtown, more small businesses closing, an increase in vagrancy, and higher numbers of folks living on the streets-especially folks struggling with mental health challenges.

The nonprofit Peer Recovery Art Project was created in 2007 to revitalize downtown areas and implement a new strategy for creating a more inclusive and healthy community. We believe that art can help to restore our economically distressed city, and brought together some of Modesto's most disenfranchised (and often stigmatized) residents to do the work. The organization started by hosting a few art exhibitions and music shows downtown. Today, Peer Recovery Art Project has headquarters in a 6,000-square-foot community arts center and runs multiple arts outreach programs for people with mental health challenges.

Our arts center was once a deteriorated building, but now features neon signs, fresh paint, and a mural based on George Lucas' 1973 film American Graffiti, which was filmed in Modesto. We formed Classic Community Murals with Wells Fargo Bank and ModestoView to create 15 murals so far-11 of which have the American Graffiti theme. Another effort, Murals in Motown, creates artistic renderings of hometown heroes and Central Valley life. We've even had folks come to Modesto looking to take a tour of the mural route.

Every community member is responsible for helping make the community healthy. By acting as if we are the ones that can make the change happen, we can make it happen.

Just two days after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is a way to give thanks to all of the small businesses locally dedicated to providing goods and services to the community while stimulating the local economy. Started in 2010 by American Express, the annual event has taken on a life of its own generating $14.3 billion in national sales at small businesses as of last year.

 

Small businesses create jobs, boost the local economy and bring life into neighborhoods. Small businesses across Stanislaus County will open their doors early and stay open late, enticing shoppers with sales and specials. Additionally downtown Modesto is expecting to be a beacon for shoppers who can frequent the 75+ vendor booths at Mod Shop Indie Crafters Market as well as the shops lining streets. Shoppers are encouraged to check social media for specials as well as checking with their favorite local stores for Saturday's business hours.