Local restaurants have intensified their efforts to provide great food, value and service as the Central Valley struggles to get out of its economic slump.

For a third consecutive year, Modesto hosted a portion of the Amgen Tour of California, a statewide cycling event that is rapidly gaining respect and popularity among athletes and fans alike.

When wine aficionados step into their local friendly winery tasting room or niche wine store or even the seemingly endless wine aisles of a major chain operation, they see the end result of a chain of supply that has filled the shelves with their favorite vintage.

Selling anything in the retail marketplace is a rugged and uncertain matter in the best of times but during an economic debacle it is expected to become worse…: why?

Shelaghmichael Brown is President of the North American retail portion of a bank you may not know much about: BBVA Compass.

Not only is the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta the primary source of water for more than 25 million Californians it also contributes mightily to the state’s coffers by generating more than $1 billion annually via recreational activities.

The interior of the corporate office in northwest Modesto gives the first hint that this will not be the usual real estate development business. Avocado-colored walls and a large pottery piece transformed into a waterfall draw visitors into a glass-walled conference room

Despite the balky economy, one sector is growing: the solar industry. Solar units installed and in use for businesses and homes nearly doubled in 2009 and more of the same seems in store for 2010, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Real estate market conditions in the Central Valley have challenged realtors to change the way they do business.  Rather than simply representing a buyer or seller in the purchase or sale of a home, local real estate professionals are learning that they must not only become experts in the financial complexities inherent in the current housing crisis, they must offer their clients a shoulder to cry on as well.

Spring is a time of renewal and I’m happy to report that our very own Stockton Asparagus Festival has once again renewed our community’s charity coffers. What great weather we enjoyed for the 25th annual fundraiser! This type of an event is exactly what communities need to fund the non-profit organizations struggling in trying times. A BIG THANK YOU to all those that volunteered and continue to do so, year after year.