CONTENTS

6 Welcome Message

8 MAYOR’S Message

10 TEAM CHICO

12  MONTHLY CHAMBER EVENTS

16  Chico by the Numbers

22 CITY GOVERNMENT

24 HEALTHCARE

26  CHICO SCHOOL DISTRICTS

27 Things to See & Do

29 ICON MEMBERS

30 Investor Members

52 Member Directory

Chico Chamber of Commerce

180 E. 4th St., Suite 120

Chico, CA 95928

(530) 891-5556 | www.chicochamber.com

This is a Town Square Publications, formerly MetroMedia
(since 1997), publication created and produced for
the Chico Chamber of Commerce

Copyright © 2024 Town Square Publications

P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006

(847) 427-4905 | tbusby@tspubsdigital.com

www.TownSquarePublications.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Director of Operations | Joseph Nugara

Ad Services Supervisor | Tiffany Hogan

Advertising Coordinator | Cindy Groenhof

Senior Editor | Rebecca Anderson

Graphic Designer | Darren Hinerman

Sales Rep | Wayne Metcalfe

Editor | Lisa White

Welcome

Welcome Message

Welcome to Chico, California! Let this first annual Chico Member Directory be your guide to all things Chico Chamber of Commerce.

Chico is in Butte County, California and is the cultural and economic center of the northern Sacramento Valley and the largest city north of Sacramento. Chico is known as a college town, the home of California State University, Chico and for Bidwell Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world.

Established in 1938, the Chico Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business through advocacy and support of policies and programs that help our community grow. The Chamber is the conduit to convey information to the public about events and issues of the day and the future of Chico. Through the Chambers Advocacy committee, the Chamber provides a means for businesses to learn about and discuss issues and develop positions to advocate on the best interests of local businesses.

The Chico Chamber has a renewed commitment to advocacy on behalf of the over 400 Chamber members and has identified four pillars as our focus on community.

Chico Chamber of Commerce: 2024 Advocacy Framework

Pillar 1 – A Thriving Business Community

The Chamber will champion job creation and retention by fostering a business-friendly environment, balancing taxation and incentives, and promoting workforce development. By enhancing the quality of life with affordable housing, healthcare and recreational amenities, we aim to attract and retain businesses and talent, ensuring Chico remains regionally competitive.

Pillar 2 – A Healthy Local Government

Our focus on financial stability ensures adequate funding for public services while diversifying revenue sources to mitigate risks. We advocate for efficiency and effectiveness, prioritize quality public services and invest in critical infrastructure. Public involvement and inter-governmental collaboration are encouraged to prepare for future challenges and ensure transparent decision-making.

Pillar 3 – A Safe Community

We will engage the community to foster unity and shared responsibility, strengthen safety infrastructure and implement preventive measures. Promoting safety awareness and celebrating community diversity are key, along with developing long-term strategies to proactively address potential future threats, ensuring a secure environment for all residents.

Pillar 4 – Cultivating Arts and Recreation

The Chamber will promote cultural relevance by developing arts and recreation infrastructure and engaging the community through events. Encouraging collaborative partnerships and highlighting local talent and creative expression will drive economic growth and enrich Chico’s cultural vibrancy, enhancing both local quality of life and visitor experiences.

This framework outlines the Chico Chamber of Commerce’s vision for 2024, emphasizing advocacy, organizational effectiveness, member service and economic development as strategic cornerstones. For more information about Chico, visit www.chico.ca.us, and www.chicochamber.com.

Mike Egbert
President & CEO

Chico Chamber of Commerce

Welcome

Mayor's Message

The City of Chico is poised for a bright future full of opportunity.

Upon taking office in December of 2020, I made promises to the voters who elected me. I am pleased to report we have worked on, and been successful with, each and every one.

We have faced homeless issues head on. From new ordinances to lawsuits to building the largest pallet shelter in the state of California to joining in with Grants Pass on their Supreme Court case, we have made great strides. The recent ruling by the Supreme Court will likely give the city a variety of options to explore and I believe will allow Chico to make further progress on this issue.

Passing a 1 cent sales tax was necessary for us to improve our neglected roadways, and I am thankful the citizens of Chico agreed and did so in late 2022. Last year saw the first of the revenue, and it was quickly put to good use. In the 2020-21 fiscal year, just over $14 million was spent on road and street repair. In the 2023-24 budget, that topped $117 million. You will see drastic changes in the roads in Chico over the coming decades. In fact, anyone driving throughout Chico this summer and fall will see the massive road work taking place due to Measure H.

In 2020, we had only 90 officers in the Chico Police Department, and we were losing both officers and dispatchers to surrounding cities. Today, in 2024, we have 109 officers and have maintained and actually increased our dispatchers, as well.

We are getting ever closer to bringing back commercial flights to the Chico Regional Airport (CIC). Between Federal Grants, business donations, other cities within the region and the City of Chico, close to $2 million has been raised for the Revenue Guarantee Fund, and $300,000 has been designated for terminal improvements to meet TSA requirements. Chico stands on the verge of getting direct flights to LAX. Over 2,800 of Chico State students come from the Los Angeles area; direct flights and a quick commute to the region can help increase these numbers.

Speaking of our university, Chico State’s enrollment numbers continue to improve. With a true partnership now between the City and University, great strides and efforts are being made to increase enrollment at Chico State. Over 14,000 students currently attend Chico State. Increasing enrollment is the single best way to improve both our local economy and downtown.

Of the many items Chico City Council has pushed for over the last four years, these are just a few of the many that have come to fruition:

• Balanced budget and clean audits

• Chico Spring Clean – Community cleanup event

• New trash cans in the downtown

• Sewer plan with Paradise, which will allow them to grow and rebuild

• Chico’s 150-year celebration

• The “Get it in Chico” Shop Local campaign

• $100,000 in grants to local businesses following the pandemic

• Massive bike path improvements – Esplanade, near train tracks, new bike bridge connection at 20th Street

• New high gauge steel fencing along railroad tracks to improve train safety

• Travel Chico – Chico’s Travel and Tourism brand

• Sustainable Solutions Turnkey Program – Phase 3 brings Chico closer to net zero emissions

• Pavement Management Plan/Cooperative project with Chico State

Chico’s future is by the far the brightest it has been in decades. Improved infrastructure, increased policing, park improvements, increasing Chico State enrollment, the return of commercial flights and a business community that is expanding and growing puts us in the best position the city has been in for decades. I am thankful to be a part of this effort, and I thank you for that opportunity. I am most thankful, though, for our business community. Small businesses are the engine that move Chico forward to a prosperous future.

Andrew Coolidge
Mayor

(December 2020- December 2024)

City of Chico

Feature Story

TEAM CHICO

Team Chico, partnering with the Chico Chamber of Commerce, is the City of Chico’s economic development collaborative with a focus on shaping the future of business services in the Chico community. How does this happen? Team Chico continuously monitors the services needed to help local businesses excel, understanding the current business climate, what draws businesses to our community and some of the current business challenges.

Team Chico is always listening and wants to hear insights and opinions on the opportunities and challenges facing business in Chico. In addition, Team Chico assists in identifying struggles faced by local businesses and areas of assistance that could benefit both new and existing businesses.

Team Chico offers the business community a series of free, short training courses throughout the year, with the monthly Business and Breakfast events being a great example of topics covered in trainings that were requested as most valuable by local business.

The Team Chico collaborative responds to business through the provision of services, creation and distribution of resources, and connection to workforce and economic development providers.

Team Chico collaborative organizations include Alliance for Workforce Development, Butte College, Butte College’s The Training Place, Butte College Small Business Development Center, Chico Chamber of Commerce, Chico State University, Downtown Chico Business Association, Explore Butte County, North State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, North State Planning and Development Collective, and 3CORE.

The charts and graphs in the Chamber directory are the result of the work of Team Chico in our efforts to continue to inform visitors and residents alike about Chico.

For additional Team Chico information, please contact Jennifer Macarthy, Chico’s Deputy City Manager at Jennifer.Macarthy@Chicoca.gov or (530) 896-7204; or Mike Egbert, Chico Chamber of Commerce President/CEO at Mike@ChicoChamber.com or (530) 891-5556.

Events

MONTHLY CHAMBER EVENTS

Please join the Chico Chamber of Commerce and our many valued members at our monthly networking events. These events facilitate connections with like-minded local businesses and community partners, all of whom are dedicated to helping move Chico forward.

Bookmark our online calendar of events (www.ChicoChamber.com/Events ) for updates on specialty events (such as ribbon cuttings, anniversary celebrations, and more) and for recurring event details.

1. Business & Breakfast

a. When:  2nd Tuesday of each month from 7:30-8:30am

a. Where:  DoubleTree by Hilton, Chico – 685 Manzanita Court, Chico

b. Why:  This business education series covers a vast array of universally applied business topics and strategies, providing the opportunity to gain wisdom and proven tactics from industry leaders.

2. Chamber Business Connections

a. When:  2nd Wednesday of each month from 7:30-8:30am

b. Where:  Location rotates based on whichever Chamber member volunteers to host – see online calendar

c. Why: Business networking

3. Advocacy Committee

a. When:  3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:30-8:30am

b. Where:  Build with Ferguson – 402 Otterson Drive, Chico

c. Why:  To discuss local and statewide policies, regulations, and practices and is instrumental in determining direction and action for the Chamber on advocacy issues.

4. Young Professionals Organization

a. When:  3rd Wednesday of each month – time is determined by what type of event is being held

b. Where:  Location is determined by what type of event is being held

c. Why:  To bring our next generation of leaders together for business networking, professional development, mentoring, business education, and more!

5. Chamber Evening Mixer

a. When:  4th Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:00pm

b. Where:  Location rotates based on whichever Chamber member volunteers to host – see online calendar

c. Why: Business networking

GOVERNMENT

CITY GOVERNMENT

For businesses, Chico is large enough to provide adequate support and small enough that you can be on a first name basis with city officials. All departments have made notable efforts at community outreach. The city, in partnership with Team Chico, actively engages with the business community to understand and address the needs of local business.

Chico is the largest of five cities in Butte County, representing roughly 50% of the county population — more if you include county residents living adjacent to the city. The county seat is Oroville, approximately 20 miles southeast. Chico operates as a charter city with a city council-city manager style administration.

Council members are elected from seven individual districts, serving staggered four-year terms, and council members choose a mayor from amongst themselves. Following each election and after the newly-elected members of Council are sworn in, the Council selects a Mayor and Vice Mayor from among its members to serve for a two-year term. The City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday evenings each month.

NUMBERS TO KNOW

BUSINESS LICENSES

Finance Office (530) 879-7320

BUILDING PERMITS

Building and Development Services (530) 879-6700

PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND FORMS,
ZONING AND LAND USE

Planning Services (530) 879-6800

RECYCLING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ZONE (RMDZ) RMDZ

Administrator (530) 896-7241

BUSINESS LOCATION / EXPANSION & QUESTIONS

Mark Sorensen City Manager
(530) 896-7200 | citymanager@chicoca.gov

Jennifer Macarthy Deputy City Manager
(530) 896-7204 | jennifer.macarthy@chicoca.gov

Source: Team Chico

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Chico residents can benefit from the city’s nationally-recognized healthcare services and award winning physicians.

Enloe Health offers comprehensive medical services housed either in the main medical center or satellite facilities located throughout the community. Open since 1913, it has received many recognitions, including America’s 250 Best Hospitals (2024), Best 100 Critical Care Hospitals (2024) and Gastrointestinal care (2023). The medical center has 298 beds and operates the FlightCare air ambulance service. Enloe is one of only two Level II trauma centers north of Sacramento and home to the region’s only Level II neonatal intensive care unit.

Other services include:

• Bariatrics

• Behavioral Health

• Cancer Center

• In-patient Rehabilitation

• Interventional Cardiology and Structural Heart

• Maternity Care

• Neurosurgery

• Orthopedics

• Robotic and General Surgery

• Total Joint Replacement

• Women’s Services

Enloe is one of the few California hospitals still locally governed. This ensures many services are available from within our community providing convenient access, minimizing patient impact and improving the patient’s overall experience

ADDITIONAL PROVIDERS

AMPLA HEALTH CENTER.

Comprehensive health for migrant farm workers and low-income.

CHICO IMMEDIATE CARE.

Urgent care and worker’s compensation.

ENLOE HEALTH PROMPT CARE.

Walk-in urgent care clinic.

FLORENCE HEALTH.

Primary care for Medicare patients.

NORTHERN VALLEY INDIAN HEALTH.

Tribal health clinics open to all.

SHALOM FREE CLINIC.

Free services for low-income patients.

VA CLINIC.

Regional provider serves an estimated 9,000 veterans at its 42,000-square-foot health center opened in 2019 (primary care, cardiology, mental health, women’s health etc.).

Source: Team Chico

Education

CHICO SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Chico Unified School District includes 29 schools, including preschool, elementary, junior high, high school and other specialized programs. There are a total of 11,911 students in the district. According to government statistics, the district’s demographic is 53.1% White, 2% Black, 5.6% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, 28.5% Hispanic/Latino, 1.1% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.4% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. In addition, 9.2% of students are two or more races. Also, 48% of students are female, and 51% of students are male. At schools in Chico Unified School District, 39.7% of students are eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced price meal program and 7.6% of students are English language learners.

Paradise Unified School District has 17 schools and includes 1,533 students. Government statistics reveal that the student body is 75.2% White, 0.3% Black, 0.7% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, 14.9% Hispanic/Latino, 1.7% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. In addition, 6.6% of students are two or more races. Also, 47% of students are female, and 53% of students are male. At schools in Paradise Unified School District, 43.1% of students are eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced price meal program and 1.4% of students are English language learners.

HIGHER EDUCATION

California’s three-tiered system of higher education makes college more affordable for residents than in many other states. Two of those tiers are represented in Chico: Butte College and California State University, Chico (known as Chico State).

Unlike some cities where the college is tucked away, Chico State anchors the Downtown. Chico State’s location is also convenient for businesses seeking access to expertise and talent. California State University, Chico, offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs to over 13,000 students. Engineering and computer science students regularly bring home the big prizes from national competitions. Chico State was named a top 20 public university in the West for the last 23 years as well as a best college for Veterans and Social Mobility (U.S. News & World Report, 2021).

Butte College is an accredited community college serving over 8,000 students each semester. At the main campus and Chico centers, students receive high quality general and transfer education or advance their career and technical skills. Butte College offers over 200 career, certificate and degree options. The Training Place and Small Business Development Center are housed at Butte’s Skyway Center, and provide employee training, resources, SBA loans and business counseling. The college has three centers in Chico – Skyway Center, Chico Center and Cosmetology Center. First-time, full-time students can attend Butte College tuition free for up to two years through the Promise Scholarship.

Cal Northern School of Law rounds out the educational offerings in Chico. Graduates of the only law school between Sacramento and the Oregon border have an impressive bar exam pass rate. The school offers a Juris Doctor degree and Master of Legal Studies.

Several other colleges operate within a 90-mile radius, notably, UC Davis (83 miles), a highly respected research university.

Higher education source: Team Chico

TOURISM

Things to See & Do

Bidwell Mansion

525 Esplanade (530) 895-6144

Explore the mansion that John Bidwell, founder of Chi-co, built for his wife in 1868. This restored three-story home is now a State Historic Park. Guided tours are required to see the inside of Bidwell Mansion. A fee is charged for tours. For daily tour schedules or group tour reservations, call (530) 895-6144.

www.bidwellmansionpark.com

Stansbury Home

307 W. 5th Street (530) 342-3037

Treat yourself to a guided tour of this beautiful 1883 Victorian home. Packed with local history, this symbol of Victorian heritage offers a taste of Chico’s history.

Donations: $5 Adults , $3 Ages 12 and under
www.stansburyhome.org

Chico History Museum

141 Salem Street (530) 891-4336

The Museum, which is housed in the 1904 Carnegie Library, offers visitors both permanent and alternating exhibits of historical interest. Displays often include local artifacts and photos.

www.chicohistorymuseum.org

Gateway Science Museum

625 Esplanade (530) 898-4121

The Gateway Science Museum inspires the exploration of science and natural history, by bringing world class traveling exhibitions and quality programming to our region. Interactive activities engage visitors of all ages in unique science, technology, and engineering experiences.

www.csuchico.edu/gateway

City Plaza

The block between 4th & 5th streets, Broadway and Main, in the center of Downtown Chico. Designated as a park site in 1872, and redesigned in 2006, the plaza now has a bubbling fountain and per-formance area. City Plaza is the stage for local events including the summer Friday night “Concerts in the Park.” For more information call the DCBA @ (530) 345-6500

National Yo-Yo Museum

320 Broadway (Inside Bird in Hand) (530) 893-0545

Explore the area’s premier display of America’s favorite toy. Thousands of items are on display including past contest awards and nostalgic photos. See “Big Yo.”

www.nationalyoyo.org

Chico Air Museum

165 Ryan Ave (530) 345-6468

Located at the Chico Municipal Airport, this museum displays artifacts significant to the rich aviation and aerospace history of Chico Army Air Field and the North Valley.

www.chicoairmuseum.org

Patrick Ranch Museum

10381 The Midway (530) 342-4359

The Patrick Ranch is a historical attraction reflecting the agricultural, cultural, social, and economic history of the North Sacramento Valley.

Hours: Please call for Museum, Farmhouse and Gift Shop hours

www.patrickranchmuseum.org

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

1075 E. 20th Street (530) 899-4776

Treat yourself to a free guided tour of the world-famous brew house, fermentation cellars, filtration room and bottle shop. Visitors will be able to sample the many beers that this brewery creates. Mon-Sun, call for tour hours. Reservations Required.

www.sierranevada.com

Chico Community Observatory

Upper Bidwell Park (530) 487-4071

Located in Upper Bidwell Park near Horseshoe Lake parking lot. The Chico Community Observatory is a community based observatory open free to the public. Hours: Fri - Sun Winter 6-9pm Summer 8-11pm

www.facebook.com/ChicoCommunityObservatory

Chico Art Center

450 Orange Street, Suite #6 (530) 895-8726

Enjoy art exhibitions of various media before strolling through the center’s gift shop.

www.chicoartcenter.com Cost: FREE

Jacki Headley University Art Gallery

(530) 898-5331

Ayres Hall, Room 107, CSUC Campus

The gallery is a student-centered exhibition space that focuses on original works by regional, national and international artists. Cost: FREE

www.csuchico.edu/art/galleries/univgallery.html

Janet Turner Print Museum (530) 898-4476

Arts & Humanities Building, Rm. 123, CSUC Campus

The University and the North State have a treasure in the Janet Turner Print Museum. This collection of fine art prints illustrates printing techniques across six centuries and forty countries. It represents the artistic imagination of a vast array of cultures and artists, and serves as a singular resource for our region.

www.janetturner.org Cost: FREE

Orient and Flume Art Glass

2161 Park Avenue (530) 893-0373

Orient & Flume produces fine art glass for the collector. These signed pieces capture nature’s inspiration in both iridescent and crystal clear glass. Nationally acclaimed for its excellence in design since 1972, the glass of Orient & Flume utilizes both traditional and contemporary motifs and can be found in the permanent collections of the most prestigious museums in the world.

www.orientandflume.com

Satava Art Glass

819 Wall Street (530) 345-7985

Discover hand-blown art glass through public viewing of the working studio during the weekdays. The gallery includes a great selection of glass, and work from a wide variety of national artists. Tue-Sat 9am-4pm

Call for studio viewing. www.satava.com

Chico Creek Nature Center

1968 E. 8th Street (530) 891-4671

This kid-friendly museum offers a living display of wildlife and features interactive display of the area’s plants, animals and natural history.

Living Animal Museum: Students and Seniors

Members Free

www.ccnaturecenter.org

Colman Museum & Centerville Schoolhouse

13548 Centerville Road, Chico (530) 893-9667

Explore Civil War Memorabilia, Chinese artifacts, 1_8_0_0_’s clothing, gold mining equipment, Indian

basket collection, antique tools, and more!

Cost: FREE http://centervillemuseum.com

Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary

4995 Durham Pentz Road, Oroville (530) 533-1000

This Wildlife Sanctuary is a special place right here in Butte County. Equal parts wildlife sanctuary, educational park, and research center. The Sanctuary is home to a remarkable assortment of non-releasable wild and exotic animals, many of them endangered species. (NOT A ZOO)

Call for admission fees

www.kirshner.org

Shubert’s Ice Cream and Candy

178 E. 7th Street, Chico (530) 342-7163

Voted Second Best Ice Cream in the Nation in2008 in a Good Morning America taste test, Shubert’s Ice Cream and Candy has been treating Chico since 1938 in the same location, using locally sourced ingredi-ents. Continuously family owned and operated.

https://shuberts.com

Chico Cemetery Tours

881 Mangrove Avenue (530) 345-7243

Take a guided tour of Chico’s Historical Cemetery.

Tours are every 3rd Thursday of each month

You must call to register.

Group tours by appointment.

Winery Tours and Tastings

Almendra Winery & Distillery

9275 Midway, Durham (530) 343-6893

The Bertagna Family exemplifies spirit and winemaking artistry as they fashion full-bodied wines and fruit in-fused wine spirits from local Butte County vineyards. We invite you to explore our dynamic tasting room and experience the full flavor expressions of our wine and spirits. Tours of the facility are available as time per-mits. Tasting Room Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11a.m.-5p.m. and Friday Evenings, 6pm-9p.m. www.almendrawinery.com Wine Time 26 Lost Dutchman Drive, Chico (530) 899-9250 We strive to bring something unique to Chico, some-thing that Chico deserves - a place to forget about the outside hustle and bustle of the day and just relax with friends and enjoy some great wines, as well as local farm fresh Northern Californian small plates. www.winetimechico.com

New Clairvaux Vineyard

26240 7th Street, Vina (530) 839-2200

In the small, dusty town of Vina California, a fifth-generation winemaker and a community of Trappist-Cistercian monks create handcrafted, award-winning wines. With a focus on quality and sustainability, New Clairvaux Vineyard produces a variety of notable and unique wines. You’re invited to visit and taste for your-self the potential this historic and extraordinary wine region has to offer.

www.newclairvauxvineyard.com

Gale Vineyards

9345 Stanford Lane, Durham (530) 891-1264

First planted in the spring of 2001 by Steve and Creasia Gale, our vines have been a labor of love from the very beginning. Each of our estate varietals are grown using organic farming practices and are dry farmed, produc-ing rich, concentrated fruit. We prune our vines using the Old World technique of “head pruning” _to protect the fruit and yield a fuller, richer flavor.

www. Galevineyards.com

Seasonal & Year-Round Events

Thursday Night Farmers Market & Street Festival May-Sept 6-9p.m. Downtown (530) 345-6500

Friday Night Concerts

May-Aug 7-8:30p.m. Downtown Plaza (530) 345-6500

Chico Certified Farmers Markets

Saturday: 7:30am-1pm, year-round rain or shine

E. 2nd & Wall streets, Downtown (530) 893-3276

Wednesday: 7:30am-1pm year-round rain or shine

North Valley Plaza Mall: Pillsbury Rd. & East Ave.

Members

ICON MEMBERS

Chico
Chamber of Commerce

180 E. 4th St., Suite 120
Chico, CA 95928

(530) 891-5556

www.chicochamber.com

Members

Investor Members