Contents

Welcome 06

Chamber Board of Directors 07

Chairman’s Circle 07

Alpha Alarm & Audio 08

Atkinson Self Storage 09

Dixon May Fairgrounds 12

D-Sign Graffix 14

Hunts Hauling and Junk Removal 15

Dixon United Methodist Church 16

Ron DuPratt Ford 18

Tully Consulting Group 19

Vera Gleason, Realtor 20

Membership Directories 22

220 N. Jefferson Street, Dixon, CA 95620

707-678-2650 | dixonchamber.org

facebook.com/thedixonchamberofcommerce

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

220 N. Jefferson Street, Dixon, CA 95620

707-678-2650 | dixonchamber.org

Copyright © 2023 Town Square Publications

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

(847) 427-4905 | marketing@tspubs.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

Sales Executive | Barry Kenis

Editor | Bob Oswald

Design Project Manager | Mike Nickells

On the Cover

Photo by
Gary Erwin

Welcome!

Please enjoy the Winter 2022 issue of the Dixon District Chamber of Commerce Connections magazine!

We are happy to highlight even more of our Chamber members in this issue. The businesses and organizations that belong to the Chamber are of vital importance to the economic well-being of Dixon. We will continue to promote our members for the significant contributions they make in our community.

The Membership Directory contains the list of all Dixon Chamber of Commerce members as of Oct. 31, 2022. This is an invaluable tool for the goods and services you might need.

We would ask you to support the businesses and organizations that invest in the community by being members of the Dixon Chamber.

For information about the Chamber of Commerce itself, you can visit our website – www.dixonchamber.org.

There you will find information as to what we are all about – our members! You can also find information on our history, Directors, Ambassadors, committees and activities.

You can also explore the Member Benefits to find out how the Dixon Chamber can help your business or organization be more successful.

Included on our website is a Chamber Calendar, with all our committee meetings and events, such as Mixers, Mingles, The Lunch Bunch and more. We like to have fun!

There is also a Community Calendar with events held by our business and organization members. All community events are open to the public and add to the quality of life in our community!

Plus, check our official Facebook page – facebook.com/thedixonchamberofcommerce. There you will find information on our members, our events, the feature articles from this and prior Connections magazines, and other posts of interest.

For more information about how membership in the Dixon Chamber of Commerce can benefit you, call 707-678-2650 or email info@dixonchamber.org.

Respectfully,

Shauna Manina

President/CEO

Alpha Alarm & Audio offers unique security options for each member of the community

By Mike Danahey

Alpha Alarm & Audio prides itself on not only keeping property safe but also on giving back to the community.

“We’re committed to providing high-quality security solutions while also making a positive impact in the neighborhoods we serve. At Alpha Alarm & Audio, we’re committed to making our community a safer place,” said Carly Dougherty, Director of Sales & Marketing for the company.

Dougherty said the Alpha team works with customers to assess their unique needs and develop systems that meet their specific requirements.

“Our systems include the latest technology, such as motion detectors, door and window sensors and video cameras, all designed to detect and deter potential intruders,” she said. “In addition to traditional security features, we also offer smart home integration, allowing you to control your security system and other home features from your smartphone or other mobile device.”

The Alpha Alarm & Audio team includes trained and experienced technicians who can install systems quickly and efficiently, ensuring that things are up and running as soon as possible.

“We also offer ongoing support and maintenance to ensure that your system continues to function at its best, providing you with peace of mind and maximum protection,” Dougherty said.

Dougherty noted that Alpha Alarm & Audio also supports local organizations and events, including charities, schools and community festivals.

“By sponsoring and participating in these events, we help to foster a sense of community and build strong relationships with the people we serve. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your property safe,” she said.

For more information, see www.alphaaa.com or call
707-452-8334.

Atkinson Self Storage puts safety first at Dixon facility

By Mike Danahey

Atkinson Self Storage is a family-owned and personally operated storage facility conveniently located in Dixon. Atkinson is proud to offer a top-tier facility while simultaneously ensuring tenants feel comfortable and appreciated by Atkinson employees. Manager Stephanie Roe is intentional about emphasizing the importance of customer service.

“We truly care about each one of our tenants. Some have become like family,” she said.

In addition to Atkinson’s outstanding customer service, the facility is equipped with the most competitive technology to ensure the safety and preservation of tenants’ belongings. Atkinson has 24-hour security cameras, storage spaces individually alarmed, a fenced-in perimeter and an on-site manager.

Its facility has the capacity for numerous storage and RV spaces varying in size. Atkinson makes a conscious effort to provide tenants with impressive discounts. Atkinson is offering a $1 move-in special, and current tenants can receive a $50 credit toward their account when they refer friends and family. Furthermore, seniors, active-duty military, students, chamber members, and those who pay six months in advance receive a 10% monthly discount.

You can also stop by Atkinson for all of your moving needs regardless if you are a tenant. Packing supplies, boxes, and locks are sold in the office at competitive rates. Swing by the office to appreciate Atkinson’s well-known holiday decorations and sweet treats!

Atkinson’s impressive facility and service results in spaces filling up quickly.

“Availability fills up quickly, especially in the summer months. So if you need a space, rent now, or it might be gone soon,” Roe said.

For more information, visit www.atkinsonselfstorage.com or call 707-693-9200.

Dixon May Fairgrounds: Where the community gathers

By Mike Danahey

The Dixon May Fairgrounds is the center for community activities year around, not just during the annual Dixon May Fair, which at 146 years, is the oldest continually operating Fair in the State of California. The facilities and the annual events are owned and managed by the 36th District Agricultural Association.

Throughout the year the fairgrounds is where many annual events are held, such as dog shows, festivals, fundraisers, swap meets and car shows. It is also the gathering place for family traditions including Quinceañeras, reunions and weddings. It is a place for people to gather to celebrate, educate and mourn.

California fairgrounds are often the heartbeat of their community generating more than $35 million in non-profit and community benefits, and promoting a quality of life serving as gathering spots, recreation facilities and learning centers. Fairgrounds generate more than $3.5 billion in annual economic impact while contributing over $200 million in tax revenue to local and state governments.

During emergencies and times of crisis the fairgrounds quickly become the home base for firefighters and first responders as they fight California wildfires, and the grounds serve as a temporary home for displaced animals. The buildings may also become shelters for those in need during an emergency.

In 2023 the Dixon May Fair will celebrate “Spring Has Sprung” May 11-14. The traditions continue with Jr. Livestock Shows, Still Exhibit competitions, music, car show, carnival, Bull & Bronc Riding, Tractor Pulls, Demolition Derby, vendors offering a variety of merchandise and fabulous fair food.

For a complete schedule, visit DixonMayFair.com.

Dixon youth, community groups rely
on D-Sign Graffix

By Mike Danahey

Established in 2009, Dixon-based D-Sign Graffix, owned by Doug and Donna Sutherland, is a full-service, vinyl sign and graphics business that prides itself on its sense of community.

“We work closely with local youth sports organizations producing both sponsor banners and custom team banners for Little League, girls softball, soccer and youth basketball,” company founder Doug Sutherland said. “We also work closely with local community organizations, including the Dixon Lions Club, Rotary, Soroptimist International, American Legion and Friends of the May Fair.”

Sutherland also did his part to brighten up senior year for local high school students who graduated in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That spring he made sure that anyone graduating from Dixon and Maine Prairie High Schools had a lawn sign acknowledging their accomplishment, using a GoFundMe campaign to pay for the project. Its success led to similar efforts for high schools in Vacaville and Fairfield.

D-Sign Graffix, which produces signs and banners for the local schools and many local businesses, also does work for several larger trucking companies and corporations in the area. Along with banners and signs, the company specializes in storefront signage, magnets, vehicle lettering, decals, large format printing and one-off custom clothing.

“We strive to provide excellent customer service and quality work at competitive prices,” Sutherland said. “Being a veteran-owned, home-based business allows us to keep our pricing lower than many local competitors, while providing personal, custom and timely customer service.

For more information, see Dsigngraffix.com, call 707-322-9694 or email doug@Dsigngraffix.com.

Hunts Hauling and Junk Removal helps keep the community clean

By Mike Danahey

Be it an ultimate spring cleaning or a major renovation project, Hunts Hauling and Junk Removal in Dixon is there to help clear the clutter.

“We will take almost anything for junk removal,” said Tori Hunt, who owns and operates the business with her husband, Josh.

Serving Solano, Yolo and Sacramento counties, the Hunts guarantee to get the job done quickly and leave a clean area. They offer a variety of services including residential and commercial cleanups, trash and appliance removal, light demolition and even hot tub removal.

“Something new we are offering is hauling off vehicles or other items using our new flatbed trailer,” Hunt said.

The only items they can’t remove are beer kegs, which have to be returned to the brewery or merchant where they were attained, and slot machines, which are illegal to dispose of in California.

“About 80% of our customers are repeat business,” Hunt said. “And, since opening in October 2019, the Dixon Chamber of Commerce has helped us grow and become more connected in our town and meet new business owners.”

Hunt said she and her husband enjoy doing their work because they get to help people get rid of unwanted items.

“Sometimes we get to know the customer and learn more about them. We even had a customer give us her husband’s old 1966 F100 pickup truck that we are currently in the process of restoring,” Hunt said.

Showing community spirit, Hunts Hauling and Junk Removal offers a 10% discount to military personnel and their families, healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, and seniors over 60. Free quotes are given over the phone, through text on in-person within a 30-mile radius of Dixon.

For more information, see huntshauling.com or call 707-592-4798.

Dixon United Methodist Church brings food, music and family to the community

By Mike Danahey

Pastor Henry Pablo said Dixon United Methodist Church is committed to helping people in their life and faith journey, through growing their relationship with God, strengthening relationships with neighbors and serving the local community and the world.

“We have been in a season of exploring what it means to be a part of our faith community. In our discussions, three elements of our identity emerged: food, music and family,” Pastor Henry said.

He noted there is a saying that you will never go hungry if you attend a United Methodist Church.

“However, we are dreaming that this saying would transform to, ‘Communities with a United Methodist Church never go hungry,’” he said.

Toward that, the congregation is planning to launch a different form of a worship service in spring called the Dinner Church.

“Instead of a traditional Sunday worship, sitting in the pews and following a set program, we are exploring what it means to worship though gathering around shared meals, just like Jesus did with his disciples,” Pastor Henry said.

The program will consist of a communal song followed by conversations.

“We believe that it is in these conversations that we can experience the joy and love of God and cultivate our love for our neighbor — the people sitting across the table,” he said.

Pastor Henry said Dixon United Methodist loves singing during its services and has hosted musical performances and evenings of music within its sanctuary.

“We are dreaming that we can lift up the voices and creativity of those within our community,” he said.

On Sundays, the church holds a contemplative service at 8:30 a.m. and an intergenerational service at 10 a.m.

“We are also looking for ways that we can be in partnership with the greater Dixon community,” Pastor Henry said.

For more information, see www.dixonumc.org/welcome.html, @DixonUMC on Facebook or email dixonumc@att.net.

Dealership owner carries on traditions of founder at Ron DuPratt Ford

By Mike Danahey

Back in 1956, Ron DuPratt purchased a car dealership that had been around since the 1920s.

“Starting with a small inventory of six or seven cars and a staff of six people, Mr. DuPratt opened the doors of Ron DuPratt Ford on June 21, 1956,” said DuPratt Ford General Sales Manager, Peter Spitzer, Jr.

Today, the spot amidst farm fields is the only Ford dealership in the Dixon, Vacaville and Davis area.

It carries on in memory of DuPratt, who passed away in March 2022 at the age of 95. DuPratt was known not only for owning a great place to buy a car, but for his involvement in the community, particularly the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce.

A college scholarship DuPratt started years ago for high school students continues in DuPratt’s honor, be it to pursue an automotive-related career or to pursue a dream the backstory has inspired, Spitzer said.

Spitzer’s father, Pete, bought into DuPratt’s business in 2008 and became the sole owner in 2014. Five members of the Spitzer family currently oversee the dealership’s operation, which includes new and used car sales and financing, repair and maintenance, towing, fleet sales and a pre-apprenticeship program for Will C. Wood and Davis High School students.

Spitzer said this year DuPratt Ford also added mobile service to its offerings, so DuPratt will make house calls for work that includes light repair, maintenance and even recalls.

The high quality of its departments has led to DuPratt Ford winning Ford Motor Company’s President’s Award for overall service for 12 consecutive years.

“What we say is what we do,” Spitzer said.

Thanks to the internet, its solid reputation for fair prices and knowledgeable, forthright staff, Spitzer said DuPratt Ford is known as a “pump out” store that does 80% of its business outside the market area. People come from throughout California and as far away as Oregon to shop there, Spitzer said.

“Still, when we see someone is from Dixon or surrounding communities, they are given top priority,” Spitzer said.

Tully Consulting Group working to keep pollutants out of California’s water

By Bob Oswald

Tully Consulting Group (TCG), a stormwater management and civil engineering company in Dixon, is in the business of keeping its clients compliant.

The State of California’s Construction General Permit (CGP) outlines regulations for stormwater maintenance that need to be followed at construction sites. Contractors need to be focused on the water run off while a project is happening. And many turn to TCG.

“They can do it in house or hire the pros,” said Mae Shulman, business support manager at TCG.

The water run off is a problem just about everywhere there is construction, and the sites have to comply with California’s strict rules.

Federal and State laws require strict measures to protect stormwater and our waterways from construction and industrial sources of pollution.

Tully Consulting Group was started by Robin Tully in 2005. Before that she worked as a civil engineer with the school district. When the CGP was adopted in 2009, the company saw an increase in business and decided to focus primarily on stormwater compliance.

When TCG takes on a client, its crew visits the site while the project is happening. The company makes a plan for the client, does inspections and helps them follow the rules. TCG uses a standard set of approaches, but the plan is unique to each site, Shulman said.

“We draft plans and create an outline for what contractors should do, and should not do,” she said.

During construction, inspectors cross reference the plan with what contractors are doing on site.

“The plan is to keep pollutants out of the sewer, and eventually the ocean,” Shulman said.

Dirt can be a major pollutant.

“You have to pay close attention to how you move it,” she said.

In addition to dirt, they are concerned with the run off of concrete and chemicals.

“In water, the principle is the same,” Shulman said. “Not to create pollutants.”

In an uncertain market,
Realtor keep clients calm

By Cathy Cuthbertson

Vera Gleason, a Realtor with RE eBroker Group, Inc, is someone who listens, builds trust, and most of all, brings integrity to every relationship and client transaction she manages.

“That’s my mission statement,” Gleason said. “Everything I do is built on integrity. There’s never a question too small or too large that goes lacking for an answer, and it’s very important to me to do the absolute best for every client I work with. It means everything.”

With nearly 20 years of experience handling mostly residential, with a sprinkling of commercial, while representing buyers and sellers, Gleason brings a high degree of expertise to the process. She understands the gamut of human emotions that can bubble to the surface when clients are investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in purchasing a home.

“It’s a skill that comes in handy when people are spending up to a million dollars and beyond,” she said. “With that much money involved, there’s bound to be some anxiety from time to time. But it’s my job to keep things moving smoothly and to help the client feel calm. I try to go above and beyond when it comes to communication and responding to clients’ needs. I even help them find excellent subcontractors for all kinds of services a homebuyer might need, from a good handyman to lenders or lawncare.”

Based in Solano County, Gleason represents clients from Sacramento to Napa and parts of the Bay Area. Housing markets are beginning to perk, she said.

“Around the first of the year, I started getting calls and referrals and those numbers are growing,” Gleason explained. “I’m hearing other Realtors say the same. Inventory is still low and home prices are up slightly from where they were this time a year ago.

“I’ve always loved real estate,” she said. “I could always see its value. If you buy and hold on to it, you’ll never lose.”