CHAMBER WORKS TO HELP GROW MANTECA ECONOMY

Business group notes whether it’s working, playing or living, Manteca is about people and prosperity

Chamber Executive Director Joann Beattie, left, and Board President Raj Lal hold copies of the new business directory and community resource guide as they stand in front of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce office.

chamber 2025 — Chamber Executive Director Joann Beattie, left, and Board President Raj Lal hold copies of the new business directory and community resource guide as they stand in front of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce office.

Make no mistake about it.

The Manteca Chamber of Commerce means business.

However, just as important to its nearly 350 members is building a strong sense of community.

The 2025 edition of the organization’s business directory and resource guide inserted in today’s Bulletin reflects the goal that is embraced by its membership.

The cover story focuses on how the chamber is working to not just grow business but a place for people to grow and share in the prosperity.

Precision Automotive owner and President Raj Lal is an example of what drives typical members.

Besides working to grow his business, Lal invests time and money into efforts each year such as the community Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas gift drive for those spending the holidays in convalescent facilities, and the Manteca Rotary endeavors that help support youth and community activities among other things.

Chamber Executive Director Joan Beattie indicated the firms listed in the directory’s classified section noting their products and services are all active in supporting the community.

The 101 year-old chamber is part of that effort hosting the Manteca Watermelon Street Fair and Festival the first weekend in June, the annual twilight Christmas parade and Christmas at Library Park, as well as the effort that involves placing 2,400 flags along Manteca streets on days honoring the flag, armed forces, Martin Luther King Jr., the armed forces, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Patriots Day (Sept. 11), labor, and Pearl Harbor Day.

That is addition to what Beattie her staff, and dedicated volunteers do — help members grow their business.

The directory explains various services the chamber offers members from weekly coffees and evening mixtures for networking to providing free seminars addressing everything from state and employee regulations to how to effectively run a business.

The chamber also promotes tourism and helps newcomers find services they need.

Beattie noted the Manteca economy has a lot of opportunity for business.

With 1,306 housing starts in Manteca last year, the households that will occupy those homes will bring in excess of $117.5 million of household buying power with them on an annual basis. And that’s just the growth from one year.

The business directory in today’s Bulletin shares:

*How Manteca is growing your future.

*A quick overview of cultural and entertainment options in the local region.

*Added options to eat, drink, and be merry in downtown.

*Services the chamber provides to members.

*The State of the City.

*Places to play in Manteca.

*A listing of major events.

*An overview of the Great Wolf resort and indoor water park.

*The 30 plus murals throughout the city.

*A listing of what chamber members offer for everything from services and dining to products and entertainment.

The chamber is located at 629 East Yosemite Ave.