Chamber Blog

The Artist Tree Dispensary

The Artist Tree Dispensary has planted itself in North Fresno. This premium cannabis dispensary is one of two of the first to open within the city limits.

Doors Open at The Artist Tree

A line of customers stretched from The Artist Tree passed three other storefronts as they patiently waited for doors to open on Monday morning. Those doors opened at 10 a.m. and customers were able to check in, enter and shop. 

Customers walked into a brand new, bright dispensary where they could shop more than 800 different products. Included in those products are edibles, gummies, cookies, thermal patches, flower pre-rolls and more. Whatever your preference you will find it at The Artist Tree.

Education & Art

You can step into the grow cube where The Artist Tree has plants on display. This is where you can learn about the plant life cycle. Self-navigate with touch screens that offer consultations and information to educate you and help pick a product that is tailored to you. So, whether you want something to energize you or relax you, you’ll find it at The Artist Tree Fresno.

The cannabis dispensary that doubles as an art gallery has an overall visual that is appealing to many. The local artwork and cannabis combination makes your visit an immersive experience.   

Safety First

Like their four Southern California locations, The Artist Tree in Fresno will have security on site 24/7 in addition to cameras and alarm. In addition, the walls of the store are layered with different materials that makes it nearly impossible for anyone to cut though. Needless to say, safety is something that The Artist Tree is taking seriously and assuring for its customers.

Pick up or Delivery

You can visit and shop The Artist Tree Dispensary seven days a week in Park Place. While opening hours differ throughout the week, the store is open until 9:50 p.m. everyday. This location also offers delivery services. 

While this is the first to open within the city limits there are a number of other dispensaries working their way through the process. That means the City of Fresno will see more open soon. Embarc Fresno Cannabis Dispensary opened on Blackstone Ave. this week as well.

Moe Bagunu Memorial Golf Classic, Presented by Manchester Center

The Moe Bagunu Memorial Golf Classic is right around the corner. This great event will take place at the beautiful Fort Washington Country Club. In memory of Moe, who was such a big part of the Chamber and past golf tournaments, we will enjoy a day on the green, honoring him.

Morel “Moe” Bagunu

Moe was born in Manila, Philippines on September 8, 1963. His grandfather became a naturalized citizen serving the USAFFE in World War II, thus opening the way for the entire family to move to the United States in 1968, settling in Kansas City. He was extremely proud he became a citizen of the US. Moe used his inspiring family story in many of his public speaking engagements such as his keynote speech at the UEI College Graduation in 2015. During this speech he used his wit and infectious charm to deliver achievement messages to encourage the next generation.

Missouri to Fresno

Moe earned his Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Missouri. Soon after he started a restaurant and catering business with his step-father. He then moved on to a career in property management which led to his move to California. Moe led his teams to greatness with a thundering velvet hand. He had the uncanny ability to extract the best from people who hopped on the bus of his vision. Moe made hard work fun. He successfully led the local team at Fashion Fair Mall while undergoing the addition of the outdoor lifestyle center. Omninet recognized his talents and hired Moe to use his amazing management skills and magical relationship-building techniques to renovate Manchester Mall.

Fresno Chamber of Commerce

Moe served as Board Chair of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of the Fresno Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District Public Financing Authority, and was instrumental in the revitalization endeavors for the Blackstone district.

He loved sports and excelled in tennis, golfing, and fishing. His love of fishing led him and his wife Julie to move near Millerton Lake in 2012. Moe joined the fishing Future Pro Tour and soon became a sponsor, devoted mentor, and team captain for the Roosevelt High School Bass Fishing Club, where he could combine his love of fishing with fostering greatness and giving encouragement to youth in our community.

2022 Golf Classic

We could not be more grateful for having known Moe. His energy and passion will never be forgotten. It is an honor to dedicate and rename the Fresno Chamber’s 2022 golf classic to the Moe Bagunu Memorial Golf Classic.

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Sponsorship Opportunities Available

5 Productivity Hacks

There are many tools to help us with our productivity, but instead, why don’t we focus on learning techniques, and habitual changes to help us? Let’s call these productivity hacks.

A problem with today’s work culture is that there is an emphasis on being busy and we don’t stop. When we have completed our to-do list we don’t think we have done enough. This is not a good mentality to have. It will wear us out. And sometimes that is a reflection of company culture. 

Let’s go over some techniques.

#1. Block Distracting apps/websites

We all do it. Check our social media accounts or text. But do you know how often? The average worker can’t go more than six (6) minutes without looking at their phone. Naturally, our social life and work life revolves around digital media and the constant checking of notifications is a distraction that hinders our ability to focus on the project at hand.

Turn off your phone, put it far enough away from you that you have to get up to get it, and/or block websites. One or all of these things will keep you free from digital distractions and keep you focused on what needs to get done.

#2. Say “no”

Saying “no” to a client, peer, etc. can be hard, because you know, we don’t want to stop. But we must consider what the constant “yes” can do for the quality of the work we will provide. If you are taking on too much, say “no”. Be able to recognize when you should not take on more. 

Don’t forget, you have every right to refuse to work on the weekends and evenings. Assure your client, peer, etc. are aware that you only work during certain hours and I am sure they will understand.

#3. Create a Schedule

Organization plays a big part in productivity. But simply scheduling things won’t cut it. You must make sure you are abiding by the schedule. That means being on time to the first meeting of the day. Why? Because running late for the first meeting (or any meeting) will ultimately throw off the rest of your schedule. This can impact your productivity on any given day. 

Within the schedule of meetings, phone calls, email, etc. don’t forget to add breaks. Add them between meetings to give your mind and body a rest. Make sure to take your lunch and even a snack break if you need it. The small breaks to recoup will have a huge, positive impact on your day.

#4. Stop Multitasking 

Multitasking is NOT efficient. We know this. But being able to change this habit is difficult. Try composing a list of what needs to get done on a given day, prioritize them and tackle them individually. Even if that means that you work in short bursts of time on each of them throughout the day, as long as you are working on only one of them at a time. 

#5. Turn it off at the end of the work day

Clock out and stop doing work. Going home and trying to do housework and office work sounds like multitasking, and we all know that isn’t efficient. Whatever “turn it off” looks like to you, do that. Consider this an extended break that is necessary for not only your productivity but for your mental and physical health, too.  Remember that a healthy work-life balance is important in productivity as well.

If you want to be more productive you need to have an open mind to try new ways of thinking about completing tasks and becoming organized. These 5 productivity hacks can really help!

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Local Vendors join State of the City

Local vendors will join State of the City on May 12! Five Fresno food trucks will bring their delicious food and desserts to share with all attendees.

What is State of the City?

State of the City is an annual event that the Fresno Chamber of Commerce hosts. The public event invites community members to join for a presentation by Fresno’s Mayor, Jerry Dyer. Covering issues like homelessness, programs like Beautify Fresno, and economic development,  you will learn first hand the state of our city. This year Mayor Jerry Dyer will address ONE Fresno and his vision for the non-profit in 2022.

Get your tickets!

New Year New Look

This year the event will take on a fresh look. Different from last year, the event will take place in the evening on May 12. Similar to last year, Chukchansi Park will accommodate guests as the host venue for State of the City 2022.

Local Vendors x State of the City

A great element that has been added this year is incorporating all and only local food and drink vendors. On the food side, Fresno Street Eats will be bringing out five of those vendors. Taco Pinto, The Curry Pizza Company, Grumpy Burger Lady’s, and Union Jacks Pasty Shack round out the food vendors. And this event wouldn’t be complete without a local favorite dessert vendor, Ampersand Ice Cream.

It doesn’t end there. Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company Beer Garden, Full Circle Brewing Co., and Crow & Wolf Brewing Company will be a part of the event. Also included in the drink line up are Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar and Quail State.

Fig & Honey Lavish Grazing will provide a grazing board for our VIP guests and Root General will set up for all attendees to shop.

State of the City 2022 will have a new, fresh look that you don’t want to miss. 

Get your tickets!

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Fresno Music Academy & Arts Grows, North

The Fresno Chamber of Commerce and Clovis Chamber of Commerce welcomed Fresno Music Academy & Arts’ second location in North Fresno.

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Fresno Music Academy & Arts grows, North! The Ribbon Cutting brought out both the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and Clovis Chamber of Commerce, friends, media, and potential students. The Fresno Chamber of Commerce presented owners Debbi Ruud and John Alden with their new membership plaque and certificate of recognition. 

Since both Chambers were in attendance FMAA got to cut the ribbon twice! “This is an exciting time in the life of Fresno Music Academy & Arts,” Ruud said after she cut the second ribbon.

What is Fresno Music Academy & Arts?

The award-winning music school has been in Fresno since 1998 and in Fresno’s Tower District since 2008. Originally named “The Voice Shop”, they renamed themselves Fresno Music Academy & Arts, but didn’t miss a beat when it came to sharing the love and knowledge of music. Over 400 lessons are taught every week to students from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Reedley, Madera and other surrounding communities. 

The Academy delivers lessons in piano, voice, violin, guitar, drums, ukulele and more. Available at both locations is the early childhood music program, Music FunTime. Whether you are a parent who wants their child to benefit from lessons or an adult who wants to learn anew, FMAA is the perfect choice. 

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Location

Fresno Music Academy & Arts, North is located on the north east corner of Cedar and Nees. It sits in the back corner of the Parkwood Shopping Center. A center where you will also find a local favorite, Toledo’s Mexican Food Restaurant.

The first location is on North Wishon Ave., in Tower District. For more information check out their website or email them at info@fresnomusicacademy.com.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, click here.