Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce recognized with an Outstanding Chamber Program Award for the Stockton Takes Action Against Retail Theft (STAART) by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) on February 6, 2025

In front of an audience of over 400 Chamber executives from California, Neveda, Hawaii, Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, and Washington, the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) was recognized for it’s unique, community engaging approach to mitigate retail theft in San Joaquin County.

About STAART

STAART (Stockton Takes Action Against Retail Theft) is a groundbreaking initiative by the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce focused on combating retail theft through strategic partnerships, business resources, and community-based prevention efforts. The STAART program empowers residents and businesses across San Joaquin County with essential tools and knowledge to create a secure retail environment for everyone.

1. Strengthening the Local Economy:

• Economic Stability Through Theft Reduction: STAART's realization could reduce retail theft, thus has likely allowed local businesses to retain more of their earnings. This stability helps businesses stay open longer, invest in growth, and even create more job opportunities, contributing to a more resilient local economy.
• Boosting Consumer Confidence: With theft rates reduced, consumers might feel safer shopping in Stockton and San Joaquin County, leading to increased foot traffic and higher sales for local businesses. This could also attract more tourists or shoppers from neighboring areas, benefiting the community economically.
• Job Preservation and Growth: The reduced loss from retail theft means businesses can preserve jobs that might otherwise have been cut due to financial strain. As a result, the local job market benefits from greater stability.

2. Promoting & Improving the Community:

• Stronger Partnerships Between Local Entities: STAART has fostered closer collaboration between local businesses, law enforcement, and community organizations. This strengthened relationship builds trust and contributes to safer, more vibrant businesses.
• Crime Reduction and Community Well-being: By reducing retail theft, STAART directly impacts overall crime rates, helping to make Stockton a safer place to live, work, and visit. This can improve the quality of life for residents and reduce the strain on community resources.
• Educational Outreach: STAART has implemented educational initiatives that raise awareness about retail theft’s broader impact on the community. By engaging residents and business owners about prevention methods and security, STAART fosters a more proactive and vigilant community.

3. Replicability by Other Chambers and communities:

• Standardized Best Practices: The program can share its framework and approaches with other chambers by offering resources like training modules, templates for collaboration between businesses and law enforcement, and examples of successful community partnerships.
• Clear Metrics for Success: By documenting specific outcomes (e.g., percentage reduction in theft, number of App downloads, etc.), STAART can provide measurable proof of its success, making it easier for other chambers and communities to replicate.
• Scalable Community Models: The program could showcase adaptable elements of its approach—such as how it tailored strategies to local conditions or how it partnered with neighboring areas—to demonstrate how it can work in communities of various sizes

Sponsorship opportunities with the program are available. Please contact Frank J. Ferral, Chief Policy Officer at 209-993-4409 or frank@stocktonchamber.org.