![Many of the companies profiled in the Startup of the Month column have grown well beyond starting up. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/startup.jpg?1583358264)
Startups of the Month: Where Are They Now?
Progress reports from five standout startups in the Capital Region
Since 2015, Comstock’s has spotlighted more than 60 regional startups in our Startup of the Month column. Here are five standouts from the column that are going stronger than ever.
![Margaret Wong founded the Sacramento-based California Center in 2012 to facilitate business opportunities between California and China. (Photo by Ryan Angel Meza)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_dept_discourse_ryan-angel-meza.jpg?1582571121)
Wealth of Wisdom
California Center President and CEO Margaret Wong on the importance of the China market
Margaret Wong founded the Sacramento-based California Center in 2012 to facilitate business opportunities between California and China. Comstock’s spoke with Wong about expanding to the China market.
![Lance Hastings became president and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association in November 2018.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0220_dept_discourse_ryanangelmeza.jpg?1580764644)
Building for the Future
California Manufacturers & Technology Association President Lance Hastings on the myriad challenges faced by the industry
Lance Hastings became president and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association in November 2018. Comstock’s spoke with Hastings about challenges faced by manufacturers and how CMTA works to improve the business climate.
![Since Bruce Gray became CEO in 2016, TSI Semiconductors has increased its Technology Development & Commercialization Services business by 200 percent. (Photo by Fred Greaves)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0220_feat_manufacturing_fredgreaves_embed1.jpg?1580940974)
A Survivor’s Tale
TSI Semiconductors in Roseville is flourishing again, bucking a trend of diminished manufacturing in California and the U.S.
The last remaining microchip plant in Northern California has found ways to thrive in a challenging market.
![Plastic bottles on a conveyor belt at GreenWaste Recovery's facility in San Jose in July 2019. (Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters.)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/plastics_photo.jpg?1581027227)
Will This Be the Year the State Tackles Its Waste Crisis?
Even the special interests that helped kill a California Senate bill aimed at reforming beverage bottle recycling say the state needs to fix its broken system. And one lawmaker who voted no on the bill says he might just introduce his own.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1119_dept_sotm_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: TagCarts
A veteran-owned startup looks to improve medical carts for health care professionals
Medical carts are mobile storage units for health care equipment, supplies and medication, and may include workstations for access to electronic data.
![Josh Zeldner has guided the growth of Z Specialty Food, including a new, larger warehouse that features a community gathering space.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1019_feat_food_fredgreaves.jpg?1577874530)
Bittersweet Succession
Woodland’s Z Specialty Food seeks to double the footprint of its honey warehouse and create a community gathering spot
The company recently broke ground on a new Woodland facility that will double its warehouse size and serve as a community hub at the intersections of gourmet food, farm to fork and pollinator support.
![Kat and Ryan Huston moved their textile company two years ago into a converted military hangar at the former Mather Air Force Base.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1019_feat_fb_houstontxt_hectoramezcua.jpg?1577874530)
Dream Weavers
The husband-and-wife team of Ryan and Kat Huston has Huston Textile Company humming along
During summer months, 6-year-old Hazel keeps busy playing in the office of Huston Textile Company. It’s fitting that she should feel at home here — she is, after all, the inspiration for her parents’ textile milling business.
Sponsored
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0819_ss_underoneroof_shutterstock.png?1577874530)
Under One Roof
Construction companies explore an all-in-one business approach to keep costs and scheduling competitive
After years of planning and restructuring, Clark Pacific, the West Sacramento based provider of prefabricated systems, has completed a phase of transformation as a one-stop shop for general design, engineering, architecture, field operations and manufacturing.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0819_dept_discourse_ryanangelmeza.jpg?1577874530)
Pathway to the Future
Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Brian King on new opportunities — and new funding
Comstock’s recently spoke with King (who is also a member of our editorial advisory board) about challenges faced by community college students and how Los Rios can help train the workforce of the future.