April - Petaluma Chamber of Commerce

Petaluma
BUSINESS
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
Current Resident or
6 Petaluma Blvd. North, Suite A-2
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-762-2785
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PETALUMA, CA
PERMIT NO. 127
Time Sensitive Material - Deliver by April 5
Petaluma
BUSINESS
April 2010
Vol 19, No 4
“Petaluma’s voice for business”
A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce • www.petalumachamber.com
Community Recognition Awards Honorees
Announced; Event At Sheraton April 29
A bank and a catering firm are the top
business honorees in this year’s
Community Recognition Awards ceremony, scheduled for April 29 at the
Sheraton in Petaluma.
Summit State Bank won the Large
Business recognition, while Preferred
Sonoma Caterers was picked for the
Small Business of the Year honor.
At press time, honoree as Citizen of
the Year had not been announced.
Other honorees are:
Service to Seniors: Kira Reginato,
through Petaluma People Services
Center
Volunteer of the Year: Leota Fisher, PEP
Housing
Excellence in Education: Judy Sovel,
McNear Elementary School
Supervisor Mike Kerns will hand out
the awards.
Service to Youth:
House Linen Supply
The event this year will begin with
hors d’oeuvres on the mezzanine at the
Sheraton at 5:30, moving downstairs for
the awards presentation at 6:30,
followed by an array of desserts
provided by the Sheraton Sonoma
County–Petaluma Hotel.
Geoff Ellis, Lace
Excellence in Agriculture: Mitch Lind,
Pres. Jerico Products, Inc.
Fire Fighter of the Year: Engineer Juan
Carlos Colorado
Police Officer of the Year: Officer Walt
Spiller
The event is co-sponsored by the
Chamber, the Argus-Courier, and the
Sheraton Sonoma County–Petaluma
Hotel.
The Service Person of the Year is being
selected by the Argus-Courier and will
be announced later.
Food for the reception is being
provided by Extreme Pizza,Whole Foods
Market, Preferred Sonoma Caterers,
Cordoza’s Deli & Café, Papa’s Taverna,
Traxx Bar & Grill, Rooster Run Event
Center, Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill,
and Exclusive Dessert Provider:
Sheraton Sonoma County – Petaluma
Hotel, coffee and tea provided by
Petaluma Coffee & Tea Co.
Sponsors for the event are AVM
Graphics, Bank of Marin, Beels Soper LLP,
Behrens, Nelson, Knudson, Century 21
Bundesen, Clover Stornetta, Comcast,
Councilman Mike Harris, Crown Trophy,
Doyle Contracting, Inc., Exchange Bank,
First
Community
Bank, Kaiser
Foundation Health Plan, Medley Glass
Works, Midstate Construction Corp.,
North Bay Construction, Pacific
eDocument Solutions, Pacific Gas &
Electric, Petaluma Fire Dept., Petaluma
Health Center, Port Sonoma, Redwood
Credit Union, Rooster Run Event Center,
Rotary Club of Petaluma, Sonoma Bank,
Nancy Cooley, State Farm Agent, Summit
State Bank, Petaluma Educational
Foundation and Hansel Auto Group.
Price is $20 per person.
Eight Seek Board Seats
Eight candidates have lined up to run
for four Chamber Board seats. Ballots
were mailed to all Chamber members in
late March, and need to be filled out
and returned to the Chamber office by 4
p.m. on April 23.
The new Board will be announced in
the May issue of Petaluma Business, and
will be installed on June 11.
Jim Becker
Michelle G. Law
Justin Hansel
Candidates are Jim Becker, Edward
Jones; Justin Hansel, Hansel Auto Group;
Michelle G. Law, Circle Bank; Wayne
Wayne Leach
Leach, CSW/Stuber Stroeh; Monica
Soiland, Midstate Construction; William
R. Soper, Beels/Soper LLP, Les Villanji,
OTTIMO International; and Matt White,
Basin Street Properties.
Villanji, Soiland, and Soper are elected
Monica Soiland
Will Soper
incumbents and White is an appointed
incumbent. Jeff Mayne, W. Thom
Knudson, and Deb Padia are not seeking
reelection.
Statements for the candidates are on
page six.
Les Villanji
Matt White
2
April 2010
Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Wake Up Has Farms,
Housing, and Google
Sustainable ag, organic dairy, affordable senior housing, and Google. What
more can you ask for from Wake Up
Petaluma? All this, and more, is
scheduled for the April 27 breakfast at
Rooster Run.
Tara Smith of Tara Firma Farms will
talk about sustainable ag efforts in the
area and “City Folks Without A Clue”,
while Albert Straus of Straus Family
Creamery will discuss his organic dairy
in Marshall and their recent move to
Petaluma.
Mary Stompe of PEP housing will talk
about their local success in providing
affordable housing as well as their
upcoming fundraiser.
Diane Quinn was born in Ohio. She is
a graduate of Ursuline Sacred Heart
Academy High School in Ohio and
Orange Coast College. Diane has been a
Petaluma resident over 4 years. She is
pleased to part of a community that is
rich in the arts, history and business. She
has been an Ambassador for over 2
years. She enjoys hosting at the business
after hour events, meeting the owners,
learning about their business and
supporting them.
Diane enjoys
volunteering and getting involved in
community events like the Butter & Egg
Parade and Rebuilding Together
Petaluma.
Diane has combined her 20 years plus
experience and knowledge of property
First Vice President
Monica Soiland, 762-3200
Midstate Construction
monicas@midstateconstruction.com
Also on the program is recognition of
new members and a raffle drawing.
Second Vice President
Mkulima “M” Britt*, 778-8448
Clover Stornetta Farms, Inc.
mkulima@cloverstornetta.com
Cost for the breakfast is $20 for
Chamber members, $25 for nonmembers. Reservations needed – call
762-2785.
Dianne Quinn
management, real estate and banking to
develop her company, Realty Property
Services. R. P. S. is a full-service property
management, real estate and property
inspection referral company with a fullservice traveling notary department
along with a legal referral network that
is partnered with the 8th largest law
firm in California.
This June, the North Bay Business
Journal will celebrate the 10th
anniversary of its Women in Business
Awards, honoring outstanding women in
the North Bay for their success and
contributions
to
the
business
community as leaders, innovators and
visionaries.
Dianne Quinn
Realty Property Services
The most recognized Petaluma
Company that R.P.S. represents as a sales
agent is Benefield Realty. Diane is all
about customer service, customer
satisfaction and personalized attention.
She looks forward to building new
relationships within the business
community.
ADVERTISE ON PetalumaChamber.com
Be seen 15,000+ times per month!
Call 762-2785 today for more information.
The
publication
is
seeking
nominations for this prestigious award
to be presented at the special 10th
Anniversary Women in Business Awards
Dinner Gala on June 24. Winners will
also be featured in a special publication
June 28.
To submit a nomination, go to
www.NorthBayBusinessJournal.com
and fill out the online form or download
the PDF and send to 427 Mendocino
Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401 or fax to
707-521-5292.
Committees
Call 762-2785 for more information.
Agri-Business
Rebecca Scott, 540-0054
Royal Petroleum
Ambassadors
Daniel Canales, 781-9483
Insphere Insurance Solutions
Jim Alexander, 762-2818
Financial Consultant
Business/Education
Dennis Hardle, 763-5348
Hardle and Company
President
Les Villanyi*, 484-4992
Nikken Wellness Consultant
vlaszlo5319@gmail.com
Sponsor for the morning is Doyle
Contracting, Inc., a Platinum Member of
the Chamber’s President’s Circle
NBBJ to Honor
Women in
Business
Ambassador Profile
Petaluma
BUSINESS
River
John FitzGerald, 794-0667
FitzGerald & Associates
Wake-Up Petaluma
Government Affairs
Jim Becker, 778-7780
Wayne Leach, (415) 883-9850
Edward Jones Investments
CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group
Jeff Mayne, 536-6161
Leadership Petaluma Program
Excel Mortgage Solutions
Call the Chamber for info, 762-2785.
Women in Business
Past Presidents Council
Anne Fischer Silva, CN, 849-3569
Elece Hempel, 765-8488
A New Leaf Nutrition
Petaluma People Services Center
Petaluma Business ads are sales boosters! An economic way to reach more than 800 businesses monthly.
Call the Chamber, 762-2785 for specifics & discount rates.
Treasurer
Ron Malnati*, 769-2294
Exchange Bank
malnatir@exchangebank.com
Immediate Past President
Elece Hempel*, 765-8488
Petaluma People Services Center
elece@petalumapeople.org
DIRECTORS
John Burns, 762-4541
Petaluma Argus-Courier
jburns@arguscourier.com
Daniel Canales*, 781-9483
National Assoc. for Self-Employed
danielcanales@comcast.net
Katie Kerns*, 557-7045
PG&E
kmkz@pge.com
W. Thom Knudson*, 763-1911
Behrens, Nelson & Knudson
wtknudson@bnklaw.net
Richard Marzo, 763-1515
Lace House Linen
richard@lacehouselinen.com
Jeff Mayne, 536-6161
Excel Mortgage Solutions
jeff@xlmortgagesolutions.com
Deb Padia*, 792-5102
Tony Sarno*, 664-1400
Keegan & Coppin
tsarno@keegancoppin.com
Will Soper*, 763-3888
Beels Soper LLP, CPAs
wsoper@beels-soper.com
Matt White, 795-4477
Basin Street Properties
matt@basin-street.com
CHAMBER STAFF
762-2785 • Fax 762-4721
Email: pacc@petalumachamber.com
www.petalumachamber.com
Onita Pellegrini*, CEO
Judy Carney, Bookkeeper
Daniella Ellicott*, Member Services
Kathy Brandal, Office Assistant
VISITORS PROGRAM
769-0429 • Fax 283-0528
www.visitpetaluma.com
* Leadership Petaluma Graduates
PETALUMA BUSINESS CREDITS
Published by the Petaluma Area Chamber of
Commerce, 6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-2
©2009 Petaluma Chamber of Commerce
Don Bennett
Editor & Writer
AVM Graphics
Design & Production
Marin Sun
Printing
4
April 2010
Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Editorials & Opinions, Analyses, Commentary, Viewpoints
Commentary
President’s Message
GA/ED Committee
Reviews Issues
It is up to you…..
The Government Affairs/Economic Development Committee has been busy
over the past several weeks, meeting with representatives of various projects and
issues that promise to affect business.
Back in February, the Committee’s early Friday morning meeting featured
Chuck Daldorf, the regional public affairs manager for the League of California
Cities. Daldorf has an extensive background in government circles, having been
chief of staff to the mayor of San Jose and legislative staff to such State luminaries
as Willie Brown.
Primarily, Daldorf gave the group important insights into the cumbersome and
the awesome if not impossible challenge of coming up with a balanced budget
in the current economy.
There followed a spirited discussion on such issues as ballot box legislation,
including the League’s advocacy of Prop. 42, which would restrict the State’s
abilities to seize local tax funds for State use.
The next meeting featured Lillian Hames, the General Manager of SMART, who
gave a detailed presentation on the progress of creating a new rail transit line for
the North Bay.
Hames discussed the funding gap of $155 million that SMART is currently
facing, a shortfall caused by our area’s current economic malaise. Meanwhile, she
said, SMART is working with city manager’s throughout the area to fix station
sites and designs, schedules, and other issues facing local communities.
Even with these challenges, she said, the intent is to deliver the project in five
years. Currently, there are enough funds to build from San Rafael to Santa Rosa,
but SMART is trying to find ways to complete the line to Cloverdale by deadline.
She estimated the train will carry 6,000 riders a day until the Novato Narrows
is widened, and then about 5,300 passengers a day.
The third speaker to address the group was Katie Kerns, representing PG&E,
who spoke in advocacy of an upcoming ballot measure, Prop. 16, to require
public votes before local governments can borrow or spend public dollars to get
into retail electricity business.
A detailed discussion of the entire area of energy generation, public power, and
the numerous complexities involved followed Kerns’ presentation.
Much of the concern had to do with the fact that any public vote under the
provisions of Prop. 16 would require a two-thirds vote to pass. Some committee
members felt that the complexities of all aspects of the issue are too exhausting
to lend themselves to an easily explainable ballot measure, while other
committee members indicated support for the project. Some members felt that
the 2/3rds vote provision was a deal-killer for any government owned power
district anywhere in California.
Platinum Members
I recently came across a variation on
the old SWSWSWSW sales strategy. This
one has two additional SW’s: Some Will,
Some Won’t, So What, Stop Whining, Start
Working, Someone’s Waiting. I like the
kick-in-the-pants attitude of this variation.
Let’s talk about these SW’s.
Some Will: Your product or service
could appeal to a lot of people, meaning
you have a diverse market that may not be
hit so heavily by economic fluctuations.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? Chances are
though that among your products and
services there are some lower profit ones
that suck money out of your budget in
down times. How important is it to have
such a broad base appealing to everyone?
Are you able to keep up with new trends
and streamline your approach or are you
dragging the whole mess behind you?
Look at some of the big auto
manufacturers like GM that have
jettisoned various brands to present fewer
products that are better positioned.
Some Won’t: It is unrealistic and
downright frustrating to expect that
everyone should buy our brand, our
product, our service. Some businesses
spend so much time going after these
Won’t customers that they neglect their
Will customers. By offering a greater
depth of products to our regular
customers we can capture more of their
purchasing dollars and keep them for
longer. Do you offer enough services to
make it worthwhile for a customer?
So What? To be successful in an up or
down economy we have to concentrate
on what we do well and run with it. We
learn through our losses and are
strengthened by our gains. Being alert to
market changes, flexible in changing our
own business strategies, and appreciating what we have as compared to
what we don’t have is the right attitude.
If your marketing efforts have only
touched a particular segment of the
population and you are not satisfied
Gold Members
By Les Villanyi,
President, Petaluma
Area Chamber of
Commerce
with the results, change your marketing
to appeal to a different segment!
Stop Whining! The words of the
Serenity Prayer fit perfectly here:
God, grant me the serenity/To accept
the things I cannot change/The courage
to change the things that I can/And the
wisdom to know the difference.
The economy’s downturn touches
everyone, directly and indirectly, some
people much more dramatically than
others. We are all in the same boat.
Waiting for the other shoe to drop is not
the answer.
Start Working. We are all responsible
for our own lives. The government isn’t,
neither is your aunt Tilly.We are.We need
to assess our current status, put in place
immediate changes, and plan the long
term changes for our physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. We have
elections coming up this year with
candidates spouting cure-all remedies
that only they have thought of. Don’t
expect them to single you out to help in
your current dilemmas. It is up to you to
help yourself. Get off the dime!
Someone’s Waiting. With all the
people in the world in all shapes, sizes,
and colors, there are millions that want
to buy what you are selling. They may
not want it now but definitely
sometime. If you want people to buy
sooner you may need to rethink what
you are selling or how you are reaching
those millions.
As you go through your work week,
remind yourself: Some Will, Some Won’t,
So What, Stop Whining, Start Working,
Someone’s Waiting.
Silver Members
Bronze Members
Nancy Cooley,
Agent
Ace Shirt & Cap • Circle Bank • Clark Rosen, Coldwell Banker
Deer Creek Village • Moonware Design
6
April 2010
Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Board Election
Candidate Statements
Jim Becker – Edward Jones
As an active member of the Chamber
for the past 25 years, I’ve enjoyed and
appreciated the strong commitment and
passion local businesses bring to the
community. Recently, I spoke in front of
the City Council and asked in these
difficult times for all of us to” embrace
and support” local businesses. That
would be my primary goal as a board
member for our Chamber. Also, I would
work hard to encourage the community
to buy local and support all Chamber
businesses and services.
As a Financial Advisor locally for
Edward Jones, I have deep relationships
with many local citizens and businesses
and understand clearly their needs. I also
have been in leadership roles on the
Chamber’s
Government
Affairs/
Economic Development Committee and
Wake up monthly programs and would
continue to make those quality
programs successful. I ask for your vote
to represent the members on the
Chamber Board and thank you in
advance for your support.
Justin Hansel – Hansel Auto Group
As an active member of the local
business community, I am seeking an
opportunity to put my expertise to work
for all supporters of the Petaluma Area
Chamber of Commerce. After receiving
a Bachelor of Science degree in
Economics from Santa Clara University, I
spent six years working for Wells Fargo
Bank in San Francisco. In 2002, I
decided to move to Petaluma and began
working for my family in the Retail
Automotive Business. Today, I am
responsible for the overall operations of
our three auto dealerships in Petaluma Hansel Honda, Hansel Toyota, and Henry
Curtis Ford Mercury, as well as Hansel
Ford Lincoln-Mercury in Santa Rosa.
My wife, three children, and I have
now settled in and made Petaluma our
home. We are committed to making this
a great community to live and do
business in. I am currently a board
member of the Petaluma Boys and Girls
Club of Marin and Southern Sonoma
Counties, and an active supporter of the
Petaluma Education Foundation and the
United Way of the Wine Country. I ask
for your support in electing me to the
Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors.
Michelle G. Law - Assistant Vice
President/Branch Manager, Circle Bank
I have been a Petaluma resident and
an active community member for 19
years. Having been a business owner in
Marin and Sonoma counties, I
understand, the important role that the
Chamber of Commerce plays in business
advocacy and promoting the economic
well being of our city.As previous owner
of Petaluma’s Athletic Edge, I had the
privilege of getting to know an amazing
cross section of the people who
comprise our community. Now, as
Assistant Vice President and Branch
Manager of Circle Bank in Petaluma, I am
excited to continue the unwavering
commitment to customer service that
has contributed substantially to my
previous success.
My past experience with chambers of
commerce and a variety of other
community organizations has prepared
me well to serve on the Petaluma Area
Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors. I have served as Vice President
of the Novato Chamber, was a member
of the Finance Committee, Women in
Business, Ambassadors, a founding
member of the American Cancer Society
Novato Chapter, representative to the
California Chamber of Commerce, and
served on the Petaluma American Little
League board. I have received many
awards for excellence in business
including Spirit of Marin, Business
Person of the Year, Best of Marin and the
Golden Acorn Award for environmental
awareness.
I am raising three children and have
found Petaluma to be rich in culture and
values. I look forward to the opportunity
to serve as a member of the Board of
Directors and ask for your support.
Wayne Leach – CSW/Stuber-Stroeh
Engineering Group, Inc.
I am a longtime resident of Petaluma.
I grew up in Petaluma and attended the
local schools. After graduating from Cal
Poly San Luis Obispo I returned with my
wife Ronni. We have been married for
15 years and have two amazing children.
I am a licensed professional engineer,
manager, and principal owner at
CSW/Stuber-Stroeh. We are one of the
largest engineering firms in the North
Bay and work with residential and
commercial developers, local and
national corporations, schools, colleges
and universities, medical and research
institutions, homeowners, and local,
state and federal agencies. I have been
with CSW|ST2 for the past 16 years. I
am a past president and current State
Director for the American Council of
Engineering Companies
(ACEC California).
California
I am a graduate of Leadership
Petaluma (Class of 99) and current Chair
of the Government Affairs and Economic
Development Committee. I have come
to appreciate the incredible effort that
so many Chamber representatives and
members put into keeping our business
and community interests known. I hope
to find a balance between business and
local government and will work toward
sustainable economic development so
our businesses and community can
thrive. I look forward to the opportunity
to represent your business interests in
Petaluma and ask for your support.
Monica Soiland – Vice President,
Marketing & Business Development Midstate Construction
I have been serving on the Petaluma
Area Chamber Board of Directors for the
last four years. This year I will be
representing you and the Chamber
Board in the capacity of President. This
simply means that I am an advocate for
you. I am here to support your needs,
make recommendations which benefit
the membership as a whole and follow
through on existing goals and
commitments. Please know that I will
be proud to be your President and hope
to do my best to support you.
I have been a Petaluma resident for
forty one years. I work and reside in
Petaluma. I come from a large family and
the majority of my family resides in
Sonoma County. My Dad has had a
family business in Santa Rosa for quite
some time and has employed all of his
seven children. We all learned at a young
age to work hard, be dedicated, have
integrity and support those around us.
A majority of you know me through
my employment at Midstate Construction. I have been working here for
thirteen years. I thoroughly enjoy my
career. I am fortunate to work with such
gifted individuals, both coworker and
clientele.
I also serve as a Board of Directors at
the North Coast Builders Exchange. This
is my third year as a Board Member and
my second year as the Chair of the
Member Services and Recruitment
Committee.
In our current economy, this coming
year will still be a difficult year. We need
to stand together as individuals and as a
community. Our community and our
members have so much to offer. My
very best to each and every one of you.
William R. Soper, CPA – Beels|Soper
LLP
I have served on the Petaluma Area
Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors for the past three years and
would appreciate your vote for
continued service to the Board. I am a
partner in the Petaluma based CPA firm
of Beels|Soper LLP and a life-long
resident of Petaluma. I am a 2006
graduate of Leadership Petaluma
and hold a Bachelor of Science degree in
Accounting from Sonoma State
University.
I am actively involved in several
community and professional organizations including: Petaluma Educational
Foundation, Rotary Club of Petaluma,
Petaluma Boys & Girls Club of Marin and
Southern Sonoma Counties – Planned
Giving Committee, San Antonio High
School – Site Council, American Institute
of Certified Public Accountants,
California Society of Certified Public
Accountants and the Petaluma Area
Chamber of Commerce.
As a local business owner with diverse
non-profit experience and strong
financial expertise I will serve the
Chamber membership well and I ask for
your vote.
Les Villanyi – OTTIMO International
Hello everybody! It has been my great
pleasure to serve as the 2009-2010
President of the Petaluma Chamber as the
culmination of my first 3 year term. I have
been in the Chamber for 10 years starting
with the Ambassadors Committee and it
has been my mission to meet as many of
my fellow members as possible and to
find out how we can better help you
attain your business goals.
As a Petaluma resident for the past 17
years, I have seen many changes in this
charming community – some good and
some not so good. As President of the
Petaluma Sons of Italy I am very active in
a variety of fundraisers that benefit Little
League, the Boys and Girls Club, as well
as Achievement Awards for local high
school students of Italian descent.
My work experience has been in sales
and management for over 30 years in the
dental, software, and real estate
industries both domestically and
internationally. I currently own a health
products distribution company and
hope to go international with it this year.
Continued on page 8
8
April 2010
Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Statements
Continued from page 6
I well understand the impact of the
economy and local government on
business and hope to continue to work
as your representative on the Board of
Directors.
Thank you for your past support and I
look forward to serving you.
Matt White – Basin Street Properties
I have enjoyed my past year of service
on the Petaluma Chamber Board and I
am eager to continue to serve the
Petaluma community. My Petaluma roots
began during my high school days
where I worked as a carpenter and
laborer on the buildings that became
known as Telecom Valley. After graduating from Marin Catholic High School,
I attended Boston University and
received a B.A. in Political Science. I then
returned to Northern California and
worked as a mortgage broker for several
years before joining my parent’s
company, Basin Street Properties,
formerly known as G&W Management
as a project manager.
For nearly 10 years, I have served as
president and CEO. Basin Street has
played a significant role in the
development of downtown Petaluma.
Our revitalization of the Theatre District
has created business growth and local
job opportunities, as well as added much
needed amenities to the area. I continue
to be personally committed to enhancing this community in which I have
lived, worked and played, for many years
to come.
Although our corporate headquarters
recently relocated to Reno, Basin Street
remains steadfast in investing in
opportunities in Petaluma and throughout Sonoma County. Maintaining a
strong and long-term presence in the
region is one of my top priorities and I
look forward to continuing my active
involvement in various community
organizations.
I am a graduate from Leadership
Petaluma, and a member of the Dean’s
Advisory Board of the Sonoma State
University School of Business and
Economics. In addition, I serve as the
Board of Regents at Marin Catholic High
School and the Board of Trustees at Lake
Tahoe School.
Natures Best Cleaners
Earns BEA Recognition
Natures Best Cleaners in Petaluma
received 9th.Annual Sonoma County’s
BEA (Business Environmental Alliance)
Award that promotes responsible
environmental practices that cut costs
for businesses.
that are specially designed for dry
cleaning garments. The chemicals are
also eco-friendly and bio-degradable.The
cleaning system reduces energy
consumption compared to traditional
bulky dry-cleaning machine.
The local cleaners was nominated by
the Petaluma Area Chamber of
Commerce. The award was presented at
the annual Business Leaders Breakfast in
Santa Rosa.
The benefits of Professionally Wet
Cleaned garments are:
Natures Best Cleaners was recognized
for not using Harsh and Toxic Chemicals
in their cleaning process or storing
them. The cleaner uses Professional Wet
Cleaning System that use water as the
main solvent for dry cleaning garments.
The business is the first and only one of
its kind in Sonoma County to utilize
cutting edge technology and chemistry
Natures Best Cleaners is a
demonstration site for Professional WetCleaning technology for other chemical
cleaners in the Sonoma County. The
demonstration is funded by the UCLA’s
Sustainable Technology & Policy
Program. In the past 6 months, Natures
Best Cleaners held two workshops and
attracted over 50 cleaners throughout
the greater Bay Area to introduce,
demonstrate, and provide Q&A for this
technology.
Again, it has been a gratifying and
rewarding experience serving on the
Board. I hope, with your support, I will
continue to serve the Petaluma
community.
Film Festival
Seeks Sponsors
The second annual Petaluma Film
Fest, to be held at the Mystic Theatre on
May 1, is seeking sponsors. The festival
was created by the Chamber’s 2009
Leadership Class, which founded the
Petaluma Film Alliance.
The Alliance is once again inviting
local businesses to become sponsors of
this worthwhile event. There are two
Sponsorship levels.
The Alliance is a strategic partnership
between Santa Rosa Junior College,
community businesses, and individuals
dedicated to creating unique community-based learning environments to
discuss and analyze significant classic
and modern cinema. On August 2, 2009,
the Alliance presented their first downtown film festival at the Mystic Theatre
to a sold-out audience. That evening, ten
award-winning short films followed by a
question-answer panel discussion with
the film’s directors entertained over 450
attendees.
• Corporate logo placement on all
printed materials, the festival website,
on-screen advertising at all festival and
fall cinema series screenings
The Alliance is expanding the film
festival to become an ‘all-day’ event with
matinee feature films, a performance of
evening short-films, and a midnight program. Like last year, this event will also
coordinate with the Alliance’s cinema season of classic, foreign, and independent
cinema at the SRJC Petaluma Campus’
Carole L. Ellis Auditorium.
$1,000.00 Sponsorship Level:
• Four complimentary VIP tickets to the
Petaluma Film Fest
• Four complimentary tickets to the
weekly Petaluma Cinema Series
(running 15 weeks from September 1,
2010 through December 8, 2010)
$500.00 Sponsorship Level:
• Corporate logo placement on all
printed materials, the festival website,
on-screen advertising at all 2010
festival screenings
Liz and Gus Chang, center, with their BEA plaque. Pictured left is Scott Kirk, cochair of the Business Environmental Alliance, and at right is Sonoma County
Supervisor Efren Carrillo.
Elvis Is At
The Museum
The “King” is back and in the building
when a show of never-before-exhibited
photographs of Elvis Presley titled,
ELVIS! Grace and Grit opens April 1 at
the Petaluma Historical Library &
Museum at 20 4th St. in historic
downtown Petaluma, California.
• Two complimentary VIP tickets to the
Petaluma Film Fest
The 33 candid and on-the-air
photographs from the CBS archives
document the young Elvis of the late 50s
and early 60s.
For more information call Rich
Ronsheimer at (707) 781-1801 or visit
www.PetalumaFilmFest.org.
Many rare Elvis artifacts, included with
the photographs, make this event the
largest Elvis exhibition honoring the
King’s 75th birthday to be held in the
Bay Area.
Petaluma is the first stop on the
exhibit’s tour this year and it is on
display at the Museum
A special member’s preview party is
on March 31, at 6 p.m. includes a silent
auction of rare Elvis special edition
lithographs. At 7 p.m. on the same date,
the Petaluma Museum opens the party
to the public for a showing of the
famous “1968 Comeback Special” when
Elvis, in his legendary black leather suit,
reclaimed his crown. Refreshments will
be served.
10
April 2010
Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Women in Business
Brown Bag Lunch
“Women’s Health” is the subject of
April’s Women In Business Brown Bag
lunch, scheduled for the Chamber office
at noon on April 28.
Lydia Zipp, president of the Women’s
Cancer Awareness Group, is the speaker.
Cost is $5 for members, $8 for nonmembers. Drinks are provided. Bring
your own lunch, or, lunch options will
be offered onsite from Cordoza’s Deli at
$7 each.
In May, the Women in Business
Committee will have their speaker
breakfast program at the Petaluma
Women’s Club. The program is “Stress &
Hormones: Making the Connection”
presented by: Anne Fischer Silva, clinical
nutritionist, with New Leaf Nutrition.
The breakfast will take place May 11
from 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Cost is $25
for Chamber members, $30 for non
members.
The Petaluma Chamber of Commerce
Women in Business Committee is
comprised of local business women
who have come together for the goal of
providing education,
networking
opportunities and business
support to other local
women in business.
The committee meets
once a month to plan Lydia Zipp
and schedule breakfast
seminars and brown
bag lunches for the
year, all with powerful
topics and speakers.
If you are interested
in learning more about Anne Fischer
the Petaluma Cham- Silva
ber’s Women in Business Committee, please contact the
Committee Chair, Anne Fischer Silva,
New Leaf Nutrition, at 707-849-3569.
Committee Members include Jana Boyle,
Redwood Credit Union; Liz Chang,
Natures Best Cleaners; Yvonne Cordoza,
Cordoza’s Deli-Café; Jennifer March, JMA
Services; Bridget Mckay, Attorney at Law;
Shelly Moller, Edward Jones; Onita
Pellegrini, Petaluma Area Chamber of
Commerce; and Joanne Sterzenbach,
Blue Oak Mortgage.
Free Business Coaching
At Chamber in April, May
Alan Ginsberg, a business coach and
owner of The Entrepreneur’s Source in
Petaluma, is offering one hour of free
business coaching to Chamber members
starting April 22 at the Chamber office.
Ginsberg has more than thirty years’
business experience in management,
marketing, merchandising, budgeting,
buying and planning, human resources,
logistics and overall evaluation of
business. He has been extensively
trained in business coaching and
continues his training weekly.
He will be offering the free one-hour
sessions in the Chamber office from 9
a.m. - 4 p.m. on April 22 and May 27, and
if neither date works, Ginsberg will be
happy to arrange an alternative time.
He said that “in the last year I have
seen and heard of the many challenges
facing current business owners. One of
the most obvious dangers for a business
owner is not recognizing or ignoring
the need for help. Having the right
tools and knowing where you can find
Alan Ginsberg
them is invaluable.”
“My intent is to help business owners
identify the issues around time, team and
money. This session will allow the
business owner to take away some tools
for the issues that they face,” he said.
“Even business owners that have
successful companies have challenges in
their business and will benefit from this
session.”
To register for the free coaching hour,
call Ginsberg at 762-1619 or email at
aginsberg@esourcecoach.com.
12
April 2010
Petaluma Business – A publication of the PACC
PEF Store Has
Banner Sales
In the midst of unprecedented Statewide educational cuts, Petaluma Educational Foundation’s boutique thrift store
on Western Avenue is making significant
increases in positive impact on program
funding.
According to Janet Ramatici, Executive
Director of PEF, Alphabet Soup Store
posted net profits of $20,149 for the first
six months of the foundation’s fiscal
year. “We had budgeted $26,883 for the
Social Biz 2010: Social Media
Conference In North Bay
whole year based
years,” said Ramatici.
on
previous
By donating large, gently-used items
of
furniture,
community-minded
individuals can make a significant
impact on funding Petaluma school
programs in vital areas such as health
and nutrition, science and technology,
teaching gardens, language arts and
math. Visit www.pefinfo.com for more
information.
PPSC Rock’n’Bowl
On April 17
Petaluma People Services Center’s
(PPSC) biggest fundraising event of the
year, the Rock’n’Bowl will take place on
Saturday, April 17, 2010. It is an evening
event filled with music, fun, food, prizes,
and of course, bowling.
The PPSC is seeking companies to
sponsor teams in the event. Each team of
five is responsible for a minimum of
$600 per team. This translates to $120
per bowler. Of course, the sky is the limit
when it comes to how much teams may
want to raise. Prizes will be given for
various categories including top monies
raised per team.
PPSC is a community-based nonprofit
multi-service agency in their 36th year
of service. PPSC is dedicated to
improving the social and economic
health of our community by providing
programs that strengthen the dignity
and self-sufficiency of the individual.
Social media, the emerging art of all
facets of business communication, will
be the focus of North Bay SocialBiz
2010, a conference scheduled for April
30 at the Sheraton Hotel & Marina in
Petaluma.
The Petaluma Chamber is a major
sponsor of this event, hosted by Roohi
Moolla, CEO/founder of Neighborhoodnow, Inc., a Petaluma-based company
that connects people and communities
through online event calendars and
social content.
Dave Hersh, Chairman of the Board of
Jive Software, is the Keynote Speaker for
SocialBiz 2010. Jive Software is the
global leader in Social Business Software
and revolutionizes how work gets done
in the global enterprise. Additional
speakers include Janet Fouts, the Author
of “Social Media for Success!“ and a 15year veteran of social media and online
marketing, and Joey Shepp, founder and
CEO of Earthsite, a New Media Agency
for Sustainable Brands.
Social Media is transforming the way
business is done, whether it’s marketing,
advertising, sales, customer service,
hiring, branding...almost every facet of
business communication.
Participants will take part in expertled discussions and practical “hands-on”
workshops, and have access to resources, information and the necessary
tools to create effective Social Media
strategies. Attendees will also have the
opportunity to learn how to use Social
Media tools like Twitter, Facebook and
LinkedIn for business, jumpstart their
web presence, engage with customers, and build and connect their online
community.
When: Friday, April 30, 2010, 9:00 am –
8:00 pm
Where: Sheraton Hotel Sonoma
County - Petaluma, 745 Baywood Drive,
Petaluma, California 94954
Cost: $135 - $195 includes workshops,
lunch, evening networking reception
and wine-tasting
For additional information, please
visit: www.socialbiz2010.com
Don Bennett
& Associates
Make every day special
when you wake up to
your own select blend
or let us make it for you
at our espresso cart!
Advertising & PR Consulting
Writing & Editing Services
Weekdays from 7:30 to 5:30
Saturdays from 8:00 to 4:00
763-5343
dcbenn@aol.com
Petaluma Coffee & Tea
212 2nd St., south of D, in the Theater District • 763-2727
14
April 2010
Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Members
New Members
Renewing Members
Gary & Lynn Imm
Gary & Lynn Imm
Petaluma, CA 94952
A. E. Z. R. Pet Hospital
Ace Shirt and Cap Printing,
President's Circle Bronze
All-American Printing Services
Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin & Sonoma
Carousel Fund
Concinnity Group, Inc.
Country Villa Petaluma
Dolcini Plumbing, Inc.
Hillcrest Dental Group
Jerry & Don's Yager
Pump & Well Service
Law Offices of Marianne F. Skipper
Lucchesi's Deli, Inc.
Martial Arts USA
Mary's Pizza Shack
Mercedes Ben's
Mister McGoo's
Novato Community Hospital
Pacific Gas & Electric,
President's Circle Platinum
Peg King Real Estate
Petaluma Gateway Shopping Center
Petaluma Golf & Country Club
Petaluma Grocery Outlet
Petaluma Self Storage
Petaluma Yacht Club
Polly Klaas Foundation
Huppe Landscape Company
Mary Roualdes
1350 Airport Blvd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Knitterly
Shelli Westcott
1 Fourth Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Darla Hall
Petaluma, CA 94952
Pacific Clearstream Media Group
Alan Fitch
P.O. Box 751491
Petaluma, CA 94975
Shred-it
Marie Anderson
2770 Stony Point Road, Ste. G
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Town Planner of Sonoma County
Tim Saavedra
P.O. Box 750715
Petaluma, CA 94975
Richardson's Relics
Russell Family Acupuncture
Sequoia Senior Solutions, Inc.
Stewart Marine Sales
Take The Pathway To Wellness
Thai Cuisine
The Doll Mercantile
Top Speed Data Communications
Traxx Bar & Grill
Valentine Builders, Inc.
Volt Services Group
Wyatt Irrigation Supply
Carousel Fun, 17 Years
Arnie Cohen
Long-Time Members
Richardson's Relics, 13 Years
David Richardson
Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin &
Sonoma, 27 Years
David Solo
Petaluma Gateway Shopping
Center, 17 Years
Mary Ann Webb
All-American Printing Services,
15 Years
Deni Gross
Petaluma Yacht Club, 14 Years
Diana Holmes
The Doll Mercantile, 13 Years
Colleen Richardson
Lucchesi's Deli, Inc., 13 Years
Paul Lucchesi
Mary's Pizza Shack, 26 Years
Miribel Gonzalez
Polly Klaas Foundation, 13 Years
Robert DeLeo
Jerry & Don's Yager Pump & Well
Service, 26 Years
Jim Mickelson
Peg King Real Estate, 12 Years
Peg King
Dolcini Plumbing, Inc., 22 Years
Bill Colcini
Petaluma Self Storage, 10 Years
Ken & Kianne Stebler
Stewart Marine Sales, 20 Years
Duffy Stewart
Petaluma Grocery Outlet, 17 Years
Michael Billeci
FREE Business Counseling
The Redwood Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
offers free business counseling to small businesses.
• Develop a business plan
• Review & enhance an existing business plan
A representative from the SBDC will be at the Petaluma
Area Chamber of Commerce office every other Tuesday.
For more information and an appointment,
contact Santana MacInnes at (707) 524-1770.
Petaluma Business – A publication of the PACC
April 2010
15
Calendar – April
Have you checked out our online calendar?
Visit www.petalumachamber.com and click on the Calendar button!
2
5
Let Petaluma know
you are still going
strong
OPENE
PLEAS
COME
IN
6
Government Affairs/EDC
PACC Conference Room
6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-2
7:30 A.M.
20 Agribusiness
Business Education
PACC Conference Room
6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-2
5:00 – 6:30 P.M.
22 Business After Hours -
Ambassadors
Petaluma Valley Hospital,
Pat Schaefer’s Office
400 N McDowell Blvd.
7:30 A.M.
27 Wake Up Petaluma (RSVP)
16 Government Affairs/EDC
PACC Conference Room
6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-2
7:30 A.M.
20 Leadership Alumni
The Petaluma Area
Chamber of Commerce is
now booking Business
After Hours and Ribbon
Cuttings for 2010. Call
762-2785 today to get
onto the calendar.
You can also do a joint
event with one or more
businesses. Call today
to find out how PACC
can help keep your
business thriving.
PACC Large Conference Room
6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-2
9:00 – 10:00 A.M.
Sonoma-Marin Fair Conference
Room, 175 Fairgrounds Dr.
12:00 Noon
Circle Bank
35 E. Washington St.
5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
Rooster Run
2301 E. Washington
$20 Members, $25 Nonmembers
RSVP: 762-2785
7:30 – 9:00 A.M.
28 Women in Business Brown Bag
Lunch Seminar
PACC Conference Room
6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-2
12:00 – 1:00 P.M.
29 Petaluma Community Awards
Sheraton Sonoma County Petaluma Hotel
745 Baywood Dr.
5:30 – 9:00 P.M.
Looking Ahead – May
11 Women in Business Breakfast
20 Business After Hours - Best Western Hotel
25 Wakeup Petaluma Breakfast
Pre-register for RSVP events: mail a check, payable to PACC, to: PACC,
6 Petaluma Blvd. North, #A-2, Petaluma, CA 94952. Call 762-2785 for info.
Make your marketing dollars
work harder
Make your business THRIVE
(707) 762-2785 • www.petalumachamber.com
Join the Chamber’s President’s Circle.
Visit www.petalumachamber.com
or call 762-2785
for more info and sign up today!