Currents - Russian River Chamber of Commerce

RUSSIAN RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Currents
JUNE 2008
Up Coming Meetings
• June 4th — Chamber Mixer/RR
Raffle Drawing @
Buck’s Restaurant, 6pm
On Tuesday, May 6th, the Chamber’s staff
Traveled to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Santa
Rosa. Manager Opal Pullaro, Greeters Valerie Munthe,
Evan Severe, Susie Markel and Julie Thompson from Korbel
enjoyed an late morning/early afternoon gathering amongst representatives of other Sonoma
County visitor’s centers. A representative from each Visitor Center stood up in front of the
group and bravely gave a presentation, pinpointing 5 key reasons why visitors should come to
our areas. Valerie Munthe and Evan Severe represented Russian River, stating our Five Key
Points, which included Armstrong Woods, The River, Our Collection of Restaurants, Shops
and Arts, and our beautiful “Redwoods To Coast” Corridor.
• June 18th— Chamber Board
Meeting, Village Inn 4:30pm
• Every Tuesday—RR Rotary,
6:30pm at Highland Dell in
Monte Rio
• June 2nd & 15th — Friends of
the Russian River Skatepark
6pm @ Buck’s Restaurant
• Next Mixer is August 13th,
venue TBD.
• Community Awards Have
Been Postponed until Fall
Please support all local
businesses by shopping
locally .
A great resource for
local businesses is the
Russian River Lifestyle
Guide, available at the
Chamber.
Inside this issue:
Garage Sale Report
2
Russian River Lifestyle
Guide
2
New Members
3
LGBT Marketing Report
4
Businesses of the Month
4
Guerneville Fireworks
Donation Form
5
Calendar of Events
Staff Training @ Hyatt
a Great Experience
10
We then split up into groups, mixing area together, and compiled itineraries for prospective
groups, with different interests. We dined on gourmet sandwiches and chips while others
stood up and read off their group’s itineraries. It was a lovely presentation of the eclectic and
wide diversity that Sonoma County has to offer.
We then ventured out into the courtyard to walk the path in the Hyatt’s Gardens. Certain
key topics that were presented by the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau included the
development of a Sonoma County Historic Trail, ranging from Petaluma to Bodega Bay, then
continuing along the Russian River. Also, an Exceptional Customer Service Pilot Program,
designed to reward those who serve in our Visitor Centers and provide outstanding customer
service. And lastly, the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau’s newly redesigned website,
complete with Dining Listings (we are working with them on getting ALL of our members
listed on this website), Lodging, and event guide. To check it out, visit
www.sonomacounty.com.
State Parks: SUCCESS!!! - Report from Michele Luna
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods is very pleased that the Governor responded positively to the people of
California and reversed his proposal to close state parks. Thousands of petitions, postcards, and letters from children
and adults were sent to his office letting him know how important Armstrong and Austin Creek are to our community.
According to the Governor’s website, the May Revise proposes $13.3 million in funding for the Department of Parks
and Recreation to keep California’s state parks open. This proposal will fully restore the budget reduction and keep
parks open by providing $11.8 million General Fund and $1.5 million from increased state park fees. The fee increases
will range from $1 to $2 at selected state parks where the effect on attendance would be minimal.
While this lessens the immediate threat to our parks, it is merely a band-aid for this coming fiscal year. What this
campaign has brought to light is the fact that our parks are drastically under-funded and in great need of a long-term
sustainable funding source to keep them well maintained and affordable to all visitors. Our efforts are not over.
Stewards will continue our efforts to support the statewide campaign to secure funding for our parks, as well as a
local effort to bring funding into our local parks to protect and preserve them into the future.
www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org
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Chamber Garage Sale Report
On Saturday, May 10, Up With Downtown
Guerrneville held a community garage sale at the
Plaza. The proceeds went to the Fireworks
Fund. The sale was well received and there were
several requests to do it again at that location.
Guerneville School joined us with a plant sale.
The Russian River Rotary was a big part of our
Downtown Spring Clean Up on April 23 and
they are very supportive of RRCOC and the
entire River Community. Thanks very much to
Rotary for all that they do! They really practice
their motto, "Service above Self" and it is great
working with them.
riverfront property located between the Old Bridge and
the New Bridge on the town side. They have undertaken a tremendous project in the clean up and
restoration of this area and their efforts are amazing!
Last but not least is Wayne Skala of Wayne Skala
Antiques, located on First Street next to the Chamber
and Visitor's Center Office. For several years, Wayne
has been taking care of the litter on the Old Bridge and
the Plaza and anywhere else he finds it. He is a good
neighbor and a good friend to Guerneville. Thanks for
being there, Wayne.
Please contact the Chamber with any comments or
concerns at news@russianriver.com. Happy Summer!
Many thanks also to Russian River Keepers for
the development of Riverkeepers Park at the
Russian River Raffle
Tickets are still available at the Chamber Office. Prices are
$25 Each OR 5 for $100!!!
The Great Raffle drawing will be held on Wednesday, June
4th at Buck’s Restaurant after the mixer.
Sorensen’s is a historic resort in the Sierra
Nevada, which is committed to providing
hospitality, lodging and food services of the
highest quality to visitors and guests.
The Grand Prizes are as follows:
Three night stay at a Kingswood Village
Condo in North Lake Tahoe. This beautiful
complex offers tennis, pool, lovely wooded
grounds in one of Northern California’s premier resort areas.
Close to fishing, boating, skiing, golf and gambling.
A Three night stay at the Sorensen’s
Resort in Hope Valley, CA. Sorensen’s
Resort is an all season retreat just south
of Lake Tahoe –
only a few hours drive from Sonoma
County.
Other great prizes to be announced at the drawing!!!
Lifestyle Guide is Here!
Farwell to Marcy Martin
During the beginning days of May, the
Chamber received the 2008 Lifestyle
Guide. We did a mass mailing of
about 14,000 books and have already
“cracked open” a dozen cases for
distribution to visitors and members.
Be sure to drop by the Chamber
Office to get a supply for your
business!
Chamber Staff and Board members would like to
take this time to send a congratulations and a
warm farewell to Marcy Martin, who has dedicated
over 15 years of her life to Food For Humans.
She will be missed and we wish her a long, and
fruitful life. We’d also like to welcome the new
owner (previous business partner with Marcy) Kim
Goodwin. We wish you the best of luck in your
wonderful business!
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New Members
Law Offices of Eric L. Lifschitz
Mr. Lifschitz's practice specializes in tenant rights and its attendant issues,
including injuries from exposure to toxic mold. The office also assists clients
with many other areas of the law, including both general and vehicular
personal injury, family law and DUI's. Mr. Lifschitz handles many cases to the
benefit of lower income families, as well as the general public. Utilizing his
unique background and training in chemistry and the medical diagnostics industry, Mr. Lifschitz works
with physicians and other experts to advocate on behalf of his clients.
707-331-8836 —www.russianriverlaw.com
Far Reaches
Far Reaches, a quiet enchanting cottage nestled among the California Coastal
Redwoods within the Russian River Area, is a Vacation Sanctuary with the look
of tropical Bali. Outdoor Shower/Sauna/many amenities. Sleeps up to 5 people.
415-864-4554 — www.russianrivercottage.com
Hill Top Haven
Mediterranean style Villa in a secluded 7-acre property with swimming pool, spa, gardens with
fountain and lawn, with dramatic views of the vineyards and
redwoods. Sunny, beautifully furnished. Sleeps 7+, living room
and dining room, plus two bathrooms.
415-664-6654—www.hilltophaven.com
A Touch of Heaven
PG&E—Scott Warner
Massage Therapy & Healing
Arts Center. The finest
blend of intuition, technique,
and professionalism.
Luxurious, Healing and
Holistic. Since 1989 at the
Highland Resort. By appointment only.
707-869-CALM(2256),
www.massageintheredwoods.com
Utility services, serving the Russian River Area and
greater California.
Proud Sponsors of
the “We Can Do
This” Campaign
against Global
Warming
707-577-1027
www.pge.com
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LGBT Tourism Marketing Campaign a success
In the two years since Redevelopment funded a $125,000 grant for the Chamber to market
to LGBT visitors the advertising campaign has brought approximately $613,000 in lodging
revenues to the area. These visitors spent over $759,000 during their stay and generated
over $113,000 in tax revenues for an overall economic impact of over $1.4 million.
The Chamber’s LGBT Tourism Guild continues to promote the river this summer in
advertisements in the Bay Area Reporter, Outword, Jane & Jane Magazine and
The San Francisco Convention & Visitor Bureau’s LGBT Map. Potential visitors are
directed to the Guild’s website www.gayrussianriver.com where they can learn about
the area and all of our gay-friendly businesses.
All businesses currently participating in the co-op marketing program have had their participation extended through
the summer. Any other businesses wishing to participate in the Co-op marketing effort can contact Lynette McLean
(869-0333) for information. The 2009 co-op marketing program will kick-off in September.
Businesses of the Month
Raymond’s Bakery
Nestled among the Redwoods of Cazadero is an oasis of wonderful
fresh-baked breads and treats waiting to be discovered. Creating them is
our daily work, our passion. We use only the best quality ingredients, local
and organic whenever possible. With a warm and appetizing atmosphere to
greet you, it’s as if you a stepped right back into your grandmother’s
kitchen. Come in and stay at one of our new Bed & Breakfast Cottages and
you will see why Cazadero is an undiscovered paradise. We look forward to
welcoming you into our home.
- Mark & Elizabeth
5400 Cazadero Highway
707-632-5335
www.raymonds-bakery.com
Withywindle Gallery
Withywindle Gallery was opened in 2005 with the express purpose of offering
gallery space to stone carvers. Traditionally, stone carvers have very few venues to
show their work, since their work is heavy, and it is difficult to procure public
liability insurance. However, Withywindle has had the good fortune to be able
to show over 20 different stone carvers over the last four years, including our
current stone artist, Jerrold Ballaine, who is world-renowned as a painter and
plastic artist. His work has been collected all over the world, including the
Smithsonian and the Sacramento Crocker Museum. His show runs through June 9,
2008. Following his show, Karen Ryer will show her newest work in marble and
calcite. Coming in the fall will be Mac Coffey, and in 2009, Robert Sorani.
The gallery is open Thursdays through Sundays, 11 to 4, and by appointment
(869-1021). Stone Sculptors Supplies (another Guerneville business) supports the gallery. Stone Sculptors Supplies holds
carving classes, and sells tools and stone from all over the world. It is open by appointment only (869-1666) and is located in
the hills west of Guerneville. Thank you for this opportunity to let you know what we do at 13550 Church Street, the yellow
building with the roses. Karen Ryer and Patricia Sargent, proprietors. www.stonesculptorsupplies.com
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M AY 2 00 8
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On the Radio, 95.1 FM KGGV:
Tuesdays—Community Calendar with
Valerie Hausmann @ 7-7:45 pm
Fridays—Live Broadcast from the
Russian River Performing Arts Center
from 7-8 pm
Blues Festival is
June 14th &
15th!
Saturdays—Helena’s Kitchen,
Noon-1 pm
Blues Festival Tickets Are
Still Available at the
Chamber Office!
Call 707-869-9000
PAGE 13
Advertiser’s
Index
Strawberry Festival
Page 6
Food For Humans
Page 7
Russian River Blue Festival
Page 8
Moshin Vineyard
Page 9
Russian River Travel
Page 10
Village Inn & Restaurant
Page 11
Monte Rio Fireworks
Page 12
Schedule of Events
Events—
—June 2008
•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
May 31st—62nd Annual Stumptown Daze Parade, Guerneville, 11am, 707
707--869
869--9000
May 31st to June 1st – Russian River Rodeo, www.russianriverrodeo.org
June 1st, 8th, & 15th – Art Class @ Monte Rio Community Center, 707
707--869
869--9956,
www.mrrpd.org
June 1st through 22nd – Chiyomi Longo Exhibit at Quicksilver Gallery, 707
707--887
887--0799
June 1st – Food 4 Human’s 20th Birthday Celebration, 707
707--869
869--3612
June 4th – Chamber Mixer @ Buck’s Restaurant, 707
707--869
869--9000
June 6th—Stewards Golf Tournament @ Northwood Golf Course,
stewards@mcn.org or 707
707--869
869--9177 x 00
June 7th—Beer Fest, a benefit for Face2Face/SC AIDS Network @ Wells Fargo Center for
the Arts, 1
1--5pm, info@f2f.org
June 7th & 8th – Art @ the Source, www.artatthesource.org
June 8th
8th—
—Pegasus Fndraiser, www.pegasustheater.org, 707
707--865
865--1143
June 14th & 15th – Russian River Blues Festival, www.russianriverfestivals.com
June 21st & 22nd – Climb Aboard @ Pacific Coast Air Museum, 707
707--575
575--7900
June 21st – Marshmallow Roast, 6pm – 9pm,
Rio Nido Homeowner’s Association Park on Rio Nido Rd.
June 29th, “My Heart Belongs to Daddy”, Special Concert at the Russian River
Performing Arts Center, 707
707--604
604--7208
th
rd
June 27 to August 3 —Pamela Blotner Exhibit @ Quicksilver Gallery, 887
887--0799
RUSSIAN R IVER
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
16201 First St.
P.O. Box 331
Guerneville, Ca
95446
Phone: 707-869-9000
Fax: 707-869-9009
Email: news@russianriver.com
“We Got It All — All The Time”
Check Us Out On The Web!
www.russianriver.com
MAIL TO:
Place
Stamp
Here
Advertising Rates:
Full Page:
$50/month
Half Page:
$25/month
Business Card:
$15/month
For more information,
please contact
Valerie Munthe at
707
707--869
869--9000 or
e-mail at
news@russianriver.com
Chamber Staff & Board
Opal Pullaro—Chamber Manager
Valerie Munthe—Greeter
Susie Markell—Korbel Visitor Center
Julie Thompson—Korbel Visitor Center
Shirley Dergerlund—Greeter
*
Evan Severe—Greeter
*
*
Margaret Kennett (Fern Grove Cottages) —President
Valerie Hausmann (Airport Health Club) —Vice President, Marketing
James Caron (Applewood Inn & Restaurant) — Treasurer
Laura Wilson (Johnson’s Beach & Cabins) — Secretary, Up With Downtown
Dana Murphy (Sonoma Orchid Inn) — Fundraising
Maryanne Castle (King’s Sport & Tackle) — Board Member
Toni Tacoma (Casa Panama) — Past President
Roxanne Mercer (Herth Realty) — Board Member
Richard Lester (Coffee Bazaar) — Membership, Marketing
Stacy Jardine (Guerneville Cottage) — Membership, Up With Downtown