Cotati Chamber Logo
CHAMBER NEWS - March 16, 2011


WELCOME NEW MEMBERS


D & D Deli & Liquor

8492 Gravenstein Hwy. Cotati
707-795-4568
Deli & Liquor Store
Rick Sing
CLICK HERE for flyer



Lash Internet Marketing Services
521 E. Railroad Ave., Cotati
707-794-9294

www.lashmanagementservices.com 

Internet Marketing Consulting
Gayle E. Lash



DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO BE IN EVERY HOME & BUSINESS IN COTATI...  

     The Cotati Community Guide and Business Directory, published by Penngrove Proud magazine, will be the one to use when looking for goods and services in the Cotati area, for families and businesses relocating to the Cotati area, as well as visitors and longtime residents. This beautiful high-quality full-color publication, due out in April, will offer the following

  • Number of issues - 6,000 full-color guides with quality magazine staying power
  • Distribution - Direct mailed to over 4,000 households in the Cotati 94931 zip code and 1,000 copies distributed to advertisers, Chambers and Visitor Centers, Sonoma State University, City Hall, the library, and included in all relocation, business start-up, and visitor packets.   
  • Business Directory - Two listings of Chamber members, in alphabetical order and by category
  • Low Advertising Rates -A wide variety of advertising rates are available to accommodate all types of businesses
  • Free Advertising Preparation - Complimentary design of your advertisement is available or submit your ad to electronically
  • Online - An online edition of the guide will be available on the Chamber's website 

       Advertising revenue supports the production of this publication. Penngrove Proud Account Executive Debbie Koos will be contacting all of our member businesses with the rates and will give you priority to reserve your ad space. We urge you to be part of this comprehensive promotion intended to influence resident and visitor spending in Cotati. CALL DEBBIE TODAY at 707-484-7451 or at  [email protected].  

ONLY 3 WEEKS LEFT!




ST PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATIONS - THURSDAY, 3/17 

FRIAR TUCK'S PUB

11 am - 2 am  

8201 Old Redwood Hwy., downtown Cotati

Traditional Irish meal will be served from 11 am to 8 pm (or until it's gone) featuring corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and a shamrock surprise dessert, all for $10. Bagpipers will perform from 3 - 4 pm and from 6 - 9 pm. The bar will also have drink specials, party favors and lots of beer. For more information call 707-792-9847. 

SALLY TOMATOES

Served from 5 pm - 9 pm

The Event Center at Sonoma Mountain Village, 1100 Valley House Dr, Rohnert Park

Join Us for Our Third Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival

~$7.95 all you can eat Corn Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes, Butter Carrots, Irish Stew, Mushy Minty Peas, Emerald Isle Salad with Green Goddess Dressing, Homemade Soda Bread

 ~Guinness & Black and Tan Specials~Jameson and Baileys Specials~Showing of the Epic Irish Movie "The Quiet Man"~Decorations and Give Away Items

The Bar Opens Early and the Buffet Starts at 5:00 pm - Movie Starts Sharp at 7:30 pm

For Reservations Call 665-9472 or 665-0260

www.sallytomatoes.com 

"It's a fine soft night, I think I'll join me friends at the Pub and talk a little treason"

-Barry Fitzgerald

   



HELP GROW THE CHAMBER & GET REWARDED  

Refer a Business & Get Chamber Cash!           

  • For every business, organization or individual you refer who joins the Cotati Chamber of Commerce, you will receive 25% of their first year's membership dues in Chamber Cash.
  • You can spend Chamber Cash on anything the Chamber offers for purchase - your own membership dues, merchandise, luncheon or breakfast meetings, or tickets to any Chamber events.
  • The amount of Chamber Cash could be anywhere from $13 to $90 (rounded to the nearest dollar), depending on the new member's membership category.
  • There is no limit to the amount of members you can refer to collect Chamber Cash.
  • Just have the new member write your name on their membership application at "Referred By" and when the business joins, you'll receive your Chamber Cash soon after by mail.
  • Chamber Cash will expire one year from the date of issuance.

Any other questions, call the Cotati Chamber of Commerce at (707) 795-5508.

 

   

    
Allred

The Chamber appreciates our longtime Bingo caller John Allred...


COTATI'S PASTA & BINGO NIGHT
Thanks to all of the Chamber's volunteers who helped raise money for Cotati Kids Day!

John Allred
Erin & David Armstrong
Peggy Ary
Jami Brady
Loren Davis
Vicki Dougan
Arianne Eskew
Sara Fraser
Faith Gingher
Janet Gingher
Kevin Gingher

PaulaHamilton
Linda Knox
Volunteers at Bingo

...and Kevin Gingher of Spancky's Bar and Vicki Dougan of Sales Promotion, who manned the bar & merchandise table,  just a few of our great volunteers! 


Mario &Karyn Lewin
Sophie Lewinstein
John Moore
Andre Morrow
Cheryl Nixon
Gary & Louise Petersen
Suzanne Whipple
Nadine & Jim Wolford
and donors...
Jone Hayes
Friar Tuck's Pub
Lagunitas Brewing Co.
Spancky's Bar


  

 

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCE WINNERS

      The Cotati Chamber of Commerce was proud to nominate Conservation Corps North Bay for a Best Practices Award at the 10th Annual Business Environmental Alliance Business Leaders' Breakfast held last Friday. Conservation Corps North Bay was among an excellent group of Best Practice Award winners this year that exemplify savings through sustainability. Five other Cotati Chamber of Commerce members took home awards at the event: Sonoma State University, nominated by North Bay Leadership Council; Sally Tomatoes, nominated by the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce; Soiland Co, Inc., nominated by the Sonoma County Alliance; and Lowe's Home Improvement, recognized by the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency for their commitment to Product Stewardship, voluntarily taking back spent fluorescent lamps from the public. For more information, visit www.SonomaBEA.org.



SEED ROUND BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION  

     Entrepreneurs from Sonoma, Napa or Marin counties still have time to submit Executive Summaries to qualify for the first annual Seed Round Business Plan Competition and win a $40,000 prize package. The deadline to respond has been extended by two days to March 18, 2011.
      The prize package includes a cash prize; twelve months free rent on an office at the Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster; legal services provided by Carle Mackie Power & Ross, Stainbrook & Stainbrook, and Spaulding McCullough & Tansil; accounting provided by Dillwood Burkel & Sully; and marketing by NeoMarketing Alliance.
      Co-produced by Sonoma State University's School of Business and Economics and the Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster, the North Bay iHub initiative is a competition designed for companies that have yet to be funded or teams that have an idea for a growth-oriented business. Characteristics of applicants include a business that targets $5 million or more in revenues in the next five years with a product or service that addresses a significant problem in a large market with sustainable competitive advantage (patents, barriers to entry, etc.).
      The Seed Round business plan competition is the only event of its kind in the North Bay. It provides a chance for regional entrepreneurs to get their plans in front of investor judges, showcase their innovative technology and ideas, and receive the exposure and recognition that can help their business get funded. It also provides the opportunity to compete for valuable prizes.
      Although there will be only one final winner of the competition, participants who make the first cut in the 2011 Seed Round business plan competition will proceed from the conceptual stage to the creation of a full business plan. Participants will learn how to create a fundable business plan through an exclusive business plan workshop and will have their plan reviewed by an appointed mentor. Throughout the process, participants will have the opportunity to meet new and seasoned entrepreneurs, angel and VC investors. Additionally, finalists will be coached on the creation of an investor pitch.
      The final winner will be determined at a special event in June where 4 to 6 finalists will present their plan to an audience of investors. For more information regarding competition details, rules and calendar, prizes and sponsors, please visit www.northbayihub.org

CONTACT: Ivo Austin, North Bay iHub, 707-664-6206, [email protected]   

 

 

   

NIGHT GOLF TOURNAMENT

Sat. 3/19, 7 pm

Washoe Creek Golf Course

Our 3rd Night Golf Tournament - Mardi Gras Theme! Prizes for Best Costumes!

$30.00 tournament fee includes:

     NIGHT GOLF BALL

     9-HOLE TOURNAMENT

     DINNER

     CASH & PRIZES

Pre-Pay & SAVE 10% off

Washoe Creek Golf Course, 1475 W Sierra Ave, Cotati

707-792-7700

Facebook Event link:

 http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170220433025561  

 

 

    

SHARING OF THE GREEN CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF COTATI-ROHNERT PARK

3/19, 5 pm

DoubleTree Hotel

Silent Auction, Dancing, Live Band - Cocktail Attire/Black Tie Optional

$49; after 2/28 $60

Raffle tickets available $5 each or 5 for $20 ~ Win a 5 night stay at The Boulders Resort, the Waldorf Astoria Collection, includes a $400 gift voucher towards air and $100 towards golf or dinning. Menu - choice of: California Bistro Steak with Forest Mushroom Demi Glace, or Breast of Chicken wrapped with Proscuitto and Sage, or Cedar Planked Salmon with Herbs de Provence & Orange Essence, or Vegetarian Entree. All Entrees served with Local Seasonal Vegetables and Potato and Dessert of Fresh Berries with Passion Fruit Mousse.

For more information, CLICK HERE  

     The Education Foundation of Cotati & Rohnert Park is accepting donations, as we do every year, to raise money so that the children of this community get the best opportunities in education to advance them in the future. Donations can be cash, or services and gift items which will be used in a silent auction. Gift items can include gift certificates for dinner, gift basket, a trip, wine bottles, etc, etc. For more information, visit www.educationfoundationofcrp.org 

 

 

 

CLASSES WITH DIANE DAVIS

PLANT TOMATO SEEDS & MAKE NEW FRIENDS

Sunday, 3/20, 10 am - 12 noon

At this get-together, we'll plant tomato seeds in 6-packs and make markers. Materials and snack are provided (in Penngrove). $10.

Register with Diane - 664-8656 

www.ArtfulArrangements.biz  

IMPROVE YOUR LUCK WORKSHOP

Sunday, 3/20, 3 - 5 pm

What are the traits "lucky" people have in common? We'll learn, and make new friends, too! Materials and snack provided (in Penngrove). $10.

Register with Diane - 664-8656

 www.davis-publishing.biz  

 

 

 

RIBBON CUTTING & OPEN HOUSE AT SPANCKY'S BAR 

Sat. 3/26

4 - 7 pm, Ribbon Cutting at 5 pm 

8201 Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati

Music, food & drinks, prizes, great networking - meet the new owner, Kevin Gingher!

 

   

 

WATCH THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE FEATURING ACN

Erin Armstrong

Join Erin and watch The Celebrity Apprentice!

Sun. 3/27, 5:30 pm

Sally Tomatoes, Sonoma Mountain Village, 1100 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park

Join Erin Armstrong as her home-based business ACN goes primetime with its appearance on The Celebrity Apprentice, featuring Donald Trump!

Watch this episode with Erin on the big screen at Sally Tomatoes Event Center,  1100 Valley House Drive in Sonoma Mountain Village, on Sunday, March 27, at 5:30 pm. Episode will air at 6 pm via special East Coast feed. Free refreshments, no-host bar, all welcome - not a sales presentation, but a celebration! Please bring a can of food or a donation for NOAH Food Bank. ACN is the world's largest direct selling telecommunications company and offers home-based business opportunities - it's an episode you won't want to miss!

RSVP to Erin Armstrong, ACN Independent Rep, at 707-623-1848

 

 

   

MARCH COTATI COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Cotati City Hall Council Chambers, 201 West Sierra Avenue  

Want to participate in your community?  Join us at one of these upcoming workshops:

  • Monday, 3/21, 7 pm - General Plan Kickoff.  What is a General Plan?  This is a chance to participate in the creation of the 20-year plan guiding growth in our community.  Learn more and share your ideas with the Planning Commission.
  • Tuesday, 3/29, 7 pm  - Old Redwood Highway Infrastructure Improvement Open House #2.   At this Open House, we'll discuss preliminary plans based on the feedback from the first Open House held on 3/1.  Come to discuss the preliminary project details.

For more information, please contact the City of Cotati Planning Division at (707) 665-3637.

 

 

 

INSIDE/OUTSIDE NATURE EDUCATION SERIES

A two-part program with Arthur Dawson, historical ecologist at the Sonoma Ecology Center, sponsored by the Cotati Creek Critters.  Come to either or both:

Monday, March 28, 7 pm: Thinking Like an Oak: 200 Years of Change in Cotati & the Laguna Headwaters
Join us for an evening of time travel and find out what Cotati was like before Mexican and American settlers arrived. We'll take a fascinating look at how early maps, illustrations, and accounts can be pieced together to reconstruct an intricate mosaic of lakes, wetlands, creeks, and uplands. We'll finish with a look to the future and how restoring or mimicking natural patterns can reduce soil erosion, filter water, reduce flooding, and restore habitat.  Held in collaboration with the Cotati Historical Society. 

At: the Cotati Room, Ray Miller Community Center, 216 E. School St. (Behind Cotati City Hall, 201 W. Sierra Ave.  Near the police station).

Saturday, April 2, 10 am: A Walk to the Laguna de Santa Rosa headwaters
Join us on a collaborative effort to reconstruct the past landscape of Cotati and the Laguna de Santa Rosa headwaters. Arthur Dawson, historical ecologist at the Sonoma Ecology Center, will share his research into the historical hydrology of the area now occupied by Cotati, Rohnert Park and SSU. A number of experts in various fields will help to create and flesh out a "picture of the past."   RSVP to [email protected] or 707 792 4422 for details and directions.

 

 

 

BUSINESS CLIMATE SURVEY

            Please participate in this local business climate survey, as a way to help your chamber and other groups improve our local business climate. The survey takes 10 minutes, and can be done electronically. We need your participation to help improve our business climate. 

            The intent of the survey is to learn what the strengths & weaknesses of Sonoma County are as a place to do business. The survey also intends to discover what drives success and causes challenges for employers in Sonoma County, and to generate an action plan and create policy around the findings. Answers will be kept strictly confidential.

            Here's the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SonomaBusinessClimate  

 

 

 

LOCAL ECONOMIC REPORTS

SONOMA COUNTY WINTER 2011 ECONOMIC REPORT 

Linked below is the new forecast provided to the Economic Development Board by Moody's Analytics. Growth from recession lows in tourism, technology and wine is predicted here, as well as a gradual reduction in the unemployment rate. Employment performanceactivity will outpace the national rate.Moody's finds that for the last two years Sonoma County has had an increase in net migration, and Moody's expects that trend to continue for the next few years.

And, Sonoma County cost of business is now below the US average. There's more in the link here: http://www.sonoma-county.org/edb/pdf/2011/local_economic_report_winter_2011.pdf 

CITY OF COTATI ECONOMIC REPORT      

The Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB), in partnership with numerous City Councils and Chambers of Commerce, has created a new series of City Economic Reports  for each of the nine incorporated cities in Sonoma County, including  Cotati's Economic Report. The City Economic Reports include economic information and forecasts specific to each city. Areas covered by the report include employment, demographics, residential and commercial real estate, consumer spending, and education.




UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES IN THE COMMUNITY 

COTATI

3/26 - Oliver's Market

          546 E.Cotati Ave, Cotati     

          10:00 am -1:30 pm

Donors are encouraged to sign up at www.bbr.org
Your support is appreciated
.



HIKE AT TOLAY LAKE REGIONAL PARK

Fri. 4/1, 5:30 pm

     Enjoy a breath-taking but gentle Ranger-led hike at Tolay Lake Regional Park on Friday, April 1st beginning at 5:30pm. We will hike along the West Ridge, enjoy the colors of the setting sun, and return to park center before dark. Come join us for some evening exercise in a gorgeous setting! This outing is presented as part of the Sonoma iWALK Challenge.

     April 1st marks the return of expanded Friday access to Tolay Lake Regional Park under the IP Day-Use Permit program. This guided hike will be preceded by an optional, free one-hour orientation for the Tolay IP Day Use Permit beginning at 4:30. This outing is presented as part of the Sonoma iWALK Challenge.

Guided Hike Information:

�         Wear sturdy boots, long sleeves and long pants on this hike.

�         Bring adequate water and food for your party, as these will not be provided.

�         Walking sticks or trekking poles are useful.

�         Binoculars are helpful to see raptors and other wildlife. 

�         Although children are welcome on the hike, please note that the terrain on the walk is too rugged for most strollers.

�         Dogs allowed on 6' leash. Note: tall grass may contain fox tails.

�         A restroom will be available at the starting location of the hike.

      Guided hikes at Tolay Lake Regional Park no longer require advance reservations. In the event of rain or the potential for rain, please call (707) 789-9644 after 7:00 am the day of hike to hear a pre-recorded statement that will indicate if the tour has been cancelled. Hike route may be changed based on flood conditions. Parking fee is $6 per car, or free with Annual Park Pass. Tolay Lake Regional Park is located at the end of Cannon Lane, off Lakeville Highway, 5.5 miles east of Petaluma.

Day-Use Permit Information:

     The Tolay Interim Plan (IP) Day-Use Permit Program allows the public to visit the park during posted hours once they've completed an hour-long orientation and obtained a permit. Regional Parks is offering these orientations, free of charge, which cover permit procedures and rules & regulations. Registration is not required for the Orientation. After the orientation, participants receive Tolay IP Day-Use Permits, along with maps, park rules & regulations, and gate access cards. Permit holders may use the park for a variety of activities, including hiking, bicycling, picnicking, or horseback riding. Regular day-use parking fees apply. The orientation will take place in a historic barn with an uneven floor surface. Should you require assistance with access to the barn please contact a staff member. The Stone Floor Barn is an un-heated facility; please dress accordingly.  

     For more information, contact Sonoma County Regional Parks at (707) 565-2041 or www.sonomacountyparks.org .



 

ANNIVERSARY SALE & CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY

Sat. 4/2, 8:30 am - 5 pm

Larsen's Feed & Pet Supply, 7400 Gravenstein Hwy., Cotati 

WE THANK YOU FOR 37 YEARS!

~ Door Prizes

~ Drawings for Gift Certificates

~ Samples

~ Discounts & Sales

~ Food

& lots more! PLEASE JOIN US!

Larsen's Feed & Pet Supply 

707-527-7328

www.larsensfeedandpetsupply.com



RIBBON CUTTING FOR 360NORCAL.COM

Thurs. 4/14
5 - 7 pm
, Ribbon Cutting at 6 pm
Sonoma Mountain Village Event Center, 1100 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park
Come view a demonstration of what 360NorCal.com can do for your business on the big screen at Sally Tomatoes. Food & drinks, and great networking opportunity with other business people from the Cotati Chamber, Rohnert Park Chamber, and IBL.



SUPERVISORS' UPSTREAM INVESTMENTS INITIATIVE 

     Since April 2010, the County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors has been involved in a project that will have a profound effect on Sonoma County's future: the Upstream Investments Initiative. The concept of Upstream Investments is simple. Rather than spending limited resources to repair difficult problems once they occur, Upstream Investments prevent those problems early, with evidence-based programs and policies. Upstream Investments target some of our most intractable problems-poverty, racial and ethnic disparities, family dysfunction, anti-social behavior, and negative peer influences.

     Upstream Investments produce a wide range of well-documented savings. By embracing Upstream Investments, we will reduce expensive downstream services such as criminal justice costs or public assistance. And by reducing the obstacles to future employment, we strengthen our workforce and increase our tax base, building a more robust local economy.

The County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors invites you to attend one of the following Upstream Forums where we will explain this policy initiative, describe what it means for our community, and suggest opportunities for your organization to partner with us in this visionary effort. We will answer your questions and invite your input.  

         District 5, Supervisor Efren Carrillo
March 23, 2011 / 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Sonoma County Human Services Department Employment and Training, Training Room A&B, 2227 Capricorn Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95407

         District 1, Supervisor Valerie Brown
April 4, 2011 / 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.  Booker Hall at La Luz Center, 17560 Greger Street, Boyes Hot Springs, CA 95476

         District 3, Supervisor Shirlee Zane
April 13, 2011 / 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.  Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library, 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park, CA 94928

         District 5, Supervisor Efren Carrillo
April 22, 2011 / 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Guerneville Veterans Memorial Hall, 1st & Church St, Guerneville, CA 95446

         District 2, Supervisor David Rabbitt
April 27, 2011 / 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.  Petaluma Community Center, Lucchesi Park Conference Room 2, 320 N. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954

         District 4, Supervisor Mike McGuire
May 4, 2011 / 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Healdsburg Regional Library, 139 Piper St., Healdsburg, CA, 95448

To help us plan for enough chairs and handouts, please RSVP to  [email protected]. (However, you are welcome to attend even if you do not have the opportunity to RSVP.) Please help us to spread the word by sharing this invitation with your colleagues and friends. 

The County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors looks forward to seeing you at aForum and to your contribution to Upstream Investments for our community.  

 

 

 

 

OPERATION WELCOME HOME IS GOOD FOR VETERANS AND COMMUNITIES

     vets logoFor the 30,000 men and women who separate from military service and return to California each year, the transition to civilian life can be very difficult.  But thanks to a program of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), returning veterans can get the help they need. 

     CalVet's Operation Welcome Home reaches out to returning veterans, assesses their unique needs, and gets them connected to the employment, education housing, and health benefits and services they have earned through their military service.  Although the program targets returning veterans, it provides service to veterans of every era.

     Connecting veterans to their benefits is good for the veterans and their families and it's good for the California economy.  Veteran benefits bring hundreds of millions of dollars into the State every year.  Veteran benefits also offset millions of dollars annually in costs for veteran care that would otherwise be borne by local communities.

     To request Operation Welcome Home assistance, veterans just complete and submit a simple form found at  www.veterans.ca.gov.  A postage-paid mail-in version of the form can be requested by calling 877-741-8532.

     To find out how you can support Operation Welcome Home and distinguish your business as veteran-friendly, contact [email protected].

 





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www.ShopCotati.org for discounts, coupons and info on Cotati Chamber Member Businesses! If you'd like to place an ad, contact Sales Associate Jami Brady at 707-495-9373.

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