COMMUNITY GUIDES COMING TO A MAILBOX NEAR YOU

The 2011 Cotati Community Guide & Business Directory should be arriving soon at all Cotati addresses - it is a beautiful publication and we hope that you love it as much as we do. If you would like a few extra copies for your business, contact the Chamber office at 795-5508 and we can arrange a drop off (members only, please). Thanks to all of our advertisers - we couldn't have done it without you! Special thanks to Debbie Koos and Lynda Sutton-Smith of Penngrove Proud for doing a fabulous job - we hope to partner again in the future.  

VOTE FOR ED GILARDI'S APPLE PIE

I'm trying to win the Bertazzoni gas stove from KZST in their Apple Pie Contest.  Right now I'm in 2nd place among the finalists.  You can vote every day through noon onMother's Day.

Click the link below.  This should take you to pie number 6 (make sure it's number six, we don't want any votes for the competition!).  You can tell it's my pie at the bottom, user name edgilardi, cotati.  Select "Save Vote" to cast your vote!

After you vote, please forward this on to all of your e-mail and facebook friends!

This will give me an important vote toward winning a lovely Bertazzoni chef's stove - my dream!!!!!!!!

THANKS TO OUR RENEWING MEMBERS -  

YOUR SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL TO OUR ORGANIZATION

Apple Crate Gifts

Church of the Oaks

Codding Enterprises 

Cotati Food Service  

Cotati Large Animal Hospital

Cotati Yacht Club & Galley

Crowe Construction Inc.

John Dell'Osso

DK Systems

Exchange Bank

F.J. Crikos Trucking Co.

Golden State Computer Solutions

Hines Signs

Andrew Hutchins

Maher Chiropractic

Michael's Harley-Davidson 

Janet Orchard

Professional Framing Services

Rancho Adobe Fire District

Risk Management Services

Soiland Co Inc.

Sonoma Backyard

Soule Building Systems Inc.

Tiny Thai Restaurant 

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE CHAMBER

6TH ANNUAL SCAYD VOLUNTEER AWARDS 

Sat. 5/7, 12 noon - 5 pm 

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

SCAYD and Friends invite you to our 6th Annual Volunteer Awards & Run for the Roses Event!!! Join us in honoring the folks who put so much of their hearts and souls into our community!!    For tickets, contact Jami Brady at 495-9373. 

A gala luncheon event combined with a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby on a giant wall screen... Silent and Live Auctions, including a super fun Derby Auction. Come place your bets and hear the roar of the crowd as we celebrate community and cheer for the ponies.  Did we mention the FABULOUS DERBY HAT CONTEST ??  Please join us for the fun - Tickets are tax deductible and only $50 for this chance to contribute to your community services and have a fantastic time doing it!!
Superb, delicious luncheon catered by Sally Tomatoes as well as a superb crowd of community leaders, friends, and family...  Join us to mingle, honor, laugh, and share the fun!!

 CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL  

THE COTATI CHAMBER MEMBER  NOMINEES:  

David Armstrong, Vera Blanquie, Jami Brady, Conservation Corps North Bay, Cotati Arts Project, John Dell'Osso, Ed Gilardi, J.T. Henley, Bob & Alice Larsen, Marsha Sue Lustig, Venus Maher, George Malkemus, Marie McNaughton, John Moore, Lisa Moore, Cheryl Nixon, Darren Patterson

YOU ARE ALL MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY! 

LOUD & CLEAR MUSIC UPCOMING EVENTS

Musician's Flea Market

Sat., 5/7 

9:00 am START - Sale goes on ALL day to 6:30 pm closing!

Buy - Sell - Trade - Wheel - Deal - Enjoy BBQ

Guitars - Drums - Keyboards - Amps - Mics - Mixers - Gear for Less

The FLEA MARKET is going to be a HUGE EVENT - and also an opportunity for you to haul your gear down to Loud & Clear and move that gear along.
Sellers: It's your chance to clear out your studio, your closet, and your garage!
Buyers: This is going to be a bargain musical equipment shoppers dream! 

Interested is being a seller? There's no charge for a booth but you need to contact us to reserve a space. 

707-665-5650 or  info@lncav.com 

7886 Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati

www.lncav.com 

BENEFIT FOR THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

     Donations will continue to be accepted for the Education Foundation through May 2011. All donations are tax-deductible. The tax 501(c)  ID # of the Education Foundation is 94-2900185.
      For further information or to schedule an appointment call Maher Chiropractic at 792-0202.

SONGBIRD COMMUNITY HEALING CENTER  

UPCOMING CLASSES/EVENTS

8280 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati  94931

Songbird Community Healing Center, conveniently located in downtown Cotati, offers a branch of health care and education that connects the body, mind, and spirit. We are synthesizing the traditional and modern, new and old. Our branch provides a community gathering place for people of like minds to network and share. We offer cost-effective space rental and affordably-priced holistic education and care.

For more information, call (707) 795-2398 or visit www.songbirdcenter.org. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sat 5/7, 10:00 am

Introduction to Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)  

Mon 5/9-6/13, 6:45 pm

Introduction to Tarot  

Thu 5/19, 7 pm

Introduction to Shamanic Journeying

Fri 5/20, 6 pm 

Songbird Community Potluck

Sat 5/22, 2 pm 

Ek' Waynal 2012 and the Galactic Center 

Thu 5/26, 7 pm

Introduction to Meditation 

Tue 5/31, 7 pm  

Embodying the Four Agreements  

CLINICS/SCHEDULED PRACTICES

Every Tue, 11:00 am

Acupuncture Appointments

2nd /4th Tue, 7:30pm 

Hands of Gold Healing Clinic 

1st/3rd Thu, Noon 

Astrology Appointments   

3rd Sat, 9:30 am

Chiropractic Clinic by appointment 

ON-GOING EVENTS

1st Sun, 11:00 am

Sufi-Universal Worship Service + 12:30 Potluck  

Mon, 5:30 pm

Women's Meditation  

Tue, 9:30 am

Move with Comfort: The Feldenkrais® Method

Tue/Thu starting 5/17, 5:30 pm

Hatha Yoga Flow 

1st/3rd Tue, 7:30 pm 

Law of Attraction  

1st/3rd Wed, 5:30 pm 

Restorative Yoga 

2nd/4th Wed, 7:00 pm 

Introduction to Healing with Alchemy

2nd Thu, 7:00 pm

Women's Empowerment  & Meditation Circle

3rd Sat, 2:00 pm 

Flowing with the Wave of Change

COTATI COMMUNITY PLANNING WORKSHOP

Cotati City Hall Council Chambers, 201 West Sierra Avenue  

Want to participate in your community?  Join us at the next workshop:

General Plan Workshop: Circulation                              

Mon. 5/9, 7 - 9 pm

At this workshop, the community can share their vision and goals for Cotati, address specific concerns about the General Plan update, and indicate preferred land uses.  CLICK HERE for more information.

You can always catch up on General Plan Update activities and research through our website:  www.cotati.generalplan.org. The summaries of the last 3 workshops can also be found at this website. For more information, please contact the City of Cotati Planning Division at (707) 665-3637.

SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE

5/13, 7:30 am - 6 pm

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

The Sustainable Enterprise Conference program is specifically geared towards the needs of enterprises looking to prosper in the North Bay economy. Relevant and timely, the Sustainable Enterprise 2011 program provides insights for organizations and individuals seeking the latest information on how innovation and sustainability will drive the economy of our future. Included is a continental breakfast, Keynote Speakers, Workshops, lunch, Networking & Exhibits, and a wine reception.

Early Registration (before 4/25) $129, After 4/25 Registration $159 

As an Affiliate Sponsor, COTATI CHAMBER MEMBERS receive an additional $10 off when using discount code "AFFILIATE" during registration.

For more information and to register,  CLICK HERE.  

UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES IN THE COMMUNITY 

COTATI

5/21 - Oliver's Market

          546 E.Cotati Ave, Cotati     

          10 am -1 pm

ROHNERT PARK

5/11 - CVS   

          6378 Commerce Blvd. Rohnert Park   

          3 pm - 6 pm     

5/14 - Anytime Fitness Rohnert Park

           939 Golf Course Dr., Rohnert Park   

           11 am - 4 pm                                
Donors are encouraged to sign up at www.bbr.org! 
Your support is appreciated.

TRENDS IN TOURISM FORUM  

Thurs. 5/12, 2-5 p.m.

Mary Agatha Furth Center, 8400 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor

Sonoma County Tourism Bureau is hosting its annual Trends in Tourism Forum. Hospitality businesses are  invited to hear presentations by experts Troy Thompson (Travel2.0), David Bratton (Destination Analysts), and Ellie Rilla (UCCE) who will discuss key tourism trends and issues with an emphasis on the industry in Sonoma County. The Trends in Tourism Forum is free, but reservations are a must. Please REGISTER HERE. 

~  Troy Thompson, a respected blogger, consultant and thought leader in the tourism and travel industry, will give comments and suggestions on changing marketing trends, with an emphasis on social media, analytics, and websites.
~  David Bratton, founder of Destination Analysts and a travel industry economist, will explain current economic and demographic trends in tourism.
~  Ellie Rilla, author of the California Agritourism Handbook, will discuss the environmentally sustainable and socially responsible trend of agritourism.
Presentations will be followed by a networking reception. Refreshments will be provided.

SANTA ROSA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK 

First Annual Professional Development Day

Tues. 5/17, 8 am - 1 pm
Finley Community Center, 2060 West College Ave. Santa Rosa

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Andrew Swerdlow, Google - "Technology Trends Young Professionals Need to Know"

Attend Breakouts Featuring: Doug Clark, CEO, Métier - "What it Takes to be a Professional in Today's Global Business"

Scott Ormerod, Partner, Leap Solutions - "Marketing YOU"

Lynn Wallace, President, Vantreo Insurance Brokerage - "Extreme Goal Achievement"

With Our Closing Session Featuring:

Cassie McDowell, Productive Learning & Leisure - "Does Your Thinking Limit Your Success?"

Cost: $70

Get Information Here 

Register Here 

SAVE THE DATE - MAY 19 

BUSINESS NETWORKING MIXER

Thurs. 5/19, time to be announced 

Sally Tomatoes Event Center 

Sponsored by the Active 20/30 Club

Great networking opportunity - come find out what the Active 20/30 Club is all about!   

QUARTERLY SPEAKER SERIES & LUNCHEON MEETING

SAVE THE DATE - CHAMBEREE COUNTY-WIDE MIXER 

All the proceeds going to support the F-15 restoration and exhibit fund - for the Air Force interceptor that flew cover over New York City during the 9/11 tragedy.  This aircraft has been acquired by PCAM for its permanent collection.  The 2011 Chamberee audience will be among the first to get a sneak preview of this historic guardian, now retired from active duty, before it is unveiled formally to the public later in the summer. A great networking opportunity!!

SSU ATHLETICS CAR RAFFLE

The Ninth Annual Sonoma State University Athletics Car Raffle is underway, featuring the new 2011 Scion tCNG from Hansel Toyota in Petaluma and the Toyota Motor Corporation. Over the past eight years, over $450,000 has been raised through the annual car raffle to benefit SSU student-athletes.  Henry Hansel, president of the Hansel Auto Group is challenging the Seawolves to sell 10,000 car raffle tickets at $10 each to raise $100,000 this year.  Last year, SSU sold approximately 6,500 tickets.  The Hansel Auto Group has partnered with SSU Athletics to provide a new vehicle in each of the past eight years. This year's winning ticket will be drawn at "The Wolfies", SSU Athletics' annual sports award night, on May 19, 2011 in Rohnert Park. Get your tickets now by filling out this form. You have a great chance to win a new Scion tC. 

For further information, go to www.sonomaseawolves.com or contact Erin Rock or Nancy Crosat at SSU Athletics at (707) 664-2521. E-mail contacts: nancy.crosat@sonoma.edu or rocke@sonoma.edu.

SONOMA COUNTY PARKS CELEBRATION 2011:

A County-wide Collaboration to Enjoy the Outdoors

     Working in partnership with California State Parks and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District, Sonoma County Regional Parks presents this year's Parks Celebration from April 22 through June 21, 2011. Beginning on Earth Day and ending on the Summer Solstice, the Parks Celebration brings 100 free and budget-friendly recreation, entertainment, leisure, education and service programs into the extraordinary parks and open spaces of Sonoma County! Many events are presented in Spanish as well.

     The Parks Celebration offers events and activities for everyone: running & boat races, natural science activities, sand castle & kite festival, fish festival, historic hikes & tours, plant & animal walks, previews of future parks, outings for teens, stewardship projects, treasure hunts, geocaching, lifesaving, tide pooling, photographing, marshmallow roasting and more.

     Over 27 agencies, organizations and businesses are working with Sonoma County Regional Parks to create this incredible 60-day celebration of the outdoors. More information about the Parks Celebration is available on Sonoma County Regional Parks' website at  www.sonomacountyparks.org, or by calling (707) 565-2041.

NEW ECONOMIC & DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE NOW ONLINE

The new economic and demographic profile for Sonoma County is now available online. This is one of the most downloaded of all EDB reports, as the trend information is used for many purposes, including business plans, workforce and small business development, market analysis, grant writing and more. Major areas of focus are:

• Housing & Real Estate
• Demographics
• Income
• Agriculture
• Travel
• Education
• Environmental Factors
• Labor
• Crime
• Welfare
• Community Health

Please be aware that this is a comprehensive document, totaling more than 150 pages-so it could be a strain on your printer. Hard copies are also available for $30 postage paid.

Here's the link:

http://www.sonoma-county.org/edb/pdf/2011/economic_demographic_profile_2011.pdf

Ben Stone - Executive Director
Economic Development Board
401 College Avenue, # D
Santa Rosa, CA  95401-5148
707-565-7170
Fax: 707-565-7231
bstone@sonoma-county.org

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS & SUPPORT PROJECT GRAD

HELP FOR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE OWNERS 

A new SBA program helps small commercial real estate property owners refinance their existing mortgages. Many small business owners face large balloon payments on their mortgages without the ability to refinance (due to declining property values and reduced rent rolls).

Small business owners with eligible commercial real estate mortgages (maturing after 12/31/12) can gain long-term financing through the new 504 refinancing program. Borrowers refinance up to 90 percent of the current appraised property value or 100 percent of the outstanding mortgage, whichever is lower, plus eligible refinancing costs. Under the Jobs Act, Congress authorized SBA to approve up to $15 billion in loans under this program ($7.5 billion in both fiscal years 2011 and 2012). This program provides $33.8 billion of total project financing.

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.

CLICK HERE for the Cotati Chamber Membership Application, which you can give to all of your business referrals. Any other questions, call the Cotati Chamber of Commerce at (707) 795-5508.