| September Calendar |
Leads Group
Tues. Sept. 1
Bank of America Home Loans
900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 125
12 - 1PM
AHED Meeting
Tues. Sept. 1
San Rafael Chamber
12 - 1PMHealth & Wellness Comm.
Wed. Sept. 2
San Rafael Chamber
12 - 1PMMembership Dev.
Wed. Sept. 2
Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau
12 - 1PM
Business After 5 Mixer
Wed. Sept. 9
The Tamalpais
501 Via Casitas, Greenbrae
5:30 - 7:30PM
More information Education Comm.
Thurs. Sept. 10
Dixie School District
12 - 1PM
Board of Directors Meeting
Fri. Sept. 11
McInnis Park
12PM - 1:30PM
Leads Group
Tues. Sept. 15
Bank of America Home Loans
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,
Suite 125
12 - 1PM
Women for Success Comm.
Wed. Sept. 16
San Rafael Chamber
3:30 - 4:30PM
Business Showcase Comm.
Fri. Sept. 18
San Rafael Chamber
8 - 9AM
Leadership Orientation
Tues. Sept. 22
Marin Bocce Federation
1 - 3:30PM
Ribbon Cutting
Tues. Sept. 22
Angelica Limousines
655 DuBois
5:30 - 7:30PM
Wed. Sept. 23
San Rafael City Hall
8:30AM
Women for Success Lunch
"Employee to Entrepreneur and Beyond"
Thurs. Sept. 24
Four Points Sheraton Hotel
11:30AM - 1:30PM
More information
Ambassador Meeting
Fri. Sept. 25
San Rafael Chamber
7:30 - 8:30AM
Leads Group
Tues. Sept. 29
Bank of America Home Loans
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,
Suite 125
12 - 1PM
Health & Wellness
"Lunch & Learn"
Wed. Sept. 30
Marin Health & Wellness Center
11:30am - 1PM
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- Silver -
- Bronze -
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Renewals
& Membership Milestones |
5 years
Avance
Basket Wares
MarinLink Inc.
Sol Food
10 years
Civic Center Library
Kalish & Gordon, LLP.
15 years
Rempe Construction, Inc.
*********
1-4 years
At-Hand Computer Expertise
AXA Advisors, LLC
Caregivers Network
Elissa Giambastiani Public Affairs
Great Computer Training
Henley Photography
Montessori de Terra Linda
Lauren Vorhees/Market America, Inc
Lockwood International
Massage Envy
Louis Napoli/ Attorney at Law
Precision Bookkeeping
RPM Mortgage
San Anselmo Inn
6-9 yearsAmeriprise Financial Services, Inc.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
High Definition Home
Hospice By the Bay
TWM Architects & Planners
11-14 years City Carpets
Family Service Agency of Marin
Marlene Getchell Law Offices
Russell & Davis Architects
The Tamalpais
16-19 years
Allies Consulting
Roey Berman
Crowne Ridge Apartments
Marin Shakespeare Company
Resource Telecom
Salvation Army
Wareham Property Group
38 years
Cal-Pox, Inc.
Farnsworth Moving
43 years
Northgate Mall
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Join our list
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| Our Staff |
Jay Zlotnick
Interim President/CEO
Stacy Graham Wheeler
Vice President
Jean Kramers
Membership Director
Jennifer Clark
Events Coordinator
James D. Robertson
Executive Assistant
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Could Be Here |
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Chamber members
may purchase business card-sized ads on the Chamber's
E-News, which is sent
to a mailing list
of more than 1,000.
For more information email
the Chamber or call (415)454-4163.
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Letter from Jay Zlotnick, Interim CEO
Search Launched for CEO and More Updates
One of the topics I discussed in last month's newsletter was  the work the Chamber is doing with the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL). The update for this month is that at the August Board of Directors meeting CVNL presented its assessment report. With input from CVNL, the board then decided on a final job description for the next San Rafael Chamber CEO, and by the following week the job announcement and description were posted on a variety of job sites.To see the job description, click here. We are still on target for the new CEO to begin sometime in November.
Some other updates:
- There was a busy agenda for the August 18 meeting of the Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC). City Manager Ken Nordhoff gave a presentation on Measure G, which will be on the November 3 ballot in San Rafael. If passed, Measure G will provide $88 million to renovate or replace public safety facilities. As a general obligation bond, Measure G will be paid for through a levy based on the value of parcels in San Rafael. Comprehensive information on Measure G is available on the City's web site. The GAC forwarded a recommended position that the Board of Directors will consider at its September meeting. Watch for information on the board's decision in the October e-newsletter.
- At the August GAC meeting the Committee also discussed a "Candidates Forum" for upcoming San Rafael City Council candidates in the November election. We will evaluate whether we can put one together in a timely manner; watch for more information on this.
- At its September meeting the Board of Directors will hear recommendations from the Nominating Committee to fill upcoming openings on the board. Cecilia Zamora, Jeff Schoppert, Eric Schmautz and Haden Ongaro will have fulfilled their service on the board by 12/31/2009, and the recent resignation of former board member Maika Llorens leaves five openings available. Keep an eye out for a notice in the mail during September with more information on board nominations.
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The Membership Development Committee adopted a focus group recommendation (see August issue) to explore group buying power as a benefit for Chamber members. Do you have some expertise in this area...or some ideas to explore? Let me know.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Please feel free to contact me at jzlotnick@sanrafaelchamber.com or (415)454-4163 any time with questions or comments. Responding to your concerns is a top priority for me.
Testimonial:
So Many Reasons to Join the Chamber: 
Barbie Rose, Regional Director, Account Management/Recovery, BC Services, Inc. (accounts receivable managment) says,
"When I think about the San Rafael Chamber, my first and foremost thought is gratitude! The Chamber's attitude reminds me of the basics, which in this economy are extremely important...people taking care of people! This group (and I have belonged to several others in the past), has a very giving attitude with each other, especially with networking. I have experienced this particularly in the Chamber's Leads Group, which has been very beneficial. The San Rafael Chamber is all about building relationships and seeing each other's businesses grow. This kind of mind-set makes it a delight to belong to the San Rafael Chamber. My advice to you? Don't miss out! Come and see for yourself!" | |
| Spotlight |
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Recycling Programs Win Environmental Award
Marin Sanitary Service (MSS) was awarded the 2009 Susanne Wilson Award for Pollution Prevention/Resource Conservation by the Palo Alto-based environmental organization Acterra. Family owned and operated, MSS has been providing recycling and garbage services to Marin County for over 50 years. Based in San Rafael, MSS has contributed to Marin County's exceptional recycling rate of 75 percent by instituting the first curbside recycling program in the nation, rolling out the cutting edge dual sort recycling system and implementing the most advanced refuse and recycling processing facilities in the state. The honor, part of the 2009 business environmental awards, is granted to Bay Area companies that have proven a commitment to the environment through sustainability practices. Past winners include Adobe, Apple, Hewlett Packard, Roche-Palo Alto and Sun Microsystems. |
| Chamber News |
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Become an Effective Leader:
Apply Now for Chamber's Leadership Institute Participants in the Leadership Institute San Rafael/Marin will graduate with a full understanding of community issues and trends that will affect the future of San Rafael and Marin. They will be exposed to different leadership styles and will determine ways in which they, as community leaders, can respond effectively to present and future community concerns.
Applicants for the Leadership Institute include those who want to expand their leadership roles in the community. Business and professional people, current community leaders, directors or board members of non-profit organizations, representatives from the public sector and interested residents are all invited to apply. People who are new to the community find the San Rafael Leadership Institute an extremely beneficial orientation. Even people who have previous involvement in community issues gain new insights and develop new personal and professional relationships through their Institute experience.
Application deadline is September 11. For more information click here. Applications are available online at www.sanrafaelchamber.com or by calling (415)454-4163.
Promote San Rafael with Chamber Maps
The Chamber's updated, glossy, full-color map of San Rafael  and vicinity is now available at the Chamber office. They sell for $1 each for advertisers, $2 each for Chamber members, and $3 each for non-members. Thanks to Dirck Brinkerhoff of HL Commercial Real Estate for the photos showing San Rafael's attractions. Thanks also to advertisers Aldersly, Art Works Downtown, Batteries Plus, Bellam Self Storage, Carol Scott/Bradley Real Estate, Circle Bank, City of San Rafael, College of Marin, Drake Terrace, Earl Farnsworth Express, Embassy Suites Hotel, Epicurean Group, Extended Stay Deluxe, FedEx Kinkos, Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Marin History Museum, MarinEyes, Minto and Wilkie, North Bay Moving & Storage, Novato Community Hospital, Nystrom Chiropractic, Panama Hotel, Pleasures of the Heart, Prandi Property Management, Seagate Properties Inc., The Melting Pot, Whole Foods, and Youth in Arts.
Businesses of the Year to be Honored
Marin Chamber Businesses of the Year will be honored at the Sixteenth Annual Spirit of Marin Awards Luncheon, presented by Bank of Marin. The San Rafael Chamber's honorees are Brigitte Moran, Marin Farmers Markets, Small Business of the Year; and Dyann Stone, Toyota of Marin, Large Business of the Year. The luncheon will take place on Friday, September 25 at 11:30a.m. at St. Vincent's School for Boys. Click here for information or reservations.
Putting Local Businesses in the Green
The Chamber's Green Committee recently outlined its ideas on how the Chamber can become a leader in creating and supporting successful Green businesses in Marin.
The committee hopes to accomplish this by promoting Green values and best practices, bringing cost-saving Green ideas to members, and providing resources for Green businesses. It can also convene Green businesses for networking opportunities and showcase members that are leading the way in sustainable business practices.
Because Green business practices help members become more cost effective, competitive, and ultimately more successful, the Chamber hopes to help more San Rafael businesses transform into Green businesses and to attract more Green businesses as members. |
| Local Business News |
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Virtual Connection for Employers and Workers
In recent focus groups held by the Chamber's Membership  Development Committee, interviewees frequently mentioned problems with workers standing along Andersen Drive, waiting for potential employers. To alleviate this problem, people looking for help with general labor, cleaning and other tasks can now find workers by contacting a new job match system, Marinhelpers.com, developed by a group of Marin non-profits to make it easier for people to find workers and for workers to find work.
"This is a much needed service in this economy," said Paul Cohen, executive director of Legal Aid of Marin, one of the groups behind this effort, in announcing the new program. "We make the match and the employer and the worker decide the details. The system is not an employment agency. It is a program where one or more workers can be requested for any number of household projects, and the next available worker who meets the requirements is offered the opportunity for a match."
The benefits of the program include the fact that it is easy to use, the workers do not need to be picked up at a busy street corner and there is some accountability built into the job match system. Marinhelpers.com is equally available for men and women seeking work.
Scheduled office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and it is always good to plan a day or two in advance. Employers will find frequently asked questions, tips and suggestions at www.marinhelpers.com or by calling (415) 721-7777.
MMWD Board Approves Desalination Project
At its August 19 meeting the MMWD Board of Directors unanimously approved a 5-million-gallon-per-day (MGD) desalination facility, expandable to 15 MGD, thereby keeping desalination available as one of Marin's potential future water supply sources. Desalination converts raw bay water into drinking water by removing salt and other impurities.
Earlier this year the board adopted several other water supply options, including operational improvements to the reservoir system, an expansion of MMWD's recycled water distribution system, investigation into ways to improve the reliability of the district's Russian River water supply, and further investment in MMWD's aggressive water conservation program.
MMWD has expanded its conservation program in recent years to help close the gap between supply and demand. The district adopted a new 25-year Conservation Master Plan in June 2007 and quadrupled the conservation budget from $0.9 million to $3.6 million to implement the plan.
In calling for the vote on desalination, MMWD Board Vice President David Behar said, "There's a lot of agreement on conservation in our community -- the public wants us to be conservation leaders, and we intend to be conservation leaders. Based on the evidence, however, it seems clear that conservation alone will not solve all our problems, and therefore we need to keep all options on the table. Moving to the next stage of desalination analysis is one way to do that."
Helpful Resource for San Rafael Business Owners
Could your business benefit from FREE professional advice related to securing capital, help with your marketing or reviewing your strategic plan? Need some fresh professional advice regarding your product or service? The Small Business Development Center at Santa Rosa Junior College provides no cost, confidential and custom designed counseling to business owners in Marin and Sonoma Counties. Appointments are held at the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. Last year with SBDC's assistance, 61 small businesses in these two counties had an increase of sales of over 6.1 million dollars. In addition the SBDC offers low cost workshops related to starting and managing a business. Have an idea for a new product? Their Sawyer Center can advise how to turn your idea into a marketable product. For more information visit www.sbdcsantarosa.org or call (707) 524-1770.
SSU announces Executive MBA program
Sonoma State University's new 18-month Executive MBA program, taught in a cohort model, is a fully accredited MBA degree, delivered with the schedule, relevance, and leadership focus that accomplished working professionals demand.
According to Dr. Robert Eyler, chair of the Economics Department, "The North Bay needs an EMBA program because there are companies here that must add leaders to their ranks. The latest economic downturn has seen unemployment rise and the North Bay economy is evolving. There are smaller firms who need to be more capable and flexible. The point is that today - in particular in small firms - almost everyone is in a leadership position. Leaders need an education, training, and a network of colleagues to help them meet that challenge. This is also true for small local manufacturing firms that have many employees with scientific know-how, but who need training in order to lead engineers and scientists. As we go into the next economic boom, where new technologies will lead the way, organizations in the North Bay that have a bullpen of leaders ready to drive a business forward will thrive. Those that don't, won't."
The program is now accepting applications for Spring 2010 admissions. See www.sonoma.edu/sbe/emba for more information.
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| State Business News |
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CalChamber President Comments on Solutions to California Water Needs
The California Chamber of Commerce, its members and the Governor are extremely concerned about the inadequacy of the state's water delivery and supply system, according to a commentary by California President/CEO Allan Zaremberg.
"Although some local water agencies have expanded supply capacity in the last 10 years, two-thirds of California's citizens and businesses get their water through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The Delta's levees are susceptible to earthquakes and floods, and although it has become the system for conveying water to Central California, Southern California and the Silicon Valley, it was not designed with that in mind. As a water conveyance facility, the Delta is inefficient, creates pressures on our ecosystem and clearly needs to be revamped."
"It is quite clear that California needs a new water conveyance system to protect California's environment and economy. We also need to shore up existing levees so that we can protect the Delta community. We want to protect the business landowners in the Delta, and can do so by creating a fund from general obligation bonds," Zaremberg says.
News Notes from the California Chamber Alert
California Competes for Billions in Recovery Funding for Education
To improve the state's education accountability system and turn around struggling schools, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has called a special session of the Legislature and proposed legislation necessary for California to compete for the largest pool of discretionary funding for education from the federal economic stimulus package.
States are competing for $4.35 billion in "Race to the Top" dollars available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). But under current law, California is ineligible to apply. Billions in future federal education dollars are also expected to rest on a state's ability to meet Obama Administration education reform requirements.
Reforms to ensure California is eligible to apply and be highly competitive for Race to the Top funding include:
* Linking Student Achievement and Teacher Performance Data.
* Measures to Turn-Around Struggling Schools.
* Measures to Help California Recruit and Retain High-Quality Teachers and Principals.
* Improving Accountability for Schools.
To track Recovery Act funding coming to entities in California visit www.recovery.ca.gov.
Governor Signs 'Job Creator' Bill
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has acted to facilitate the smooth recovery of the housing market by signing a California Chamber of Commerce-supported bill.
AB 333 (Fuentes; D-Sylmar), a CalChamber "job creator" bill, extends the life of active tentative subdivision maps and parcel maps for a period of two years. It is aimed at assisting new residential construction by ensuring that the necessary land entitlements are in place when California's economy and housing market begins to rebound.
Amidst the recent economic turmoil, most previously approved and conditionally approved housing projects currently in process have come to a halt. AB 333 statutorily extends the expiration date of underlying tentative maps, thereby allowing such projects to be kept alive during the economic downturn.
Study: AB 32 Will Cost Small Businesses Almost $50,000
Implementing the AB 32 climate change law will cost California small businesses $49,691 per year, significantly more than estimates by the California Air Resources Board (ARB), according to a recent study.
The analysis of the state scoping plan for implementing AB 32 was led by Sanjay Varshney, dean of the College of Business Administration, California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), and Dennis H. Tootelian, Ph.D., professor of marketing and director, CSUS Center for Small Business.
The study focuses on the costs to be incurred by consumers in five areas: housing, transportation, natural gas, electricity and food. Using three scenarios to measure the economic costs, the authors found that the potential loss of output, jobs, indirect business taxes and labor income is substantial and significant.
While the ultimate goals of AB 32 are not in question, the findings of this study suggest that the costs associated with implementing the AB 32 scoping plan will have significant adverse impacts on California's economy, consumers and small businesses.
(Articles are excerpted from the California Chamber of Commerce Alert. For more information see the CalChamber website.) |
| Events |
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Employee to Entrepreneur - and Beyond
What skills and information do you need to start a business or to successfully change an existing one? Jill C. Williams and Kathy Bornstein of HR BizPartners LLC (www.hrbizpartners.com) will discuss the "Who, What, Why, When & Where" of entrepreneurship at a Women for Success lunch meeting on Wednesday, September 23.
Topics will include
ˇ Identifying your key skills, strengths and attitudes
ˇ Understanding entrepreneurship 
ˇ How to create or reframe your "elevator speech."
Williams is the President and founder of HR BizPartners LLC. Both speakers bring real world expertise (as both employees and entrepreneurs). Attendees will leave with a resource book filled with quality resources that are available immediately.
The lunch takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Four Points Sheraton, 1010 Northgate Drive. The cost is $30 in advance, $40 at the door for chamber members and $40 for non-members. Men are welcome to attend. For more information call 454-4163 or visit www.sanrafaelchamber.com. Click here to sign up online.
Chamber Sponsors Forum for City Council Candidates
The Chamber is sponsoring a San Rafael City Council Candidates Forum on the morning of Wednesday, September 23, at San Rafael City Hall. On Tuesday, November 3, city residents will vote to fill two seats on the Council. All five candidates - Gary Ford, Barbara Heller, Eric Holm, Marc Levine, and David Mayer - have agreed to participate in the forum, which will be moderated by Dick Spotswood. The event will begin at 9 a.m., with registration at the door beginning at 8:30. There will be time for the candidates to take questions from the audience.
Stay Healthy - Both Financially and Physically
The Chamber's Health & Wellness Committee will present Happy, Healthy & Wise: The Health Benefits of Financial Wellness & How to stay Healthy in Challenging Times.
Featured speakers are Susan Bross AFC, of Brossmoney LLC and Dr. Linda Berry of Healing Arts, DC, CCN, THS. Since 1992 Susan Bross, a nationally Accredited Financial Counselor, has been helping individuals, couples and entrepreneurs improve their financial skills and relationship to money. Dr. Linda Berry offers the way back to feeling really good. At 24 she was paralyzed from the waist down, but she rose from her wheelchair and now helps others heal with chiropractic, nutrition, and trauma healing services.
This event takes place Wednesday, September 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dept. of Health & Human Services, located at 3240 Kerner Blvd. A $5 donation is requested at door. Space is Limited. Please preregister. Email srcc@sanrafaelchamber.com.
Golf Tournament Cancelled
We are sorry to report that the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament planned for Friday, September 11, has been cancelled. It was envisioned as a great day not just for golf, but also for a chance to network and to recognize our friends in the San Rafael Police and Fire Departments, and in the Marin County Sheriff's Department. Unfortunately, we could not attract enough participants to go forward with this event.
Annual Forecasting the Future Conference
Will Provide Insight into Economic Situation
The 2009 Forecasting the Future Conference will take place Thursday, October 29 from 8 to 11 a.m. with 7:30 registration at the Embassy Suites. Speakers will include David Crane, special advisor to the Governor for jobs and economic growth, Assemblyman Mark Leno, Supervisors Hal Brown and Charles McGlashan, Robert Eyler, director of the Center for Regional Economic Analysis at Sonoma State University, Brian Crawford, director of the County Community Development Agency, and Kim Kaselionis, CEO of Circle Bank. Thank you to Grand Sponsor PG&E and Media Sponsor North Bay Business Journal. For sponsorship opportunities please call (415)454-4163.
Grand Opening: Angelica Limousines and Norcal Ambulance
Angelica Limousines and owners Catherine and Robert Drake will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting with Mayor Al Boro and the Chamber on Tuesday September 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Angelica Limousines will be showing its fleet of sedans, stretch limousines and SUVs plus partner Norcal Ambulance emergency vehicles and gurney vans. The company provides wine tours, wedding and airport transportation. Angelica Limousines is unique in the U.S. in offering chauffeurs who are ordained minister/officiates for weddings anywhere throughout Marin and the Bay Area. The ribbon-cutting will take place at 655 Du Bois, Ste.D. For information call (415)898-1977 or visit www.angelicalimousines.com and www.norcalambulance.com.
Green Business Forum Will Feature Hunter Lovins
MarinLink will hold the third annual Marin Green Business Forum on Wednesday, September 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center. This event is cosponsored by the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce and the Mill Valley Chamber. Keynote speaker will be environmental activist, author and educator Hunter Lovins, presenting "Green Business Leadership-Taking Local Action for Sustainable Economic Renewal." Guest speakers including Marin County Supervisor Charles McGlashan, Stephanie Rico of Wells Fargo Bank, and Carol Misseldine, Sustainability Director, City of Mill Valley, will discuss how Marin clean energy initiatives and sustainable business practices can create a stronger economy and healthier local and global environment. Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.
"Cause Marketing: How to Do Well by Doing Good" Cause Marketing will be the topic of a presentation on Friday, October 23, by Bruce Burtch, an expert in the field. "Cause marketing generates monetary success, brand awareness and creates a greater good for the community. For over 30 years I have built win-win nonprofit and for-profit cause marketing partnerships. Along the way I have learned what works...and what doesn't," Burtch says. The presentation, co-sponsored by the Chamber, will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the San Rafael City Hall Council Chambers. RSVP at (415)454-0839. For more information go to www.bruceburtch.com.
Mark your 2010 calendar
The date has been selected for the annual installation event honoring the incoming San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. This year's installation will be a breakfast. Mark your calendar for Thursday, January 28 at the Embassy Suites Hotel. |
| Member News |
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 Bank of Marin Bancorp President and Chief Executive Officer, Russell Colombo presided over the NASDAQ Opening Bell ceremony on Thursday, July 30. With more than $1 billion in assets, Bank of Marin has been traded on NASDAQ (as BMRC) for the past 14 years. Members of the bank's management team and board of directors attended the ceremony. Bank of Marin Bancorp reported strong quarterly earnings on July 20 and also declared a $.14 cash dividend, continuing its track record of providing a dividend for 17 consecutive quarters. The bank has also continued its community commitment by donating over 1 percent of pre-tax profits to local non-profit organizations.
Cartridge World has expanded its School Recycling Program, through which it collects ink and toner cartridges and cell phones. It keeps these items out of our landfills and pays the schools for each refillable cartridge collected. Cartridge World is a Certified Green Business. Cartridge World services Sonoma and Marin Counties, offering up to 50 percent off on ink and toner cartridges, free delivery and/or shipping, and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. For more information call (707)542-6970 or email jack8657@sbcglobal.net.
The Marin Center for Independent Living will present its 30th Anniversary Gala, Angels by the Bay, on Friday, October 16, 11 a.m., at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. The evening will include wine tasting from exclusive wineries, a silent auction, a live auction with KGO Sports Director Rich Walcoff, and an elegant three-course lunch in the Grand Ballroom with wines donated by Crinella Russian River Winery. All of the proceeds from this event directly benefit those served by MCIL. This event sold out last year, so reserve early. For more information call (415)459-6245 ext 17 or mcilkathleen@gmail.com, or purchase tickets on line at www.marincil.org.  Lifehouse...serving people with developmental disabilities has elected Eric Aanes, president of Titus Wealth Management in Tiburon, to its 17-member Board of Directors. The organization's officers for 2009-2010 are Pat Kendall, chair; Joe Meylan, vice chair; Gary Phillips, treasurer, and Stephen Meeker, secretary. The organization provides a continuum of residential and support services for people with mild to profound disabilities in Marin and Sonoma Counties. For more information visit www.lifehouseagency.org. Gary Anspach, Jackie Thomson, and Susan Harper of Anspach Financial Group were honored with the Outstanding Office Award by the North Bay Chapter of the California Society of Enrolled Agents. The organization, which covers six counties, also awarded Gary Anspach as Enrolled Agent of the Year.  In the effort to clean up the environment and invigorate American businesses, AAH HAA! Inc. recently launched its Clean Conscience™ brand of eco-friendly, casual reusable bags made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic water and soda bottles. Unlike the majority of bags in the market, Clean Conscience reusable bags are made using America's trash and domestic labor. "Aside from ensuring that we clean-up our environment, our other big mission is to re-hire American businesses to help invigorate and support our jobs and economy. It is our goal to help clean and green America, both environmentally and economically," says Corie Thornton, founder and chief clean and green designer of AAH HAA! Inc. The bags are available for wholesale, custom printing, and online retail through www.CleanConscienceGoods.com.
Community Institute for Psychotherapy is looking for business and community volunteers for its 2010 "Ticket to Ride" Gala Sponsor Committee. Here's a great chance to meet and network with others, contacting businesses to let them know about the benefits of sponsorship. The committees meet monthly between September and March at CIP in San Rafael. Acknowledgement is provided in publicity and free tickets to the event. A Get Acquainted Reception will take place at the West End Café on Fourth Street in San Rafael on Wednesday, September 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information contact Linda Naughton, Fund Development Director, at (415) 459-5999 x 429 or email lnaughtoncip@aol.com.  Brett Martinez, President/CEO of Redwood Credit Union (RCU), recently received the James D. Likens Alumni Recognition Award-founded by the Alumni Association of Western CUNA Management School (WCMS)-for his outstanding credit union career and commitment to the Children's Miracle Network's CU for Kids program. The award was presented to him in Claremont, CA, at the 2009 graduation ceremonies for WCMS-an intensive curriculum dedicated to helping credit union professionals keep pace with the rapidly changing business environment, and develop strong leadership skills. For more information, call(707) 545-4000/toll-free (800) 479-7928 or visit www.redwoodcu.org. Mad Rags Fashions in Montecito Plaza has launched its new online store and website. The new site offers easy online ordering and nationwide shipping of the store's popular color-driven clothing, jewelry, and easy gift ideas. Customers can also sign up for e-newsletters featuring special offers and fashion tips and trends. Visit www.madragsfashions.com.
Mikado Sushi Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar is celebrating its second anniversary in business. The restaurant serves healthy, fresh and creative sushi, traditional and fusion food, with a wide selection of Sake. It is located at 248 Northgate One, between Starbucks and Kinko's. For more information call (415) 466-5543 or visit www.srmikadosushi.com. Bank of America has awarded a grant of $10,000 to fund workplace seminars through Northbay Family Homes (NFH). Savvy business owners and managers are urged to call NFH and arrange for one of their unique educational workshops, "Employers Empowering Homeownership" (EEH), to teach employees the strategies to safely buy a home in today's real estate market. "Employers are well positioned to provide trusted, just-in-time financial education, in locations that are convenient to employees," said Laura Levine, vice-president of Northbay Family Homes. "EEH teaches employees how they can become Marin County homeowners, and the workshops are offered at no cost to the employer." Kaiser Permanente and W. Bradley Electric, Inc. are two of the many forward-thinking employers that have already arranged EEH workshops at their places of business. To arrange an EEH seminar, call Levine at (415)382-2530 or email laura@nfh.org. Bank of Marin will open its new branch in Greenbrae on September 1. The branch is located at 501 Sir Francis Drake, next to the Bon Air Shopping Center. Linda Lippstreau, Branch Manager, joins Bank of Marin with over 20 years of banking experience with the last several years as Branch Manager of Union Bank's Kentfield office. She can be reached at (415)785-1565. Anyone is welcome to stop by the weeks of September 14 and 21 during the opening celebration.
Worried about the future? Learn how the current economy and new historic changes in the law affect estate planning for high net worth individuals. Estate planning attorney Michelle C. Lerman will offer free public education forums on Thursday, September 17, 10 a.m., at the Courtyard by Marriott, Novato; Tuesday, September 22, 7 p.m., at Embassy Suites, San Rafael; and Thursday, September 24, at both 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., at Acqua Hotel, Mill Valley. Lerman is a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, & Probate by CA Board Legal Specialization of the California State Bar. Reservations are required. Call (415)454-0455 to reserve a space. Zero Breast Cancer's seventh annual Dipsea Hike/Run Lite takes place Saturday September 26. This event is a fun and healthy way to increase awareness about breast cancer while promoting the benefits of physical activity. Registration is at 8 a.m. in Old Mill Park in Mill Valley. The 5.5 mile course begins by climbing the Dipsea steps, continues up the Sun Trail and the Redwood Trail to the Mountain Home Inn, then takes Edgewood Road back down, returning to the Dipsea Steps back to Old Mill Park. The Hike/Run is a fundraiser for Zero Breast Cancer, a San Rafael community-based breast cancer research organization. Register online at zerobreastcancer.org/events.html or call (415)507-1949 X102.
Nelson & Associates will present a complimentary seminar on "Bookkeeping's Best Practices" on Thursday, September 24. In the current economy, cutting costs is a priority. For small businesses, strategic decisions start with bookkeeping practices. Learn simple steps that save time and money. The seminar will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Sheraton Sonoma County, 745 Baywood Drive, Petaluma.
Chamber members: Please send your business news for this section to the Chamber office. Deadline for October issue is Friday, September 11. |
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Members who joined in July - August 2009
AAA Business Supplies & Interiors
Don Helow
325 Mendell Street, San Francisco (415)302-0378 www.aaasolutions.comOffice Equipment, Supplies & Furniture BirdMan, Inc.
Garrett Burdick
1344 Fourth Street, San Rafael (415)543-3830 www.garrettburdick.comPhotography Brossmoney, L.L.C.
Susan Bross. A.F.C.
50 El Pavo Real Circle, San Rafael (415)479-1290 www.brossmoney.comFinancial Consulting and Services Express Employment Professionals
Tracy Dempsey
38 Mitchell Boulevard, San Rafael (415)472-5400 www.expresspros.comEmployment Agencies & Services Filice Insurance Agency
Nina Gardner
1537 Fourth Street, #24, San Rafael (415)717-8583 www.filice.comInsurance Referred by Lorraine Gauthier, Nelson & Associates Image for Success
Deirdre Sheerin
1557 Fourth Street, San Rafael (415)492-5855 www.imageforsuccess.orgSocial Service Organizations JF Jones Company
Bre Jones
512 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael (415)444-7045 www.jfjones.comEngineers David Keller Consulting
David K. Keller
40 Vista Clara Road, Sausalito (443)386-2336 Business Services Lifemax
Gerri Wilkinson
60 Bret Harte Road, San Rafael (415)686-2439 gwilkinson.lifemax.netHealth, Nutrition & Education Network Wellness Center
Dr. Debbie Victoria-Seale
45 Clemente Drive, Ste.D-140, San Rafael Health, Nutrition & Education Pacific Sun Publishing Co.
Linda Black
835 Fourth Street, Ste B, San Rafael (415)485-6700 www.pacificsun.comNewspapers Reyes & Associates Insurance & Financial Services
Ryan Reyes
1127 Grant Avenue, #1, Novato (415)892-5289 www.farmersagent.com/rreyes1/Insurance San Rafael Clean Campaign
Cory Bytof
1313 5th Avenue, San Rafael (415)485-3407 www.sanrafaelclean.orgSocial Service Organizations San Rafael Community Task Force
Mike Birkhead
321 Paloma Ave, San Rafael (415)722-0552 www.srtaskforce.org
Social Service Organizations
SEA ACT Marine Foundation
Dale Friberg
453 3rd Street, San Rafael
(415)457-5064
Social Service Organizations
Barbara Squires
86 Corte Encanto, Greenbrae
(415)461-0387
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