Manpower, in partnership with Integrated Community Services, Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties, and Pat Franklyn Associates, Inc., has been awarded a $1.8 million grant through Marin Works Now!, a local initiative federally funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and delivered through the California Department of Social Services. The program is sponsored by CalWORKs Employment Services and seeks to provide an immediate source of income for low-income families, by helping unemployed participants gain work experience, develop skills, and move toward self-sufficiency. This program is a shining example of federal stimulus funds at work, and creates a true win-win situation: participants receive much needed work, job skills, and training; while employers benefit from no-cost labor and potential tax credits. Employers that wish to take advantage of this opportunity for no-cost labor should contact Donna Lemmon/Lisa Newmark at Integrated Community Services (415) 455-8481 or Kara Nassardi/Travis Howard at Manpower (415) 499-9023.

 

The winning photos from the third annual WildCare Bay Area nature photography contest are on display at Tamalpais Bank locations in Marin County. The winners were selected by a jury of professional photographers from more than 140 entries. Tamalpais Bank sponsored the contest as part of its Community Counts® program. The photos can also be viewed on-line. (Click here.) Tamalpais Bank CEO/chairman Mark Garwood said, "It is a real pleasure to partner with Wildcare as we celebrate living well with wildlife and offer something of value for our community. We hope that residents enjoy the fine photographs that we will have on display." The photos have been on display through December and will continue at the following branches and dates: Greenbrae, through Jan. 15; Corte Madera, Jan. 18-29; Mill Valley, Feb. 1-12; and Tiburon, Feb. 15-26. 
 
NorthBay biz Magazine has launched its 2010 "Best of the North Bay" reader's poll. The poll, in its 21st year, allows readers to vote for the "Best" North Bay businesses in 39 different categories. This is  a prestigious honor and the winning businesses appreciate your support. This is a great opportunity for Chamber members to reward and support the people they do business with that do an outstanding job in their industry (including their Chamber). Please take a few minutes to vote. Look for the ballot in your current or next issue of NorthBay biz, or click on the following link and vote online: http://www.northbaybiz.com/Best_of_Form.php. The poll ends Feb. 20. You must vote in at least 12 different categories for your votes to count.

 

The Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership is offering a one day Career Building workshop Tuesday, January 12 in San Rafael. Career planning, resume writing and interviewing techniques will be the focus of the workshop, with practical tips on how to advance your career or find your next job. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 555 Northgate Drive, San Rafael. It workshop will include speakers who are experienced in career change and the job search, including Jeff Toffoli, recruiter and advertising writer; Rita Casey, Ph.D., a Human Resource professional; and Jacqueline Janssen, Director of Transition Services at the Center. Enroll online at www.cvnl.org. 

 

Maria Elena and Micaela Sanchez, two sisters, defied the recession in mid December when they opened Fifth Avenue Spa in downtown San Rafael. In addition to providing facials, massages and other services to pamper and promote well-being, they want to change the perception that spas are only for a select few. "When I walk into a spa in Marin, the staff give me this look that I don't belong there," says co-owner Micaela Sanchez. "We decided to open a place where all women feel welcome." The spa is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4. For more information call (415) 578-8545.
 
Bay Area businesses are lending their support to healthier children and families through their sponsorship of Community Institute for Psychotherapy's Ticket to Ride, a fundraising benefit with a Beatles twist, to be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010. In addition to receiving public recognition, marketing benefits, and free tickets to the event, businesses through their sponsorships make vital counseling services available to those who otherwise could not receive them. Ticket to Ride, with emcee Jan Wahl, will take place at the newly remodeled Smith Ranch Airport in Hanger 1, conveniently located off McInnis Parkway in San Rafael. Gourmet food stations will be provided by some of Marin's best restaurants, including Il Davide's owner David Haydon. The event also includes wine tasting by fine California wineries, dancing to Beatles favorites, an exclusive air show and live and silent auctions. Businesses interested in learning more should contact CIP Fund Development Director Linda Naughton at lnaughtoncip@aol.com or (415) 459-5999 x 429.    

Redwood Credit Union (RCU) added Joseph Turfa to its team of Financial Advisors, to serve its members in the Marin, San Francisco and Napa communities with a variety of financial planning, retirement planning and investment services. Turfa has more than 13 years' experience in financial advising, most recently as a Financial Professional with Axa Advisors in San Francisco, and previously with Bridgeway Financial in Sausalito and Sonoma. He is fluent in Spanish, and has spent time volunteering and teaching literacy in Peru. For more information about Redwood Credit Union, call 1 (800) 479-7928 or visit www.redwoodcu.org.    
 
Chamber members: Please send your business news for this section to srcc@sanrafaelchamber.com or call (415) 454-4163. Deadline for the February issue is Friday, January 15.