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   San Rafael Business E-Brief          October 2011

In This Issue
Spotlight: Embassy Suites, Dominican University
Chamber: Members Honored at Spirit of Marin
City: Safe Trick or Treating
Representing Business
Member News
Improving Our Community
Greening for Profit Banner Ad



Coming Events
Promoting and Connecting the Community

 

 

Mixer at Infiniti Marin
New Teacher Welcome
  New Member Briefing  

Wed. Oct. 12

 View Flyer 

   

Forecasting the Future Conference

Wed. Oct. 26

 

Marin IJ Ribbon-Cutting  

Thurs. Oct. 27 

     

 

 

Click on image
for detailed calendar.


 

Leaders Circle

- Diamond -


- Platinum -




Marin Sanitary



More Members of
Leaders Circle
 

Business Resources 
Shop San Rafael

Greenup!

City Manager's Update

 City of San Rafael Business Assistance 
Renewals
& Membership Milestones

 

 5 Years 

J.R. Hastings Law Corp.

Shira Ridge Wealth Management
   
Welcome New Members


Agricultural Community Events  Farmers Markets

Grocers

 

 Mary Kay - Holly Whitten

Beauty Salons, Spas & Supplies

   

Michael Anderson, CPA

Accountants - Certified Public

 

Mill Valley Optometry 

Medical Services

 

Paula Doubleday Design

Graphic Designers

www.pdoubleday.com

 

Studio B

Graphic Designers

 

Sustainable Sports Foundation

Social Service Organizations
/ Non- Profit

   

Click here for details on new members, and please visit their websites for more information. 

 

Our Staff

E-News edited by

Beth Galleto 

 

Emily Maloney

Administrative Assistant

 

Joanne Webster 

Director of Marketing and Community Promotion  


Leonard Weingarten

Business Development

 

 Jean Kramers
Membership Development


Rick Wells 

President and CEO


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Join Our Mailing List

Let's Make It Happen!

 

Laura Bertolli

Laura Bertolli.
Chair, Board of Directors

I'm finally home after a fun-filled day at the "Lights, Camera, Action" 2011 Business Showcase. Embassy Suites did a fabulous job, as did our partner, California Film Institute. If you attended, you know that many businesses incorporated the theme into their booths. So many exhibitors did a great job, but only four booths got well-deserved Bizzie awards. And the Bizzie for best set design went to Integrated Community Services (sponsored by Unicorn Printing) for their gold palm tree, stars and film created to showcase what they do. The Bizzie for best costume went to Ginny the cigarette girl and Gardener's Guild. Best Special Effects Bizzie went to

Business Showcase: Integrated Community Services. Photo by Trevor Henley

Ghilotti Bros. for having a movie screen showing films, and a San Rafael star walk. Best of Show Bizzie was given to An Affair to Remember. They really embraced the theme with framed movie posters, a star quality food presentation and tuxedo-clad servers. To the hard working staff and committee: Well done!

 

I met so many smart, professional, and knowledgeable business people that I was overwhelmed with pride at the event. If you're like me, you met at least ONE person who stood out. Be it an exhibitor, attendee or someone who put together this great event, there was someone who had a great idea, or a product, or maybe you just simply connected with them. I challenge you to contact that person and tell them what you enjoyed about seeing them. If we all contact one person, think of the synergy we could create. The definition of networking is:  

 

"A supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest."

 

As chamber members, we all have a common interest in improving the local business economy -- so let's get out there and share information. Contact info can be found on the chamber's website: http://srchamber.com/business-directory.Or join us in person at the Forecasting the Future Conference on October 26.

 

Who will you call, email or send a note to? Do it today.

 

Yours in good business,

Laura Bertolli

Bertolli's Auto Body Shop, Inc.

 

Spotlights

 

Leaders Circle     

  

Embassy Suites Offers First Class Amenities and Service to Business and Travelers  

 

The Embassy Suites brand was founded in 1984 and is part of Hilton Worldwide. The San Rafael location opened in 1990 and is the largest full service hotel in Marin County. With engaging team members to assist with your business, family or personal needs, the Embassy Suites can host a variety of events, ranging from local intimate gatherings to large business gatherings, conferences or social galas. More about Embassy Suites

 

 

   

With New President at the Helm, Dominican Continues to Educate and Prepare
Global Citizens

 

Dominican University of California, founded in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, sits on 80 acres close to downtown San Rafael. The University offers 60 academic programs in the health sciences, business, humanities, and education to more than 2,200 students. The academic programs blend a strong liberal arts foundation and professional programs in the areas of undergraduate, graduate, and extended education. More about Dominican University 

 

 

Chamber News 

Chamber Members Honored at Spirit of Marin Awards

Mike Ghilotti of Ghilotti Construction and Mark Schmidt of Unicorn Printing received the Spirit of Marin award at Bank of Marin's annual luncheon on September 23, 2011. The Spirit of Marin Award recognizes the achievements and volunteer spirit of local businesses and business people as chosen by the twelve participating Marin County-based Chambers of Commerce. See photos of the awardees.

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Business Showcase Strengthens Economy

The Chamber's 23rd Annual Business Showcase, "Lights, Camera, Action!" held at the Embassy Suites San Rafael on September 14, was a huge success. Most exhibitors (92 percent) reported that the event was of excellent or reasonable value and over 87 percent said that they will return next year. See photos of event

 

The San Rafael Chamber Business Showcase is the largest business expo in the North Bay. This year's event strengthened the local economy by featuring 84 diverse local member businesses.

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Click here
for additional Chamber News.  

City News 

Safe Trick or Treating for Kids on October 29

Every year, the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (BID) hosts a free and safe Trick or Treating experience for kids on Fourth Street, starting at San Rafael City Plaza. Details.   

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City of San Rafael Launches New Website

The City of San Rafael has launched a new web site, with a new design and easy navigation. To take a look click here.     

Representing Business to Government 

Chamber Endorses Candidates; Council Supports Baseball Proposal

The Chamber tracks local, state and federal issues impacting business and maintains close contact with city, county and state legislators to promote beneficial business legislation and discourage detrimental regulations.

 

The Chamber has endorsed Gary Phillips for Mayor and Andrew McCullough for City Council. See the Marin IJ report about the October 5 debate among the candidates.  

 

The San Rafael City Council recently voted in favor of the Chamber-supported proposal for baseball at Albert Park. See the Marin IJ report.

 

More information about the Chamber's advocacy with government on behalf of local business. 

 

Member News

Art Walk LogoChamber members get a 25 percent discount on wine tasting at the 2nd Fridays Art Walk on October 14 in downtown San Rafael. Sponsored by Art Works Downtown and Event Marketing Works. You must use the promo code SRchamber2011. Register here.   

  

Equator Coffees & Teas was included in the SF Business Times' list of the Bay Area's largest women-owned businesses. Read more about Equator's passion for quality and sustainability.

  

Community Institute for Psychotherapy will offer free confidential screenings and mental health assessments throughout the month of October, at CIP's office in downtown San Rafael, 1330 Lincoln Avenue. More information.

 

Jim of Big Jim's BBQ is offering barbeque classes that reveal his award winning techniques and recipes. Learn to barbecue your Thanksgiving turkey. More information.

Office Depot's October special offer for Chamber members features : 15 percent off all personalized holiday cards, plus FREE card personalization envelopes with return address printing delivery. Click here to redeem your online October offer. 

More Member News

Chamber members: Please send your business news for this section to frontdesk@SRChamber.com. Deadline for the November issue is Tuesday, October 25. Please put "Member News" in the subject line.

  

Our Core Values --Strengthening the Local Economy --Promoting and Connecting the Community --Providing Quality Networking Opportunities --Representing Business to Government --Political Action. Click here for information about how to join the Chamber.