August 8th, 2014

NEWS & NOTES

Keep in Touch with The Greater Grass Valley Chamber!

Sponsored by Friends of the Chamber

-- For Immediate Release --

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE NEWEST FRIEND OF THE CHAMBER

The Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Habitat for Humanity's ReStore at 12359 Loma Rica Drive, just off Brunswick Road, has become the latest business to step up to the plate as a Friend of the Chamber. The FOC program began last year and was established to help support projects unfunded by GGVCC membership dues.

Danny Childs, manager of the ReStore recently presented the GGVCC with a check for $2,500, and chamber CEO Keith Davies accepted it on behalf of his staff and the more than five hundred chamber members who comprise the largest business advocacy organization in Western Nevada County.

"This is very gratifying and much appreciated," said Davies. "It is through the Friends of the Chamber program that we are able to accomplish special projects that arise outside of our yearly budget."

"Habitat believes in mutual investment in partnership with the business community. Non-profits and business can make a bigger impact on the community working together," says Debbie Arakel, Habitat Executive Director.

The Restore is a unique thrift store that helps support the work of Habitat for Humanity. It is a thrift store for home improvement supplies including furniture and appliances and is open to the general public. The ReStore sells donated used or surplus building materials and supplies at a discounted rate. In the process, it helps provide a long-term sustainable revenue stream for Nevada County Habitat for Humanity.

Nationally, there are more than 1,400 Habitat for Humanity affiliates sharing a common mission to help build or repair homes. In addition, more than forty ReStore home improvement centers are located in California alone. Local store hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Material donations may be delivered to the ReStore during donation hours of 9:00am until 4:00pm or by calling 274-3761 to arrange a pick-up.

"Habitat for Humanity does some pretty amazing things in our community to help build affordable housing for those who might otherwise never enjoy home ownership," Davies noted, "and The ReStore is an important component of its overall mission."

Davies said that in addition to Habitat's ongoing effort to build affordable housing, the ReStore is able to make building materials otherwise destined for the county transfer station available for reuse, enabling people to repair and maintain their own homes.

"We are proud to have the ReStore as a member and grateful for their decision to become a Friend of the Chamber," Davies said. "As we look at our yearly budget and decide which special projects can be funded, a check for $2,500 makes a big difference, and coming from another non-profit makes it even more special."

Davies welcomes other businesses to contact him so that he can explain the added benefits associated with being a FOC. He can be reached at the chamber office by calling 273-4667 or by email at kdavies@grassvalleychamber.com.

Since Robin and I returned to Nevada County nearly three years ago, much has happened in our lives. We were retired when we came back to take care of my mother, and now we are busier than ever. Today, I want to address our economy, jobs and tourism -- and improving all three.

Last December, Robin and I attended the ERC Business Forecast Luncheon featuring guest speaker Dr. Esmael Adibi, economist and professor at Chapman University, and he made a very interesting observation. He said, "California is no longer divided by north and south; it is now east and west."

We agree with his analysis and believe it is time for the eastern half of California to get back in the game. We are badly falling behind coastal communities with regard to housing values, jobs, wages and economic vitality. It's time for a paradigm shift.

We are encouraged with the new direction of the ERC -- and its new leader, Jon Gregory -- and the plan he has laid out to encourage new businesses to locate in our community. What disturbs us, however, is community divisiveness when it comes to growth and new ideas that could move us forward. If we do not advance, we will be stagnant -- as we are now -- and golden opportunities will go to other communities that can work together. To that end, we would like to offer some thoughts on how to enhance tourism -- especially since we seem to be losing the retail war to Placer County. The new Walmart Supercenter and Costco stores slated to be built along the Auburn/Highway 49 corridor, and growth in that direction for Western Nevada County is meeting a lot of head wind.
In Western Nevada County's case, visitors are drawn here by our amazing past. The Empire Mine and Northstar Mining Museum in Grass Valley, along with the Firehouse #1 Museum and Transportation Museum in Nevada City, are valuable resources and attractions, but visitors are asking for more; they are asking for a major facility showcasing our rich history.

To Read the Full Article Click Here

DESTRUCTION DERBY AT THE 2014 NEVADA COUNTY FAIR

It's back - the Destruction Derby at the Nevada County Fair! The popular Derby, held on Sunday of the Nevada County Fair, will be locally produced by five of Nevada County's Rotary Clubs - The Rotary Club of Nevada City, Rotary Club of Nevada County South, 49er Breakfast Rotary of Nevada City, Penn Valley Rotary, and Rotary Club of Grass Valley.

This year's Destruction Derby is sure to be a crowd favorite! Watch as drivers put their cars to the ultimate test and crash, smash, and ram other vehicles while trying to keep their own vehicle running! That's demolition at its best.

"The Nevada County Fairgrounds is extremely pleased that the Rotarians, who are leaders in our community, are taking on the production of the Destruction Derby at the Fair," said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. "This event will be a truly locally produced event, and we are excited to be able to offer this entertainment to our community."

The Destruction Derby is held on Sunday, August 10, at 7 pm at the Nevada County Fair. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under.

In addition to the Destruction Derby, this year's Fair has a full line up in the arena, including the Flying U Extreme Rodeo (produced by Cotton Rosser and Flying U Rodeo) on Wednesday and Thursday night, and Tuff Trucks and Monster Trucks (produced by Scott Miller Paving, Inc.) on Friday and Saturday night.

For tickets to Rotary's Destruction Derby or any of the arena events, visit NevadaCountyFair.com. This year's Nevada County Fair is August 6- 10.

A TROPICAL EVENING AT BENT METAL WINERY!

Join us for an intimate tropical evening with music by Dream and the Dreamer on Friday, August 22, from 6-9PM at the winery.

Only $20.00 per person, includes dinner -BB! Chicken, Stuffed Shells (by Bear River Pasta), Hawaiian rolls and assorted desserts.

Loud tropical attire encouraged, dancing and fun!

Wine by the glass $5.00 (includes tax) or by the bottle.

RSVP by August 18th at our website. Go to About Us, then, Upcoming Events.

Pre-paid reservations required, we are limiting the reservations to 60 people.

Please no children, pets or outside alcohol at this event.

Hope to see you then!

The Miners Foundry is pleased to present MarchFourth Marching Band on Friday, August 8, 2014. With a rallying cry of "Joy Now!", MarchFourth throws itself and the audience into a swirling volcano of high-energy music and spectacle. MarchFourth brings an energy and style that takes the live concert experience to a new level of fun, turning unsuspecting concert-goers into fans for life and transforming ordinary events into joyous occasions.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $22.00 for Advance General Admission, $26.00 General Admission at the Door, and $32.00 for Limited Reserve. Limited Reserve includes cabaret table seating. Tickets are available online, by phone, or in person at the Miners Foundry, or in person at Briar Patch Co-Op.

Purchase Tickets

Sierra College Gender Equity Committee Partners with the

American Association of University Women (AAUW)

Rocklin, CA--The Sierra College Gender Equity Committee is proud to announce our partnership with the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Sierra College has a long and supportive relationship with the Roseville-South Placer AAUW. This fall, branch members Michele Stark and Sue Miller, will be joining the Sierra College Gender Equity Committee to serve in official capacity as Community Representatives to the committee.

The AAUW mission is to "promote equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research." Megan Seely, Gender Equity Committee chair states that "the mission and work of AAUW is directly in line with the efforts of Sierra College to ensure a safe and equitable environment for all students."

The Gender Equity Committee, as a standing committee of the Academic Senate, exists as a formal body whose mission includes facilitating a safe and equitable campus climate through cultural, social, structural, legal and academic change. Gender equity issues are universal. Therefore, the Gender Equity Committee seeks to collaboratively address the intersection of gender with sex, race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, age, disability, creed, and political background.

Paint & Pour Art Class @ Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce ~ "Poppy

Join us for an evening of painting, Georgia O'Keefe's "Poppy", while sipping your favorite beverage at Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Leave your inhibitions at the door and take home your own masterpiece and memories. Absolutely no painting experience required.

Cost: $35.00 per person.

When: Thursday, August 14th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm (+/-)
Location: Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce 128 East Main Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945

Absolutely no painting experience required. Our professional instructors will walk you step by step through the creative process. Community Canvas provides professional art supplies including paint, brushes, aprons, an 8x10 or 11�14 canvas and inspiration. There is nothing for you to bring except yourself!

info@communitycanvasinc.com

530-272-2213

southbound Idaho-Maryland Off-Ramp
intermittent Day Closures

EFFECTIVE DATE(S): Wednesday, July 30 to Friday, August 8

Beginning Wednesday, July 30 to Friday, August 8, the southbound Idaho-Maryland off-ramp will be closed intermittently to through traffic during the day from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm (weather permitting). State Route 20/49 will remain open.

Please observe all construction signs and the instructions of onsite personnel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience.

For More Information on Off Broadstreet Click Here

A wonderful opportunity to be of assistance to visitors and our community at the Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce. We are looking for volunteers to staff our Visitor's Center Concierge Desk and to be a welcoming, smiling face representing our community, city and Nevada County.

Job Duties/Description:

Support and staff the Concierge Desk of the Grass Valley Visitor's Center; providing information to visitors and community members about our area's events and businesses
Provide a welcoming and friendly customer experience
Offer a wide variety of assistance via brochures, historical reference, and directions to locations within our community
Act as a knowledgeable and courteous principal point of contact
Sincere desire to provide assistance as needed
Act as an ambassador of the Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce

Skills Required:

Ability to speak clearly and communicate effectively
Ability and enthusiasm for working with the public
Dependable, reliable and responsible
Works well with minimal supervision and structure
Ability to process information
Polite, poised, patient, friendly and even-tempered
Light computer skills to browse the internet
Sit or stand for several hours

Days needed: 7 days per week (split between several people)
Time of day: 10AM-3PM
Shift Length: 2.5 to 3 hours per day
Contact: Yolanda 530-273-4667