permit no. 127 time sensitive material - deliver by …northbay biz. the food sponsors this year are...
TRANSCRIPT
PetalumaBUSINESS
PetalumaBUSINESS
“Petaluma’s voice for business”
September 2009Vol 18, No 9
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE
PAIDPETALUMA, CAPERMIT NO. 127
6 Petaluma Blvd. North, Suite A-2Petaluma, CA 94952707-762-2785
A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce • www.petalumachamber.com
Time Sensitive Material - Deliver by Sept. 4
Expo on October 8;Booths Available
The 19th Annual Petaluma ChamberBusiness Expo is on schedule for itsOctober 8 extravaganza, and ChamberCEO Onita Pellegrini said there are stillbooth spaces available. Sponsorshipsand food purveyor openings were filledby mid-August.
The event takes place at the LucchesiCommunity Center from 4-7:30. Basedon past attendance, a crowdapproaching 2,000 is expected for theannual event.
About 100 booths will be placed
Also sponsoring are Fishman SupplyCo., Petaluma Argus-Courier, andNorthBay Biz.
The food sponsors this year arePetaluma Coffee & Tea Co., WholeFoods, Bert’s Desserts, Aaron JonasCatering, Rooster Run Golf Club,Preferred Sonoma Caterers, ExtremePizza, Beyond the Glory, and Papa’sTaverna.
For information on getting boothspace or any other related Expo subject,call 762-2785.
Chamber CEO Onita Pellegrini.
Booth prices include backdrop, 8-footdisplay table, two chairs and a linen top,
Sponsorships this year are Bank ofMarin, Doyle Contracting, Inc., PortSonoma, Exchange Bank, Comcast, Red -wood Credit Union, Pacific Gas &Electric, Clover Stornetta Farms, Inc.,Nancy Cooley, State Farm Agent, KaiserFoundation Health Plan, and SummitState Bank, all members of thePresident’s Circle.
throughout the community center,offering local businesses the chance toshowcase their wares and services. Manyexhibitors will be giving away prizes andholding drawings for gift certificates.
Booth charges for Chamber membersare $375 for inside, $275 outside, and$250 for non-profits. Non-Chambermembers’ booth charge is $600. There isalso a $35 charge for electrical outlet.
Chamber members reserving boothspace inside before September 10 willreceive a $50 discount, according to
Women in BusinessBreakfast September 15
Ten steps to creating and maintaininga million dollar business is the focus ofthe Chamber’s Women in Businessbreakfast for September 15 at RoosterRun.
The morning will feature “Biz Diva”Cynthia “Riggs, professional speakerwho takes women to the next level ofbusiness success. She will talk aboutways to turn a company into a million-dollar business.
Riggs’ expertise is giving women thetools to maximize their businessprofitability. The Chamber’s Women inBusiness committee says that those whoattend the breakfast are guaranteed toget inspired, get perspective, and getspecifics.
Wake Up FocusesOn Healthy Living
Cost for the event is $25 for Chambermembers, $30 for non-members.Attendees can register by fax (762-4721), or by phone (762-2785).
Current Resident or
Cynthia Riggs
This month, Wake Up Petalumareturns to Rooster run with a mixed bagincluding healthy food and healthprograms.
The September 22 program starts witha buffet breakfast. The speakers includeRuth Persselin of Petaluma Bountytelling about their program focusing ongrowing vegetables.
Marilyn Segal, the Executive Directorof the Community Health Foundation,
will talk about the array of health careprograms available to area residents.
Sponsor for the morning event itRedwood Regional Medical Group
Cost is $20 for Chamber members,$25 for non-members. Reservationsrequired: call 762-2785.
Also on the agenda are Chamberannouncements, a 50-50 raffle, andintroductions of new Chamber members.
2 September 2009 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
PETALUMA BUSINESS CREDITSPublished by the Petaluma Area Chamber of
Commerce, 6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-2©2009 Petaluma Chamber of Commerce
Don Bennett Editor & WriterAVM Graphics Design & Production
Marin Sun Printing
PetalumaBUSINESS
Petaluma Business ads are sales boosters! An economic way to reach more than 800 businesses monthly. Call the Chamber, 762-2785 for specifics & discount rates.
Committees
Agri-BusinessJohn Martin, 762-4594Hunt & Behrens
Ralph Sartori, 776-2254Dairy Farmers of America
AmbassadorsDaniel Canales, 781-9483National Assoc. for the Self Employed
Jim Alexander, 762-2818Financial Consultant
Business/EducationVal Richman, 778-4798Mentor Me Petaluma
Government AffairsWayne Leach, (415) 883-9850CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group
Leadership Petaluma ProgramCall the Chamber for info, 762-2785.
Past Presidents CouncilElece Hempel, 765-8488Petaluma People Services Center
Call 762-2785 for more information. River John FitzGerald, 794-0667 FitzGerald & Associates
Wake-Up PetalumaJim Becker, 778-7780Edward Jones Investments
Jeff Mayne, 536-6161Excel Mortgage Solutions
Women in BusinessSharon Medley, 322-5950Medley Glass Works
PresidentLes Villanyi*, 484-4992
Nikken Wellness [email protected]
First Vice PresidentMonica Soiland, 762-3200Midstate Construction
Second Vice PresidentMkulima “M” Britt*, 778-8448Clover Stornetta Farms, Inc.
TreasurerRon Malnati, 769-2294
Exchange [email protected]
Immediate Past PresidentElece Hempel*, 765-8488
Petaluma People Services [email protected]
DIRECTORS
John Burns, 762-4541Petaluma [email protected]
Daniel Canales*, 781-9483National Assoc. for Self-Employed
Katie Kerns, 557-7045PG&E
W. Thom Knudson*, 763-1911Behrens, Nelson & Knudson
Richard Marzo, 763-1515Lace House Linen
Jeff Mayne, 536-6161Excel Mortgage Solutions
Deb Padia, 792-5102Comcast
Tony Sarno*, 664-1400Keegan & Coppin
Will Soper*, 763-3888Beels Soper LLP, CPAs
Matt White, 795-4477Basin Street [email protected]
CHAMBER STAFF762-2785 • Fax 762-4721
Email: [email protected]
Onita Pellegrini*, CEOJudy Carney, Bookkeeper
Daniella Ellicott, Member ServicesKathy Brandal, Office Assistant
VISITORS PROGRAM769-0429 • Fax 283-0528www.visitpetaluma.com
* Leadership Petaluma Graduates
Ambassador Profile
Mimi PallasPetalumen's Lighting Co.
Mimi Pallas was born on Hamilton AirForce Base. She is a graduate of St.Vincent’s High School and Sonoma StateUniversity. With the exception of livingtwo years in San Diego when sheworked for Birkenstock, she has lived inthe Novato/Petaluma area her entire life.She appreciates the small town charmand sense of community that Petalumaoffers.
Four years ago, she and her husband,Steve Pallas, opened Petalumen’sLighting Co. LLC. The store was born out
of Steve’s passion for the art and scienceof working with light. He has overtwenty years of experience in thelighting and electrical field and operatesPalace Lighting and Electrical Service.
In 2007, Mimi left her sales job atBirkenstock after 16 years to managePetalumen’s Lighting Co., Petaluma’sonly retail lighting showroom. She hassince become a Lighting Specialistthrough the American LightingAssociation. She enjoys working withcustomers on their various lighting
ChamberNeedsUpdatedInfo
Is your information in our files
up to date? The Chamber is
currently in the process of
publishing the new membership
directory, and we need the most
up to date information about
your company.
Have you changed addresses,
email, phone numbers or
Chamber contact names? Have
you moved? We are making every
effort to contact our members to
make sure our information is
current, so if you have made
changes, please let us know.
Mimi Pallas
Toolkit for Business SuccessWorkshop on September 24
The Petaluma Area Chamber ofCommerce and North Bay BusinessBuilders present “The Essential Toolkitfor Business Success Workshop”,designed to give businesses timelyinformation to improve their bottomline. The half-day workshop will be heldon Thursday, September 24, 2009, from9am-12pm, at Rooster Run. Registrationbegins at 8:30am.
Five experts representing differentaspects of business and marketing willshow workshop attendees how to:
• learn the five steps to financialfreedom
• gain business in 30 seconds
• learn the importance of uniquebranding and how it affects theirbusiness
• use online social media like Twitterand Facebook to draw traffic andclients to their website
• better understand website optimiza -
tion and the importance of rankingwell on Google
• become financially organized forsuccess
The speakers include:
• Alan Ginsberg, business coach andowner with The Entrepreneur’s Sourcein Petaluma.
• Michael Hecker, owner of MHConsulting and Bookkeeping.
• Ken Kelly, CEO of WSI, We Simplify theInternet.
• Ryan Kelly, co-owner and chiefoperating officer of WSI, We Simplifythe Internet.
• Ann V. Moreno, owner of AVM Graphicsin Petaluma.
The cost for the three-hour workshopis $25 in advance and $35 at the door.Coffee and bagels are included.Reservations are required by September21.Call the Chamber, 762-2785.
projects whether it is a specialty lightbulb or a unique fixture to lighting for awhole house or business.
A member of the Chamber since 2005,Mimi became an Ambassador last year. Ithas offered her the opportunity to get toknow more of the business communityand forge new relationships andreinforce existing ones as well.
President’s Message
How We ReactDetermines Success
By Les Villanyi,President,
Petaluma AreaChamber ofCommerce
4 September 2009 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Editorials & Opinions, Analyses, Commentary, Viewpoints
Commentary
I returned recently from a man -agement seminar in San Jose calledHumans Being More. The goal of theprogram was to teach attendees how tolet go of the emotional baggage and tolearn how to focus on achieving theirgoals and dreams. One of the majortopics was responsibility.
Responsibility permeates throughoutall our lives. If we have a family, it is ourresponsibility to support them bothfinancially and emotionally, to feed andclothe them. It is also our responsibilityto make sure that our children are raisedwith a positive sense of values, under -stand the worth of education, and applythemselves to their studies. We raise ourchildren; teachers don’t raise ourchildren.
In the area of healthcare, who isresponsible for your health? You!Healthcare is one of the biggest sink -holes in our economy as the generalpop u lation engages in unhealthybehavior, then visits a physician in thehopes of getting a magic pill to instantlycure what ails them. Unfortunately atthis time the pharmaceutical industryhas yet to come out with a pill forresponsibility. The old joke of “doctor,doctor it hurts when I do this. Well don’tdo that!” is all too true.
So who is responsible for our businessand our success? The government? Theeconomy? Our customers? No, we are.Good things happen as well as not sogood things. How we react to thesestimuli is what determines our success.
As in other areas throughout ourworld, our local economy is challenging.It is not business as usual. There arebusinesses folding or just moving tohopefully greener grass. When busi -nesses leave so do customers. They go to
Platinum Members Gold Members Silver Members
Ace Shirt & Cap • Clark Rosen, Coldwell Banker • Deer Creek Village • Moonware Design
Bronze Members
Regency ProjectDeserves Better
If the local development community needs a poster child to represent thedifficulties of doing business in this city, it would have to be Regency Properties.
The developer of the proposed shopping center agreed to come to Petalumayears ago to build a facility that studies show is badly needed. Based on littlemore than verbal agreements and a handshake with City Hall, Regency purchasedat a very high cost the Kenilworth Junior High property owned by the PetalumaSchool District.
Then, Regency went above and beyond the call of duty and helped the SchoolDistrict expedite building a new junior high on the east side, and spent almostanother $100,000 helping the National Little League find a new home and newplaying fields
All this was done on the assurance from City Hall that their project was neededand would be expedited. To date, Regency has more than $40 million invested inthe project, about twice what they paid for the property.
About the time Regency came forth with their EIR for the project, thingschanged. A new city manager, a new council majority with different visions forthe city, and surfacing opposition from a number of sectors signified a new set ofrules were in place. As has been asserted in some forums, the current council isnot bound by decisions made by previous councils or commitments made byprior city managers.
Legally, of course, that is true. But there should be a sort of moral imperativethat says that people who are willing to invest in our community are entitled tobe treated fairly, and that elected officials should be under some ethicalobligation, if not a legal one, to at least recognize commitments made by prioradministrations and to attempt some type of accommodation.
Initially, the ferocity of the opposition to the Regency center, which wouldinclude a Target, was based on the fact it would include a Borders book store.When the EIR indicated Borders could adversely impact Copperfield Books, thebattle lines were drawn.
Then, accommodating as ever, Regency dropped Borders from the project, butthen other objections arose.
The newly implemented Fiscal Economic Impact Analysis report stronglysupported the shopping center and its contributions to the community, but wassharply attacked by some council members for not evaluating the impact onother small businesses. At least one member of that body, who was strongly infavor of the project while running for office, now spoke derogatorily.
Of course, the Council has not yet voted on the project, but the rhetoric comingfrom the podium has been disturbing. Development priorities soon to be set bythe Council will at least be a clear indication of where the majority is going.
Meanwhile the council should recognize that a great many promises weremade to Regency, and for the city to renege now would send a message tobusinesses far and wide about the feasibility of doing business here, and some ofthose businesses may very well be the green businesses our current councilwants to attract.
Nancy Cooley,Agent
where they can buy what they need orwant. The customer who used to shop indowntown Petaluma or patronize one ofthe shopping centers may go someplaceoutside of Petaluma because one or twoof the stores whose products he needsare gone. The impact has now beenmultiplied.
In a healthy environment, as onebusiness closes another opens, fre -quently attracting new and differentcustomers into an area. This meansgrowth. When businesses close and arenot replaced this is decline. Whennothing happens we have stagnation.
The cost of living continues to risewhether through higher prices or lowerwages. The population is increasing. Theprice tag for providing everydaymunicipal services keeps going up. Butsomeone has to pay for these services orwe lose them. Increased businessrevenues and sales tax dollars helpeveryone.
There are decisions being made everyday by our city, county, and stategovernments that have a huge effect onthe growth, stagnation, or decline of thebusiness environment in Petaluma. Manyof the individuals making these deci -sions are elected officials. We electedthem. We are responsible for puttingthem in a position of power over ourbusiness, our success, and our wellbeing.
We can continue to allow a fewindividuals to dictate our future or wecan be responsible and tell our represen -tatives what we require. Speak up!
6 September 2009 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce6 September 2009 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber Board, at its August 17meeting, voted unanimously to directstaff to explore options enabling theChamber to endorse candidates in localelections.
Current policies do not permit theChamber to endorse candidates,although the Chamber may takepositions on ballot measures and issuesaffecting business.
Chamber CEO Onita Pellegrini saidthat the existing policy has served theChamber well for decades because theChamber has been able to effectivelypresent the needs of business to local
elected officials.
Currently, she said, there is aperception that the needs of a healthylocal economy are not being considered.She cited the firing of planningcommission members that understandthe needs of business, the use of theFiscal Economic Impact Analysisprogram to block projects, and the CityCouncil’s upcoming effort to “prioritize”development as issues that have createdmajor concern with the Board.
Staff will be reviewing existing policiesand will make recommen dations back tothe Board at a future date.
Board Directs Staff to ExploreCandidate Endorsements Policy
Marcie Becker Waldron, formerChamber staffer and former member ofthe Chamber Board, spoke at The 11thNational Donor Recognition Ceremonyin Washington, DC. Waldron presented500 handcrafted Life Star jewelrydesigns to honor the generosity ofAmerica’s heroes — living donors andthose who donated organs and/ortissues after death.
Waldron received a life-saving kidneyand pancreas transplant in 1997. Sheinspires others to discuss organdonation with their families and becomeregistered organ donors.
The biennial event is sponsored by the
Division of Transplantation, HealthResources & Services Administration,U.S. Department of Health & HumanServices and implemented with theassistance of the National Donor FamilyCouncil of the National KidneyFoundation and other donation andtransplantation organizations.
Leadership Petaluma ClassIs The Largest To Date
The class for the 2009-2010Leadership Petaluma program is thelargest yet, according to Chamber CEOOnita Pellegrini.
“We have 33 people enrolled, which isoutstanding,” she said. The efforts of thenewly former Leadership Alumni groupwere instrumental in this year’s hugeclass, according to Pellegrini.
The members of this year’s class are:Trisha Almond, USPS; Gene Altaffer,Farmers Insurance; Gabriella Ambrosi,Sequoia Senior Solutions; DanielAncheta, Sonoma Bank; Lisa Baughn,AAA; Jana Beatty, Redwood Credit Union;Randy Benefield, Benefield Realty; JamesBordessa, Comcast.
Thom Butler, Quicksilver Amuse -ments; Tim Cahill, Best Western PetalumaInn; Mary Celestre, Summit State Bank;Tina Dodds, Evergreen Health &
Rehabilitation; Anne Fischer-Silva, A NewLeaf Nutrition; Dayna Ghirardeli, CloverStornetta Farms,
Shannon Griffin, Boys & Girls Club;Carol Harris, Kaiser Permanente; JimJohnson, Studio 7 Photography; LynnJohnston, Lynn Johnston EA, Inc.; RonMalnati, Exchange Bank; Bill Medley,Medley Glass Works; Jared Milligan,Pacific eDocument Solutions; SuzanneMorrison, Joyful Surroundings; SandyPariani, First Community Bank.
Matt Pearson, SRJC Petaluma; RuthPersselin, Petaluma Bounty; KathrynPowell, Petaluma Health Center; GiseleRue, Business Consultant; Lisa Schieberl,Lauthr Salon; Charles Seebock; MarilynSegal, Community Health Foundation;McKenzie Smith, Eagle West Insurance;Renee Story, Bank of Marin, and MatthewWilliams, Pisenti & Brinker.
Leadership Class ProjectCreated New FilmFest
Directors from Poland, Germany,Australia, Canada, and the United Statesconverged at the historic Mystic Theatreon Saturday, August 22, 2009 for the firstPetaluma Film Fest. The eveningshowcased nine award-winning shortfilms followed by a discussion with thefilmmakers.
The event produced by the Chamberof Commerce’s 2009 Leadership classand the newly formed Petaluma FilmAlliance (PFA), a partnership betweenSanta Rosa Junior College and localbusinesses, was a sold-out success.
“We decided to begin with a showcase
of short films because it offers a littlesomething for everyone in a singleevening,” says PFA director MichaelTraina. “It was exciting to begin at theMystic Theatre because it celebratesPetaluma’s heritage and downtowncommunity. Movie-goers are invited tojoin us at the SRJC Petaluma Campus forour weekly Cinema Series featuringclassic, foreign, and independent filmsevery Wednesday night beginning inSeptember.”
Each year the Chamber’s Leadershipclass selects a class project. The FilmFestwas the selection for last year’s group.Traina was a class member.
Former StafferSpeaks in D.C.
Marcie Becker Waldron
Schindler Exhibit To BeAt Petaluma’s Museum
A historical drama about the quality ofthe human spirit in the harshest of timesunfolds in Petaluma this Novemberwhen the century-old Petaluma Museumopens its doors on Schindler - anexhibition organized and circulated bythe United States Holocaust MemorialMuseum in Washington D.C.
Schindler is displayed first on Nov. 9 inspecial pre-public-opening program thatalso commemorates the 71st anni -versary of “Kristallnacht,” or “the Nightof Broken Glass,”
“Kristallnacht” takes its name from thenight of Nov. 9, 1938 when the Nazi’sunleashed an unprecedented wave oforganized violence against Germany’sJews. This event is generally recognized
at the beginning of the Holocaust.
On Nov. 10 the Petaluma Museum, at20 Fourth St., opens Schindler to thepublic in an exclusive NorthernCalifornia display. Admission is free tothe public event, but donations to theMuseum will be accepted.
Schindler tells story of OskarSchindler, a German businessman whosaved the lives of more than 1,000 PolishJewish refugees during the Holocaust.
Schindler’s transformation from Naziwar profiteer to protector of Jews is thesubject of several documentaries, thebest-selling novel “Schindler’s List “(1982) by Thomas Keneally, and anAcademy award-winning film directedby Steven Spielberg.
Celebrating at theBusiness After Hourswith USA Aircraft Brokersand Two Niner Diner: L toR: Pete Sand, USA AircraftBrokers, Inc., Cindy, DanKelly and Joan Kelly ofTwo Niner Diner.
8 September 2009 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Chamber to Introduce NewDiscover Petaluma Web Site
Maverick Media and the Petaluma ofCommerce have partnered together tocreate awareness about Petaluma areabusinesses through the development ofthe Discover Petaluma web site. TheDiscover Petaluma web site will tell astory about the history, entertainment,shopping, community and businessesthat drive the Petaluma economy.
Discover Petaluma will showcasewebisodes, photo galleries, maps,suggested itineraries, win-a-day contests,special offers and many other uniquefeatures - all made possible through thisunique partnership.
Kirk Kimerer, Director of IntegratedMedia explains, “Maverick Media is usingradio, online media solutions, socialnetworking, and strategic partnerships,like the one with Petaluma Chamber ofCommerce, to provide Sonoma Countywith hyper-local content, and businesseswith cost effective integrated mediasolutions that deliver measurable andprofitable results.”
Discover Petaluma will offer smallbusinesses the opportunity to tell theirstory through the voice of local radioDJs, multimedia content and thePetaluma Chamber of Commerce. Unliketraditional media campaigns, thisopportunity provides web analyticinformation that allows businesses totrack results and their return on
investment.
Onita Pelligrini, Petaluma ChamberCEO said, “Through this relationshipwith Maverick Media we are able toincrease awareness about Petalumabusinesses and our community. We arealso able to offer our valued ChamberMembers an advertising vehicle that isaffordable and timely given the everchanging media landscape.”
Maverick Media Santa Rosa LLC hasowns and operates five radio stationsand their websites that are dedicated toserve Sonoma County’s listeners andclients. Maverick’s mission is to providelocal, quality programming for thecommunity, and provide excellent newscoverage, information and entertain -ment. The Maverick Media Family of radio stations include: 97.7 The River(KVRV) and www.977theriver.com,NewsTalk 1350 AM, KSROwww.ksro.com, Froggy 92.9 (KFGY)www.froggy929.com, 101.7, The Fox(KXFX) www.kxfx.com, and The Mix104.9 (KMHX) www.mix1049fm.com.
Please contact Miche’al Mitchell,
Director of Sales for Maverick Media at
707-543-0128 to attend a presentation
on September 10, 2009 at 7:30am at the
Petaluma Chamber office located at 6
Petaluma Boulevard North, Suite A2,
Petaluma, California 94952.
PHOTO CREDIT: TERRY HANKINS
The Chamber Board paused at its August meeting to pose for a group photo.Pictured above are, LtoR, Second Vice President Mkulima Britt, Clover StornettaFarms; First Vice President Monica Soiland, Midstate Construction; Will Soper,Beels Soper LLP; Richard Marzo, Lace House Linen; Treasurer Ron Malnati,Exchange Bank; Immediate Past President Elece Hempel, Petaluma PeopleServices Center; Katie Kerns, PG&E; Deb Padia, Comcast; President Les Villanyi,Nikken Wellness Consultant; and John Burns, Petaluma Argus-Courier.
Not pictured: Daniel Canales, National Association for the Self Employed; W.Thom Knudson, Behrens, Nelson & Knudson; Jeff Mayne, Excel MortgageSolutions; Tony Sarno, Keegan & Coppin; and Matt White, Basin Street Properties.
City Offers AmnestyFor Business Licenses
The City of Petaluma has issued apress release announcing amnesty forbusinesses currently operating with outa business license as long as licenses areobtained by October 30.
The text of the release follows.
As Cities do throughout the UnitedStates, the City of Petaluma requires abusiness license for entities operatingwithin the City. In order to assureconsistent application of the businesslicense rules and regulations, acompliance review is conductedperiodically. According to Acting FinanceDirector Tamera Haas, such a review isdue and will be conducted beginningOctober 1, 2009. In recognition ofcurrent economic difficulties, the Citywill offer a one-time amnesty program tothose businesses that are operatingwithout a current license. The City hasauthorized the firm of MuniServices, LLC
to conduct a review of compliance withthe City’s business license tax ordi -nance. According to Haas, “informationobtained as a result of the reviews willbe used only by the City, for the purposeof consistent administration of ourbusiness license program.
Businesses will be allowed to takeadvantage of the penalty waiver as longas they respond in a timely manner. Theamnesty period will be from September1, 2009 to October 30, 2009. A businessfound operating in Petaluma without alicense will not be subject to a penaltyduring this time. “To avoid penalties,businesses are encouraged to takeadvantaged of this amnesty period, byproperly registering their business andobtaining a current license.” Businessesnot properly licensed by October 30,2009 will be subject to fees and fineswhen the amnesty period concludes.
Art in the ParkSeptember 12-13
Artists all around Petaluma andbeyond are getting geared up for the52nd Annual Art in Park to be held atWalnut Park - Petaluma Blvd South and DStreet in Petaluma Saturday and SundaySept 12th and 13th 10:00 am - 5:00pm.Sponsored yearly by the Petaluma ArtAssociation (also in their 52nd year)artists literally come out of thewoodwork for this event. Tents andbooths filled with artists and their waressurround the quaint gazebo. You’ll hear
our own fabulous Petaluma Pete on hisportable piano as you stroll around thefestive grounds or visit the Farmer’sMarket on Saturday.
The Petaluma Arts Association hasbeen a participant in the community for52 years promoting appreciation of theart. The PAA scholarship programcontinues to support the Petalumaschools in developing student artprograms.
PEF Bash atRMN Site
Commercial property owner,developer and manager RNM Propertiesis donating the use of 39,000 square feeton the first floor of South McDowellLanding for the BASH, the PetalumaEducational Foundation’s premierfundraising event to be held Sept. 12.
South McDowell Landing is RNM’s144,500 square-foot Class A commercial
office building, located at 1800-2000South McDowell Blvd. in south Petalumaat the Lakeville Business Park at the edgeof the 500-acre Shollenberger ParkWetlands recreational area.
BASH festivities include silent and liveauctions, a sit-down, three-coursegourmet dinner, cocktails and dancing tolive music by Moonalice.
10 September 2009 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Board Addresses DutraIn Letter to Supervisors
The Chamber Board of Directorsdirected that the following letter be sentto Sonoma County Supervisorsregarding the proposed Dutra asphaltplant south of Petaluma.
Dear Supervisor
The Board of Directors of thePetaluma Area Chamber of Commercestrongly urges you to reconsider yourvote against the proposed Dutra asphaltplant in Petaluma.
We are certain that you must realizethat the fight over this facility has moreto do with politics than it has to do withplanning, that it has more to do withdiscrediting Supervisor Kerns andboosting the chances of otherSupervisorial aspirants than it has to dowith an industrial facility being plannedin the industrial sector of our city.
Opponents of this facility are saying agreat many things that simply are not true.
Consider this:
Claim number one: the facility will
spew poisonous gasses into the air,endangering the health of Petalumans.
Fact: Dutra has been operating anasphalt plant just across the freewayfrom the proposed site for almost aquarter of a century. The new plantemploys state of the art technology toprevent just the kind of problemsopponents say will happen.
Claim number two: The City ofPetaluma and several other cities in theCounty have opposed this because ofadverse environmental effects.
Fact: From the outset, the City ofPetaluma had only minor concerns, all ofwhich were addressed at their behest. Itwas only after a crowd at the CityCouncil meeting demanded the City ofPetaluma oppose this that they did. Butthey did so without any staff review orstaff recommendations based onanalytical study. That vote was purely apolitical vote. In contrast, the CountyPlanning Commission took its votes,despite ferocious resistance from the
opponents, based on exhaustive reviewfrom staff who recommended approval,independent environmental analysis thatcame to the same conclusion, andcomments from agencies charged withmaking sure Petaluma has clean air andclean water. Your own employees havereviewed this matter extensively andhave concluded there are not adverseenvironmental effects from this plant.
Claim number three: This plantviolates the County General Plan.
Fact: Although the property wouldneed to be rezoned from commercial tolight industrial, the proposal insteadmost specifically meets General Planrecommendations for river-basedindustrial use in this sector of the river.
For a detailed analysis of the City ofPetaluma’s sharp reversal on this issue,we refer you to Supervisor Paul Kelley’sstep by step recounting of the City’sposition.
One of the greatest fears if this facilityis denied is that the types of industrial
uses that economic forces are drivingout of the center of Petaluma willultimately abandon Petaluma andSonoma County forever. A critical issue isthe continued industrial use of our river,without which we will lose federaldredging of the river and major revenuesfor our communities.
It cannot be stressed too strongly thatthis project has a number of positiveimpacts on our city. It will create andmaintain jobs; it will significantly reducethe cost of asphalt for commercial andmunicipal users; and it will helppreserve our industrial base.
This issue is a discussion that got outof hand when politics were injected intothe debate. We urge you to carefullyconsider the recommendations of yourstaff, your environmental consultants,your General Plan, and the needs of areabusiness that are being hit hard duringthe current economic downturn.
Onita Pellegrini, CEOPetaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Nancy Cooley, Agent
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12 September 2009 Petaluma Business – A publication of the PACC
Stretch out with an icyglass of tea & a good book and
enjoy the sunshine…
Stop by on your way to work or school…
our Espresso Bar is open at 7:30 a.m.
to start your day…
Petaluma Coffee & Tea212 2nd St., south of D, in the Theater District • 763-2727
Comedy Show At CinnabarSan Jose’s longest-running show,
ComedySportz™ will be making itsNorth Bay debut at Cinnabar Theatre, inPetaluma on August 24 2009.ComedySportz™ is an award-winninginteractive comedy show where twoteams of “act-letes” compete foraudience laughs and points while
improvising scenes, games, operas andmusicals based on audience suggestions.A referee calls fouls and keeps the matchmoving at a blistering pace. Theaudience is always a part of theinteractive show, voting for the winnersand sometimes even winding up onstage.
Business Briefs
Bank of Marin has for the third yearin a row been selected as one of the“Best Places to Work in the North Bay,”by the editorial staff of the North BayBusiness Journal.
Sonoma Valley Port Works’ Maduroport and A3 muscat received GoldMedals at this year’s San FranciscoInternational Wine Competition. TheMaduro was the highest rated portbottled domestically. Over the last 5years at this prestigious event, these twowines have garnered 6 gold medals! Thisyear, the Petaluma based companyreceived a Best in Class award at theCalifornia State Fair. They are based atFoundry Wharf.
Motivated by recent awards includingSmall Business of the Year from StateSenator Mark Leno, Best Art Gallery inPetaluma, Best Framer in SonomaCounty and Honorable Mention for BestArt Gallery in Sonoma County, PelicanArt decided to upgrade the physicalspace in which art and events arepresented. Pelican Art Gallery & CustomFraming will reopen its doors to thepublic with a celebration of upgrades, anew show: “Fruits, Nuts and Flowers”, atribute to September 11th with GeraldHuth’s “The City Rises” and a publicpoetry wall. The opening event will befrom 5 – 8pm on Friday, September 11,2009. The exhibit runs through October17, 2009.
14 September 2009 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Members
New Members101 Things To Do Sonoma CountyArt Severe11697 Center WayGuerneville, CA 95446
BrixxNoel Milo16 Kentucky DrivePetaluma, CA 94952
JMA ServicesJennifer March40 Fourth Street #235Petaluma, CA 94952
Law Offices of Jennifer M. MurphyJennifer Murphy421 Pepper LanePetaluma, CA 94952
Leaf and VineRichard KeithP.O. Box 2096Petaluma, CA 94953
PaychexRachel Luppens88 Rowland Way, Ste. 100Novato, CA 94945
Schroeder - Vanderlind Certified Shorthand Reporters
Kim Schroeder850 Rose AvenuePenngrove, CA 94951
Washington Square VeterinaryClinic
Sharon Johnson343 South McDowell Blvd.Petaluma, CA 94954
Renewing MembersAll Seasons Roofing CompanyBaldwin, McGaughey & Co. LLPBaltimore FinancialBank of Marin,
President's Circle - PlatinumBank of the WestBCI Dental Laboratories, Inc.Benefield RealtyBlood Bank of the RedwoodsBob Koenitzer, D.D.S.Cypress Hill Memorial ParkFerguson Enterprises, Inc.First Community Bank,
President's Circle - SilverHydrex Pest Control of No. Cal.Irv PiotrkowskiLily Kai Chinese CuisineLipman & Associates, Inc.Lucky MarketMACTEC Engineering & ConsultingMarin French Cheese CompanyMarin Independent JournalMcNear's Restaurant & Mystic TheatreNike Stores, Inc.Northbay Kitchen & BathNorthbay Paper & PackagingNOW Media Group, Inc.Old Republic Title CompanyPersonal Hearing SolutionsPetaluma Business LeadsPetaluma Educational FoundationPetaluma PoultryPetaluma Village Premium OutletsPetaluma-Hamilton Lodge #180 Praetzel's Fin Furniture &
Tempurpedic Showrooms
Puffy Hamster Studios Ultimate Limousine Service
ServproSky Hill Institute School of
Wholistic Healing ArtsSonoma BankSonoma County Regional Parks/
Veterans HallsSOX Professionals, LLCStantec Architecture, Inc.TransMineral USAUnion Bank of CaliforniaValley Orchards Retirement CommunityVolpi's Ristorante & BarWhitman & Samuelson Insurance
Services, Inc.WJ Cooper Enterprises, Inc.
Long-Time MembersBank of the West, 44 YearsMike Tomasini
Cypress Hill Memorial Park, 41YearsMartin Rodgers
Petaluma Poultry, 38 YearsMike Leventini
Hydrex Pest Control of No. Cal., 31 Years
Darlene Grady
WJ Cooper Enterprises, Inc., 26 Years
William A. Cooper
Irv Piotrkowski, 24 YearsIrv Piotrkowski
Volpi's Ristorante & Bar, 23 YearsMary Lee Volpi
Old Republic Title Company, 21 Years
Julie James
All Seasons Roofing Company, 21 Years
Nina Van Sweden
Petaluma Educational Foundation, 20 Years
Janet Ramatici
Bob Koenitzer, D.D.S., 18 YearsBob Koenitzer
Sonoma County Regional Parks/
Veterans Halls, 16 YearsDonna Graffe
Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, 15 Years
Anne-Marie Woods
Petaluma Business Leads, 15 YearsBob Lipman
Lipman & Associates, Inc., 14 YearsBob Lipman
McNear's Restaurant & Mystic Theatre, 14 Years
Kim O'Donnell
Blood Bank of the Redwoods, 13 Years
Andrea Casson
Whitman & Samuelson Insurance Services, Inc., 12 Years
J. Scott Whitman
Union Bank of California, 10 YearsJonell Langley
Make your marketing dollarswork harder
Join the Chamber’s President’s Circle. Visit www.petalumachamber.com
or call 762-2785 for more info and sign up today!
ADVERTISE ON PetalumaChamber.comBe seen 15,000+ times per month!
Call 762-2785 today for more information.
Petaluma Business – A publication of the PACC September 2009 15
Calendar – September
Looking Ahead – October
1 Business After Hours – Massage Envy
8 Busness Expo
15 Business After Hours – Sky Hill Institute of Wholistic Healing Arts
27 Wake Up Petaluma
1 AmbassadorsPetaluma Valley Hospital, Pat Schaefer’s Office400 N McDowell Blvd.7:30 A.M.
8 Business-EducationPACC Large Conference Room6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-28:00 – 9:00 A.M.
8 Women in Business PACC Small Conference Room6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-28:30 – 9:30 A.M.
8 Leadership AlumniPACC Large Conference Room6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-212:00 Noon
10 Maverick Media PresentationPACC office6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-27:30 – 9:00 A.M.
10 Business After HoursLeaf & Vine405 East D St. 5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
14 PACC Board of DirectorsPACC Large Conference Room6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-212:00 – 1:30 P.M.
15 AgribusinessSonoma-Marin Fair ConferenceRoom, 175 Fairgrounds Dr.12:00 Noon
15 Women in Business Seminar –Create a Million Dollar BusinessRooster Run2301 E. Washington$25 Members, $30 NonmembersRSVP: 762-27857:30 – 9:00 A.M.
18 Government Affairs/EDCPACC Conference Room6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-27:30 A.M.
22 Wake Up Petaluma (RSVP)BACK AT ROOSTER RUN2301 E. Washington$20 Members, $25 NonmembersRSVP: 762-27857:30 – 9:00 A.M.
24 Essential Toolkit for BusinessSuccess WorkshopRooster Run2301 E. Washington$25 Members; $35 at the doorRSVP: 762-27858:30 Registration9:00 – 12:00 Noon
24 Business After HoursLucchesi Park Senior Center& Senior Café211 Novak Dr. 5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
Have you checked out our onlinecalendar? Visit
www.petalumachamber.com and click on the Calendar button!
Do you know …The five steps to financial freedom?…How to gain business in 30 seconds?…How unique branding affects your business?…How to use social media to draw clients to your business?…How to rank high in Google search results?…How to become financially organized for success?
Seating is limited. Call 762-2785 TODAY to hold your seat.$25 in advance, $35 at the door. Coffee & bagels included.
Essential Toolkit for Business SuccessWorkshop
September 24, 2009 • 9am – 12 NoonRooster Run Banquet Room
2301 East Washington St.
The Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce & North Bay Business Builders present the
PE TA L U M A AR E A CH A M B E R O F CO M M E R C E BU S I N E S S AF T E R HO U R S
Beyond The Glory Sports Bar and Grill1371 N McDowell Blvd #130In the Kohl's shopping center
Tuesday, September 15th • 5:30pm - 7:30pmComplimentary Food and Drink
The Massage Envy Staff invites youto join them in celebrating over 2 years
in the community and the addition of Murad facial services.
Thursday October 1, 2009 • 5:30-7:30pm MASSAGE ENVY PETALUMA247 North Mc Dowell Blvd.
Near Trader Joes in the Plaza North Shopping Center
707-763-6274
Refreshments, chair massage, and raflle prizes galore!
PETALUMA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
