SCL Biz: Everything Business in Sonoma County

“Tancer presents a testimony to the trove of data available on Internet user behavior and how that behavior can help businesses target consumer trends. Businesspeople and students will find this an engrossing exploration of our culture, and lay readers will appreciate its readability in contrast to scholarly textbooks previously published on the topic. In Part 1, Tancer, general manager of global research at Hitwise and author of the weekly column “The Science of Search” on Time.com, takes readers on a captivating trip through search data that he has discovered over the years, including the science of prom-dress searching, New Year’s resolutions, and adult entertainment. Part 2 is a primer on the applications of Internet behavior data to find out the way we live our lives in a rapidly evolving and connected world. The influence of Facebook and Myspace on consumer decisions is particularly intriguing. Interspersed throughout are insightful and entertaining charts and graphs.” LJ 2008

Click: What Millions of People Are Doing Online and Why It Matters, by Bill Tancer [Hyperion, 2008].

Sonoma County has a wealth of farmers’ markets – great opportunities for growers and crafters. In addition to the open-all-year Santa Rosa Market, in the Veterans’ Building parking lot Wednesday & Saturday mornings, check Sonoma County Farm Trails for a year round guide to farms and local seasonal farm markets, including dates, times, locations, and vendor information

The North Bay Business Journal is sponsoring their “first annual awards program to honor visionaries who are currently changing the landscape of business in their industry at a reception in August.”

Be sure to nominate an influential leader you admire in any of these categories:

Information & Nomination Form – Nominations close June 12th!

Hosted by the North Bay Business Journal, “public officials and private developers sit down for dynamic discussions on issues critical to the region and will answer your questions about the furute of the North Bay’s construction industry.”

May 21, 2009 • 1 – 5:30pm
Hyatt Vineyard Creek, 170 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa

Information  - To register, call Linda Perkins at (707) 521-5264

The North Bay Leadership Council is hosting this conference, featuring Dr. Robert Eyler, Director, Sonoma State University’s Center  who will provide practical recommendations on how the Bay Area can attract and retain jobs from targeted industries using strategies that will help the region stand out from its competitors. Following Dr. Eyler’s presentation, there will be a panel discussion featuring Mark Wood, Vice President, Human Resources, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, and Michael Newell, Executive Director, Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster.

Don’t miss this important conference on a very timely subject:  job generation in the Smart Economy.

May  20, 2009 • 7:30 – 9:00am
Sheraton Hotel, 745 Baywood Drive at the Petaluma Marina, Petaluma

Information

“We will set up the chart of accounts for a fictitious small business in front of your very eyes: the information you need to get started, how to pay bills, how to enter accounts payable and receivable, and how to know whether you are making money or just moving monies around. Hands-on computers for 12 registrants.” Presented by Ken Norton, a professional Quickbooks consultant.

May 16, 2009 • 8:30am – 12:30pm
3535 Industrial Avenue, (upstairs) in Santa Rosa

Information and registration – Space Limited to 12!

The May/June 2009 issue of Via: AAA Traveler’s Companion magazine has a great article featuring Alexander Valley as “An Even Greater Alexander (Valley, That Is): It’s Sonoma County’s Upstart Destination for Wine and Food,” by Jennifer Reese.

Some of the featured businesses:

The Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce 2009 Business Expo, ”Buy Santa Rosa.” Eat Local, Shop Local, Stay Local – it’s all here at the Expo. Free Admission for the public!

May 14, 2009 • 4:00 – 7:00pm
Wells Fargo Center for the Performing Arts, 50 West Mark Springs Road, Santa Rosa

Information & Booth and Sponsor Info

The City of Santa Rosa and the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce are hosting this event that will offer practical advice on starting, sustaining or growing business in today’s economy and offer start-up and second-stage companies an opportunity to pitch to a panel of local business executives and angel investors who will provide comments and feedback.

May 13, 2009 • 12:20 – 7:00pm
Hyatt Vineyard Creek, 110 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa

Information

Presented by the Business Environmental Alliance and Sonoma County Lodging Association, this workshop is for General Managers, Site Engineers, Property Managers/Owners, and Facilities Directors of hotels, lodging properties of all sizes, and other areas of the hospitality sector.

• Learn what your business can do to address anticipated mandatory water rationing this summer.
• Learn the latest in energy and water-efficiency rebates and programs available from PG&E and Sonoma County Water Agency representatives.
• Learn about the financial benefits of going “green” from hospitality expert Jeff Slye.
• Hear how the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program can help your business finance energy and water-efficient upgrades.
• Connect with vendors offering the latest in “green” products and services

May 13, 2009 • 11:00am – 1:00pm
DoubleTree Hotel, 1 Doubletree Drive, Rohnert Park

Information & Reservations

 My apologies! Please note corrected workshop dates: May 11 and May 25!

“Learn to develop your invention, product, idea or service and get it to market. Research and protection of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks and copyrights.”

Presented by Small Business Development Center at SRJC Instructor, Steve Schneider.

The workshop is on May 11, 2009 • 9:00am – Noon.

Participants MUST ATTEND Success Through Invention Workshop Prior to Attending Product Development for Inventors. The workshop is on May 25, 2009 • 9:00am – Noon.

Small Business Development Center
606 Healdsburg Avenue, Santa Rosa

Information and Reservations or call 1-888-346-SBDC

“Learn to develop your invention, product, idea or service and get it to market. Research and protection of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks and copyrights.”

Presented by Small Business Development Center at SRJC Instructor, Steve Schneider.

The workshop is on May 11, 2009 • 9:00am – Noon.

Participants MUST ATTEND Success Through Invention Workshop Prior to Attending Product Development for Inventors. The workshop is on May 25, 2009 • 9:00am – Noon.

Small Business Development Center
606 Healdsburg Avenue, Santa Rosa

Information and Reservations or call 1-888-346-SBDC

The Small Business Development Center at SRJC is offering a new workshop to help you with tips, tools, and ideas that will help you work your business in this recession.

Topics include:

• An overview of the local economy
• Marketing tips for an economic downturn
• Reducing expenses in a recession

The event will also include speaker presentations and roundtable discussions.

May 9, 2009 • 7:30 – 10:30am
Redwood Credit Union, Redwood Room, 3033 Cleveland Avenue, Santa Rosa

Information and Reservations or call 1-888-346-SBDC

Presented by Sonoma State University, the 2009 Sustainable Enterprise Conference: Tools For the Transition is a day long learning and networking conference dedicated to helping North Bay businesses transition to economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Jared Huffman, California State Representative will present the keynote address: “A New Day Dawns: An Overview of New State and Federal Policies” with a full day of workshops, panels, exhibits, and speakers and a wine reception to end the day.

May 8, 2009  • 7am – 7pm
Sonoma Mountain Village Event Center, 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park

2009 Sustainable Enterprise Conference