(Bundschu) Family - Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
(Bundschu) Family - Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce
SUMMER 2007 All in the (Bundschu) Family W. Spain St. Sonoma State Historic Park SONOMA PLAZA City Hall W. Napa St. To San Francisco 1st St. West Mc Donell St. Maple St. To Napa Broadway 12 To Napa & San Francisco 12 68448.svbiznews.feb07.km contents On the cover: Front row: Liz, Eva and Gracie Bundschu; back: Nancy, Jim and Jeff Bundschu president’s letter 2 Molly Fedorchak Happenings 4 Breakfast forum Sonoma County EDB 7 Helping business succeed Risk Management 8 Reputation risk Downtown 9 Hit the Road, Jack Business Compliance 10 Listen up! Springs 11 Arroyo Veterinary Hospital Economic Development 12 California Chamber Where good ideas become good business 14 Importance of education Cover story 16 Sustainability in a family business Vintners & Growers 22 Wine education series Leadership 23 Meet the alumni Promoting Community 24 Nonprofits at work Business Briefs 26 News from local businesses Ambassador’s Notes 29 Businesses are not islands in Sonoma Valley Business Education 30 Work ethic awards Membership 33 Renewing and new members Silly Questions 36 Filtering your data Photo M.J.WICKHAM SONOMACHAMBER.COM 1 president’s letter The Value of the Chamber You may know that Sonoma Valley Chamber has earned several industry awards for its programs and publications to promote and support its member businesses. The Sonoma Valley Map, Relocation Guide, Shop Sonoma Business Directory, Sonoma Business Magazine and sonomachamber. com are all a part of this effort to promote our 700 members. What you may not know is that the Chamber also works “behind the scenes” every day to help business keep regulatory costs down, provide a skilled local workforce and to inform members about pending legislation and regional business and industry trends. Molly Fedorchak Sonoma Natonal Bank What you may not know is that the Chamber also works “behind the scenes” every day to help business keep regulatory costs down … 2 Creating a strong local economy The Economic Development Partnership is a joint program of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, the City of Sonoma, and Sonoma County. The partnership helps businesses apply for city and county redevelopment grants and loans, maintains a database of vacant commercial and office space, provides training workshops and strategic counseling services for business owners, and educates the business community on the wide range of development resources available throughout the region. Promoting the community Leadership Sonoma Valley is designed to identify, train and motivate the finest SONOMACHAMBER.COM current and future leaders from all segments of Sonoma Valley and to prepare them for involvement in community-oriented leadership roles. These skills are applied throughout the class year offering an in-depth community-based curriculum featuring current community leaders, expert panels and field tours. Providing networking opportunities From monthly Business After Hours to the Chamber’s sell-out Breakfast Forums, topquality networking events are available throughout the year for members to promote their business and build valuable business contacts. Representing business interests to government The Chamber communicates with elected officials and provides legislative advocacy for area business interests on the local, county, state and national level. Legislative forums are held for members to meet with representatives about challenges and opportunities facing businesses. Encouraging political action The Chamber keeps members up to date on the issues and pending legislation that affect the Valley business community and to encourage member participation in local government affairs. At election time, the Chamber sponsors candidate forums for Sonoma City Council and other local races and issues candidate endorsements. Member FDIC Planning an EvEnt? take advantage of our pre-season special... Place your event rental order with us and receive 12 Riedel Wine glasses FREE! Your glassware options include: Ouverture 12 oz ~ Ouverture 18.5 oz ~ “O” Stemless 13 oz ~ “O” Stemless 22 oz e swar $140! glas e of valu l i a t Re this ad must be mentioned when order is placed. Minimum order of $750. Order must be paid in full to receive glassware. no other discounts apply. Event must take place by april 30, 2007. simply excellent! 1395 Broadway, Suite C, Sonoma 707 940-6060 SONOMACHAMBER.COM www.winecountryparty.com 74501.svbizmar07.co 3 4 SONOMACHAMBER.COM happenings August Sebastiani and Jared Huffman at the “Get Green” business breakfast forum held March 30 at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. June “State of Real Estate and Building” Breakfast Forum Friday, June 1, 2007, 7 a.m. registration, program 7:30 to 9 a.m. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa* Business After Hours June 21, 2007, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Bartholomew Park Winery* July Business After Hours July 19, 2007, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Bank of the West* August Business After Hours Aug. 16, 2007, 5:30 to 7 p.m. *Chamber members come together for a monthly social and networking event. A brief update on local business events and resources is presented, and new Chamber businesses are introduced. Host provides tasting of Valley wines and hors d’oeuvres. Complimentary. Charles Schwab Cup Championship Check Distribution and 2007 Tournament Launch. Individuals pictured in the photograph and their organizations are as follows: 1. Barbara Buss - Sonoma Valley Hospital; 2. Debbie Sweek - Young Life (Sonoma Chapter); 3. Kathy Witkowitcki - Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance; 4. Stephanie Dunn - CommonBond Foundation; 5. Amber Behrans - Sonoma County Children’s Charities; 6. David Pier - Boys and Girls Club Valley of the Moon; 7. Jason Zajonc - Twin Valley Aquatics; 8. Kris Van Giesen - Hanna Boys Center; 9. Lori Barger - The First Tee of the North Bay Amanda Beeler is the 2nd; David Grieve, Chairman for the 2007 Charles Schwab Cup Championship is holding the trophy. Not pictured but given a contribution: 1. Jim Schnabel - Habitat for Humanity; 2. Marcy Smothers - Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation. The cumulative total of donations to Sonoma County charities for the past four years is over $1 million. The 2007 Schwab Cup Championship dates are Oct. 22 to 28. Ticket and volunteer information, (707) 939-4131. Vintage Race Car Festival returns to Sonoma Community members will not only enjoy some of Sonoma Valley’s finest offerings, but they will also aid a very good cause when the Vintage Race Car Festival returns to the Sonoma Plaza on Saturday, June 2. This annual event is always a crowd-pleaser as approximately 30 vintage race cars take a lap around the four square blocks surrounding the Sonoma Plaza under a full California Highway Patrol escort. The cars will then be parked in the horseshoe and are on display for your viewing pleasure. The festival also includes a sampling of some of the finest foods and wines from Sonoma Valley purveyors. All proceeds from the event benefit Speedway Children’s Charities, the charitable arm of Infineon Raceway. It’s a way to involve the town of Sonoma in the Wine Country Classic Vintage Car Races, which take place at Infineon Raceway that weekend (June 2-3). More than 250 vintage cars, dating as far back as 1915, will tackle the twisting road course in a full weekend of racing. Following Saturday’s on-track action, about 30 vintage race cars will depart the raceway, led by the CHP, for their journey to the Sonoma Plaza, which includes the lap around the block. Once parked in the square, fans can vote for their favorite car, and also for the best local car entered. The Vintage Race Car Festival will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and tickets are $30 in advance ($35 at the event). Call (800) 870-RACE for details or e-mail [email protected]. SONOMACHAMBER.COM 5 Cruise City & Tours Cruises · Escorted Tours Europe · Hawaii Mexico · Australia Nancy Halpern 45 Years Experience CST# 2078686-40 707.935.9666 Don’t miss the boat! License# 496801776 71631.svbiz.winter07.km 6 SONOMACHAMBER.COM Sonoma County EDB Creating countywide programs to help businesses succeed The Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB) is a county agency charged with developing and implementing programs designed to sustain a healthy local economy and help local businesses start, grow and prosper. The heart of this ongoing EDB effort is research the creation and analysis of a broad range of business-related data that will be helpful to all business owners when making decisions. The EDB works with a pair of nationally noted economists, Dr. Steve Cochrane of Moody’s Economy.com in Pennsylvania and Dr. Chris Thornberg of Beacon Economics in Los Angeles. In addition, the EDB undertakes a considerable amount of research within its office. Reports on all these efforts can be read at the EDB Web site, www.sonomaedb.org/reports. Recently issued studies include the “2007 Sonoma County Indicators Report” that details social, economic, environmental, health, tourism and workforce trends in Sonoma County. Also new are the “2007 Wine Insider Report” and the inaugural editions of the “Transient Occupancy Tax Report” and the “Sonoma County Labor Market Review.” Other studies are issued as the year progresses. Through various programs, the EDB also presents a number of events throughout the year to inform and assist business. In January, the EDB held the annual State of the County breakfast, featuring Doug Henton from Collaborative Economics talked about the importance of cultivating economic clusters, and Supervisor Valerie Brown discussing challenges facing the county. The EDB sponsors many programs, one that has received extensive positive feedback from the business community is the Business Environmental Alliance (BEA), which fosters voluntary adoption of beyond-compliance environmental practices that enhance financial performance of local businesses. At the recent annual BEA Breakfast, a number of companies that employ exemplary environmental practices were honored. The Sonoma Valley honoree was Vella Cheese. The BEA recently hosted a Hospitality Opportunities Seminar for Valley tourism properties, in conjunction with the Sonoma Valley Chamber, the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, the Bed and Breakfast Association of the Sonoma Valley and others. In partnership with the Workforce Investment Board, the EDB recently presented a countywide Youth Symposium with 225 attendees, and a Hospitality Career Fair that drew 300 job seekers. This year, Wendy Peterson of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau was selected to lead the revitalized Visitors Center Committee, a group representing all the visitors centers in the county. Under Peterson’s leadership, several exciting new programs are planned. And, the Economic Development Board’s newest boardmember comes from the Sonoma Valley. Supervisor Valerie Brown has appointed Joe Orlando, the managing director of SVB Analytics, to the board. Next up on the EDB agenda will be Steve Cochrane’s presentation of his annual economic forecast for Sonoma County. He’s scheduled to speak on May 31, at a breakfast at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel in Santa Rosa, an annual event that always sells out. Ben Stone Executive Director Next up on the EDB agenda will be Steve Cochrane’s presentation of his annual economic forecast for Sonoma County. You can register for this event at www. sonomaedb.org/events or by calling 5657298. SONOMACHAMBER.COM 7 RISK MANAGEMENT Reputation Risk: Why it is so important for a business to address now by Bobbie Bleistift Collins How do you identify what may hurt business reputation? • At least annually, look around your businesses and its infrastructure. Are there problems you have been meaning to address? Has your business been growing in new directions without adequate controls? • Ask your customers. A customer satisfaction survey is an effective method of identifying issues that impact your customers, sometimes more than you know. • Ask your employees. One of the best ways to effectively identify risk issues and solutions is to encourage the business culture of sharing problems and solutions. A manager alone may not know every detail of every business process, but collectively the group knows strengths and weaknesses. • Take a step back and look at the whole business strategically and make sure all the products and services are well integrated. Even when large businesses go through intense operational reviews, they don’t always identify process gaps when they look at pieces of the business and not the where the pieces interface within the business. • Look at modern technology and trends. Are you keeping up with your industry? And as importantly, does the technology you are employing work well for your business, your employees and your customers? • Are there regulations that your business should follow that you have been too busy to comply with or your business is just “sort of” following? Make sure you understand the purpose of the requirement, don’t just fill in the required forms. This article is the sixth on “Managing Business Risks.” To get copies of my earlier Risk Management articles on “Risk and Cash Management,” “Business Recovery Planning,” “Information Security,” “Workplace Safety” and “Theft of Goods and Services,” see my Web site www.businessrisksolutions.net. If there are any particular risks or controls you have questions about or would like assistance, call or e-mail me. 8 Bobbie Bleistift Collins, owner, of Business Risk Solutions has over 20 years’ of experience in financial, operational and strategic risk analysis in the financial industry as a management consultant and as a business owner. Business Risk Solutions helps businesses identify risks and put appropriate controls in place. Bobbie can be reached at (707) 477-7739 or at [email protected]. SONOMACHAMBER.COM Reputation risk is something that all businesses should carefully consider. Once a business gets a bad reputation, it is more difficult to correct than fixing the problem in the first place. A reputation may never be truly repaired. If you look at recent headlines you can see how reputation risk has hurt otherwise well-managed companies. A recent public example of reputation risk was Jet Blue’s paralysis during a snowstorm. However, even smaller, less public businesses face reputation risk every time they interact with customers, employees and the public. Reputation risk usually involves negative publicity due to one or more poor business practices and may also lead to loss of revenue and litigation. For instance, the problem could be caused by an inadequate or risky process that your business has been meaning to address or hasn’t updated in quite a while such as an inadequate information security process that results in the release of customer or strategic business information. Or an inadequate workplace safety procedure may lead to an injury to an employee. Or a customer may pose a problem. Another example is poor customer service. What can you do about the problems you have identified? You have identified business process issues using some of the processes discussed above. Now you want to address these issues before they hurt your employees, customers or your business reputation. There are a number of ways to approach these issues. You might want to divide them by impact to your business and tackle the largest impact first, or if some solutions take longer or are more expensive, you may decide on short and longer-term solutions. Either way works as long as you have a plan of action and tackle these business process issues before they can irreparably affect your business reputation. downtown Hit the Road Ox Sunday, June 3, 2007 11am – 5pm 40thAnnual OxRoast onthePla za live music & barbecue abenefitfor theSonomaCo mmunityCent er #PZT(JSMT$MVC7BMMFZPGUIF.PPO )JUUIF3PBE+BDL UI"OOVBM3VO8BMLUISPVHIIJTUPSJDBSFBTPG4POPNB7BMMFZ 4VOEBZ+VOFBN 5P3FHJTUFSDBMMPSIJUUIFSPBEKBDLPSH Sonoma Community Center call for more information: SONOMACHAMBER.COM 938-4626 x1 9 Business Compliance Listen up! Sexual harassment training requirement revised again: It’s more than compliance, it’s good business By Holly Seaton, Ph.D. Samantha comes to you with confidential information that a vendor with whom you do business has been making sexually suggestive comments to her. She strongly requests that you not take any action, noting that it just feels better to have talked about it. As her supervisor or the owner of the company, what is your best next move? Sexual harassment issues are often complex and nuanced, making the above scenario not uncommon. Do you and your employees know how to act to protect all concerned? With the passage of A.B. 1825, ignorance of the law and mandated workplace policies no longer protect you from sexual harassment suits and fines. Entering into 2007, all businesses must understand the latest modifications of the law in order to train all employees according to the new criteria and most recent update. In doing so, your business has taken one of the steps in showing “reasonable care” in preventing and effectively responding to any potential sexual harassment. Handing an employee a video on sexual harassment is not adequate anymore. As a best practice, training should also include prevention of other prohibited conduct and discrimination. Let’s begin with a brief overview of the Assembly bill. All businesses in California with 50 or more employees, including part time, contracted, seasonal, and temporary, must provide the required minimum two-hour sexual harassment prevention training to any supervisor or manager. This training must be interactive and conducted away from normal duties. The instructor must be considered a “qualified trainer” whether training is in-person or Web-based. Businesses must track their training to ensure that employees are retrained at least every two years. New or newly promoted employees must be trained within six months of their hire or promotion. The new requirement also outlines the content of the training to include the necessary steps an employer must take in providing and communicating a strong anti-harassment policy and appropriate steps taken if there is any suspicion of workplace harassment. Remember, employers may be liable for damages even if they were unaware that harassment was taking place. Holly Seaton is a coach and consultant, specializing in leadership and management development, facilitation and family business advising. As a qualified trainer, she provides sexual harassment prevention education to businesses and is a content expert for an e-learning sexual harassment course specifically for the wine and hospitality business. She can be reached at (707) 939.3623 or www.plumtreeconsulting.com. 10 Action Steps to Ensure Compliance • Revisit and revise your sexual harassment policy. Have all employees sign a statement of understanding on a regular basis. Ensure that the steps for reporting are clear. Seek feedback from your employees. Conduct a yearly survey to make sure that your employees understand the company policy and their rights. • Provide engaging and interactive training for all employees. Make the training relevant to your specific workplace by enlisting training that engages your employees in discussion and role play about the often complex and confusing issues that surround sexual harassment. If you choose to use Web-based training, make sure that your employees have an opportunity to have any questions answered in a timely manner. • Carefully track who may be considered a manager or supervisor under the new requirements, as the new interpretation under the law is very broad. Ensure that managers and supervisors understand the importance of reporting any suggestion of harassment or discrimination. They need to understand that they can be held personally liable as well. • Communicate and communicate some more. Visualize being in a court of law and defending your position. Have you taken “reasonable care” to ensure a workplace that is harassment free? Remember, it’s good business. SONOMACHAMBER.COM Springs Arroyo Veterinary Hospital, at 18501 Sonoma Highway (12) receives important accreditation. Arroyo Veterinary Hospital of Sonoma has received accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The evaluation includes a quality assessment review of the hospital’s facility, medical equipment, practice methods and pet health-care management. Only 12 percent of all small animal veterinary practices in the United States have achieved aggregation by the American Animal Hospital Association. In order to maintain accredited status, Arroyo Veterinary Hospital must continue to be evaluated regularly by the association’s trained consultants. “Arroyo Veterinary Hospital belongs to a select group of practices that are committed to meeting the highest standards in veterinary medicine,” said Michael P. Andrews, DVM, AAHA president. “AAHA hospitals pass a stringent evaluation of more than 900 standards covering patient care, client service and medical protocols. By attaining accreditation, Arroyo Veterinary Hospital is demonstrating its dedication to offering the best care to it patients and clients.” The American Hospital Association is an international organization of more than 36,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals. Established in 1933, the association is well known among veterinarians for its high standards for hospitals and pet health care. For pet care information or a referral to an AAHA hospital, pet owners can visit the AAHA Web site at www.healthypet.com. Arroyo Veterinary Hospital, located at 18501 Sonoma Highway, has been an accredited practice member of the association since 2006 and can be reached online at www.avhsonoma.com. SONOMACHAMBER.COM Arroyo Veterinary Hospital is accredited Thank you to the members of the Springs Task Force, area businesses, schools and community members that made the Springs Clean-up event such a success! 11 Where good ideas become good business by Laurie Decker Economic Development Project Manager One of the best resources for Bay Area entrepreneurs can be found right in our own back yard. The Sawyer Center, a special program of the Redwood Empire Small Business Development Center, provides nocost counseling and information regarding intellectual property to inventors, artists, engineers and new-product developers who wish to safeguard creative material. Located in Santa Rosa, the center was founded in 1999 by retired inventor Bruce Sawyer, who envisioned “a place where inventors can go and spread out with their plans.” The development and protection of intellectual property is an increasingly important and complex aspect of the inventive process. Each year, the Sawyer Center helps hundreds of clients with one-on-one, free counseling. In addition, hundreds of current and prospective business owners attend the “Success Through Invention” workshop, which is offered monthly for a nominal fee. The net result has been many new patents, trademarks and copyrights. Turning a unique idea into a marketable product is often the biggest hurdle for an entrepreneur. The Sawyer Center also offers guidance in new-product development and marketing of specialized products. In cooperation with the Centers for International Trade Development, the Sawyer Center also provides information on international trade and the import and export of products. To learn more about how the Sawyer Center can help you, contact Steve Schneider, Sawyer Center Coordinator, at (707) 52412 1773 or e-mail at [email protected]. Find it online: Web-based resources for local businesses Have you visited the Web sites for the City of Sonoma or the Sonoma Valley Chamber lately? Both sites have undergone recent upgrades that have significantly expanded the amount of information for Valley businesses – both new and existing – that is available at the click of a mouse. The city’s Web site, www.sonomacity.org, now has a section dedicated to “Doing Business,” while the Chamber of Commerce site at www.sonomachamber.com is adding new content on a regular basis. Information that can now be found online includes: • A summary of available commercial space for lease or sale in the Valley • Demographic and economic information • Answers to frequently asked questions for new and relocating businesses • Green business information and the application for the new Sonoma Valley Green Business recognition program • A “resource” section with links to important forms and information on the city’s site, including the business license form, home occupation permit, sign application, and info about the façade improvement program and redevelopment loan program. Bookmark both sites to keep them handy. SONOMACHAMBER.COM Partnership sponsors water conservation program for lodging businesses To help promote water conservation, the Economic Development Partnership now has linen exchange cards available at no cost to hotels, inns, and B&B’s in Sonoma Valley. The laminated cards, which allow lodging guests to assist in conservation efforts by “opting out” of having their sheets and towels washed on a daily basis, can be obtained by contacting Economic Development Project Manager Laurie Decker at (707) 327-7338. Helping Sonoma Valley youth to be “work-ready” Businesses need to know that new hires have the core skills required to be successful on the job. Young people need to be assured that they are prepared to enter the workforce upon completing their education. To that end, key education and business leaders in Sonoma County have come together to develop standards and criteria for certifying entry-level job seekers as “work-ready.” The result of their efforts is Work-Ready Certification, a process for determining high school students’ readiness for the transition from education to work. The program is a joint venture of the Sonoma County Office of Education and Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council. It has now been launched in all of the county’s high schools, including Sonoma Valley High School. economic development Work-Ready Certification is strongly endorsed by the business community. A recent countywide survey confirmed employer concern that young applicants are often ill-prepared for entry-level employment. These employers realize that this situation, if left unchecked, could have a significant impact on Sonoma County’s economic vitality. Work-Readiness Certification represents an opportunity for young people to learn and demonstrate a specific, critical set of skills defined by local employers. This skill set prepares students to be successful in their first jobs—and in lifelong employment. In developing the Work-Readiness Certification, over 200 Sonoma County businesses and employers responded to surveys soliciting input on the skills deemed most essential for successful entry into the workforce. From those responses and related focus group meetings, skills were identified as the “Top Ten Skills Plus” that students need to demonstrate in order to become certified. Specific skills include willingness to work, integrity, ability to communicate in spoken and written English, promptness, avoiding absenteeism, avoiding use of language or comments that stereotype others, ability to read and understand written information, appropriate grooming and hygiene, respect for the opinions and contributions of others, responsibility for completing one’s own work accurately, willingness and ability to learn, computer skills, customer service skills, ability to work well with others as part of a team, and basic math skills. Students demonstrate these skills by completing a detailed portfolio that includes sample work, school attendance records, school transcripts, personal references, an application and appropriate assessment tests. Once the portfolio is reviewed and approved, students are scheduled for a final interview with a panel of local business representatives. If successful, students are issued a Work-Ready Certificate that will give them an important leg up in seeking employment in Sonoma County. For this program to succeed, the business community will need to recognize this certification and include it as part of their hiring practices. In this way, students will see the true value of becoming Work-Ready Certified, and businesses will have betterqualified applicants to choose from when filling entry-level positions. Businesses receive the added benefit of being included as a participating employer in a wide variety of program marketing and promotional materials. To learn more about becoming a participating business, contact Dan Blake, career development specialist at the Sonoma County Office of Education, (707) 524-2780 or [email protected]. Kudos to Round Table Pizza Round Table of Sonoma is one of the community’s first participating employers in the Work-Ready Certificate Program. “When it comes to young job applicants,” says store manager Amy Lemus, “we find that they are very willing to learn. But if a job applicant comes to us with this certification, that’s definitely a plus for hiring them. It helps us out, and it helps the kids.” Shop Sonoma to Green Your Business Looking for resources to help “green” your business? Check out the new Green B2B (Business-to-Business) Directory at www. sonomachamber.com http://www.sonomachamber.com/. It includes listings for local providers of services, materials and equipment that help businesses become more environmentally friendly. Looking for a green architect? Solar energy provider? Supplier of reusable tote bags or eco-friendly cleaning products? You can find what your business needs in the Green B2B Directory. To add your business to the directory, e-mail your information to [email protected]. Your business must be located in Sonoma Valley (or be a member of the Sonoma Valley Chamber) and the target market for your green products or services should include business customers. SONOMACHAMBER.COM 13 California Chamber California business executives rank importance of education California business leaders place education at the top of public policy concerns, alongside health care, according to a survey released today by the California Foundation for Commerce and Education. At the same time, business executives gave K-12 schools a “D” grade for their quality of work. In the first statewide survey of its kind, a representative sample of business executives believe that schools need more funding, but believe even more strongly that reforms should be adopted to meaningfully overhaul how schools are run and pupils are educated. “Business leaders insist schools must provide well-qualified workers but believe that is not currently happening, especially in high schools,” said Loren Kaye, CFCE president. “Specifically, executives tell us schools should teach job readiness skills in addition to the basics, and rate communications, work ethic and personal responsibility on par with reading and even above writing and math. This is a major finding since these skills are not in today’s 14 Homeowners 101: How to hire the right contractor For most Californians a home improvement project is a huge investment. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) wants to make sure homeowners make the most of the investment by hiring a competent and reputable contractor to do the job. policy debate in a significant way and represents a sharp distinction from voters and elected officials who are more focused on academic and vocational issues.” Executives agreed that the main purpose of a high school education should be providing skills to students so they can be productive workers in California’s economy. Focusing on the basics ranked next in priority, followed by college preparation and citizenship. Business leaders identified the most important education reforms as providing essential basic skills for students, more technical and vocational education, incorporating best business practices into schools, and clearly tracking and evaluating teacher performance in improving student performance. Regarding top priorities for reforms affecting teachers, executives called for making it easier to fire underperforming or incompetent teachers, increasing salaries for teachers who improve student performance, more teacher training and mentoring, and higher standards for achieving tenure. Business leaders are open to increased funding, even tax increases, as long as those increases are tied to adopting proven reforms, tougher accountability and increased financial oversight. “California business leaders believe that increased funding is a necessary ingredient for public school improvement, but only if accompanied by strong reforms and close accountability tied to student improvement,” Kaye added. SONOMACHAMBER.COM The CSLB warns all homeowners to be cautious and selective when hiring a contractor and offers the following tips for homeowners when making home improvments: • Any job that costs $500 or more, including labor and supplies, requires a license from the state of California; • Verify the contractor is licensed by visiting the CSLB’s Web site at www. cslb.ca.gov; • Get a written contract and don’t sign anything until you understand the terms. Make sure you read a copy of the free CSLB publication “Terms of Agreement – A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts” available on the CSLB Web site; • Never pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less (even for swimming pools); • Don’t let the payments get ahead of the work. Keep records of the payments; • Don’t pay cash; • Keep all records on file related to the contractor’s work; • Don’t make the final payment until you are completely satisfied; and • Check with your local courthouse to see if the prime contractor has a history of litigation. The CSLB has produced a number of publications designed to help educate homeowners and assist them in hiring and managing a contractor available on their Website. These publications can by ordered free of charge at www.cslb. ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752). Business water project indoor and outdoor water-use surveys The Business Water Project (BWP) offers free indoor and outdoor water-use surveys to businesses. Valley. The commercial toilet rebate is up to $260 per toilet replaced, depending on the model of toilet. Water-use surveys include a site visit evaluating water-using devices and a custom report identifying suggested efficiency measures and expected payback period for upgraded equipment. Last year, 40 Ultra Low Flow Toilets (ULFT) were rebated, saving 977 thousands gallons of water. In 2005-2006, there were 72 Water-Use Surveys completed in Sonoma and VOMWD saving more than 54 million gallons of water. Commercial toilet rebate program The commercial toilet rebate program is available to qualified participants in Sonoma Business landscape equipment rebate Businesses can improve the efficiency of existing irrigation systems by taking advantage of the Landscape Equipment Rebate and receive up to 100 percent rebate on improvements to the irrigation system. Rebated equipment includes irrigation controllers, drip irrigation equipment, rain-shut-off devices, and much more! SONOMACHAMBER.COM For more information, contact the Sonoma Valley Water Conservation Office at (707) 547-1968. “Smart” irrigation controllers: for businesses The “smart” controller automatically adjusts the amount of water applied to your landscape based on weather conditions. The controller uses real-time weather data to calculate the landscape moisture lost to heat, humidity and wind. It then applies the correct watering times to keep landscapes properly maintained and healthy. City of Sonoma businesses can received a rebate of up to $1,100 for installation of a qualified model. For more information, contact Brian Lee at (707) 547-1918. 15 How Gundlach Bundschu Winery ha by Janet Gray Volkman photos by M. J. Wickham 16 When Jeff Bundschu looks out the window of his office in the old homestead of the Gundlach Bundschu Winery, he sees stately rows of vines heading west almost to the horizon. The day we talked, there was a wispy haze in the air, giving the farthest vines and the hills beyond a dreamy, softpastel look. For those of us confined to SONOMACHAMBER.COM cubicles or windowless back offices, it is a view to die for. If you are Jeff Bundschu, however, it’s a lot more than that. These 350 acres of various soils – sand, clay, gravel, bay sediment, volcanic ash – at the base of the Mayacamas mountains in the Sonoma Valley appellation, hold the COVER STORY “It’s the same vista that five generations before us got inspiration from. It’s pretty powerful.” —Jeff Bundschu Sustainability Sustainability in in a a family family business business as made it for six generations history of his family and make that legacy far more tangible than any genealogical chart. Coming back from one of his many sales trips and at last driving up the straight vine-bound road to the winery, Bundschu, a thoughtful, quiet-spoken man, said he is often overcome – not just with the sheer beauty of it – but by the realization that five generations of his family have come up that road seeing the same exact view, maybe feeling the same awe. It’s a deeply felt connection. “It’s the same vista that five generations before us got inspiration from. It’s pretty powerful,” he said. “It’s home.” For Bundschu, 38, now CEO and president SONOMACHAMBER.COM of Gundlach Bundschu Winery, the views, the soil, the legacy make him think of “sustainability” in complex ways. It’s definitely more than “going green.” One pillar of the Bundschu brand of sustainability is keeping the land in the family. One eye on the past and one on the future and feet planted firmly on his patch 17 of earth, Bundschu describes preserving the land as “the biggest pressure that I put on myself as the current leader.” He said, “There’s so much history and so much family history and such emotional connection to this place that we all have, it dictates a lot of what we do and how I approach the whole business.” The land, approximately 400 acres, 350 of which are currently farmed, is called Rhinefarm, named by its far-seeing purchaser, Jacob Gundlach, fresh from Bavaria, in 1858. He had a thriving wine business based in San Francisco, and bought the land to grow grapes on. The Vineburg – southeast of Sonoma – location was ideal – good soils and near the railroad on Eighth Street East that carried goods to the bay and onto barges heading for the city. In time, Gundlach’s daughter married a Bundschu. To Jeff Bundschu, the great-great-great-grandson of the co-founder, keeping the land in the family doesn’t mean holding onto it for dear life. It means putting the land to its “highest and best use,” specifically building up the estate vineyard. “My perspective is that the place is a jewel, and we want to get out of it the best possible quality (wine),” he said. Keeping the land in the family is not as easy as it sounds, as anyone knows who’s had or has a family business. Six generations is extraordinary longevity. The weak link is when the business is handed over to the next generation, said Jeff Bundschu. Front: Winemaker, Linda Trotta; back: left to right: Jeff and Jim Bundschu He freely admits that Gundlach Bundschu’s longterm success is due partly to luck. Beyond sheer chance, however, he articulates several qualities that he believes have made the succession work, at least in the three generations he’s seen firsthand. The first is “no pressure.” “My grandfather told my father and my father passed onto me that it wasn’t expected we go into the business. There might have been a quiet hope, but never an expectation, never any pressure or plans made.” Jim Bundschu, Jeff’s father, told him to go to college and follow his own interests, to come back to the winery only of his own volition. In fact, Jeff Bundschu did go away – he studied international relations in college – and only came back when it became clear to him that, above all else, he wanted to work with his family. “Dad and I are completely different,” he said, and “he’s probably my best friend.” Now Jeff Bundschu has two little girls, ages 5 and 8, and he’s actively practicing the no pressure principle. “I think a lot about succession,” he said, and even though his own daughters are so young, he’s already giving “serious thought” to how much and when they will be exposed to the business and what roles they could have. His worst nightmare, he said, would be for them to feel the burden that the business would go under if they, or at least one of them, didn’t take it over. “I don’t want to pin it on my kids – you’ve got to take it over or it will fail. I would not want my kids to be pigeonholed into doing something they’re not passionate about. They will have to do something on their own at some point and then make a decision to come back.” 18 SONOMACHAMBER.COM He even has a Plan B in his head in the event that no one from the next generation comes into the business. “We are a small family, and someone has to have both the will and the capacity to take on the business,” he said. He’s prepared to skip a generation in terms of management but not ownership, if it ever came to that. Another quality leading to the intergenerational success of the winery is what Jeff Bundschu calls alternatively a “wide berth,” “tolerance” and “respect.” In brief, each generation has given the next generation free rein to take the business in a new direction. On the winery’s Web site, he is quoted as saying, “Each generation that has stood on this dirt has felt compelled to look at the vines and wine with a fresh eye.” His father, Jim Bundschu, who is still very active as viticulturist, took over in the early ‘70s and decided to rebuild the winery and replant vines, making the property into a full-fledged quality winery again, which it hadn’t been since Prohibition. He focused on the production of classic French grape varieties, creating the bones of today’s cabernet, chardonnay, merlot and pinot noir the winery is known for. Likewise, 30 years later, Jim gave Jeff the freedom to do what he wanted to do with the business and gracefully stepped aside to let that happen. It was Jeff who decided to change the focus of the business and move toward estate wines made from grapes grown only on their property. This meant cutting production considerably; it was a gamble. But today 85 to 90 percent of the grapes are from their own contiguous vineyards and the wines are world-class. Tolerance and respect are part of that – the willingness of the older generation to step back and let the younger generation make its own decisions and mistakes. Open communication is key, as well and a stated value system, which Jeff Bundschu said boils down to mutual respect for each other. Humor is also prized. With all the planning “Dad and I are completely different,” he said, and “he’s probably my best friend.” in the world, Jeff certainly realizes that any “legacy is pretty fragile,” he said. After all, who could have predicted the 1906 earthquake or Prohibition, both of which ground their business to a halt? Philosophically, Jeff said, “Make sure whatever happens you can smile about it and know that as great a legacy we have, the constant is change.” “Sustainable” also means staying profitable. “Profitable, competitive and well-managed,” says Jeff – all essential if the winery is to around for those future generations. He would not want to pass on an unhealthy business to his heirs. And of course, sustainability means using the land in an environmentally sound way. At Gundlach Bundschu, this is a work in progress. Both Jeff and his dad are lovers of the out of doors, and that has always affected the way they approach the land. Informally, Jeff said, “We do as little as possible to the land to get from it what WE need.” Now the company is in the process of formalizing their practices, putting them on paper and setting goals that are shared with employees. So far, in the vineyard they’ve eliminated all regular use of pesticides, use no preemergent pesticides and limit the use of aggressive herbicides. Much of their fleet of tractors and trucks use biodiesel fuel. All irrigation is drip and they use what Jeff calls ‘acute deficit dehydration,” which he admits is “more motivated by wine quality than by water conservation.” As far as global warming, he thinks that in 50 years they might have to grow different varietals, and in 100 years – “Who knows? This might not be a viable place to grow grapes.” And finally, sustainability means being socially minded, involved in the community. The winery’s annual Open House and Toy Drive is well-known for giving generously to Sonoma’s children at Christmas. And because family and the future are close to their hearts, children are at the center of their other charitable efforts. To find out more, go to www.gunbun.com, a fun and thorough Web site. Or better yet, stop by the winery itself at the east end of Denmark Street. Tasting room and picnic grounds are open daily from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. SONOMACHAMBER.COM 19 Target your advertising with The Sonoma Index-Tribune and our family of publications Real Estate Mortgage Home Sales 12,500 distribution to Sonoma, Napa & Marin every week Tourists Discover Sonoma Visitors 30,000 distribution per quarter First Place Award Winner Sv Business News Residents Businesses 12,000 distribution to businesses & residents four times per year Second Place Award Winner Homescapes Gardeners Homeowners 12,000 distribution to paid readers & dropsite 3x per year Second Place Award Winner Community Thank You Community 10,000 distribution every holiday season Travelers Wine Country Map Locals 20,000 distribution annually to readers and drop site tourist destinations Newcomers Sonoma Valley Almanac Residents 13,000 distribution annually to paid subscribers and newcomer strategic drop sites Locals Summer Resource Guide Visitors 10,000 distribution annually to paid subscribers and select dropsites Internet Users Sonomanews.com More Readers 308,064 average page views per month / 81,123 average visitors per month Holiday Shoppers Catalog Sonoma Holiday Shoppers 10,000 distribution annually to paid subscribers First Place National Award Winner Sonoma Valley Food & Wine San Francisco 10,000 distribution to subscribers and 22,500 to San Francisco Locals Sonoma Magazine Visitors 13,000 distribution to subscribers and select consumers and professionals four times per year Chamber Member Directory Community Businesses 15,000 distribution to subscribers, businesses, newcomers & others Subscribers .direct Non-subscribers 10,000 the Sonoma Index-Tribune and 8,500 direct-mailed to non-subscribers Paid Readers Twice A Week 8,500 Direct Mailed Wednesday Targeted Dropsite Distribution 81,123 Web Site Visitors Per Month 10,000 All this and 104 issues each year of The Sonoma I-T! CALL 20 707-938-2111 To speak to an ad representative SONOMACHAMBER.COM SONOMACHAMBER.COM 21 Vintners & Growers 2007 Wine Industry Education Series Presented by Farella Braun + Martel LLP Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance Land Use and Environmental Update A discussion outlining key developments in CEQA, recent local and state legislation and wetlands, species, air and water compliance. Speakers: Skip Spaulding; Kay Philippakis and others TBA Date: June 7 Top 10 Employment Laws Wineries Need To Know Learn about the laws most likely to have a practical effect on your business operations. Speaker: Doug Dexter Date: August 2 Governance Issues in Family Business Succession Unique issues abound in management and long-term success of family-owned business. This moderated discussion will highlight pitfalls to avoid and strategies to build a business that passes from generation to generation. Moderator: Fred Caspersen Panelists: Business consultant (TBA); Accountant (TBA) and others (TBA) Date: Sept. 6 Brand Protection - Trademarks, Copyrights and Licensing What every winery or vineyard owner should know about protection of winery names, wine brands and vineyard designations. Speaker: David Stoll Date: Dec. 6 [ serving Sonoma since 1954 25 McDonell St, SonoMa 707.996.6738 northbayinSurance.coM For more information about the 2007 Wine Industry Education Series, contact: Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (707) 935-0803 or e-mail us at [email protected] lic.# 0644993 22 ] SONOMACHAMBER.COM Leadership Meet the alumni by Dave Pier Dave Pier with his children, Lily and Jack. I have much to be grateful for. Living, working and raising children in Sonoma Valley is a wonderful opportunity because of the beautiful environment and the many people that truly work together to create an incredible community. Working at the Boys & Girls Club Valley of the Moon now, and for many years prior at Hanna Boys Center, has afforded me the ability to provide much-needed services to the children of our Valley. In addition, I have a local counseling private practice as an MFT intern. I have been involved with the Sonoma Citizens Advisory Council in the past and look forward to joining one of the local service clubs in the near future. I have two wonderful children, 5 and 8 years old, who both attend Prestwood Elementary School. Clarity on my perspective of the Valley was provided to me in 2005 when I was a member of the Leadership Sonoma Valley class. Having lived and worked in the community for many years I felt that I had a good understanding of Sonoma, but the Leadership class provided an eyeopening experience that shed light on the complexities of what is required to maintain a community of this caliber, as well as being an excellent opportunity for connecting to other stellar citizens of the Valley. I look forward to many more years of continuing to live and work in the Valley of the Moon! Buenos Días Business & Educational Services Servicios de Negocios y Educacionales CLAD/BCLAD/AB2913 Teacher Preparation Ana Solar Byerly L.D.S. Bilingual Consultant/Trainer Consultante Bilingüe/Entrenadora Spanish Classes: Small Groups/Private Clases de Español: Grupos Pequeños/Privadas English/Spanish Translation Services Servicios de Traducción Inglés/Español English Language Development Classes Clases del Desarrollo de Lenguaje de Inglés 801 Broadway Sonoma, CA 95476 707.938.8932 [email protected] SONOMACHAMBER.COM 23 promoting community 2007 Temple Lodge No. 14 Officers. Left to right: Jack Heard, Jack DeGraaf, Victor E. Hipkiss, Richard Smith, Jason Bryant, Jim Patrick (Master), Rod Beck, Greg LaFortune, Robert Leonard and Robert Kelso. Photo by Dave Reber, Past Master. Sonoma Masonic Lodge Installs Officers for 2007 Temple Lodge No. 14 of Free and Accepted Masons held its 157th annual Installation of Officers on January 20. Karl Hipkiss was the master of ceremonies, Robert Kelso was the installation officer and Stanley Ball was the installation chaplain. The following new lodge officers were installed: Jim Patrick, master; Jason Bryant, senior warden; Rod Beck, junior warden; Victor E. Hipkiss, treasurer; Robert Kelso, secretary; Greg Lafortune, chaplain; Robert Leonard, senior deacon; Curtis Ashbeck, junior deacon; 2007 Salute to Education The thirteenth annual Salute to Education Awards Banquet was held Saturday, May 19. in the main auditorium at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building. Sponsored by the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, and produced by Julie Atwood Events, the occasion recognizes excellence in education in our public schools. The festivities included wine and hors d’oeuvres followed by a full- 24 Richard Smith, marshall; John Meyer, senior steward; Zack Geddes, junior steward; Jack DeGraaf, organist; and Jack Heard, tiler. Chartered on May 6, 1851, Temple Lodge No. 14 of Free and Accepted Masons is the oldest fraternal organization in the City of Sonoma. Today the Sonoma Masonic Lodge is perhaps best known as the proud sponsor of the annual Sonoma Valley “Teacher of the Year Award” for outstanding achievement. For more information about the Sonoma Masonic Lodge, phone (707) 996-2450 or visit www.TempleLodge14.org. course dinner catered by Carlo Cavallo of Meritage Restaurant. Big Apple sponsors for this year’s event were the Benziger Family Winery and The Sonoma IndexTribune. Along with the teacher awards ceremony there was a raffle, a display of student art and a “Showcase of Talent” from various students in our public schools. This year the fund-a-need “auction” was in support of the music program in our schools. SONOMACHAMBER.COM Invest in Sonoma! Di Rosa seeks volunteers Adults and teens from the community are invited to join the dynamic team of 100 di Rosa Preserve volunteers. Volunteers serve on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. No experience is required, and full training is provided. Spanishspeakers are encouraged to apply. The di Rosa Preserve: Art & Nature is looking specifically for Gatehouse Desk Volunteers. They are the first people to welcome visitors to the Preserve. They greet visitors, handle admissions, coordinate daily tours, and assist with retail shop sales. Training consists of two two-hour sessions, by appointment. Upon completion, volunteers work at the admissions desk an average of four to eight hours each month. Contact Gregory Gazaway, volunteer coordinator at (707) 226-5991, ext. 24, or [email protected] for an application, more information or to make reservations for the Volunteer Introductory Tour. Located on 217 scenic acres in the Carneros region of southern Napa Valley, the di Rosa Preserve houses nearly 2,300 works of art in all media by more than 900 artists from Northern California. The Gatehouse Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guided tours allow visitors to experience the full di Rosa Preserve grounds and galleries beyond the Gatehouse, Tuesday – Saturdays. For reservations or information, call (707) 2265991 or visit www.dirosapreserve.org DiRosa Preserve Junior League targets childhood obesity As part of the nationwide effort of Junior Leagues across the country, the Junior League of Napa-Sonoma (JLNS) is helping tackle the epidemic of childhood obesity. This initiative, called “Kids in the Kitchen,” is aimed at educating children and their caregivers on how to make healthful food choices by providing nutritional snacks and educational materials to numerous organizations throughout Napa and Sonoma counties. Specifically, the JLNS New Member Class solicited donations and gathered supplies to create over 200 insulated lunch bags stuffed with healthful goodies. Charities that will be receiving these bags include: The Living Room, Southwest Community Health Center, Grandparents Parenting Again, Sonoma County Indian Health, COPE Family Center, Catholic Charities and KINS (Kinship Initiative Network of Services). According to the American Obesity Association, the percentage of children and adolescents who are overweight or obese is now higher than ever before. “Education is the first step,” said Sandra Villa, president of the Junior League of Napa-Sonoma. “Fighting obesity in children is just another way we can help to improve the lives of kids in Napa and Sonoma counties.” To learn more, visit the Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen Web site, http:// kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org. SONOMACHAMBER.COM Felice Torri Serving the Wine Country Since 1990 707-481-6781 [email protected] You have come to one of the most beautiful places in the world. I’ve lived and worked in the valley all my life and feel very connected to the neighborhoods that surround us. If you need help in finding a home or selling your home in this area, it would be my pleasure to assist you. I want everyone to be as happy living here as I am. I am happy to help you with any questions you have. Just call Felice. – Felice An independently owned and operated brokerage “On the Plaza” 25 68451..svbizmar07.co business briefs Sonoma Hills staff awarded for excellence In recognition of its dedication, commitment and professionalism, the staff at Sonoma Hills, an independent living retirement community, has received the Center of Employee Excellence Award from Horizon West HealthCare Inc. Brad Wilcox, Horizon West HealthCare’s director of operations, said Sonoma Hills is only the second of Horizon West HealthCare’s contracted 34 senior communities to receive the award since its inception in 2005. In congratulating Sonoma Hills executive director, Pat Griffin, and her staff, Wilcox said: “This outstanding community is very deserving of this prestigious award. The leadership team and entire staff demonstrate every day their commitment to assuring a secure, fulfilling and caring quality of life for every resident living at Sonoma Hills.” Sonoma Hills Staff: Pictured from left to right, front row: Pat Griffin, Anita Palominos, Hilaria Mayo, Rosa Barrajas, Laurie Pha, Nelly Baas, Khorn Pha. Back Row: Rigel Gomez, Mark Nilsson, Bob Stevenson, David Gibbs, Cathy Martinson. Owning the Wine Country May Be Easier Than Ever… …Ask us How. Sonoma Hills is located at 405 W. MacArthur St. For more information or a tour, call Pat Griffin at (707) 939-7856. Robert & Kathleen Leonard Wine Country Brokerage (707) 938-8000 www.OwnTheWineCountry.com 26 SONOMACHAMBER.COM Adventure Boot Camp participants get ready for workout. Adventure Boot Camp now in Sonoma Sonoma Valley Adventure Boot Camp is a challenging, energizing outdoor workout program for women held at Hanna Boys Center in Sonoma. The one-hour per day camp runs for four weeks, and women can choose the intensive five-day-per-week Monday through Friday program, or a three-day-per-week program. Camp begins at 5:30 a.m. The camp is operated by Certified Personal Trainer and Adventure Boot Camp instructor Jeffrey Larson. Larson said, “The camp includes a variety of exercises, jogging, circuit and weight training, obstacle courses, hiking, Pilates and more. They can also expect great results such as a 3-5 percent reduction in body fat, 5 to 12 pound weight loss, 1- to 3- inch reduction in the midsection and a 100 percent increase in confidence.” The camp is geared to offer the benefits of having a personal trainer in an environment of camaraderie with others who share similar goals. Each woman will work at her own level, and all levels of fitness are welcome. Adventure Boot Camp was originated in Orange County by Dr. John Spencer Ellis, an internationally renowned fitness expert and author. While there are well-established programs in many other areas including Denver, Phoenix, Cleveland, Tampa, Canada, Petaluma and Napa Valley, this is the first Adventure Boot Camp in Sonoma. Information and registration is available at www.SonomaBootCamp.com or call for more information at (707) 225-2490. Cena Jane, fashion stylist, models one of her creations. Cena Jane offers new fashion experience Boden employee gets training Boden Plumbing’s newest employee, Alan Bauermeister, recently returned from a week’s training in St. Louis where he gained experience with a variety of plumbing procedures and techniques and improved on valuable customer service and business communication skills. Because the company’s goal is to provide consistently high-quality work and professional customer service, all Boden Plumbing employees go through similar training, with periodic follow-up sessions and seminars in order to stay abreast of new techniques and products. A graduate of Sonoma Valley High School, where he was a champion wrestler, Bauermeister joined the Boden team as an apprentice in June 2006. SONOMACHAMBER.COM Cena Jane offers a fashion experience that is unique in Sonoma or anywhere else in the Bay Area. She helps the customer find her personal style – in color, silhouette, look and feel. Calling herself a “fashion stylist,” Cena will transform any dress or outfit you bring her into something fresh and new in ways you could never expect. After all she’s been designing and styling since she was 19. Before your eyes, she will change the neck, cut down the back, add new straps add some new trim. “Then I bring a glamourous wrap,” she said, and voilà, a new dress and a new you. Jane also designs wedding gowns and mother of the bride dresses and carries readyto-wear and has a line of resort wear. In the near future she will be giving sewing and styling workshops for all ages of women. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are best. Cena Jane “Style celebrates individualality” is located at 790 Broadway in Sonoma. Call (707) 996-6490 or (415) 485-5550 or visit cenajane.com. 27 Kizelle attends international beauty show in NY more highlighted stripes of color but more tone on tone and monochromatic themes … soft wavy looks with a ’30s feel that complement all the shear tops and flirty skirts we were shown. Tons of beige and nude colors, layered and lacy along with very soft pinks and pastels. Gay Kisbey, owner of Kizelle, recently returned from New York City where the International Spring beauty show was held at the Javits Convention Center. This show follows in the wake of fashion week in New York showcasing all the latest spring collections and forecasts for the upcoming looks and trends. Kizelle Aromatics a full-service beauty salon in the Springs. For information or to schedule an appointment, call (707) 996-9326 or e-mail [email protected]. “Hair is coming up in length” said Kizelle, “no Floor coverings, area rugs and window coverings for the Wine Country life Carneros Flooring company opened their doors in March to service the Sonoma Valley with all types of floor coverings. They specialize in environmentally friendly products including carpeting produced from recycled materials or renewable resources such as wool, jute, sisal and seagrass. A new product being introduced is made from corn. That’s right, corn! Carneros Flooring also offer hardwoods, cork flooring, bamboo, linoleum and laminate floors, as well as a great selection of area rugs in every style from traditional to contemporary in a shape or size to fit any room. The showroom is located at 254 First Street East, just off the square next to Vintage House senior center. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call 939-1010 for an appointment. Enhance your communications with the all-in-one business telephone system from: SONOMA PHONEMAN & HOME THEATER 996-1974 IVX S-Class Generation II Exclusively Offering authorized agent CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION. CERTIFIED, EXPERT INSTALLATION. LOCALLY MAINTAINED & SERVICED. <<< SONOMA PHONEMAN SERVICE AT THE SPEED OF BUSINESS! >>> 28 SONOMACHAMBER.COM <<< SONOMA PHONEMAN SERVICE AT THE SPEED OF BUSINESS! >>> <<< SONOMA PHONEMAN SERVICE AT THE SPEED OF BUSINESS! >>> <<< SONOMA PHONEMAN: SERVICE AT THE SPEED OF BUSINESS! >>> Chris Johnson, owner of Sisters Sisters Consignment Couture opens Sisters Consignment Couture, a new boutique specializing in women’s clothing and accessories, as well as works of art, has opened its doors at 120 W. Napa St. in Sonoma. According to owner Christine Johnson, “Sisters will be the place to shop in Sonoma for fashionable women who want high-quality clothing at affordable prices.” The boutique, located a half block off the Sonoma Plaza, will carry a full range of high-quality, hand-selected women’s clothing, from casual attire to business apparel to evening wear from the last few seasons, including shoes, accessories, and jewelry. In addition, artwork created by the owner’s sisters as well as by local artists will be offered for sale. Sisters, open Wednesday through Sunday of each week from 10 to 6, will also serve as a gathering place for special workshops and meetings. Already planned within the first few months are an image and design workshop, an artist’s opening, a color consulting workshop and a spa night. Those wanting further information or to make an appointment to bring in items can call Chris Johnson at (707) 933-8422 or email [email protected]. ambassador’s notes The Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sonoma would like to express our appreciation of the Top 25 Sales Tax Producers. Thank you for doing business in Sonoma and we will work to support your – and all local businesses’ – continued success. City of Sonoma Top 25 Sales Tax Generators (in alphabetical order) Albertsons Food Centers Black Bear Diner Bonanza Ford Lincoln Mercury Chevron Service Stations Della Santina’s Trattoria El Dorado Kitchen Friedman Brothers Hardware Girl & The Fig Restaurant Jolly Washer Service Station Lamberts’ 76 Old Fashion Service Station Lodge at Sonoma Longs Drug Stores MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa Mary’s Pizza Shack McCaulou’s Department Store Red Grape Pizzeria Rite Aid Drug Stores Safeway Stores Sebastiani Vineyards Shell Service Stations Sonoma Chevrolet Sonoma Market Sonoma Truck & Auto Center Swiss Hotel & Restaurant Union 76 Service Station Businesses are not islands in Sonoma Valley by Bobbie Bleistift Collins When I quit my corporate position and started my Risk Management business in 2005, I was concerned about the isolation of working by myself. Not to mention the problem of explaining risk management to small businesses. What I found in Sonoma Valley instead was an environment of small businesses working collaboratively and encouraging each other to be their best. I joined the Chamber and some other formal and informal networking and discussion groups. I received suggestions and new ideas from other business owners that were especially helpful as I built my business. People provided names, niche resources and experiences that I found invaluable. As I grew my business I tried to do the same. As I was putting together my brochure and Web site, I asked some other small businesses for tips and to review the language in my marketing material to make sure it was easily understood. I got great suggestions and learned lots along the way. No one is an expert on everything. As I learned about other businesses in the community and them about my business, it enabled me to build a network of helpful strategic alliances. As I identified business risks, I became familiar with the other businesses that might provide complementary services and ideas. I gave and received business referrals and worked on joint client and marketing projects with other small SONOMACHAMBER.COM businesses. This took me into some areas I hadn’t considered but felt really comfortable with and made me look at my business and the business environment in a new light. When I was working on a project in an industry that I wasn’t that familiar with, I researched the industry and then called a business owner I knew in a related field who had worked in the industry. We talked through what may be some of the issues to address. How helpful to have colleagues to discuss ideas with. I wasn’t really alone. While I now find I need to leave the Valley occasionally to work with larger businesses and governmental agencies in Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Sacramento and southern California, I feel like I have a support network of business collaborators, who are now friends I can rely on. Businesses in Sonoma Valley don’t have to be islands. Developing a network of “colleagues” helps you and your business grow. Bobbie Bleistift Collins, owner of Business Risk Solutions has over 20 years’ of experience in financial, operational and strategic risk analysis in the financial industry, as a management consultant and as a business owner. Business Risk Solutions helps businesses identify risks and put appropriate controls in place. Learn more at www. businessrisksolutions.net. 29 Business Education Roundtable Congratulations to the following Sonoma Valley High School students nominated by their employers for the Chamber’s 2007 Work Ethic Award Sonoma Business is published four times a year by The Sonoma Index-Tribune for the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce Copy Editor: Janet Volkman Project Manager: Kathleen McIntyre Pagination: Yvonne Soto-Pomeroy STUDENT Abbott, Kelsey Arthur, Danielle Balch, Sara Bohan, Ryan Broderick, Michelle Brooks, Jenny Bucio, Baldamar Campion, Andrew Cashwell, Amanda Clingerman, Spencer Cuff, Katie Dieckmann, Christopher Evans, Matt Fisher, Dan Flores, Magali Garcia, Jennifer Gilmore, Leah Gravatt, Ashley Grech, Brittany Juarez, Daniel Kloer, Nolan Lanning, Cami Long, Andrew Maushardt, Ben Matthews, Patrick McNeilly, Markie Momsen, Nicole Monroe, Brittany Pha, Linda Pha, Nary Petricka, Lucy Riddell, Erin Saldivar, Eric Titch, Adam Weikert, Ashley EMPLOYER Sonoma Dog Camp Sonoma Beauty Supply Maxwell Village Cleaners Cherry Tree Artisan Bakery Garden Court Café Breakaway Café The Lodge at Sonoma Parkpoint Wedekind’s Arroyo Veterinary Hospital Pre-Care Altimira Animal Hospital Sonoma Dog Camp Little Switzerland Basque Boulangerie Parkpoint Fine Line Art Supply Maxwell Village Cleaners Black Bear Parkpoint Chase Receivables Longs Drugs Parkpoint Parkpoint Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce Parkpoint No Name Café Pearl’s Pearl’s Dr. Weiss Arroyo Veterinary Hospital Parson’s Sonoma Hills Agua Caliente Aquatic Center Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce 651-A Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 996-1033 • Fax: (707) 996-9402 www.sonomachamber.com For advertising inquiries, please contact Robert Lee, (707) 933-2716, [email protected] For submissions, please e-mail articles to [email protected] Articles must be no longer than 200 words. Sonoma Index-Tribune Bill Lynch, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher P.O. Box C, Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 938-2111 • Fax: (707) 938-1600 www.sonomanews.com Wine Country BIODIESEL Distribution Clean · Renewable · Made in USA Runs in Any Diesel with No Conversion · Cuts Emissions in Half · Free Delivery 707.888.8811 www.winecountrybiodiesel.com [email protected] 30 SONOMACHAMBER.COM SONOMACHAMBER.COM 31 The Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of services and benefits for your member business. Member Mail A great way to promote upcoming events, highlight your business services, advertise a promotion and just about anything else it is you would like member businesses to know. It’s simple, just reserve a spot in advance and bring in your 725 copies with a cheek of $100. For your convenience Member Mail is offered on a monthly basis. t1SFNJVN1FU'PPET4VQQMJFT t"MM.BKPS#SBOETo%PH$BU#JSE t-BSHF4NBMM"OJNBM'FFE t1SFNJVN)BZ(SBJOTBOE4USBX BOE1PVMUSZ'FFE Business After-Hours A networking opportunity given to members only. They are held at a different location each third Thursday of the month. Bring your business cards and be ready to meet great people! 01&/ .POEBZ'SJEBZ 4BUVSEBZ 8&%&-*7&3 "--."+03$3&%*5$"3%4"5. &JHIUI4U&4POPNB BTWCJ[KBOGFC Translations in Spanish are now offered. Contact Yackie for further information. Labels are sold for $50. You may also use our bulk mail stamp to save money on your mass mailings. Compliance Product These are offered at the Chamber at a discount price. Avoid costly fines for noncompliance. Conference Room Rental Available for half a day $50,or all day $100. Referrals An ongoing benefit that all Chamber members receive Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce would like to thank wildfireweb for their support of the Chamber Web site. sonomachamber.com 98924.svbiznews.sept06.co 32 SONOMACHAMBER.COM membership welcome new members: 2007 Chamber Board of Directors OFFICERS PRESIDENT Molly Fedorchak Sonoma National Bank VICE PRESIDENT Susan Reber Mission Hills Mortgage Bankers TREASURER Jeff Walter, Walter & Pistole PAST PRESIDENT Marie Lambert, Lambert 76 DIRECTORS Sheana Davis, Epicurean Connection Tamara Dunn, Hanna Boys Center Rich Lee, Arroyo Veterinary Hospital Edward Roe, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Barry Shone, Sonoma Market Bill Vreeland, Bonanza Ford Jerry Wheeler, Infineon Raceway STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Yankovich EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kathy McKenna Perry OUTREACH COORDINATOR Yaquelin Alvarez STUDENT INTERN Markie McNeilly CHAMBER VOLUNTEER Betty Tinsley ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Laurie Decker 651 A Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476 Phone (707) 996-1033 Fax (707) 996-9402 River Rock Casino Dora Azevedo 3250 Highway 128 Geyserville, CA 95441 (707) 857-2740 Fax: (707) 857-2796 www.riverrockcasino.com [email protected] Sonoma Valley Tennis Association Barbara Thoreson P.O. Box 766 El Verano, CA 95433 (707) 935-6833 [email protected] Pacific Crest Custom Builders Inc. Ned Tibbits 2801 Acacia Ave. Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 996-8333 Fax: (707) 996-3321 www.pacificcrestcustombuilders.com [email protected] Carneros Flooring Company John Charvat 254 First St. East Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 939-1010 Fax: (707) 939-1013 carnerosflooring.com [email protected] Accel Furnace Co. Steve Verbish 2789 Dale Ave. Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 938-5290 Fax: (707) 939-9732 [email protected] Sitzmann, Morris & Lavis Inc. Cecilia Cotter 2455 Bennett Valley Rd., B205 Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 577-8300 Fax: (707) 577-0609 www.smlinsurance.com [email protected] StrateGems Janna Raye 13647 Arnold Dr. #6 P.O. Box 924 Glen Ellen, CA 95442 (707) 217-9250 www.strategems.com [email protected] The Meritage Company Kathy Leon 19074 Robinson Rd. Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 935-3770 Fax: (707) 935-1722 www.meritageco.com [email protected] Joyce Davison - Frank Howard Allen 470 First St. East Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 939-2069 www.winecountrygroup.com [email protected] Coldwell Banker DeAnza Realty 800 Broadway Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 939-2664 Fax: (707) 996-3613 www.cdsonoma.com [email protected] Lisa Albertson - Frank Howard Allen 155 Spur Ridge Ct. Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 953-6166 Fax: (707) 939-2555 www.lisaalbertson.com [email protected] E. Michele Samson - Pacific Union 473 Saunders Dr. Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 490-9800 Fax: (707) 940-0305 www.michelesamson.com [email protected] Colleen Spinelli - Frank Howard Allen 470 First St. East Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 939-2041 Fax: (707) 939-2010 www.winecountrygroup.com [email protected] Thailand Thai Cuisine Nikki Sawangsuk 18350 Sonoma Highway Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 939-8383 Fax: (707) 792-4383 [email protected] Rotary Club of Valley of the Moon Frank Sites 6572 Oakmont Dr., Ste. A Santa Rosa, CA 95409 (707) 9579-4300 Fax (707) 579-4358 [email protected] www.valleyofthemoonrotary.org Nancy Halpern Travel 477 La Quinta Lane Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 935-9666 Empire Waste Management Cheryl Worthington 3400 Standish Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707) 586-7732 Fax: (707)586-7783 [email protected] www.sonoamchamber.com SONOMACHAMBER.COM 33 membership thank you for your continued membership: business Eraldi’s Menswear & Shoes Safeway Stores Inc. Buena Vista Winery Broadway Market El Pueblo Inn DeAnza Moon Valley Acacia Grove Mobile Park Adams Chiropractic Offices, Inc. Exchange Bank Sonoma Auto Parts Inc. Sonoma Valley Center CENTURY 21 Wine Country Westerbeke Ranch Conference Center Benziger Family Winery Murphy’s Irish Pub Imperial Services Infineon Raceway Becoming Independent Depot Hotel - Cucina Rustica Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves CSAA/AAA Carol S. Werner, CPA New York Life Insurance Creative Cash Control Copy Store & More Price Pump Company years 65 63 61 58 48 43 33 33 29 29 26 26 25 25 24 24 24 22 21 21 20 19 18 18 18 You deserve the best! Don’t settle for less. Bill Dardon General ManaGer 938-1999 800 - 938-1922 Call Bill Dardon for all your Real Estate needs. He’s A Classic! 30 years of excellence!! It’s a great day here in Sonoma, make it a permanent part of your life! On the Plaza 34 34 West Spain St Rodolph Inc. 18 Kenwood Inn & Spa 17 Della Santina’s 17 Ledson Hotel 17 Cal State Central Credit Union 16 Readers’ Books 16 North Bay Coffee Inc. 15 Sonoma Post Office 15 Business Exchange of Sonoma Valley 14 Business Resource & Training Co. 14 Patterson Painting & Decorating 14 Mills, Parker & Gates LLC 13 Phone Directors Co./Wylie Fox 13 Arthur Fichtenberg & Associates 13 St. Francis Solano School 13 Basque Boulangerie Café 12 Edward Jones - Gary Scott 11 California Terroirs 11 Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines Carneros 11 Kid Scoop 11 RealCare Insurance Marketing Inc. 11 Chateau St. Jean 10 Fox Fabrique 10 Sonoma Promotional Solutions 10 Baksheesh 10 Cuclis PR 9 Custom Image Photographic Services 9 Garden Court Café‚ 9 Sonoma Hills Retirement Center 9 La Salette Restaurant 9 Sebastiani Theatre Greenslade Graphics 9 Moll Self Storage 9 R & B Custom Builders 9 Sonoma Mission Gardens 9 Sun Seekers 9 Sonnen BMW 8 Vonne Irish & Associates, Inc. 8 Lewis & Aanestad Productions 8 Valley of the Moon Teen Center 8 Arroyo Veterinary Hospital 8 The Lodge at Sonoma 8 Yolanda Mangrum, DDS 8 Charles F. Fortlage Insurance 7 S.A.Y. Social Advocates for Youth 7 Sonoma County Transit 7 Sonoma Sausage 7 Raymond & Flo Beth White 6 The Candlestick 6 The Emery Medical Center 6 Imagery Estate Winery 6 Sonoma Silver Company 6 Fine Line Art Supply & Custom Framing 6 Plaza Cabinetry 6 Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley 6 Tina Shone - Sotheby’s 6 Sonoma Materials 6 Valley of the Moon Commute Club 6 Gayle Arrowood - Triton Funding Group Inc. 5 Edward Jones - Pam Teixeira 5 Pacific Medical Management 5 SONOMACHAMBER.COM Phillip A. Danskin & Associates Simms Custom Construction Inc. Wireless Mann Blackstone Winery Inn at Sonoma Nicholson Ranch Winery Preferred Mortgage Associates Horizon Builders Murray Insurance Services the Loop Agua Caliente Springs Aquatic Center Carl ‘Chip’ Allen, Attorney at Law Broadway Hair Company The Business Building Network CSR Design Caliente Springs Physical Therapy Mary Ely, CPA Mangiantini Construction Inc. Pride Mountain Vineyards Sonoma State Historic Parks Assoc. Orion Partners Commercial Real Estate ABC Carpet & Cleaning Bolt Staffing Service Inc. Ceja Vineyards The UPS Store Susan White - Pacific Union Temple Lodge #14 B. Brackett Fine Art Banco de Sonoma Di Rosa Preserve - Art & Nature Pacific Capital Mortgage Sonoma Dog Camp Sonoma Real Estate Company Robert & Kathleen Leonard - Sotheby’s Barking Dog Roasters Magnum Financial The Granary Inc. KSVY Radio North American Chem-Dry Sonoma Valley Sun/El Sol de Sonoma Tortilleria Jalisco Arbor Fence Charles Creek Cellars First Sonoma Funding Cynthia Dwyer Appraisal Service Edward Jones - Jeff Reilly Express Kitchen & Bath Patrick Jude Look Through Any Window Shiso Restaurant Harvest Moon Café‚ Diane Litchfield - Frank Howard Allen Toscano Investments Cellar Door Tasting Room Comcast Les Petites Maisons Party Master USA Santa Rosa Junior College Petaluma Campus Sonoma Phoneman & Home Theater the fig pantry 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Original Recipes. Original Shack. Turn to the Experts® #BORVFUSPPNTBOEPWFS QBSUZUSBZTBWBJMBCMF %JOFJOUBLFPVUBOEEFMJWFSZ Heating & air Conditioning SaleS & ServiCe 'PSCVTJOFTTBOEHSPVQEJTDPVOUT DPOUBDU.JLFBU NTIFQQBSE!NBSZTQJ[[BTIBDLDPNPS FYU 21819 Eighth Street East Sonoma, California 95476 Main (707) 938-8481 • Service (707) 938-8677 petersonmechanical.com #PZFT)PU4QSJOHT )JHIXBZt 4POPNB1MB[B 8FTU4QBJO4USFFUt State License #171486 XXXNBSZTQJ[[BTIBDLDPN 67419.SVbiz ! ! ! Color us affordable. The 39¢ color copy sale* at The UPS Store. Save now on color copies. Plus, use our professional document services for the quality and accuracy you expect and deserve. • Full-color or black-and-white digital printing and copying • Binding, laminating, collating and shrink-wrapping • Ship your documents anywhere in the world • Paper and office supplies • Business cards, letterhead, labels, envelopes and stationery • Fax services • And more We have thousands of locations including one near you. So stop in and ask us for details! * At participating locations. ©2006 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. * At participating locations. ©2006 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. 19229 SONOMA HIGHWAY SONOMA, CA 95476 19229 SONOMA HIGHWAY 707- 935-CA3438 ph; 935- 3560 f SONOMA, 95476 [email protected] 707935- 3438 ph; 935- 3560 f [email protected] Mon- Fri 9- 6 pm; Sat 9- 3 pm Mon- Fri 9- 6 pm; Sat 9- 3 pm STOP BY AND WE WILL PRINT A SAMPLE OR STOP BY AND WE WILL PRINT A SAMPLE OR EMAILUS USYOUR YOUR FILE AND EMAIL FILE AND WE WE WILLWILL SENDSEND YOU AYOU A PROOF.CALL CALLANYTIME ANYTIME A QUOTE. PROOF. FORFOR A QUOTE. 73843.svbiz.winter07.km 73839.svbizmar07.co 35 silly questions Dear Eileen, I keep a list of all the movies I’ve seen in Excel. My boyfriend told me it was “sordid” and needed to be “filtered.” Should I slap him? —Not into Pornography Dear N.P., I’m sure he meant “sorted”—ordered either alphabetically or numerically based on one or more fields—but I bet you just got my readers’ attention! In database terminology, a “filter” is a way of limiting the data which is displayed. Just like a filter in your swimming pool which keeps the leaves out but lets the water through, a filter lets everything which matches the filter show up but keeps the rest of the data hidden. An example would be filtering your mailing list for California addresses. Aunt Martha in Poughkeepsie would not show up. —Eileen Dear Eileen, Did you say that filtering my database would keep Aunt Martha from showing up at Thanksgiving? That would be a good trick. —Wants the Drumstick Dear W.D., What I meant was that her address would not appear in your database. —Eileen Dear Eileen, I want to go to computer camp, but my mom wants me to go to baseball camp. What should I do? —Nerd in Training Dear N.T., Go out and play. You can still be a nerd when you’re old. —Eileen Dear Eileen, I want to go to baseball camp, but my mom wants me to go to computer camp so I can come home and teach her. What should I do? —First Base Hopeful Dear F.B.H., Go out and play. Send your mom to computer camp. (Or buy her a JC T-shirt and tell her to take a class.) —Eileen 36 Dear Eileen, I am in charge of my local Little League teams. I just got a copy of the schedule and it’s a 40-page Excel spreadsheet. How can I sort it by division so I can send each of my head coaches a master schedule? —Wants to StreamLine Dear S.L., The easiest way is to use the AutoFilter feature. Go to Data, Filter and select AutoFilter. Little arrows will appear at the top of each column. Click on the arrow next to Division and you will see a list of all division names. Select one and your list will only contain games in that division. At that point you could copy and paste the list into a new file and do the same with the remaining division names. —Eileen Dear Eileen, I coach my son’s Little League team. I just got a 10-page spreadsheet with our whole division schedule. How can I display only our team’s games so I can send the schedule to the parents? I have tried AutoFilter, but I need to show all games in which our team (the Rodents) are either the Home or the Visiting team. Help! —Rodents Rah Rah! Dear R.R.R., This is a job for Advanced Filter, also on the Data menu. To use Advanced Filter you need to set a Criteria Range to tell Excel what data you want displayed. A Criteria Range consists of the same Column names used in your database with an example of the data you want displayed. (See example below.) Since you want all games in which the Rodents are either the Home or Visiting team, you need to use two lines for your criteria. (This is called an OR filter. If you wanted BOTH criteria, this would be an AND.) You then have the option of filtering the database in place or copying it to another area. Dear Eileen, Our company requires us to use a network password that contains numbers and punctuation symbols in addition to letters. Why do they do that? —Curious Networker SONOMACHAMBER.COM Eileen Adams, Computer Tamer Dear C.N., That is so it won’t be in any dictionary. Many password detection schemes involve having the computer try every word in the dictionary in order to find your password. Clumsy, but if you crawl fast enough, you don’t need to run! —Eileen Dear Eileen, Our company requires us to change our network password twice a year. I was using my girlfriend’s name, but lately they haven’t been lasting six months. I have given up women and want to use my dog, FIDO as my password. Any ideas? —Fido Fan Dear F.F., Sure. Just substitute an exclamation point “!” for the “i” and an asterisk “*” for the “o” and your faithful pooch becomes “F!d*”. Then add a “7” for the year and a “1” for the 1st half of the year. In July change it to F!d*72 and you will always be able to remember your password. —Eileen Dear Eileen, I am using Publisher to print a 2-page spread—11 by 17 inches. Publisher prints it on four sheets. Is there a way to have it print on two? —Wants to Save Paper Dear S.P., There are two steps here—it sounds like you figured out the first one: telling Publisher your page is 11” by 17” and landscape (wide) layout. The second step is telling Publisher that your printer uses 8-1/2” by 11” paper, in Portrait mode. Then you need to set the overlap to 0 and you should get only two sheets per page. —Eileen Send your Silly or Good questions to Computer Tamer in care of the Chamber of Commerce, 651A Broadway, Sonoma, 95476 or by e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected]. T ina Shone & Specializing in Wine Country Real Estate Acquisitions & Sales since 1986 Sotheby’s International Realty A local focus, a global perspective. Sotheby’s INTERNATIONAL REALITY TINA SHONE | WINE COUNTRY BROKERAGE | realestate-sonomavalley.com 25 EAST NAPA STREET, SONOMA, CA 95476 T 707.933.1515 F 707.933.1551 PATRICK BARBER, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & MANAGING BROKER, 25 EAST NAPA STREET, SONOMA CA 95476 Sotheby’s International Reality, Inc. is Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated 1IPUPHSBQIZCZ/JDLJ(FSNBJOF - J W F U I F X B Z Z P V E S F B N 8JOF$PVOUSZ1SPQFSUJFT 1BDJGJD 6OJPO (."$ 3FBM &TUBUF #SPBEXBZ t &BTU /BQB 4USFFU 4POPNB t X X X Q B D V O J P O D P N