December 2010 • VOL. 21 NO.
12
COMMERCE
INSIDE • SF | NV Sends Delegation
to New Zealand
• Welcome New Members
2010 • 2011 Event Calendar
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
• CREATING A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY
PREMIER SPONSORS
2011 NAPA Chamber Planning Conference
The Valley’s Daily News Source “A Rising Tide Raises All Ships”
The Napa Chamber of Commerce Board
of Directors gathered at Valley Gate Vineyards
DIAMOND LEVEL SPONSORS in Jameson Canyon for their annual planning
conference in November. After recapping the
successes of the past year CEO Lisa Batto
presented the goals for the day, which were
developed from member survey feedback
and close examination of current Chamber
operations, both of which revealed a need
to re-examine, clarify and communicate
Chamber purpose and vision. The timely
topic coincided with the Chamber’s 5-year
• PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY
CHAMBER AMBASSADORS ARE VERY BUSY!
NAPA CHAMBER AMBASSADORS attend a
Influence Internet ribbon cutting at Yo’Belle.
Accelerated Marketing Group
Net-Flow Corporation • PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY
Markstein Beverage Company Napa Chamber Honors Margrit Mondavi
Redwood Credit Union
Silverado Resort as Citizen of the Year
Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine The Napa
Exertec Health & Fitness Chamber’s Annual
Charter Oak Bank Dinner is to be held
Republic Services on January 21 at the
Meritage Resort and
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
Spa in Napa. This
Golden State Warriors festive annual gala
Napa Recycling & Waste Services includes dinner, a
Mark Coleman, State Farm
silent auction and
Travis Credit Union
the installations of the incoming Chairman
Kathryn Fitzgerald, CFP® of the Board, Ryan Gregory, the Executive
Umpqua Bank
NAPA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • CONNECTING COMMERCE TO COMMUNITY
1556 First Street | Napa CA 94559 | 707.226.7455 | napachamber.com
WE FOCUS ON BUSINESS.
• Mixer at Westin Verasa, Napa
• Member Spot: Napa Valley Register
• Call for Nominations - Biz of the Year!
and more...
vision statement renewal date and was given
momentum by insight gained from last
month’s E3 economic conference. Batto and
Chairman-elect Ryan Gregory laid out plans
to realign staff and volunteer effort to more
nimbly focus on member needs and revenue
generation. Putting into place the advice of
E3 presenter Marc Johnstone of Shirlaws
to allocate resources more heavily into cash
flow generation and strategy planning, Batto
described new staff responsibilities while
See PLANNING on page 4…
The Yo’Belle Yogurt Shop in Bel Aire
Plaza opened with fanfare on October 27.
Owner Kim Nguyen was overjoyed with
the welcome and support she received
from the Napa Chamber of Commerce
Ambassadors and the ribbon cutting cere-
mony they organized for the launch. There
were ten Chamber Ambassadors present,
two Napa Chamber staff members, a pro-
fessional photographer and a Disc Jockey
See AMBASSADORS on page 2…
Officers and the Board of Directors. It also
recognizes major community contributors
with awards for the Citizen of the Year,
Business of the Year, Ambassador of the Year
and Family Friendly Business of the Year.
The Chamber’s Annual Awards offer a point
in time to honor those significant contributors
who routinely go above and beyond to
support building a strong local economy
and who make extra efforts to ensure that
See MONDAVI on page 7…
• CREATING A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY
SF | NV SendS Delegation to Great
Wine Capitals Annual General
Meeting & BRINGS HOME INTL AWARD
The Great Wine Capitals held their
11th Annual General Meeting last month in
Christchurch, New Zealand. The meeting
draws over 150 people from the nine Great
Wine Capitals countries. The delegation
from SF | NV included representatives from
Napa Valley Vintners, the SFCVB, Napa
County Supervisors and Ag Commissioner,
The Napa Valley Destination Council, and
the Napa Chamber of Commerce. The or-
ganization’s work is primarily done through
four primary committees; Business, Com-
munications, Tourism and Education.
The AGM culminates in a Gala Evening
where the nine International Best Of Wine
Tourism Awards are presented. Napa Val-
ley’s Conn Creek Winery was awarded the
world’s “Most Innovative Wine Tourism
Experience” during the gala event.
Nearly forty years after its found-
ing, Conn Creek is focused on what Napa
Valley does best: Cabernet Sauvignon and
other Bordeaux varietals that capture the
“Best of Napa Valley” and provide wine-
maker Mike McGrath with an unparalleled
palette from which to blend each wine and
vintage. The original Mediterranean-style
winery contains an AVA Barrel Room where
its signature Barrel Blending Experience is
offered, a one-of-a-kind seminar in which
participants taste barrel samples of Caber-
net Sauvignon from nearly all of the Napa
Valley’s 15 sub-appellations - along with
other Bordeaux varietals - before blending
their own bottle to take home. It’s a chance
to play winemaker for a day and appreci-
ate the skill and art that goes into crafting
world-class wine.
“Conn Creek’s innovative AVA Barrel
Room is a not-to-be-missed experience that
provides both locals & visitors the unique
opportunity to literally taste the diversity of
the Napa Valley’s varied soils and climates.
The Napa Valley is truly extraordinary that
See GWCgn on page 4…

AMBASSADORS Lisa Batto, helped us to open on

continued from page 1...
playing great Rock & Roll music. A fes-
tive atmosphere greeted the many Napa
residents who showed up to enjoy the free
yogurt Nguyen offered from 12-3pm.
The Ambassadors are the Napa Cham-
ber’s own diplomatic corps, formed over
thirty years ago arising from a community
need to “create good will and understand-
ing among members of the Chamber and
business community” as noted in their
statement of purpose. New Napa Chamber
member Nguyen has seen immediate value
in her decision to join the Chamber saying,
“it was the best way to become part of the
community and I know it’s a way to give
back to the community through partner-
ships that we can develop through our
membership. The Napa Chamber’s CEO,
AMBASSADORS, groundbreaking
at the Tug McGraw Foundation on
November 13th.
schedule through her advocacy
assistance with the Environ-
mental Health Department. Her
intervention was instrumental in
getting the process completed.”
The Ambassadors purpose
was designed to provide new
and existing businesses not
only with marketing support by
means of public ceremony, but
also with a mentor program al-
lowing established, experienced
Napa business people and com-
munity members that are avail-
able to offer advice and guid- ambassadors assist Helen Lyall with her
ance to new generations of Napa exciting opening on November 6th!
professionals. It is not uncommon
to see a Napa Chamber Ambas- frequent touch-points with many Napa
sador call on a new business and offer businesses. In November alone there were
real-time guidance on how to do business three Ambassador supported events, with
in and with the City of Napa. The Ambas- two already on the docket for December at
sadors mission is carried out in a variety Ristorante La Strada for their 8th Anniver-
of ways; from organizing and attend- sary Party on December 1, and at the Boys
ing ribbon cuttings for new businesses and Girls Club on December 7.
or businesses which have enlarged or Long time Ambassador and last year’s
remodeled their premises, to assisting at Co-Ambassador of the Year, Georgia
Chamber Mixers, meetings and activities, Baughman says, “Napa Chamber Ambassa-
they are ever-present in their burgundy dors thought fall would bring a slowdown of
designate jackets. One must be nominated activities but Napa Business is BOOMING!
to join the Ambassadors with significant We have had Ribbon Cuttings at A Fish
experience in past Chamber services a Story, Napa Republican Headquarters, Napa
necessary component. One must have Valley Pharmacy, The Meadows Bocce
served either as a Napa Chamber of Com- Court as well as Yo’Belle!”
merce Committee Chair, director, or other For more information on the Napa
equally responsible position within the Chamber of Commerce, the Ambassador
community. Committee, or to schedule a ribbon cutting
The Ambassadors meet regularly to ceremony for your new business
determine their activities for the com- visit http://www.napachamber.com/. ■
ing months, a schedule which involves

December 2010 | COMMERCE | Page 2 | napachamber.com

 Chairman’s Focus
By Randy Martinsen,
President & CEO
of Accelerated
Marketing Group
2010 Napa Chamber of
Commerce Chairman of
the Board
Sign-up Today To
Help Our Schools
Give The Best Education
In The Country
As my tenure as Chairman of the Board
winds down, and I ponder what to write for
my last article for the newsletter. I want to
thank all of the Board and Chamber Staff and
volunteers who have made this year another
successful year for the Chamber. Already, the
Chair Elect, Ryan Gregory, has begun to plan
for his year as Chair following the ratification
of our new 5-Year Vision as one of my last
pieces of business to conduct for the Chamber
this December.
Since my original article on SC21
earlier this year, I have found it interesting
CEO’s Focus
By Lisa Batto ACE,
President/CEO
Challenges of a CEO
November 15, 2009 was my first official
day as CEO of the Napa Chamber of Com-
merce. We had just completed our planning
conference for 2010 and I can tell you now that
while I was very excited to take over the leader-
ship role, I still had my reservations on how I
was going to fill Kate’s shoes!
I had two great things going for me:
One, our staff at the Napa Chamber was very
supportive of my taking on this new role and
two, the Board of Directors were equally as
supportive.
Was it all really just a love fest during
2010? No, there were many challenges that I
expect many of you have experienced. I’d like
to share just a few and how we succeeded.
Find your Mentor Group
Going from the second person in charge
of a company to the person who makes all the
decisions can put you in a state of uncertainty.
One of the best ways to overcome this is to
develop a mentor group. This can be a group
of other business owners in or outside of your
industry. It is important to share frustrations
December 2010
sufficiently taught to everyone using older
methods.
I encourage all of you to take a tour of
to learn how many of our members and the the newly renovated New Tech High in Napa,
community at large, do not really understand or a tour of the new American Canyon High
what SC21 and NapaLearns is all about. School, and see for yourself what this teaching
Even leaders who have children in our Napa methodology is about before dismissing it as
school system have argued with me that it’s just “putting computers in schools”. You’ll
only about putting computers in schools. It
be amazed at how the tour will open your
has been an uphill battle to educate them and understanding, which includes students telling
help them understand that the new technology you how it has changed their lives.
As a person who experienced an early
version of this type of learning, I attribute
“I encourage all of you much of my success in business, and in life,
to it. So much so that I have lead a campaign
to take a tour of one of to allow any contributions made to SC21/
the New Tech Schools, NapaLearns through the Chamber Foundation
and see for yourself to be tax deductible and to make it easy for
you to give to this cause.
what this teaching I ask that you join me in subscribing
methodology is about for automatic withdrawal of just $21 per
before dismissing it as month from your bank account or credit card
by completing the form online or dropping
just “putting computers by the Chamber Office. Visit the Chamber
in schools”.” Foundation website at:
http://www.napachamberfoundation.org to
complete a secure on-line form.
is NOT about putting computers in schools, To schedule a tour, please contact
but is a new methodology of teaching that Dorothy Salmon at: (707) 396-0504, spaces
brings ALL students in the classroom together go fast and the next tour is in January. ■
to learn problem-solving skills that were not
play. If you don’t have a mentor group where
would you go? The Napa Chamber uses the
on running your business and the successes services of the Cal Chamber to answer some
as well. My mentor group is two-fold. Over of our HR needs. If you had a question about
your practices, often you could give us a call
the years I have built a very strong network
of Chamber Executives all over the Western and we would be able to find an answer for
United States and calling on this network you. (Just call me at 707-254-1146 or send
for best business practices has expanded my me an email lisa@napachamber.com) In our
knowledge of this industry. The second group membership we have a number of profession-
is our Executive Committee of the Napa als from Employment Law specialists like
Chamber. This seven person group is a valuable Rick Rybicki (who volunteers at the Chamber
resource in making decisions that affect our by presenting our Labor Law series) and a
few payroll service companies
business operations
that offer HR Services (Payroll
or programs. Whether
it is discussing issues “Was it all really Masters, Inc and Paychex).
Need Team Building? This is
or working on the
finances, this group just a love fest a powerful resource that could
identify issues and create a
lends its wisdom and
becomes and exten-
during 2010?” stronger team! Check out Team
Building on our website – you’ll
sion to the capabilities
find three businesses who can
of the CEO. In your own business, consider
help: Follow Your Compass; New Level
contacting the Napa Valley College Small
Group and Teambuilding Unlimited.
Business Development Center to provide the
wisdom of their experts to your business. When Where to Find Mentor Businesses?
Just go to the Business Search part of our
you need financial resources or sound busi-
website and put in the keywords to find busi-
ness advice the SBDC could be your Executive
nesses to fill your Mentor group! Meet them
team! ((707) 253-3210 or www.napasbdc.org
at the Mixer at Black Stallion Winery on
HR Support
the 16th of this month. Schedule yourself to
We have a high performing team at the
attend a First Friday Business Development
Napa Chamber. We work non-stop providing
Luncheon or get involved in our Membership
benefits, presenting programs and promoting
your businesses. Every team experiences chal- Services Committee (contact Paula Wick at
707-226-7455). Promoting and Network-
lenges now and then, and while I was trained
ing yourself will help you build your Men-
by a master in personnel motivation, I don’t
tor team and likely gain you new customers
have the answers all the time. Here is another
along the way. ■
place where your Mentor group comes into
| COMMERCE | Page 3 | napachamber.com
PLANNING continued from page 1...
Mr. Gregory took the group through the
existing Chamber organizational chart and an
examination of current volunteer committee
output.
The committees of the Chamber cover
a variety of areas from infrastructure and
transportation to business support and skill
building and even legislative action. These
Break-out session presentations.
committees are an excellent entree to the
Napa business arena, offer a tremendous
service to the community and in and of
themselves present a high-focus networking
opportunity to committee members. The
activities of each committee were evaluated
and assessed for current impact and value, with
amendments and augmentations suggested
and adopted. Of particular focus were the
Business Builders Committee, which organizes
and presents pertinent business skill-building
educational workshops in partnership with the
Small Business Development Center and the
Candidate Endorsement Committee, which
screens political candidates running for local
and state level offices.
The dynamic group of thirty-plus Napa
leaders that comprises the Napa Chamber
Board came together with creative suggestions
and a can-do approach to address 2011 goals
of a creating a better informed working body
and a more pro-active member outreach effort Lisa Batto, president/CEO presents Chamber
that can achieve new membership growth and overview & organizational clarity.
existing member retention alike. The answer After a brief break the Board broke into
to the question “What do we do?” when the workgroups to study survey feedback on the
Chamber does so much for so many businesses 5-year vision statement with a goal of making
is not an easy one to answer in 30 seconds recommendations to modify it as needed.
or less. Marketing consultant Holly Krassner In general terms the statement covers six
led a brainstorming session to begin the central tenets encompassing economic vitality,
development of just such an “elevator speech”
education, workforce housing, transportation,
which would communicate and encapsulate the environmental stewardship and community
essence of Chamber purpose and place in the
leadership. Each workgroup took a section and
community. As an organization that advocates examined the associated vision statement, the
for the entire business community, the central
collective survey feedback and then engaged
purpose and effect of the Chamber is one of in lively discussion to bring these tenets
a rising tide raising all forward and re-validate them for the next
ships… by building a strong five years. The results of these brainstorming
local economy and bringing sessions will be solidified at the December
members together to that Board meeting ready for full ratification in
end all businesses benefit January of 2011.
from the positive impact For more information on the Chamber, its
of the resulting economic Board and their vision plan go to
vitality. http://www.napachamber.com/. ■

The 2011 international ‘Best Of’ award ceremony

Holly Krassner facilitates the renewing of the NCC 5-Year Vision.
GWCGN continued from page 2...
it can produce wine of such incredible diversity in such a com-
pact region,” said Clay Gregory, President & CEO of the Napa
Valley Destination Council.
Conn Creek Winemaker Mike McGrath added, “Our goal in
creating the Conn Creek AVA Room was to provide an unfor-
gettable and unique wine experience. It’s a thrill to be recog-
nized for reaching this goal and we’re proud to contribute to the
Napa Valley’s reputation as a premier wine destination.”
About the Great Wine Capitals Global Network: Founded in
1999, the Great Wine Capitals Global Network is an alliance of
nine internationally renowned wine regions - Bordeaux, France;
Bilbao-Rioja, Spain; Cape Town, South Africa; Christchurch-South
Island, New Zealand; Florence, Italy; Mainz-Rheinhessen, Germany;
Mendoza, Argentina; Porto, Portugal; and San Francisco-Napa Valley,
USA. The international Best Of Wine Tourism awards serve as an
industry benchmark for excellence and recognize leading wineries and
wine-tourism related businesses within each Great Wine Capital that
have distinguished themselves in areas such as innovation, service and
sustainable practices.
For more information visit www.greatwinecapitals.com. ■
December 2010 | COMMERCE
was held on 4 November 2010 at a Gala Dinner
attended by over 360 global industry leaders and
media at at the AMI Stadium in Christchurch, New
Zealand. The winners are:
Accommodation: The Hyatt Regency Mainz
Mainz | Rheinhessen (Germany) http://mainz.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels
Architecture, Parks and Gardens: Villa Vignamaggio
Firenze (Italy) http://vignamaggio.com/index-english.html
Architecture, Parks and Gardens: Bodega Diam Andes
Mendoza (Argentina) http://www.diamandes.com/
Architecture, Parks and Gardens: Quinta Aveleda
Porto (Portugal) http://www.aveleda.pt/php/primeira.php?lingua=2
Art and Culture: Château Paloumey
Bordeaux (France) http://www.chateaupaloumey.com/
Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences: Conn Creek Winery
San Francisco | Napa Valley (USA) http://www.conncreek.com/
Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices: Yealands Estate
Christchurch | South Island (New Zealand) http://www.yealands.com/
Wine Tourism Services: Wine Oil Spa Hotel Villa de Laguardia
Bilbao | Rioja (Spain) http://www.hotelvilladelaguardia.com/en/index_en.html
Wine Tourism Services: Steenberg
Capetown (South Africa) http://www.steenberghotel.com/
greatwinecapitals.com
| Page 4 | napachamber.com
 Welcome New Members!
Advertising Agencies, Specialties Health The Barn Owl Box Company
& Direct Mail New Vitality Mark Browning, (412) 874-9403
A2F Designs Grant Bennion, (707) 321-4595 2544 Hobbs St, Pittsburgh
Bruce Fleming, (707) 928-8117 Napa www.barnowlbox.com
PO Box 1011, Cobb www.grantbennion.nsedreams.com
info@a2fdesigns.com Power Equipment
www.a2fdesigns.com Individual Member Napa Power Equipment
Michael Marler Kenneth Hoekstra, (707) 253-0468
Artists Michael Marler, (707) 257-7739 3145 Jefferson St, Napa
Thistle Creek Studio 1600 Green Valley Rd, Napa napapower@hotmail.com
J.P. Panter, (707) 287-1342
PO Box 5717, Napa Insurance Promotional Products
www.jpantercalligraphy.com O’Dea Insurance Agency Napa Valley Clothing
Tim O’Dea, (707) 326-8609 Company
Attractions, Tours & Sightseeing PO Box 8144, Napa Tim Gibson, (707) 255-9607
Small Lot Wine Tours todea@farmersagent.com 61 Sheehy Ct, Napa
Rebecca Johnson, (707) 294-2232 www.farmersinsurancenapa.com tim@napavalleyclothing.com
Napa www.napavalleyclothing.com
tours@smalllotsbigwines.com Media
www.smalllotsbigwines.com Napa.Patch.com Restaurants
Sandy O’Dea, (707) 225-1113 Sizzler
Bakeries Napa Sham Sunder, (707) 255-1801
The Model Bakery sandy.odea@patch.com 1501 Trancas St, Napa
Sarah Mitchell, (707) 259-1128 www.napa.patch.com napasizzler@sbcglobl.net
644 First St Ste B, Napa www.sizzler.usa.com
orders@themodelbakery.com Capital Advisor
www.themodelbakery.com Altitude Capital Trading, LLC Social Media Consultants
Blake Helppie White Sands Pro Media
Banks Troy, MI Kim Bresden, (707) 927-3789
Fifth Third Bank blake@altitudecap.com Napa
Neil Brenner, (612) 371-2074 kb@whitesandspromedia.com
Napa Occupational Therapists www.whitesandspromedia.com
www.53.com California Hand Rehabilitation, Inc.
Margaret Gokey, MS, OTR/L, CHT, Transportation
First Republic Bank (707) 259-1152 One Size Ride, Inc
Roark Hoffman, (707) 251-4101 3273 Claremont Way Ste 204, Napa Deborah Sylva, (707) 277-4939
1753 Trancas Street, Napa info@calhandrehab.com Napa
pteaff@firstrepublic.com www.calhandrehab.com info@onesizeride.com
www.firstrepublic.com www.onesizeride.com
Pathways Pediatric Therapy
Wells Fargo Business Banking Margaret Gokey, (707) 258-8011 Writers
Chris Horton, (707) 363-4997 935 Trancas St Ste 5A, Napa Sage Furtado
901 Main St, Napa info@pathwayspediatric.com Keith Carpenter, (707) 815-9125
chris.l.horton@wellsfargo.com www.pathwayspediatric.com Napa
www.wellsfargo.com Pest/Rodent Control ponncar8@att.net
www.sagefurtado.com
Barber Shop
Executive Room Barber
Shop Spending your dollars in
Steven Pierce, (707) 258-1628 the city where you live
1504 Main St, Napa helps create Connect with us...
exect.room@gmail.com a strong local economy.
Please shop locally
Graphic Designers
Avantgraphics
Linda Corwin, (707) 224-4825
Napa
avantgraph@aol.com To learn about the benefits of
membership, visit napachamber.com or
Grocery Stores phone us at 707.226.7455
Ranch Market, Inc.
Arik Housley, (707) 257-2437
4215 Solano Ave, Napa For a complete listing of Napa
arik@ranchmarketsnapavalley.com Chamber members, updated daily, go to
ranchmarketsnapavalley.com napachamber.com

December 2010 | COMMERCE | Page 5 | napachamber.com

• PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

MIXPO at Westin Verasa

2011
Social networking combined with Expo
Event Calendar
exhibitors creates a unique and productive 19 Wake Up Your Business Wednesday

January
business building event! 21 ANNUAL DINNER at The Meritage Resort
Our Third-Thursday event in November was the very popular MIXPO held and Spa
at the Westin Verasa, Napa! This unique networking and business building event 28 All Member Briefing
is a combination mini-expo with 25 exhibitors and standard Mixer with over
200 attendees. 4 First Friday Business Development Lunch

February
PLAN AHEAD: Don’t miss this month’s Mixer at Black Stallion Winery 16 Wake-Up Your Business Wednesday
on Thursday, December 16th at 5:30 p.m. ■ 17 After-Hours Mixer at Queen of the Valley
Medical Center

1 Labor Law Workshop
4 First Friday Business Development Lunch

March
16 Wake Up Your Business Wednesday
21 NAPA VALLEY BUSINESS EXPO & Mixer at
The Meritage Resort and Spa

1 First Friday Business Development Lunch

April
20 Wake Up Your Business Wednesday
21 MIXPO at Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa
28 All Member Briefing

James Gittings from 6 First Friday Business Development Lunch

Drapinski Auto Electric & TV
and Phil Rapp of First Bank
18 Wake Up Your Business Wednesday
May 19 After-Hours Mixer at Alkar Human Resources
24 NAPA VALLEY COMMUNITY AWARDS at
Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa

3 First Friday Business Development Lunch

15 Wake Up Your Business Wednesday
June

16 After-Hours Mixer at Rabobank Napa

28 Labor Law Workshop
Sherry Drapinski from
Drapinski Auto, Electric & 15 ANNUAL BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT
July

TV checks her prize & MIXER at Silverado Resort

winning number! 20 Wake Up Your Business Wednesday

August

5 First Friday Business Development Lunch

18 After-Hours Mixer at Uptown Theater

2 First Friday Business Development Lunch

September

Visit our FB page 8 Labor Law Workshop

for more photo
New Chamber Members Adrienne Asher albums of fun! 15 After-Hours Mixer at Pine Ridge Vineyards
and Bruce Fleming from A2F Design 21 Wake Up Your Business Wednesday
29 All Member Briefing

7 First Friday Business Development Lunch

October

TBA E-3 ECONOMIC CONFERENCE

19 Wake Up Your Business Wednesday
20 After-Hours Mixer at Redwood Credit Union

November

4 First Friday Business Development Lunch

16 Wake Up Your Business Wednesday
17 MIXPO at River Terrace Inn

December

2 First Friday Business Development Lunch

8 LABOR LAW UPDATE FOR 2012
Brenda Martinez, Giovana Jimenez, and Chef/Owner Martin 15 After-Hours Mixer at Blue Oak School
Gonzalez of Ristorante La Strada

December 2010 | COMMERCE | Page 6 | napachamber.com

mondavi continued from page 1...
the town of Napa is a healthy, growing and
inclusive community.
The Citizen of the Year is chosen each
year by a designated committee, who this
year have selected Margrit Biever Mondavi
as honoree. Mrs. Mondavi has been central
to the cultural enrichment of our community
for four decades, from promoting the
introduction of art, music and cooking at
the seminal Robert Mondavi Winery to
her undying support of continued artistic
exposure within the broader community,
she has been a beacon of inspiration and
philanthropy. When asked of her response
to being notified of the award she was
typically understated, “My reaction to the
announcement that the Napa Chamber of
Commerce has given me the great honor
of naming me Citizen of the Year is that
We Focus On Business
Chamber Member Spotlight:
Napa Valley Register
The Napa Valley Reg-
ister’s new editor, Michael
Donnelly, joined the team
in August of this year. Since
that time he has proven
to be a quick study in all
things Napa. His editorials
have been incisive and he
has become a significant
force in the leadership of
the newsroom. Michael
comes with 15 years of
journalistic experience,
most recently as Online Ed-
itor of the Quad City Times
of Davenport, Iowa. From
the copy room to news
and features Michael has
done it all in the newspaper
trade. He brings a sense of Michael Donnelly, Editor
can-do that his broad journalism background line web-based reporting has been put to work short period of time he has grasped the chal-
lends to his professional demeanor. He
has lived and worked in ten different states
over the course of his career, and has in all
cases focused on local community-based
publications. As no stranger to immers-
ing himself in a new community Michael
has found many open doors in Napa. From
residents to community leaders and busi-
ness owners, Michael has been welcomed
and guided through our beautiful neck of the news room and he has been a tremendous ad-
woods gaining an orientation that few are
subject to. “Most importantly I just listen,”
December 2010
I am first, totally surprised, and second Napa Chamber of Commerce business,
honored and wondering if I really deserve that is a member in good standing since
this distinction. I humbly accept and thank 1/1/10, is eligible for nomination. Although
you for your confidence.” Longtime friend success may be measured in a variety of
and collaborator Dorothy Salmon says of ways, businesses nominated for this Award
Mrs. Mondavi, “Margrit Mondavi epitomizes will also be rated on integrity and socially
graciousness, leadership, vision, courage and responsible business practices, providing
quiet unassuming power. She consistently a positive community image and inspiring
gives with her heart, her soul, and her others to do so, exhibiting innovation and
resources to make life better for people all creativity and taking a leadership role in
over the world and in particular, in Napa community activities. To download the
County. She is loved and admired by many. nomination form and find out more details
Every day of her life she gives of herself to go to http://www.napachamber.com/
many worthwhile endeavors with humor and calendar_display.html?ID=15330
grace. Here’s to Margrit, a true hero!” Tickets for the Napa Chamber
Award winners in the remaining of Commerce Annual Dinner can be
categories will be revealed over the coming purchased for $110, or tables of ten for
weeks. It is not too late to nominate your $1000. Tickets may be purchased online at
favorite candidate for the 2010 Business napachamber.com. ■
of the Year, which will be selected from
nominations received by December 10. Any
The Valley’s Daily News Source
says Michael of his the Register, the website has grown in both
experience getting functionality and popularity with many using
to know the culture it as their go-to for local news.
here, “everyone has Register Publisher Brenda Speth says of
been so hospitable Donnelly, “Michael brings a vast amount of
and open with their experience from a wide array of community
feedback on the is- newspapers, large and small. He has the hy-
sues facing Napa in per-local focus that we were looking for, and
the 21st century.” is well versed in both print and web-based
The Napa reporting. He has strong news judgment and
Valley Register a great track record of providing compelling,
news room has been relevant and interesting content to the reader
revitalized in the and viewer alike. We are thrilled to be work-
short period since ing with him.” City Editor Kevin Courtney
Michael started. His says, “Michael has very quickly immersed
experience with on- himself in the pulse of the city. In a very
moving the culture at the Register from an af- lenges, issues and blessings that comprise life
ternoon paper publication to using the web to in the City of Napa. There has been a ripple
break stories in real-time. “It was a necessary effect from his well-reasoned editorials that
move from a news coverage standpoint and is starting to penetrate community life here.”
there certainly seems to be more excitement The tone of discourse on the Register website
in the news room now,” he says and adds, “we has improved as Donnelly’s editorials pres-
elevated veteran reporter Kevin Courtney to ent well balanced opinion highlighting an
the City Editor role and his contribution has advocacy stance for Napa businesses and
been invaluable. He has the respect of the residents.
For more information or to contact Mi-
dition to the leadership team.” While the paper chael email mdonnelly@napanews.com ■
edition will always remain the backbone of
| COMMERCE | Page 7 | napachamber.com
 Upcoming Events... maximize your networking!
December 9 December 16 January 21
Labor Law Update MIXER Annual Dinner
“What you don’t know After-Hours Mixer The Meritage Resort & Spa
CAN hurt you” 875 Bordeax Way, Napa
Black Stallion Winery 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn
For more information call 4089 Silverado Tr., Napa $110 per person
3585 Solano Ave., Napa
707.226.7455 or visit our 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. $1000 table of 10
website and register Reservations required
RSVP: 707.226.7455 $10 members
for events online at $20 prospective members Register at
napachamber.com $65 members/$90 non-members napachamber.com

Call for Nominations for two important events!

napachamberfoundation.org
Business of the Year!

Nominations now being Do You Know A Hero?

accepted for Nominate in the following Nominations due by
Business of the Year! categories... March 25, 2011
Community Booster
Nomination forms are Healthcare Professional EVENT DATE
due by December 10th. Napa Valley College Student Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Hospitality/Tourism Award Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa
Visit napachamber.com to NonProfit Employee
download the form today! NonProfit Organization
online or call 707.226.7455 for more information.

Napa Chamber 2010 OFFICERS

MISSIO N Randy Martinsen, Chairman of the Board..................... Accelerated Marketing Group
As the membership organization for Ryan Gregory, Chair-elect...................................... Riechers & Spence Associates, Inc.
business, we promote our community’s Debra Dommen, Vice-Chair Advocacy...........................Winegrowers of Napa County
economic vitality and quality of life Kent Kuhlmann, Vice-Chair Resources......................... Kuhlmann Associates Financial
through leadership development, Richard Rybicki, Vice Chair Membership ................................ Rybicki & Associates
advocacy, facilitation and education. Cherie Knox, Treasurer............................................................... Redwood Credit Union
Mike Silvas, Immediate Past-Chair.....................................Wine Country Fine Properties
NAPA CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BENEFIT from being a Dean Bowen, Net-Flow Corporation; John Cardinale, State Farm Insurance; Linda
member of the Napa Champagne, Artesa Winery; Sandra Elles, Napa County Farm Bureau; Ken Frank,
Chamber of Commerce La Toque; Pamela Gleeson, Santen Inc.; Clay Gregory, The Napa Valley Destination
Council; Cathy D’Angelo Holmes, Coldwell Banker Commercial; Stanton Lawson, Sequoia
• Creating a Strong Local Economy Senior Solutions; Bill Lockhart, Edward Jones; Kara Long, Tugboat, Inc.; Barry Martin,
• Promoting the Community City of Napa; Kevin Massie, Napa Ford Lincoln Mercury; Sherry McKillop, Follow Your
• Providing Networking Opportunities Compass; Shawn Milburn, Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa; Dennis Pedisich, Napa
Community Bank; Jaime Penaherrera, Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation; Richard
• Supporting a Sustainable Future
Rybicki, Rybicki & Associates; Don Shindle, Westin Verasa Napa; Brenda Speth, Napa
• Representing Business to Government Valley Register; Patrick Sweeney, Napa Valley Unified School District; Kevin Teague,
• Engaging in Political Action Holme Teague Roche Anglin LLP; Toni Renee Vierra, Vierra Environmental Consulting;
Jay Williamson, Williamson and Company.
For membership information call HONORARY DIRECTOR: Julian Weidler, Retired.
Sherrell Harper at 707.257.4598
or Rebecca Johnson at 707.254.1142 Lisa Batto, ACE, President/CEO, 707.226.7455, lisa@napachamber.com
Katherine Zimmer, VP Marketing & Communications, 707.254.1147, katherine@napachamber.com
NCC STAFF

Sherrell Harper, Membership, 707.257.4598, sherrell@napachamber.com

Commerce editorial is exclusively produced by Rebecca Johnson, Membership, 707.254.1142, rebecca@napachamber.com
the Napa Chamber of Commerce, Jayson Johnson, Creative Manager, 707.254.1144, jayson@napachamber.com
1556 First Street, Napa, CA 94559. 707.226.7455
Paula Wick, Customer Service, 707.226.7455, paula@napachamber.com
EDITOR: Katherine Zimmer
Please email submissions to Lynn Page, Sr. Administrator / Event Specialist, 707.254.1145, lynn@napachamber.com
katherine@napachamber.com Christine Sullivan, Administrative Assistant, 707.254.1143, christine@napachamber.com
Caryl Chakerian, Communications, 707.738.6053, caryljc@gmail.com

December 2010 | COMMERCE | Page 8 | napachamber.com