June 2011 • VOL. 22 NO.

6
COMMERCE
• PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY
YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS.
2011
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE EIGHT OUTSTANDING HEROES WORK
PREMIER
SPONSORS
TO UNITE OUR COMMUNITY
The Napa Chamber Foundation in
The Valley’s Daily News Source
partnership with Mechanics Bank hosted
the 2011 Napa Valley Community Awards
with a luncheon at the Napa Valley
Marriott on Tuesday, May 24. For the past
five years, the Napa Chamber Foundation
DIAMOND LEVEL SPONSORS
and Mechanics Bank have recognized
local community leaders, individuals and
businesses for their outstanding leadership,
contributions and/or achievements toward
the betterment of the communities of Napa
Valley with this annual award ceremony.
Nominations from the public are reviewed
and selected by a panel of volunteers
from the Napa Chamber Foundation and
The Mechanics Bank. On Tuesday 230
people turned out to applaud this year’s
community heroes. Executive Director Cynthia Dempsey accepts the
Mindful of everyone’s busy schedule, award for Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of
the proceedings were orchestrated for the Year on behalf of CyberMill Technology Center.
maximum efficiency while allowing
thoughtful time for award winners to • REPRESENTING BUSINESS
acknowledge their honors. Awards were TO GOVERNMENT
presented in eight categories; nonprofit
employee, public safety officer, community CalChamber Releases
booster, hospitality tourism professional,
healthcare professional, teacher, student and
Annual Job Killer List
nonprofit organization of the year. All but the
Net-Flow Corporation nonprofit organization were announced prior The California
Accelerated Marketing Group to the event giving time for friends and family Chamber of Commerce
Influence Internet of the honorees to attend. recently released its
Markstein Beverage Company Nonprofit employee of the year, Kristina annual list of proposed
Redwood Credit Union Young, Executive Director of Arts Council legislation that threatens
Comcast Napa Valley, was introduced by ACNV Board to hurt California’s job
Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine vice-president, Olivia Everett. Ms. Everett climate and hamper economic recovery.
Silverado Resort and Spa praised Young for her boundless energy and “The first step in an economic
critical role in bringing art to the fore in recovery program is to do no more harm
Exertec Health & Fitness
Napa Recycling & Waste Services downtown Napa and for breathing life into to the economy,” said Allan Zaremberg,
such projects as Art on First, Napa ARTwalk, President and CEO of the California
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Chamber of Commerce. “Proponents
Bank of Marin approval of a Public Art Ordinance for the
City of Napa; as well as last year’s inaugural of anti-business legislation who think
Republic Services
Napa Valley ARTS 2010 celebration. “I am California’s economy can withstand
Travis Credit Union additional pressure from new regulatory
Golden State Warriors both humbled and proud to be recognized, but
Mark Coleman, State Farm this really belongs to my whole team,” said and legislative burdens are simply
Napa Planner Financial Group
See HEROES on page 2… See JOB KILLER on page 4…

• NCC Wins NBB BEST OF • MIXER at Alkar Human Resources

INSIDE • Welcome New Members
• NCC Partners with Qponomics
• Member Spotlight: Vista Broadband Networks, Inc.
• Tony Rubleski Talks About Chamber Memberships

NAPA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • CONNECTING COMMERCE TO COMMUNITY

1556 First Street | Napa CA 94559 | 707.226.7455 | napachamber.com
 future education to Napa, or fundraising has introduced many teaching creative
HEROES continued from page 1...
initiatives and when the funding was not
$34 million for St. Helena Hospital’s
Coon Joint Institute, Mr. McMinn has had there she applied and won grants to bring
deep, swift and meaningful impact on his Chemistry to life for the over 150 students
adoptive home of Napa a day that she teaches.
Valley. Mr. McMinn True to the form of a
was unable to attend gifted teacher, Castelazo
but had recorded a says, “The true reward
video acknowledgment is when a student makes
for his award. the connection that hard
Charles Henning, work brings success.”
managing director of Dr. Edna Baehre-
CIA in St. Helena, Kolovani, Napa Valley
introduced Clay College president,
Gregory, president introduced the Student of
and CEO of the Napa the Year, Karla Gomez.
Valley Destination Gomez has a remarkable
Council, as Hospitality success story rising up
Tourism Professional from a scarce 1.7 GPA
Lorena Hernandez, Regional Director of on entering High School
of the year. Mr. Community Investments for Comcast
Gregory was pleased presents Karla E Gomez with $1,000.
to graduating with a
to report that Napa’s 4.1. From there she was
reputation in the tourism industry is unstoppable and is now set to graduate
D.D. Felton, Chairman of the Board, Mechanics growing by leaps and bounds as evidenced from NVC with a 4.0 GPA and a list of
Bank kicks off the event with opening remarks. at the recent “PowWow” travel conference. extracurricular activities and community
Young. He thanked the five valley communities for involvements that set her apart from her
contemporaries. She has become a leader
Police Chief Richard Melton introduced coming together to support the concept of
an umbrella industry organization and was in the Hispanic community and is a youth
the public safety officer of the year, Officer
“humbled to be in the company of all the coach with the LAYLA organization.
Omar Salem. Praised for his work with
Gomez brought the house to tears as
at-risk youth, Officer Salem had created his other honorees.”
The next award went to Adele Cotter she thanked her mother for her strength
“Hoops to Stop Youth Violence” event in
of Napa Valley Hospice. Previously and support through it all. Comcast
his first year on the force. Now a veteran
manager of the Queen of the Valley Breast Director of Community Investments
of more than three years, this New Tech
presented Gomez with an award check for
High grad has continued to show leadership Care Center, Ms. Cotter is known for her
extraordinary sense of caring and true $1,000 in recognition of her outstanding
in the field of youth work. Chief Melton
calling to the profession of nursing. She contributions.
said, “He just hit the ground running. He’s
Interspersed throughout the award
committed to working with the youth in our has navigated so many patients through
the hardest of times; our community is the presentations emcee Barry Martin
community; it just permeates who he is.”
richer for having her. As if nursing in Napa introduced each nominated nonprofit
NapaLearns Board member, Dorothy
was not enough, she has organization, building excitement towards
also returned frequently the final surprise award of the day.
to New Orleans to Mechanics Bank Vice Chairman, Michael
assist with post-Katrina Downer, announced an unprecedented
rebuilding efforts. She celebration of the five year history of the
received the first standing Community Awards by presenting each
ovation of the day as she See HEROES on page 4…
proceeded to the
lectern and was
feted with flowers
from radiologist,
Dr. Andrew Nicks.
Napa County
Superintendent
of Schools, Dr.
Barbara Nemko
Mechanics Bank Vice Chairman Michael Downer and Napa took great pleasure
Chamber Foundation Chair Randy Martinsen applaud the past in presenting
Outstanding Nonprofit award winners.
the Outstanding
Salmon, introduced Vineyard 29 proprietor, Teacher of the year, Jennifer
Chuck McMinn, as Booster of the Year. Castelazo as someone who not
“Nothing short of a miracle worker” is only teaches Chemistry, but has Past Nonprofit award winners were asked to come to
how Mrs. Salmon describes the McMinn chemistry. The Vintage High the stage for a surprise award and donation of $500 to
effect. Whether with his championing of the School teacher has brought her their organizations. Pictured L-R: Jennie Thayer, NEWS;
subject up from the lowest to the Kathleen Dreessen, NV Community Housing; Adele
Napa Valley Vine Trail bike path, his work
with NapaLearns bringing state-of-the- highest pass rate in her school. She Cotter, Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services and
Joelle Gallagher, Cope Family Center.

June 2011 | COMMERCE | Page 2 | napachamber.com

 Chairman
Ryan Gregory,
Vice President,
Riechers Spence
and Associates
2011 Napa Chamber
of Commerce
Chairman of the Board
This article recently came to our attention and we’d like to
share it with you. It’s written by Amazon.com bestselling
author Tony Rubelski.
7 Reasons WHY YOUR BUSINESS Should Be A
Member of ThE Chamber of Commerce
In a world loaded with marketing options
and information overload I’m often asked
by new and existing business owners for a
simple, inexpensive way to increase their local
visibility and marketing efforts to produce
more opportunities and sales. Without a doubt,
I always ask a stunningly simple question,
Are you a member of your local chamber of
commerce? I get one of three answers:
1. Yes
2. No, but tell me more
3. We used to be a member
Now I know every person has opinions
but I’d like you to take a moment to read this
brief article to discover seven reasons why
I strongly feel that every business and non-
profit organization should be a member of
their local chamber regardless of the size of
their organization, marketing budget, years in
business, or even if they’ve heard or possibly
had a negative chamber experience in the
past. In light of the current challenges in the
economy, this article is even more relevant than
when I first wrote it two-years ago.
1. Visibility. Yes, you’ve heard it said time and
time again, that out of sight means out of mind.
This is not a smart strategy for any business,
especially when times are good. A market can
change quickly. As Jim Collins says, good is
the enemy of great. This is a great statement,
but I’d like to add to it as it relates to marketing.
While good is the enemy of great, complacency
and short term thinking is the enemy of
sustained marketing breakthroughs.
Let’s look at a real world example of
chamber complacency in action. Having
worked with hundreds of chambers throughout
North America, I’m simply baffled that within
many communities how few real estate agents
and automotive sales reps are either non-
existent or barely active within their local
chamber. In these two highly competitive and
crowded markets you’d think these folks would
do anything to stand out from the competition
and fully leverage the chamber to get an edge.
Nope. It’s as if they have no idea the local
chamber exists and how it can benefit their
business.
June 2011
and CEO Focus
Lisa Batto, ACE 5. Low cost advertising opportunities. As far
President/CEO, as visibility at the local level, a chamber offers
Napa Chamber a wide range of affordable advertising options
of Commerce and sponsorship packages for just about every
business or non-profit, regardless of how big
or small their budget may be. I’ve bought and
sold traditional media and I can tell you it’s
not cheap. For the price of a few ads within a
major media outlet, you can often sponsor an
entire program with the chamber, give a short
commercial about your company, meet new
prospects and follow up with the list of attendees
who may have a need for your offering. This is
a wonderful way to hold your marketing dollars
2. Access. Unless you’re crazy or like accountable and see them working hard right
consistent rejection, no one enjoys making before your eyes.
cold calls all day long. It’s a painful, tedious A common area to get low cost or free
process that often wastes far too much time advertising is submitting updates or news briefs
and mentally drains even the most upbeat for possible inclusion within the chamber
and friendly person after a while. When you “Member News’ section of the newsletter or
join a chamber and actively get involved eletter. Amazingly, a lot of members do not
you’ll discover that meeting prospects who take advantage of this wonderful free marketing
may have an interest or who can refer you opportunity provided with their membership.
to key contacts you’re trying to reach, is a The chamber is always on the lookout for
huge benefit of membership. From being on member related news. I make it a goal to get
committees, serving as an ambassador, or
attending specific events where prospects are
likely to be, you’ll find yourself in situations
where you can identify and meet decision
makers face-to-face versus making cold calls.
3. Ongoing training and education.
Unless you have the luxury of a training
budget or can afford to bring in local, regional
or nationally known experts on different
topics, I firmly believe that there’s no other
organization in America that delivers timely
programs at such an affordable price as the
local or regional chamber of commerce.
By spreading costs among fellow members
through registration fees and sponsorships,
members can stay updated, informed and
educated at a bargain price.
4. Networking. From seminars, leads groups,
luncheons to business expos and various
business and community committees, there’s
absolutely no excuse for not being able to
meet new contacts, referrals and people who
can help you with ideas and additional ways
to grow your business. over a small news update or announcement
at least every two to three months to my local
The old adage, out of sight, out of mind,
is so true when it relates to networking. The chambers because I know many times it will get
printed and read by key people in the business
chamber gives your several different venues
to meet new people. My entire career I’ve community.
6. Advocacy. A foolish belief among large
utilized the power of networking in my home
chamber’s ranging from serving as co-chair companies, especially national retail outlets, is
that they’re too big or not local enough to care
of the ambassador league to sponsoring and
speaking at different events. The positive about getting involved or joining their local
chamber of commerce. A few things they should
outcomes on the bottom line and great people
I’ve met have been great. In addition, doing think about: Are their employees and customers
local? Are taxes and school systems important
business with fellow member who offer
wonderful products, services, and ideas has to finding and retaining a high quality work
also been a big plus. See 7 REASONS on page 4…
| COMMERCE | Page 3 | napachamber.com

JOB KILLER continued from page 1...
unwilling to accept the unfortunate reality
that California has the second highest
unemployment rate in the country.”
This year’s list of “job killers”
includes 28 proposed laws which threaten
California employers with new costly
workplace and employee benefit mandates,
economic development barriers, regulatory
burdens and inflated liability costs.
“More regulations will lead to
more litigation, worsening California’s
reputation throughout the world,” said
Zaremberg. “We simply cannot allow
California to continue to be ranked as
having one of the worst business climates
in the country.”
Bills are categorized in article as follows:
• COSTLY WORKPLACE MANDATES
• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BARRIERS
• EMPLOYEE BENEFIT MANDATES
• INFLATED LIABILITY COSTS
and Cumulative Job Killer Vetoes
What can you do?
The leadership at the Napa Chamber
participates each week on a Legislative
Conference Call with the California
Chamber of Commerce. In many cases
the Napa Chamber of Commerce
has written a letter to our legislators
oppposing these bills. You can help
by writing to Sentator Noreen Evans
and Assemblymember Michael Allen
to opppose the job killer bills before
them, add your name to a coalition
of businesses, or go to Sacramento
and testify against a bill. For contact
information of your legislators, please
visit napachamber.com/legislators.
html; to listen in on the CalChamber
Legislative Conference Call, please
conact Lisa Batto at 707-226-7455.
The 2011 “job killer” bill list is
available in full at:
www.calchamber.com/jobkillers. ■
HEROES continued from page 2...
of the past recipients of the Nonprofit
Organization award with a donation check
of $500. Napa Chamber Foundation Board
Chair, Randy Martinsen, then announced
the winner for 2011 as CyberMill
Technology Center. The second standing
ovation of the day sent up a roar of
approval. CyberMill provides programs
to help students learn the technology
skills they need to compete in the 21st
Century. They are committed to closing
the technology gap in low income families
and support a pc-to-home program which
nurtures an in-home learning environment.
CyberMill executive director, Cynthia
Dempsey, was completely surprised, “It
takes a whole community of people to get
the things done that happen at CyberMill.
Best of all is seeing the kids pay it forward
when new students come in. Thank you.”
The Napa Valley Community Awards
drew to a close amidst congratulations
and well wishes. The Napa Chamber
Foundation is proud to honor those going
above and beyond to make Napa Valley
an enriched cohesive community working
together to build a sustainable future. ■

WE WON!
Napa Chamber The Napa Chamber of
Commerce won “BEST
ambassadors EVENT” in the 2011
are busy supporting NorthBay biz Reader’s
Poll for the fourth year in a
members! row! Katherine Zimmer and
Randy Martinsen accept the
With 17 new members joining in award from Joni Rosinski of
May and many members celebrating NBB (center).
re-openings, our Napa Chamber
Ambassadors are Springing into from health insurance, office supplies, to
Summer with a full calendar! 7 REASONS continued from page 3...
discounted phone service to other items your
coming up in June*... force? These are key areas that the chamber business currently uses or will need, it’s not
Sat 6/4 at 3pm: Ribbon Cutting
researches, lobbies and routinely discusses uncommon for a small business to easily find
Napa Valley Kitchen Gallery with local and regional government units, enough savings in the first 30-60 days upon
925 School Street politicians and the media to keep people up to joining with endorsed providers or member to
in the Napa Square Building date on central issues of importance pertaining member discounts to recoup most, if not all of
to their membership and the community. their membership dues. Being a small business
Tues 6/7 at 2:30pm: Ribbon Cutting
Napa City/County Library
What happens to your local employees owner, I can attest to the fact that being a
Grand Re-opening Celebration and customers does have an impact on your member of the chamber and shopping around
580 Coombs, Napa business even if you’re a national chain. for discounts and services available makes
In addition, missing out on networking, joining achievable for any company regardless
Sat 6/11 at 5pm: Ribbon Cutting sponsorship and other business building news
Eiko’s Restaurant and Bar of how limited their marketing budget may be.
1385 Napa Town Center, Napa
and benefits, I think it looks incredibly tacky Well, there you have it! Seven great
if four or five local businesses are active in reasons to join or get more involved and fully
Tues 6/14: Committee Meeting & Visit the chamber and a national firm in the same leverage the benefits that your home town or
Redwood Retirement Residence market area won’t even join. In my mind this regional chamber of commerce can provide
Thu 6/16 5:30-7pm: After-Hours MIXER sends an incongruent message to the market your business or organization.
Rabobank, 700 Trancas Street, Napa when the national company claims to be ‘a © 2011 by Tony Rubleski. Tony is a #1
Watch your email for our bi-weekly Enews... good corporate citizen’ but they won’t join Bestselling author with Amazon.com and
Napa BusiNess Focus for full stories and and get involved with their local chamber of currently the president of Mind Capture Group.
photos of the Napa Chamber Ambassador events!
http://www.napachamber.com/businessfocus/ commerce. For additional information including blogs,
*Dates and times subject to change without notice. 7. Money saving discounts. If you fully articles, free resources and his newly released
leverage the cost saving discounts ranging book visit: www.MindCaptureGroup.com. ■
June 2011 | COMMERCE | Page 4 | napachamber.com
 Welcome New Members!
Computer Services Mortgage Services Support Services for the Disabled
On-Line Computer Services iServe Residential Lending, LLC Community Connections
Kevin Cox, (707) 637-6879 Judy Bickell, (707) 252-5972 Royce Howell, (707) 494-3456
info@on-line1.com 2001 Jefferson St Ste A, Napa 2800 Jefferson, Napa
www.on-line1.com www.iservelending.com www.community-connections.net
Contractors - General Motorcycles Sales / Repair Wine Tasting Rooms
Stagner Construction, Inc. Napa Valley Classics 1313 Main
Mike Stagner, (707) 226-2765 Ron Kane, (707) 253-8185 Al Jabarin, (707) 258-1313
3045 Big Ranch Rd, Napa 820 Third St, Napa 1313 Main St, Napa
ricki@stagnerconstruction.com www.napavalleyclassics.net al@1313main.com
www.stagnerconstruction.com Music www.1313main.com
Dentists Muzak Wineries
Glenn D. Giamo Dentistry Jeremy Snyder, (415) 601-4912 Amuse Bouche Winery
(707) 252-3600 www.muzak.com Cindy Maramba, (707) 251-9300
935 Trancas St Ste 5B, Napa Rentals 1040 Main St Ste 100, Napa
glenngiamodds@sbcglobal.net Sierra Property Services www.amusebouchewine.com
www.glenngiamodds.com Mindy Wyman, (707) 265-6556 Au Sommet Winery
Suisun City Dental 1827 Clay St Ste 100, Napa Cindy Maramba, (707) 251-5820
Rosa Vega, (707) 429-8611 www.sprents.com 1040 Main St Ste 100, Napa
807 Main St, Suisun City Restaurants info@ausommetwine.com
www.suisuncitydental.com Cuvee www.ausommetwine.com
Employment Services Victor Jigalin, (707) 224-2330 Coup de Foudre Winery
Manpower 1650 Soscol Ave, Napa Cindy Maramba, (707) 253-8300
Kathy Kolb, (707) 428-1823 sales@riverterraceinn.com 1040 Main St Ste 100, Napa
1261 Travis Blvd Ste10, Fairfield www.cuveenapa.com info@coupdefoudrewine.com
www.manpower.com La Taquiza Napa www.coupdefoudrewine.com
Financial Advisors & Planners Patrick Aguirre, (707) 224-2320 Nichelini Winery
The Loftin Group, Inc. 2007 Redwood Rd Ste 104, Kenny Wainwright, (707) 963-0717
Randy Loftin, EA, (707) 294-2439 Napa 2590 Sage Canyon Rd, St. Helena
625 Imperial Way Ste 5, Napa www.lataquizanapa.com mail@nicheliniwinery.com
www.LoftinGroup.net www.nicheliniwinery.com
Limousine Services Tourist Information
Pharaoh Moans Winery
Napa Limousine LLC Napa Tourist Information Center
Cindy Maramba, (707) 251-8070
Susan Altamura, (707) 637-4399 Susan Altamura, (707) 252-1000
1040 Main St Ste 100, Napa
1436 Second St Ste 134, Napa 1310 Napa Town Center, Napa
info@pharaohmoanswine.com/
info@napalimousine.com info@napatouristinfo.com
www.pharaohmoanswine.com/
www.napalimousine.com www.napatouristinfo.com
TwoDog Wine
To learn more about membership benefits and see a complete listing Russell D. Erickson, (801) 725-1122
of Napa Chamber members, updated daily, visit napachamber.com or 1895 S 200 West, Bountiful
phone us at 707.226.7455 www.twodogwine.com
Connect with us...

Member Benefit Bulletin

[que-pon-om-iks], noun: a revolutionary GPS-based mobile

coupon application that may be
downloaded for free on all major
smartphone platforms and devices.
Save as favorite!

Info screen or
mini-billboard!
What does this mean for smart shoppers?
Call! A free application that brings coupons to you when you need them most.
It’s a handy tool to have while traveling or scouting for great deals.

What does this mean for smart business owners?

Show Map!
Directions! Your advertising reaches customers when they are in close proximity to you and
allows you to give them access to great deals in your store. The Napa Chamber
Offers! Website!

of Commerce has partnered with Qponomics to bring the many benefits of

mobile marketing technologies to our
members with a simple and affordable
solution. Learn more online...
www.napachamber.com/qponomics

June 2011 | COMMERCE | Page 5 | napachamber.com

• PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Mixer at
Alkar Human Resources
Our Third Thursday event in May was a Mixer held at the
Alkar Human Resources. There were great connections made,
wonderful food for sampling and a fun and relaxed environment to
unwind and network after hours.
PLAN AHEAD: Don’t miss this month’s Napa Chamber after-
hours Mixer on June 16th at Rabobank in Napa. Members and
prospective members welcome! ■
s Our wonderful hosts - Alkar!
Jason Lewis, Carina Hurtado,
Gytahnna Loffgren and Lucy Garcia.
Sally Craig of Staging & Design by
Sally and Roman Montanez from
Quinto Patio Taqueria.
Delicious food courtesy of Kinyon
Catering! Pictured here: Daughter and
Mother duo Amanda and Terri Garza.
s
June 2011
Inside the Chamber
Getting to know...
Linda Bausch
Linda Bausch brings
sixteen years of local hospitality
management, sales and marketing
to her position of Events and
Membership Retention Manager
at the Napa Chamber of
Commerce. The Chamber could not ask for a better
background for someone responsible for coordinating
the 80+ events mounted by the Chamber each year.
With deep connections in the community Linda
has been able to forge relationships and encourage
Chamber membership in the retention aspect of her
responsibilities.
Prior to joining the staff team at the Napa Chamber
a year ago Linda had been a member in good standing
for fourteen years. Her belief in the Chamber mission
s Alkar was packed full of our of promoting a strong local economy coupled with the
magnificent networking members!
value she places on membership, as attested by this long
involvement, makes her a strong Chamber advocate
when approaching current members evaluating their
enrollment.
Those in the know will also make the drive to
Budge Brown’s Cleavage Creek Winery in Pope Valley
where Linda has an on-going exhibit and is the artist-
in-residence. A fine art painter committed to painting
each day, Linda has exhibited her work in many local
installations, including recently at the Napa Library. She
s has been happily married for 34 years and is the proud
parent of two young adults.
s The lovely As a local, there is not much people do not know
ladies from about Linda, except maybe that when she was a child
Shear Design,
Maria Lynch & John Wayne rescued her from a red ant attack! Wayne
Cindy Smith. was a neighbor at her uncle’s ranch where the drama
ensued. True to form Wayne rode to the rescue and
impressed the young girl for ever after. When asked
The dessert
which three people with whom she would most like
s was a big hit! to have dinner, Linda paused, “My husband, son and
Cupcakes & devil- daughter every time!”
s cake pops, yum. The Napa Chamber of Commerce is very pleased
to have someone of Linda’s caliber join the team, even
more so to have her attention on continuing the legacy
of meaningful, impactful business networking events
Visit our FB page for which the Chamber has received multiple awards.
for more photo To contact Linda please email linda@napachamber.org
albums of fun!
or call 707.226.7455. ■
facebook.com/napachamber Look for more Napa Chamber Staff Spotlights in
upcoming editions of COMMERCE.
Join us for Napa
Valley’s BEST
15 ANNUAL
TH
BENEFIT GOLF
Benefit Golf
TOURNAMENT
Tournament and
After-Hours MIXER!
JULY 15, 2011
...see page 8...
SILVERADO
RESORT
SOUTH COURSE
| COMMERCE | Page 6 | napachamber.com

Chamber Member Spotlight:
VISTA BROADBAND NETWORKS, INC.
Napa Chamber of Commerce Presidents
Circle member, Vista Broadband Networks,
Inc., has been in the business of providing
wireless internet service in the North
Bay since 2000. CEO and proprietor,
Scott Mindmann, began his tech career
as a circuit designer fresh out of business
school in Dallas, Texas. He started his
first ISP business there in the early 1990’s.
Quickly realizing that business service was
the client he most wanted to serve, and
wireless was the way to go, he set up that
city’s first wireless, microwave technology
ISP connection. He was the first private
start-up to file for frequencies eventually
leading his businessoto grew to 17 cities.
He successfully sold that business to MCI
in1999. The upside of his
business model was that
the telephone companies
could not compete, or
woo his clients away. He
owned all the necessary
equipment, service was
not reliant upon a copper
or fiber line connection
and issue resolution was
rapid fire – both pleasing
and building his customer
base.
A year later and
in Santa Rosa for a Scott Mindmann
consulting job he fell in love with the
area and moved his family to California.
The home he moved to did not have
internet service available at the time so
he set up his own personal microwave
internet connection. Word spread and
soon he was in business again with Vista
Broadband. Scott says the versatility and
speed available through a microwave
internet connection far surpasses that of
DSL, cable or other ground services, as
it is not bound by the geography of live
telephone service. Their first client in the
Napa area was the Napa Airport and from
there local business boomed. Vista has been
able to provide direct connections to many
of Napa’s wineries and has transformed their
internet experience. The business boost of a
fast connection in today’s online world need
hardly be detailed, whether from a sales,
back office or marketing perspective, the
customer interface is increasingly an internet
experience.
Art Ochoa, the Director of IT at
Asenctia Wine Estates and an avid Vista
June 2011
We Focus On Business
customer says: “I have been with Vista
since 2002 and they have received more and
more of our business every year for their
incredible talent at getting things done on
time and on budget. I have countless of
examples of where I have given Scott and
his team unrealistic deadlines and budget
constraints for links and he has come through
EVERY time. I have had him put in a link in
Templeton, CA, with a two week deadline
VISTA had no presence at that location
but he came through in spades. The Bell
companies could not and would not facilitate
the bandwidth needed or the timelines placed
on them months prior. The examples are
a plenty and the network performance is
also top notch I have slowly reversed the
popular standard of copper first and
wireless second simply because I have
much more bang for my buck with
the wireless service being primary.
Scott’s staff is very knowledgeable,
professional, prompt, courteous and
above all respectful to their clients. If
there are questions or concerns they are
addressed in an orderly fashion and this has
always been the case for our account even
when we only subscribed to a handful of
services. I would vouch for VISTA and what
they stand for any day of the week! My hat’s
off to you guys!”
As in the Dallas predecessor, Vista owns
all their own components giving direct access
between provider and user with no third party
to call for help-line or service calls. Scott’s
commitment to service goes above and
beyond most people’s concept of the word.
In 2004 he was out in the field personally
| COMMERCE | Page 7 | napachamber.com
servicing a wireless tower when an auto
accident critically injured his back. Since then
he has been less able to be so hands-on, but
his team has taken his leadership style to heart.
With eight employees, four part-time and many
tech sub-contractors, Scott attributes Vista’s
success to his staff as in the aftermath of the
accident he has learned the art of delegation.
With regard to his decision to join the
Napa Chamber’s President’s Circle Scott says,
“We joined the Napa Chamber as soon as we
started seeing business in Napa Valley. I make
it a priority to join the Chambers in the areas
we service, but the Napa Chamber was a night
and day difference from our other experiences.
Over the course of time we have belonged to
up to 8 separate Chambers at a time and in
Napa they offered us a level of recognition we
hadn’t seen before. We became PC members
our first year. We attend all their events because
they are relevant and provide great networking
opportunities. The staff recognizes us, so we
are not continually re-introducing ourselves.
They represent us well to potential enquiries
and have a personal touch that is so missing in
other areas.” Vista Broadband is
a sponsor of the Napa Chamber’s
annual Golf Tournament, which
benefits the Chamber Foundation,
and is a frequent nonprofit
supporter. They provide a free
portal to the Santa Rosa chapter
of Amateur Radio Emergency
Services (ARES) which is a
federally regulated piece of the
National Emergency Services
system. They also support Little
League, County Wildlife Rescue
and many more organizations with
IP service, installations, or other
technical needs.
Vista Broadband services
include: Speeds from 1Mbps
to 10Gbps, Domain, Web, and
Email Hosting, Dynamic or Static IPs, SPAM
filtering, VPN & VoIP Ready, 24x7x365
technical support, Disaster Preparedness
Solutions, Co-location services, custom
transport builds, Multi-tenant Building Set-
Ups, VistaHD –Highly Diverse Redundancy
Solutions, Remote Video Surveillance, Event
Services, Remote Data Backup Services,
Service Level Agreements, and more.
For more information visit
www.vistabroadband.com, or email
contact@vistabroadband.com. ■
 We’ll meet you there!
Event Calendar
For more information call 707.226.7455
or visit our website at napachamber.com

June 15 June 28
Wake Up June 16 Labor Law
Your Business Workshop
Na pa Chamber of Commerce Wednesday MIXER Napa Chamber Boardroom
MISSION “Boomers, Xers, Millenials: After-Hours Mixer 1556 First Street, Napa
8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
As the membership organization for Getting the Most from Rabobank
business, we promote our community’s Generation in the Workforce” Reservations Required
economic vitality and quality of life 700 Trancas St., Napa
Napa Chamber Boardroom Register online @
through leadership development, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. napachamber.com
advocacy, facilitation and education.
$20 per person $10 Members RSVP by June 24
Bring a friend for free $30 Prospective Members $25 Members
Register by calling SBDC at
$55 Prospective Members
BENEFIT from being a 707.253.3210

member of the Napa

Chamber of Commerce July 15 October 28
August 5
• Creating a Strong Local Economy 15th Annual Benefit SAVE THE DATE!
No First Friday in July,
• Promoting the Community Golf Tournament See You in August!
• Providing Networking Opportunities
Silverado Resort First Friday Business E3

3
• Supporting a Sustainable Future
• Representing Business to Government Check in Opens 9:30 a.m. Development Lunch
Putting Contest 9:30-11 a.m. Compadres Rio Grille
• Engaging in Political Action Shotgun Start at 11:30 a.m.
505 Lincoln Ave, Napa economics
After Hours Mixer 5:30 p.m. education
11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
For membership information call expectations
Sherrell Harper - 707.257.4598 $30 Members
Cathy Lavaroni Hall - 707.738.6763 $60 Prospective Members Silverado Resort and Spa
15 ANNUAL
TH
8:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.
BENEFIT GOLF
TOURNAMENT Creating a Strong Local Economy

Napa Chamber of Commerce

STAFF
Lisa Batto, ACE, President/CEO
707.226.7455 • lisa@napachamber.com
Katherine Zimmer, VP Marketing & Communications
707.254.1147 • katherine@napachamber.com
Sherrell Harper, Membership
707.257.4598 • sherrell@napachamber.com
Cathy Lavaroni Hall, Membership
707.738.6763 • cathy@napachamber.com
Paula Wick, Customer Service Manager
707.226.7455 • paula@napachamber.com
Lynn Page, Executive Assistant
707.254.1145 • lynn@napachamber.com
Angelica Mancuso, Marketing Assistant
707.254.1144 • angie@napachamber.com
Christine Sullivan, Administrative Assistant
707.254.1143 • christine@napachamber.com
Linda Bausch, Events & Membership Retention Mgr.
707.254.1148 • linda@napachamber.com
Caryl Chakerian, Communications
707.738.6053 • caryljc@gmail.com
Commerce editorial is exclusively produced by
the Napa Chamber of Commerce,
1556 First Street, Napa, CA 94559. 707.226.7455
EDITOR: Katherine Zimmer
Please email submissions to
katherine@napachamber.com
napachamber.com
June 2011
Join us for Napa Valley’s BEST Benefit
JULY 15, 2011 Golf Tournament and After-Hours MIXER!
SILVERADO
RESORT
SOUTH COURSE FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2011
Individual Player Registration is Open!
register online at napachamber.com
Napa Chamber 2011 OFFICERS
Ryan Gregory, Chairman of the Board................. Riechers & Spence Associates, Inc.
Debra Dommen, Chair-Elect....................................................... Treasury Wine Estates
Cherie Knox, Vice-Chair Advocacy............................................ Redwood Credit Union
Kent Kuhlmann, Vice-Chair Resources......................... Kuhlmann Associates Financial
Richard Rybicki, Vice-Chair Membership ................................ Rybicki & Associates
Pamela Gleeson, Treasurer........................................................................... Santen Inc.
Randy Martinsen, Immediate Past-Chair........................ Accelerated Marketing Group
NAPA CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Edna Baehre-Kolovani, Napa Valley College; John Cardinale, State Farm Insurance;
Ken Frank, La Toque; Clay Gregory, The Napa Valley Destination Council; Paul
Hicks, Payroll Masters Inc; Cathy D’Angelo Holmes, Coldwell Banker Commercial;
Bill Lockhart, Edward Jones; Barry Martin, City of Napa; Kevin Massie, Napa Ford
Lincoln Mercury; Sherry McKillop, Follow Your Compass; Shawn Milburn, Napa
Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa; Beth Painter, Balanced Planning; Linda Parks, Lixit
Corp.; Dennis Pedisich, Napa Community Bank; Jaime Penaherrera, Queen of the
Valley Medical Center; Suzanne Shiff, Napa Valley Coalition of Nonprofit Agencies;
Don Shindle, Westin Verasa Napa; Brenda Speth, Napa Valley Register; Rex Stults,
Napa Valley Vintners; Dr. Patrick Sweeney, Napa Valley Unified School District; Kevin
Teague, Holme Teague Roche Anglin LLP; Jay Williamson, Williamson and Company.
HONORARY DIRECTOR: Julian Weidler, Retired.
| COMMERCE | Page 8 | napachamber.com