APRIL 2010 • VOL. 21 NO.

4
COMMERCE WE FOCUS ON BUSINESS.

INSIDE Two-Way Streets... Yes!

City Guide Now Online
A Clean Air Invitation
Welcome New Members!
Spotlight: Alkar Human Resources
and more...
2010
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE • CREATING A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY
PREMIER SPONSORS Napa Chamber Supports
21st Century Skills for Students
The Valley’s Daily News Source The Napa Chamber of Commerce has a
history of working with education to grow a
confident, engaged, college and career ready
DIAMOND LEVEL SPONSORS workforce. We are proud to do so again by
supporting the SC21 Napa Initiative
(http://www.sc21napa.org/).
The Napa Chamber supports the
SC21 vision founded in and funded by the
community in order to give all students the
critical 21st century skills needed for success
in today’s interconnected and fast-changing
world. The SC21 initiative provides students
with classrooms where 21st Century skills
- critical thinking, collaboration, creative
problem-solving, and effective communication
- are developed even as students meet State collaboration in addressing problems and
curriculum standards. Students become developing programs. Students motivate each
responsible for their own learning and other to reach solutions. SC21 adapts and
mastery, and grow in confidence, maturity and develops district-wide state of the art teacher
ability as they do so. and student practices that have been developed
SC21 classes are given using an over the past fourteen years here in Napa
instructional strategy of project-based learning and since recognized and replicated in small
facilitated by real-world use of technology schools across the nation. (For information
(PeBL™). The model entails students about tours of SC21 facilities please call
working in groups on issues that require 707-259-1726.)
integration of information and skills across The mission of the NVUSD Board
several disciplines and from multiple sources, of Education is to “transform lives by
including the Internet. Teachers model See SC21 next page...
Accelerated Marketing Group
Net-Flow Corporation • SUPPORTING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Redwood Credit Union PG&E’s New Energy Efficiency Options
Silverado Resort
Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Help Businesses Reduce Costs
Markstein Beverage Company Have you ever considered upgrading better quality lighting, so business customers
your business facilities to the latest in achieve savings without compromise.
Exertec Health & Fitness energy-saving technologies but hesitated For example, recent advances in
Charter Oak Bank to do so because of the high upfront costs? lighting technology could reduce lighting
Hawthorn Inn and Suites Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) costs from 10 to 35 percent annually, even
Queen of the Valley Medical Center offers the New Efficiency Options (NEO) if customers already have T8 lamps and
Golden State Warriors program to promote innovative lighting electronic ballasts in their facilities.
Mark Coleman, State Farm technology that can reduce energy demand NEO provides design assistance
Travis Credit Union and cut energy costs significantly enough and cash incentives for the following
to generate a short payback period. These technologies: high-lumen, extended-life
Umpqua Bank improved technologies offer the same or
Kathryn Fitzgerald, CFP® See ENERGY next page...

NAPA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • CONNECTING COMMERCE TO COMMUNITY

1556 First Street | Napa CA 94559 | 707.226.7455 | napachamber.com
SC21
continued from previous page...
instilling 21st century skills and inspiring
lifelong learning in every student”. NVUSD
Superintendent and Chamber board member
John Glaser is working with teachers,
community leaders, parents and all who
support this vision to fulfill this mission of
promoting twenty-first century skills at all
levels throughout the district - particularly
in the three comprehensive high schools for
which current fund-raising efforts, including
those of the R. E. Schuler Foundation and
Auction Napa Valley, are concentrated.
When complete, SC21 will significantly
impact over 5,000 high school students each
year, in addition to many younger ones in the
lower grades whose teachers are already being
trained in similar approaches.
The magnificent new American Canyon
High School has been designed as a 21st
century high school. Napa and Vintage
High Schools are undergoing renovations,
while lead teachers have been trained in
SC21 teaching techniques, and as one-to-
one computing has been added to the SC21
classrooms.
SC21 teachers report significantly
increased engagement, improved performance,
and richer understanding of both the materials
and the problem-solving process. And haven’t
we all seen the increased self-confidence that
allows a sophomore to articulate how such an
experience enhances her education to a room
ENERGY
continued from previous page...
T8 lamps and extra-efficient electronic
ballasts; suspended direct/indirect fixtures;
electronically ballasted metal halides;
ceramic metal halide fixtures and innovative
light-emitting diode (LED) lighting.
NEO incentives often offset the higher
upfront costs of these technologies. Cash
incentives equal $0.07 per kilowatt-hour
(kWh) plus $140 per peak kilowatt (kW)
saved, which can cover nearly 30 percent
of the installation costs and help reduce the
payback period of a new lighting system.
In addition, PG&E provides NEO
participants free expert consultation with
professionals who are versed in state-of-
the-art technologies. They will provide
participants with written specifications
’s
ber
m
Ch a
a pa inning
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E
April 2010
full of Rotarians, Kiwanians, city council support they need to ensure that all graduates
members and others? possess the skills necessary to compete
Our Congressmen are impressed and effectively in college and in the workplace.
supportive. Foundations are interested. But It is our responsibility to fulfill the vision for
local action speaks louder than words. our children and for our community. As our
The Chamber was a key partner in nation increasingly recognizes the connection
creating the first New Technology High between America’s economic success and the
School in 1995-7. That original model has transformation of public education, your Napa
since been replicated in 41 schools nationally. Chamber is ready to step boldly forward and
Twenty-five more will open in the next two help. We encourage all members to do the
years in Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Texas, same. How does Business benefit from SC21?
Louisiana and elsewhere. Other states Read more about SC21 in Lisa Batto’s CEO
“
hope to be recognized as the cradle of 21st Focus on Page 3. ■
century education. But Napa has the clearest
opportunity to take inspirational learning to
the next level.
National policy for funding education Bringing attention
with Race to the Top and Innovation grants, to local and national
defined by the Obama Administration,
focuses on just such examples of educational issues that affect my
transformation as the Napa community business and giving
created fifteen years ago – then a blueprint
for what a 21st century school should look me an opportunity
like. Partnering with teachers, administrators, to participate in the
students and community members, we
are now positioned to create the blueprint decision-making
for what a 21st century school district process is what makes
should look like. That leadership is ours to
being a member of
”
claim. And with it comes the opportunity
for significant outside funding. Again, the the Napa Chamber of
demonstration of local commitment and
investment will be key.
Commerce important!
Change of this magnitude is not easy. ~ Jim Gunther
Innkeeper/Proprietor,
With affirmation from the wider community, The Inn on First
teachers and students will have the tools and
customized for their facilities. The
experts will also walk them through the
entire process so they understand the
program and capture available savings.
Eligible NEO participants
include PG&E non-residential electric
distribution customers who pay the
public purpose surcharge found on most
commercial electric accounts, and have
20,000 square feet or more of business
space. Projects must also be innovative
in their design.
For more details on qualifying
lighting technologies, please visit
http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/
energysavingsrebates/rebatesincentives/
neo/. For questions about eligibility or
qualifying measures, please contact
NEO at 1-866-348-2399 or
NEO-Lighting@pge.com. ■
Napa Business Focus
member
news
Your Chamber’s Award Winning E-Newsletter
Read hot topic articles that will benefit your business
online at napachamber.com/businessfocus.
| 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
TBID and TWO-WAY
STREETS
I would like to discuss two important
issues this month. First of all, I want to
congratulate The Napa Valley Destination
Council (NVDC) for getting Napa County
to agree on the formation of the Tourist
Business Investment District (TBID). Kudos
to Clay Gregory, CEO of NVDC, for all his
hard work to bring about this much needed
marketing money to Napa County. The hard
work is not over yet, while the Cities of
Napa, American Canyon and St. Helena have
agreed to be part of the TBID, Calistoga and
Yountville still have to agree. Those meetings
will happen on April 6th in each respective
City. We ask if you have a business or live in
those cities and agree that Napa Valley would
benefit from these dollars to publicize Napa
as the destination it is to the world and bring
more business to the County that you will
CEO’s Focus
By Lisa Batto ACE,
President/CEO
CEO
Commentary job. This is exactly the reason why I “make”
What employers are
missing from the youth
in the workforce today.
A few Saturday’s ago, I was at the
Gym watching my son finish up his league
play in the City of Napa Parks league. I was
sitting next to an old high school friend who program.
happened to be a teacher. We got to talking
about the SC21 project that the school
district is working on implementing. I was
very enthusiastic while she was skeptical of
the program thinking it is just another “fad” • The kids work across socio-economic
program and will dropped after a couple of
years, so why get behind it.
While she felt the program worked for
New Tech High, the other schools have very
different populations. I asked her if she had
ever been on a tour of New Tech High and she
had not. I gave her a quick overview about the
way project-based learning worked, primarily • As compared to traditional classrooms where tour at New Tech High, Vintage and Napa High
how the process teaches them to be better
prepared for college and the workforce.
April 2010
have shown a cost of about $5 million to
make the necessary changes to keep traffic
flowing on California Blvd., and convert the
lobby your City Councils to vote yes on the interchange so traffic can enter Downtown
TBID. on First Street. We believe this is a low-
Secondly, in my last newsletter I touched cost when compared to the more than $500
on the conversion of Napa’s one-way streets million invested in Downtown Napa by the
raised in ITT Committee in February. As City and independent developers over the last
ten years while much of Downtown space
you may recall, this is an issue that has been
remains vacant of businesses that will attract
voiced to the City of Napa multiple times by
dollars to the City of
the Napa Chamber on
behalf of our members Napa.
over the past 24 years. “…they [prospective We believe the time
In a recent meeting businesses] will to act is now - while
with past Presidents/ not lease property its “Downtown Napa is going through
Chairmans of the Napa Specific
Chamber of Commerce until the streets are Plan”, and get this
we discussed this issue converted back to project moved to a high
and they unanimously two-way.” priority on that list. I
signed a petition in encourage our Chamber
support of the Chamber members to write to our
pressing this issue forward again. Landowners Mayor and City Council to reinforce the
in Downtown Napa have been repeatedly told urgency of this project. We would like to
by prospective businesses they will not lease see a plan of action as soon as possible from
property until the streets are converted back to the City with comment and discussion from
two-way. In a time when Napa is struggling businesses and community members in 2010
through a slow economy, we think it is and a goal of completion in late 2011.
imperative the City take action immediately The Chamber CEO and I have sent a
and make this happen as soon as possible. letter along with the petition signed by past
Visitors often don’t see the “real” downtown Presidents/Chairmans to the Mayor and City
until they exit the City. Council to ask for immediate action. With
We understand the complexity of the your help I believe we can get the plan in
interchange from Hwy 29 and First Street motion this year. ■
exit. Rough estimates by competent engineers
allows each student to be responsible for
their work and to be accountable to each
other. What happens when a student doesn’t
The benefits of project-based learning can pull their weight? The team can “fire” the
be compared to our kids’ basketball programs. student for poor performance. How often
All the kids participate, they learn to listen to a does that happen? Almost never!
leader, they hold their teammates accountable • The program opens up their minds and
and they share in the success of doing a good gives them permission for the first time to be
creative in a safe environment of their peers.
(yes, I do make) my son play basketball – even When I was at Napa High for a tour of the
though he whines, he does really like to play and new classrooms, I went around and talked to a
he is building life-long skills. few kids. One of them was my
She found this analogy “Here are a few cousin’s son. He told me that
interesting and began asking
more questions about the reasons why I like the teachers don’t give much
direction, and he liked the other
the SC21 program classes where the work was
Here are a few reasons as a parent and as set up step by step. So I said,
why I like the SC21 program “So you are saying that the
as a parent and as an
an employer...”
teachers in this class are asking
employer: you to create stuff together to
get your project done, pretty much any way
boundaries. This gives them a boost up when you want?” Yes, was the answer and I like the
they leave their high schools and move on to other way better! To me that was a huge flag
college or the workforce. Being comfortable that the project-based learner or the SC21 kid
communicating and working on a team are is no-doubt going to be better prepared to enter
important skills that employers look for the workforce or college and be prepared to
whether the kids are looking for their first job excel in both.
or beginning their career. I encourage you to experience your own
the students are constantly being reminded Schools. Please go to http://www.sc21napa.org/
to get their work in. Project-based learning SC21Napa/ for more information. ■
| COMMERCE | Page 3 | napachamber.com
• PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Napa Valley Business EXPO and MIXER

at The Meritage Resort and Spa
The Napa Chamber of Commerce Napa Valley Business EXPO held on
March 26th drew more than 500 people who visited the 66 vendor booths from
local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Best Booth marketing awards were
presented to Pine Ridge Winery, Alkar Human Resources, and Napa Valley
Kitchen Gallery.
“This EXPO is the best
one that I do. People
remember us and then
they call us when they
have an event. We get lots
of local Napa business.”
~ Pauline Seago,
Ace Casino Game Rentals

“The EXPO is a great opportunity to get myself out into the community and let
people know about my business. I used to participate in this event several years
ago, but now I wanted to get reconnected and knew this was the best way.”
~ John Cardinale, State Farm Insurance

s 1st Place BEST BOOTH winner:
Pine Ridge Winery
L-R: Jeff Butler, Randy Martinsen (NCC
Chairman), Debra Blanchard, Karen Rivers,
Dorian Greenow
“I’ve gotten more involved in the Chamber recently and have had so much fun
at the Mixers and Connect 4 Lunch that I wanted to participate in the Business
EXPO also. These events introduce me to a lot of people that I would not have
met otherwise.” ~ Robert Nations, Senior Helpers
“We have participated in this event ever since it has been here at the Meritage.
It is nice to get out and meet the public. We get lots of new clients from this
event.” ~ Richard A. Beller, M.D., Eye Care Center of Napa Valley

“We come to the Business EXPO for Employer

Networking and to get the word out to the general
public. Today we are promoting our Emergency
s

Ride Home Program, Carpool/Vanpool Assistance,

and Local and Regional Public Transit.” 2nd Place BEST BOOTH winner:
~ Sorel Klein, Solano/Napa Commuter Info Alkar Human Resources
L-R: Gytahnna Loffgren, Jennifer
Vidkjer, Liz Davis, Randy
Martinsen (NCC Chairman),
Minnette Nugent

“We wanted to get more

people to know about us
and be able to sample our
food. We’re serving chicken
masala with polenta and
are offering coupons for
free appetizers here at the
EXPO.”
~ Adriano, Chef/Owner,
Ristorante La Strada

s 3rd Place BEST BOOTH winner:

Napa Valley Kitchen Gallery
L-R: Lynn Campagna, Randy Martinsen (NCC
Chairman), Denise Brown
s

L-R: Jeff Schechtman from KVON and Chamber

CEO Lisa Batto broadcast live from the EXPO!

April 2010 | COMMERCE | Page 4 | napachamber.com

 Welcome New Members!
Attorneys
Law Office of Douglas Pharr
Douglas Pharr, (707) 258-2654
1700 Second St Ste 333, Napa
Website: www.napavalleylawoffice.com
Meibeyer Law Group
Charles Meibeyer, (707) 963-7703
1236 Spring Street, St. Helena
Email: meibeyerlaw@aol.com
Website: www.meibeyerlaw.com
Attractions, Tours & Sightseeing
Napa Walking Tour
George Webber, (707) 694-5097
Email: george@napawalkingtour.com
Website: www.napawalkingtour.com
Banquets
The Adobe House
Alma Fuentes, (707) 255-4310
376 Soscol Avenue, Napa
Email: adobehouserestaurant@yahoo.com
Business Consultants
Paul Arenson, Personal Achievement Coach
(707) 944-8176
PO Box 53, Yountville
Email: paulsuccess@aol.com
Website: www.paul-success.com
Embroidery
Seams When Pigs Fly Embroidery
Laura Priolo, (707) 552-5959
3431 Broadway Ste A-3,
American Canyon
Email: pigssew@aol.com
Website: www.seamswhenpigsfly.com
Connect with us...
NapaChamber
Member Benefit Bulletin
COMING SOON...
AUDIO & VIDEO IN YOUR CHAMBER
DIRECTORY LISTING!
The Napa Chamber understands the trending-tech
avenues for marketing your business and we want
to make sure you have access to these marketing
advantages by connecting your Business Directory
Listing to your video and audio messaging.
Stay tuned for more info on how to make this
technology work for you!
To learn more benefits of membership, visit napachamber.com or phone us at 707.226.7455
April 2010
Emergency Medicine Senior Services
Napa Valley Emergency Medical Visiting Angels Sonoma/
Group Napa
Tony Mottalei, (707) 257-4014 Albert DeSilver, (707) 528-0222
1000 Trancas St - Dept. of Emergency 2245 Montgomery Dr Ste B-1, Santa
Medicine, Napa Rosa
Email: mottalei@comcast.net Email: adesilver@visitingangels.com
Website: www.visitingangels.com/
Entertainment & Performance santarosa
The Rhythm Cats
Jim Adamson, (707) 225-7704 Storage
Napa Napa Midtown Storage
Email: rhythmcats@aol.com Louise Heck, (707) 257-8877
895 Jackson St, Napa
Uptown Theatre Email: louise_h@sbcglobal.net
Sheila Groves Tracy, (707) 259-0123 Website: www.storagenapa.com
1350 Third St, Napa
Email: info@uptowntheatrenapa.com Travel Consultants
Website: www.uptowntheatrenapa.com My Pampered Traveler
Jessica Pfeufer, (707) 738-2080
Film & Video Production American Canyon
Herbey Productions Email: jessica@mypamperedtraveler.com
Seth Herbey, (707) 226-1101 Website: www.mypamperedtraveler.com
PO Box 3782, Yountville
Email: sherbey@herbeyproductions.com
Website: www.herbeyproductions.com Renew your resources...
by using the Napa
Interior Designs Chamber’s
Decoration Arts
Eric Brever, (707) 514-7278 Green Business
100 Silver Eagle Way, Vacaville
Email: decorationarts@gmail.com Directory
Website: www.decorationarts.com online at napachamber.com
Motorcycles Sales / Repair
Harley-Davidson/Buell of Vallejo
Joy Read, (707) 643-1413
1600 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo
Website: www.harleyvallejo.com
Restaurants
Ristorante La Strada Your Napa Chamber
Martin Gonzalez, (707) 226-3027 Supporting A Sustainable Future
6240 Napa Vallejo, Hwy 29,
American Canyon For a complete listing of Napa
Email: lastradarestaurant.@sbcglobal.net Chamber members, updated daily, go to
Website: www.lastradanapa.com napachamber.com
Napa Chamber of Commerce
| COMMERCE | Page 5 | napachamber.com
 • SUPPORTING A
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
How the program works for your business: participating businesses to receive the
1. Your Business develops a special discounts and promotions.
a new offering for Napa Valley visitors who register If you are interested in participating in the
Free at http://napavalleycarfree.info/business_ launch of the Napa Valley Car Free program,
on on registration.php and pledge to travel car free please follow this link to complete the on-line
ns to or car lite during their stay in Napa Valley. form and submit your Car Free promotions.
offerings 2. Fill out the application form on-line We will send you a confirmation once your
tself as and submit your promotions for Napa Valley information is added to the webpage. For
Car Free participants. Your business will be more information on this program please
March, 2010 featured on www.napavalleycarfree.info with contact Stephanie Anderson at sanderson@
a direct link to your website highlighting communityfocus.org.
Dear Napa County business owner, your promotion for car free travelers. There Napa Valley Car Free was developed
Dear Napa County business owner,
r car lite The Napa Valley Clean Air Coalition is no cost or fee for becoming a participating by the Napa Valley Clean Air Coalition, part
The Napa Valley Clean Air Coalition would like to invite you and your business to participate in a new
business
programwould thatlike to invitegreen,
promotes you andsustainable
your business to throughout Napa Valley. Napa Valley Car Free of the Bay Area Air Quality Management
tourism
ree 3. We request that you place a District’s community outreach efforts. For
participate in a new program that promotes
ct provides
link to tools for travelers to plan car free and car litereciprocal visits to the Valley. It includes information on
link to www.napavalleycarfree.info more information on the Napa Valley Clean
green,
ee transportation sustainable tourism throughout Napa
services, links to local and regional public transportation systems and connections to
for on your website. Air Coalition, visit http://www.sparetheair.
Valley.
airports Napa Valley
and other Car Free provides
travel destinations. tools
The highlight of the Napa Valley Car Free site is special offerings
How the program works for visitors:
for car
bsite. forfree
travelers
and car to plan car free and
lite visitors. car lite
By participating in this program your business can distinguish itself asorg/Get-Involved/Your-Community/Resource-
1. Visitors go to www. Teams/Napa.aspx.
visits to the Valley. It includes information
car free-friendly, and further highlight your support for sustainable tourism.
napavalleycarfree.info and register to receive Sincerely,
on transportation services, links to local
package details and a confirmation code. The Napa Valley Clean Air Coalition ■
How and regional
the
a confirmation program
code. public transportation systems
works for your business:
1. Your Business develops a special offering for 2. Valley
Napa They then book
visitors whotheir stay atatone of
register
ey Car Freeand connections
Participant to andairports and other
plan their trip bytravel
the hotels featured on the website as a Napa
destinations. The highlight of the Napa Valley
http://napavalleycarfree.info/business_registration.php and pledge to travel car free or car lite
Valley Car Free Participant and plan their trip
n voucher Car atFree
anysite
during is
their
of thespecial
stay inofferings for car free
Napa Valley.
participating
by looking through the featured activities,
and car
2. Fill lite
out visitors. By participating
the application form on-linein this
and submit your promotions for Napa Valley Car Free
hotels, restaurants and trips on the website.
program your business can distinguish itself
participants. Your business will be featured on www.napavalleycarfree.info with a direct link to
follow as your
thiscar
link website
to complete highlighting
the your
on-line promotion
form for car 3. travelers.
free Once visitors arrive,
There is they
no must
cost or fee for
free-friendly, and further highlight your
s added to becoming
the for
webpage. a participating
more business
Fortourism. present their printed Napa Valley Car
support sustainable
us.org.3. We request that you place a reciprocal link to Free confirmation voucher at any
www.napavalleycarfree.info onofyour
the website.

rea AirHow
Quality
theManagement
program worksDistrictʼs
for visitors:
1) Visitors go to www.napavalleycarfree.info and register to receive package details and a confirmation code.
http://www.sparetheair.org/Get-
2) They then book their stay at one of the hotels featured on the website as a Napa Valley Car Now available
Free Participant and planonline
their trip byat

Who are the Heroes in

looking through the featured activities, hotels, restaurants and trips on the website. villageprofile.com/california/napa
3) Once visitors arrive, they must present their printed Napa Valley Car Free confirmation voucher at any of the participating

Our Community? community leaders, individuals and

businesses to receive the discounts and promotions.This event recognizes local

businesses
If you are interested in participating in the launch of the Napa Valleyfor their
Car outstanding
Free program, please follow this link to complete the on-line form
and submit your Car Free promotions. We will send you a leadership, contributions
confirmation once your and/or
information is added to the webpage. For more EvenCt and Semina
achievements toward the betterment
information on this program please contact Stephanie Anderson at sanderson@communityfocus.org.
alenda
r
r

of the communities of Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Car Free was developed by the Napa Valley Clean Air Coalition, part of the Bay Area Air Quality Management Districtʼs
community outreach efforts. For more information on the Napa Valley Clean Air Coalition, visit http://www.sparetheair.org/Get-
Involved/Your-Community/Resource-Teams/Napa.aspx.
Join us to celebrate honors given in the
following categories:
Sincerely,
The Napa Valley Clean Air Coalition
Tuesday, May 18 Your Na
calenda pa Chamber

Outstanding Community Booster Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa

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that wil ndy to sched the Napa Va siness
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Outstanding Healthcare Professional Also ava other

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Outstanding Napa Valley College Student $55 Per Person

times,
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Outstanding Hospitality/Tourism Award For more information

Faceboo
napa k and Tw
itter, too
ch
7 0 7 . 2 a m b e r. c o m
!

Outstanding NonProfit Employee contact the Napa Chamber 26.74

55
Outstanding NonProfit Organization at 707.226.7455 or
register online at Are you using your
napachamberfoundation.org 2010 City Guide,
Business
This event is presented in partnership with

Media Partners Directory &

The Valley’s Daily News Source
Event Calendar?
If you need more, stop by
the Chamber!

April 2010 | COMMERCE | Page 6 | napachamber.com

• CREATING A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY
Get your message
in front of hundreds
of Napa Valley
business and
community people...
Your Napa Chamber’s COMMERCE
newsletter is a vital 8-page electronic
newsletter currently reaching a subscriber base
of over 1,850 Napa Chamber of Commerce
member emails each month and has a
successful average open rate of 34%. This
timely publication keeps our members up-to-date with legislative
issues, member benefits, networking and event opportunities, and other
business concerns in the Napa County area and State of California.

Other Chamber advertising opportunities are: Now with two locations to serve you better.
• audio and video links on the business directory pages 630 Airpark Road • Suite D & 1556 First Street • Suite 102
• Business Focus e-newsletter
• hot sheets, Call Katherine Zimmer at 707 257-6555
• e-sheets 707.254.1147
• radio interviews for space reservations
• M2M savings program and specials...
• event sponsorships or email:
katherine@napachamber.com

We Focus On Business
Chamber Member Spotlight:
Alkar Human Resources Celebrates 25 Years
The Napa office of Alkar Human
Resources opened in May of 1985; the
business has been thriving in the North
Bay for 25 years. In 1985, Al Haberger
was getting ready to retire and had the
idea of opening a Personnel business. He
recruited his daughter Elizabeth “Liz”
Davis, along with a consultant named
Margaret Semrad to open Alkar Personnel
Services. With financial support from
her father Al, and Margaret’s expertise,
Liz had the tools and passion to fulfill
her father’s dream. Alkar was opened
not only as a personnel service providing
full-time and temporary staffing, but also
as a business-to-business service provider
with an extra personal touch. Their goal
has always been to work closely with
local businesses fulfilling their staffing
needs and providing them with the
personnel that will help them to improve
productivity, quality and bottom line
results.
As the wine industry in the North
Bay began to grow, Alkar recognized the
need for experienced winery personnel.
April 2010
In 1992 under Liz’s direction, Alkar
created its winery division and was one
of only two North Bay staffing company
to provide skilled and sorely needed
production labor to local wineries. Alkar
now supplies wineries throughout the
North Bay with qualified bottling, cellar,
hospitality, administrative, finance and
management staff. 1992 also saw an
updating to the current logo and a name
change to Alkar Human Resources.
In 1996 Alkar opened its second
office in Suisun, CA, to be more readily
available to their growing Solano client
base. Between the two office Alkar serves
over 30 different industries. The primary
industries represented are wineries,
hospitality, manufacturing and health care.
Alkar uses a detailed, fully
automated, in-depth testing process.
Alkar’s computerized skills evaluation
system, Kenexa Prove It!, is used in
a variety of ways to assess individual
applicants in clerical, software, industrial,
healthcare, financial and technical job
classifications. There are more than 1,000
| COMMERCE | Page 7 | napachamber.com
different types of tests available and this
system enables Alkar to send pre-screened,
tested, tried and trained employees out on
assignment. Alkar has one of the largest
databases of proven performers in the
North Bay, so can be relied upon to supply
the right skills for their client’s flexible
staffing needs.
As Liz looks back on the past 25
years and celebrates her business she says,
“The last 25 years has been an incredible
journey. It’s been exciting to be part of
such a vital community and be able to
give back to those businesses, individuals
and organizations who have helped Alkar
become the premiere staffing service in the
Napa Valley.”
Alkar Controller Jason Lewis sees the
economic climate gradually improving
in 2010, “I expect 2010 to be better than
See SPOTLIGHT next page...
SPOTLIGHT
continued from previous page... A great advertising
save the date!
for the best benefit golf
2009, however it will probably be a gradual opportunity for your business! tournament in the Valley!
recovery. During these tight economic times Friday, July 16, 2010
we will continue to strategize our efforts Ads are now available
and modify our business plan to be ready in the Napa Chamber’s
to help our clients respond to their business
needs in a recovering market.” Liz Davis COMMERCE newsletter!
M AT !
continues; “at Alkar, we believe the truest

NEW FOR
measure of our success will be the degree to
which our clients view us, not as a vendor,
but as a business partner in a strategic
alliance, developing creative solutions to
meet their unique needs.” Contact Katherine Zimmer for
For more information on Alkar’s more information at
services go to www.1alkar.com or call
707.224.5468. ■
707.254.1147 or
Katherine@napachamber.com

Upcoming Events... maximize your networking!

April 15, 2010 March 17, 2010 April 29, 2010
All-County
MIXPO Wake Up Your
Napa Valley Marriott Business MIXER
Hotel & Spa Wednesday Winecare Logistics
Napa Chamber Boardroom
3425 Solano Ave, Napa 644 Hanna Drive
For more information call 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
American Canyon
707.226.7455 or visit our 5:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
website and register 7:00 p.m. “Social Media
for events online at Marketing” Bring plenty of
napachamber.com business cards!

Napa Chamber 2010 OFFICERS

MISSION 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 Cathy Poliak, Vice-Chair Membership.......................................CBPoliak HR Solutions
through leadership development, Kent Kuhlmann, Vice-Chair Resources............................ Retirement Capital Strategies
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, La Toque;
Chamber of Commerce John Glaser, Napa Valley Unified School District; Pamela Gleeson, Santen Inc.; Spencer
Graham, Elizabeth Spencer Wines; Clay Gregory, The Napa Valley Destination Council;
• Creating a Strong Local Economy Cathy D’Angelo Holmes, Coldwell Banker Commercial; Stanton Lawson, Sequoia Senior
• Promoting the Community Solutions; Bill Lockhart, Edward Jones; Kara Long, Tugboat, Inc.; Barry Martin, City of
• Providing Networking Opportunities Napa; Kevin Massie, Napa Ford Lincoln Mercury; Sherry McKillop, Follow Your Compass;
• Supporting a Sustainable Future Shawn Milburn, Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa; Dennis Pedisich, Napa Community Bank;
Jaime Penaherrera, Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation; Richard Rybicki, Rybicki
• Representing Business to Government & Associates; Don Shindle, Westin Verasa Napa; Brenda Speth, Napa Valley Register;
• Engaging in Political Action Jay Williamson, Williamson and Company.
HONORARY DIRECTOR: Julian Weidler, Retired.
For membership information call
Sherrell Harper at 707.257.4598 NAPA CHAMBER STAFF
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
Sherrell Harper, Membership, 707.257.4598, sherrell@napachamber.com
Commerce editorial is exclusively produced by
the Napa Chamber of Commerce,
Rebecca Johnson, Membership, 707.254.1142, rebecca@napachamber.com
1556 First Street, Napa, CA 94559. 707.226.7455 Jayson Johnson, Creative Manager, 707.254.1144, jayson@napachamber.com
EDITOR: Katherine Zimmer Paula Wick, Customer Service, 707.226.7455, paula@napachamber.com
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

April 2010 | COMMERCE | Page 8 | napachamber.com