Business News
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UPPER LAKE – The second in a series of informal business-to-business gatherings to exchange ideas on dealing with the market downturn was a success, and the entire series is anticipated to be valuable for all participants.
At the second “Thursday Evenings with the Schmids,” held on March 19, economic historian and market analyst Hal Bryan, who will share his wisdom and advice throughout the series, cautioned business owners to avoid premature expansion at the first sign of a turnaround, as he saw the probability of several false market bottoms before real recovery could occur, based upon his study of previous bubbles.
He indicated there would be profit opportunities for those businesses which were innovative and flexible in what he sees as an increasingly inflationary environment.
Event hosts Peter, Maryann and Rita Schmid of The Lodge at Blue Lakes, and manager Sylvia DeSantis, wish to thank all who attended the second “Thursday Evening with the Schmids” on March 19, and for their enthusiastic validation of the concept of the business-to-business networking series.
Guest speaker Sandra West, owner of the Edgewater Resort and facilitator of Mount Konocti Facilitation, gave a very informative talk entitled, “Market your existing customers to create new customers.”
Debra Sommerfield, deputy administrative officer for the county of Lake's Economic Development Department, also attended.
Barbara and Larry Juchert of Mendo Lake Interiors and Journeys provided complimentary appetizers. Ronald and Martha Benway of Harbor House Espresso Bar furnished the coffee. Michelle Price of Tulip Hill Winery and Jason Schrider of Mendocino Brewing Co. poured liquid refreshments, with background music provided by guitarist Jason Argos.
The third event in the series will be held on Thursday, April 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., with Bryan proposing a model survival plan for small businesses which will be developed with the participation of Lake and Mendocino business owners and community leaders during this series of "Thursday Evenings with the Schmids."
The April 2 event will feature Bryan and guest speaker Marcia de Chadenèdes, outreach and partnership coordinator for the North Coast Geotourism Project, who will speak about a new project to produce a National Geographic Society branded map and a Geotourism Map Guide Web site for the North Coast area of California, which includes Lake and Mendocino counties.
On April 2, Steele Winery and Mendocino Brewing Co. will provide wine and beer; Jerry Thompson manager of Pro-Flame Gas will furnish the appetizers and entertainment will be provided by Steve Winkle.
The series will continue on the first and third Thursday evenings of the month in March, April and May to provide a forum for businesses to showcase their products and services, make local connections, and discuss ways of coping during this economic downtown.
Due to the success of the two gatherings and to preserve the intimate and relaxed fireside ambiance, the Schmids feel obliged to limit the number of guests, so it is essential to RSVP for the upcoming get-togethers.
To inquire about future speakers and to RSVP, please contact Sylvia DeSantis at 275-2181.
The Lodge at Blue Lakes is located at 5135 W. Highway 20, Upper Lake. Visit the lodge online at www.thelodgeatbluelakes.com.
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The seminar is designed to help anyone with an interest in organic production learn more about the benefits of sustainable agriculture and understand how to complete the paperwork required for organic certification.
The training will be held from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at CCOF-certified Ancient Lake Gardens, 8993 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.
The OSP 101 training take individuals through the process of developing an OSP, the first step towards organic certification.
Information, including tips on record keeping, monitoring inputs and descriptions of site practices and procedures will be presented.
Experienced trainers will also provide information on the economic and environmental benefits of organic agriculture as well as discuss how to overcome systematic and technical barriers to organic conversion.
All the materials needed to complete an OSP will be provided.
The training session is sponsored by Harmony Farm Supply. All trainings are free of charge and open to all.
For more information contact Lars Crail, telephone 279-4949 or email
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The subcommittee advises the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board on all matters related to the Fertilizer Research and Education Program.
The program funds and coordinates research and education to advance environmentally safe use and handling of fertilizing materials.
Applicants for the position should have a scientific and technical expertise in a broad representation of fields, including: fertilizing materials, agronomy, plant physiology, laboratory and field experimental research, organic and conventional agriculture practices, and environmental systems.
The term of office for a subcommittee member is three years. Members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.
Individuals interested in being considered for appointment should send a brief resume to Dr. Asif Maan by March 30 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture; Feed, Fertilizer, Livestock Drugs and Egg Regulatory Services; 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or
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Also in attendance were many members of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce. The gathering afforded local business professionals a chance to share ideas, swap contact information and even win several prizes.
In addition to being a community gathering, the mixer also was the conclusion of the Lakeport Chamber’s Hawaii 5000 drawing with the winning entry having been awarded to Ann and Errol Dely. They were among a limited number of people who purchased the raffle tickets. The fabulous prize includes airfare for two and a week in Mi Casa Villa in Hawaii in six bedrooms and beautiful views of the ocean right on the island of Kona.
A traditional Irish meal of corned beef, cabbage and potatoes was served. New Featherbed Railroad cook Joe Frakes put a spin on the corned beef and cabbage by rolling the corned beef with cabbage steamed in the meat juices, creating a wonderful taste treat. The mashed potatoes were served in martini glasses and a choice of several toppings was offered. All food was donated by the Featherbed Railroad. Frakes brings a lifetime of restaurant experience to the Featherbed Railroad, having worked at his mom’s restaurant in Colorado since childhood.
“I spoke with people that I’ve known the entire time I’ve lived in Lake County who had never been to the Featherbed Railroad before,” said Jan Parkinson, chamber president. “We had a great time.”
Another winner was BiCoastal Media’s Stephanie Ashworth, who found a hidden pot of gold at the Featherbed Railroad and won a night’s stay for two. The pot of gold was hung on a pot hook in the 100-year-old rock fireplace in the Featherbed Railroad’s main dining room.
Wines for the event were provided by Shannon Ridge Winery. With their Irish name, they were the perfect choice for the event with Joey Luiz working as the sommelier for the evening.
Many guests commented on how well the Featherbed Railroad was decorated, and the credit for this goes to C&G Enterprises in Upper Lake. C&G Enterprises is a full-service special event store with everything from party supplies to an expert event planner, Lyle Coburn. This one-stop shop has been a terrific resource for Featherbed Railroad’s special events and for special touches for guests who are celebrating special events such as birthdays, anniversaries or just getting away.
Lori Peters, executive director for the Clear Lake Chamber, also stepped in to help pour as well. Guests also were treated to EnhanceH2O, a new company in Kelseyville that has created an enhanced water product.
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