February 2010 Social hosted by Advance Tech Collision |
| February´s After Hours Business Social was hosted by the nice people at Advance Tech Collision at their office and facility located at 5277 Old Redwood Highway. Close to 100 chamber members and guests enjoyed the gathering made possible by Advance Tech Collision Office Manager Sandra Jones, Company Owner Kari Solem and Shop Manager Ed Yoast. Plenty of wine, soda, and snacks, including delicious designer cupcakes, were provided by the Advance Tech Collision staff. | Anthony Geraldi, SC Airport Express, Kari Solem, Sandra Jones, Ed Yoast, Advance Tech Collision |
| Chamber Ambassador Evan Jacobs from Cal-American Water served as Master of Ceremonies along with Head Ambassador Tony Geraldi from Sonoma County Airport Express. Evan introduced Sandra from Advance Tech Collision. Sandra welcomed everyone and introduced Kari and Ed. Company owner Kari Solem told everyone that Advance Tech Collision has three locations in Sonoma County and has been in business for over 20 years helping put people back in their vehicles. They are a locally owned family business that literally holds your hand throughout the repair process from start to finish. With some of the most knowledgeable, talented and dedicated employees on Kari´s staff they have well over 50 certificates of excellence for their craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Kari explained that competitors claim they offer free loaner cars, but the cost associated with the loaner is actually built into the cost of getting your vehicle fixed. Kari said that is not the situation with Advance Tech Collision, as their loaner cars truly are free to their customers and do not affect the cost of getting the vehicle back on the road. As Advance Tech Collision recently rejoined the chamber, Shop Manager Ed Youst along with Kari and Sandra were presented with a new membership plaque. | |
Russell Munford, Primerica Financial Services, Evahn Chester, associate | A new member plaque was also presented to Russell Munford from Primerica Financial Services. Russell explained that Primerica Financial Services helps families and businesses save money, get out of debt, be properly protected and financially independent. They can also assist with planning for college, retirement and long term care and help families in diversification of their income. |
| Also receiving a new membership plaque was Jim Cooper from Advanced PC Systems. Jim said that Advanced PC Systems can take care of any computer issue you might have including the need for installing and maintaining office networks, virus removal, computer upgrades, data recovery and repairing computer hardware problems. Jim said that many businesses within the chamber already use him in taking care of their computer needs. | Jim Cooper, Advanced PC Systems |
Anthony Geraldi, SC Airport Express, Annabel Ayres, Ayres & Associates Business Consultants | New chamber member Annabel Ayres from Ayres & Associates Business Consultants was also presented with a plaque. Annabel told everyone that Ayres & Associates is a team of experts that can assist any business in increasing profits, reducing anxiety over cash flow, increasing sales with marketing ideas, motivating employees and helping your company avoid stumbling blocks during expansion. Working with a personal business consultant from Ayres & Associates can assist any sized business in achieving growth, expansion, improved profits and much more! |
| Rachel Bingham from Net Profit accepted the final new member plaque of the evening. Net Profit provides accounting & tax preparation services within Sonoma County. They also provide tax preparation services to individuals that itemize with multiple schedules and small businesses that need an educational relationship to take ownership of their tax planning processes. Net Profit can assist any business or individual with their tax preparation or accounting needs. Rachel also mentioned that Net Profit will be hosting our next social and invited everyone to attend on March 11th at the Hampton Inn in Windsor. | Rachel Bingham from Net Profit |
$240 Pot of Gold Winner! Marc Durand, Naturalight, Inc. | The business drawn for the $240.00 Pot of Gold was Naturalight. Naturalight, Inc. President Marc Durand was lucky enough (and smart enough) to attend the social. With him being in attendance, he was awarded the current pot of $240.00! Marc proved that it truly does pay to attend our socials. Congratulations Marc! With Marc winning the pot, the Pot of Gold will now start over with $60.00 to be awarded to a business represented at our next social. |
| Our 50/50 raffle with $100.00 was won by our own chamber Ambassador Don Wilson from the Rincon Valley Fire Department. Congratulations Don! | Ambassador Don Wilson |
 Fernande Marie Bencze from California Reverse Mortgage Consultants |
Fernande Marie Bencze from California Reverse Mortgage Consultants who won the 2 minute business showcase at the January social hosted by GRP Wealth Strategies Group, LLC told everyone about California Reverse Mortgage Consultants explaining that they provide reverse mortgages for senior homeowners that want to pay off their existing mortgage, increase their monthly cash flow, or improve their quality of life. She said a reverse mortgage allows you to convert some of your home equity into cash, while remaining in your home. This is an attractive solution for many people who desire more income and do not want to “downsize” or sell their home and relocate to a less expensive area. |
| Prizes for our business card drawing were donated by Sonoma County Airport Express and also our host Advance Tech Collision which offered a free complete vehicle detail. Winners drawn included Bill Laurie from Sir Speedy Printing, Jerry Hankins from Hankins Travel, Evan Jacobs from California American Water and Millie Cantu from the Windsor Times. The two minute showcase for next month´s social hosted by Net Profit was won by Bev Graham from GRP Wealth Management Group, LLC. Congratulations to our winners and thank you again to our gracious hosts Sandra, Kari and Ed from Advance Tech Collision. Contributed by Anthony Geraldi, Head Ambassador |
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| Our Mission | |
The Mark West Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center serves the Mark West Area, including Larkfield, Wikiup, the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, and the rural environs of Mark West Springs Rd. and River Rd., Sonoma County, CA. Organized to serve your Business and our Community, the Chamber is dedicated to advancing the economic well-being & uniqueness of the Mark West Area. | |