Green Drinks Sierra – A Social Mixer Not to be Missed

Sometimes it feels like I’ve spent most of the day in meetings, so the thought of going to another organized function, albeit even one that offers free drinks, doesn’t exactly excite me.  Green Drinks of the Sierra is an exception to my usual rule.  It is a social mixer not to be missed.

Lori Lachman organizes the monthly Green Drinks of the Sierra.  Green Drinks is an International group of sustainability networking events.  For close to a year Lori has been setting up monthly mixers at various locations around town, usually restaurants that offer healthy, organic food and/or sustainable business practices.  Each event features knowledgeable and compelling speakers presenting on an array of pertinent “green” issues.

Last month I attended my first Green Drinks of the Sierra.  An small group of us, consisting of professional green builders, architects, permaculturists, landscape architects, community organizers and small business owners met at the newly remodeled Sierra Mountain Coffee Roasters in Grass Valley to hear Peter Van Zant from Sierra Watch speak about the organization’s conservation campaign for Donner Summit.  Afterwards, the group had the opportunity to network and hear more about one another’s interests and projects.

Maybe I was in a particularly good mood that evening, but I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the speaker, topic and attendees.  Everyone was working on exciting projects and extremely thoughtful and genuinely interested in collaborating with others.

Lori is at it again this month which will feature speaker Leo Chapman of Living Lands Agrarian Network.  Living Lands is a collaborative group of like-minded folks who value local, healthy food and a return to the more natural  lifestyle of farming.  Leo will be discussing some of the projects they are working on including their farming classes. Members of SIGBA (Sierra Green Building Association) will also be there to let you know about their upcoming speaker series and events.

Save the Date! – Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 6 – 8pm, Sierra Coffee Roasters, 671 Maltman Drive, Grass Valley, CA

Local Business Incubator to Host Environmental NPO Panel Discussion

This just in from our friends at Sierra Commons…

Nevada City, CA – On Thursday, March 11, at 6pm, Sierra Commons will host several     nonprofit leaders as part of panel discussion on the environment, NPOs, and local business.  Speakers will include Heidi Hall (SYRCL), Izzy Martin (The Sierra Fund), and Peter Van Zant (Sierra Watch).

Part of the discussion will naturally focus on environmental preservation, conservation, and restoration.  The discussion will focus mainly, however, on issues common not just to environmental nonprofits, but also to nonprofits and businesses in general.  Each of these organizations, after all, is adept at creating and mobilizing public interest, building coalitions, and campaigning to build advocacy and support.  These are techniques that are essential not just to the success of nonprofits but to businesses as well.

Each of the speakers will draw from their background and experience to address a wide variety of issues affecting the local environment and local economy.  Anyone interested in environmental preservation and nonprofits and their effect on Nevada County and the Sierra Nevada is welcome to attend.

The discussion will take place on from 6 to 7:30 at Sierra Commons’ office in the Old Brewery building in Nevada City.  The event is open to the public and there is a suggested donation of $15.

SYRCL, or South Yuba River Citizens League, is a nonprofit organization that focuses on the preservation of the Yuba watershed.  Sierra Fund and Sierra Watch are nonprofit organizations that focus on a variety of environmental issues and challenges facing the Sierra Nevada.

Sierra Commons is a Nevada City nonprofit that serves as a business incubator.  It focuses on growing the local economy by supporting emerging local businesses and entrepreneurs.

For more information contact Matthew Bell at (530) 265-8443 or matthew@sierracommons.org

Sierra Commons, 107 Sacramento St, Suite 300, Nevada City, CA 95959 (located on the 3rd floor of the StoneHouse)

2010 Green California Summit & Expo in Sacramento March 15-17

The 2010 Green California Summit & Expo taking place at the Sacramento Convention Center March 15-17 is shaping up to be the biggest green government conference ever.

Over 200 suppliers of green products and services and upwards of 6,000 attendees are expected. The Summit will feature keynote speakers, an educational program of full-day workshops, concurrent sessions, product showcases and networking opportunities.

State and local governments in California have long set the standard for public sector sustainability programs.

The annual Green California Summit has become an essential resource to support their efforts to meet the challenges of managing energy and water resources, and to create clean and sustainable communities throughout the state.

From stimulus funds to clean tech investment, California remains central to the nation’s hopes for a greener future.

If you want to stay up to date on the policy innovations, technologies, strategies and best practices that are keeping the Golden State on the cutting edge of the green revolution, this is the one event all year that you can’t miss!

Keynote Speakers

Tuesday, March 16: Alec Loorz, Founder, Kids vs. Global Warming & Fran Pavley, California State Senator, District 23

Wednesday, March 17: F. Noel Perry, Founder, Next 10 & David Roland-Holst, PhD, Co-Director, Center for Energy, Resources and Economic Sustainability, UC Berkeley

Group discounts available.  For more information go to www.green-technology.org

WordPress 101 with Cat’s Web Weave

**Note this class is now FREE**

What is WordPress and how can using it benefit my business?  What is an RSS feed and how are RSS feeds used for internet marketing?  How do I publish a post or a page with WordPress?  What are tags and how do they relate to SEO (search engine optimization)?

Join Catherine Scholz of Cat’s Web Weave and learn the tools you need to optimize your or your business’ presence on the internet using WordPress.

Please bring a notebook and pen or laptop to take notes

Pre-requisites: Admin access to an existing WordPress website & payment via PayPal

Topics the class will also cover…

add a user
configure comments
add pictures
add audio/video
add links
add plugins
backup my site
import/export content
add widgets
There will be time for individual questions.

Cost:  FREE (donations accepted to cover the cost of the space)

Dates and Times:
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
10am-12pm

Location:
Holbrooke Hotel
212 W. Main St.
Grass Valley

Sign up here!

Back By Popular Demand – Coryon Redd’s Internet Marketing Class

Sierra Economic Development Corporation presents a workshop to improve your Internet Marketing specifically how to effectively advertise your business to turn users into buyers!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 – Beginner
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 – Intermediate

6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Nevada County One Stop
715 Maltman Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945

In the Beginner class you will learn:

• How to get top rankings on Google
• How to pick the right keywords for your business
• Free tools to market locally, track website visitors and improve your business

The Intermediate class will focus on:

• Link building
• Pay per click advertising
• Social media marketing

Don’t miss this opportunity to turn Internet shoppers  into loyal customers.

Class presenter is Coryon Redd, President of batteries4less.com.  He is a successful entrepreneur who will teach you the techniques he has used to get his business to the top of the top of Google and get more visitors to buy.

A $45.00 fee per class is payable in advance (no walk-ins please)

Don’t delay – Reserve your seat today!  Contact SEDCorp at 530-823-4703

Looking to Get Involved and Make a Difference? Rotaract Might Be For You!

Members of Nevada County's Rotaract

Q & A with Nevada County’s Rotaract 2010 President Sandra Barrington:

What is Rotaract and how can someone get involved?

Rotaract is a community service club for students and young professionals’ ages 18 to 30 who are interested in serving their local and international communities while networking with community leaders and young people. Our motto is Service Above Self. Rotaract also provides opportunities for professional development and leadership training.

Anyone 18-30 can get involved by coming to one of our meetings. We meet the first Wednesday of the each month at Miner Moe’s in Nevada City at 6:00pm. The third Wednesday of each month we meet up with The Exchange group from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at various locations.

Are there any requirements to becoming a member?

Members must be 18-30 and have a strong desire to serve our community. To become a member, we ask that each person attend three meetings and meet with the board of directors before deciding if Rotaract is for them. Members must attend 60% of our meetings to stay active and pay $120 a year in dues. Many local companies will pay for Rotaract dues.

Tor Erickson in Uganda

What kind of projects does Rotaract work on?  What are your projects for 2010?

Rotaract works on a wide array of projects. Locally, we have done book drives, worked on the Alzheimer’s Memory Garden on the Litton Trail, volunteered at community events and we adopt-a-family at the holidays. Internationally, our club supports Water and Sanitation Projects in Southwestern Uganda which is spearheaded by our member Sol Henson. Our club supports the project by raising funds for our member’s traveling and living expenses while in Uganda. We also support Rotary’s Polio Plus project to help eradicate Polio around the world.

In 2010 we will continue to fundraise for the Water and Sanitation Projects in Southwestern Uganda and polio, as well as volunteer at community events.

All of the Rotaract Clubs in District 5190 have teamed up to raise funds to donate a ShelterBox for Haiti. ShelterBox is an international project of Rotary. A ShelterBox contains all of the necessities to provide a temporary home for a family of 10 including a tent, blankets and cots, cooking supplies and coloring books for children to name a few.

In April of 2010 for Rotarians at Work Day, our club will be working on the Julia Morgan House at North Star Mine in Grass Valley. This is a one day project to help beautify the property.

Why is it important for young people to get involved?

In a small rural community like ours, young people can have a hard time finding their place. Whether we’ve stayed here after high school, returned after college or moved here for the high quality of life, a sense of place and a social life can be hard to come by. Meeting new people and expanding horizons can also seem stale in a small town. Getting involved in Rotaract is the best way to get connected to the community. Rotaract gives young people a purpose in our community and a vehicle through which to socialize and serve.

How do organizations like Rotaract help people get to know their community?

We bring speakers into our clubs to talk to us about local organizations and hot community topics. Past programs include the Economic Resource Council, The Friendship Club, Women of Worth, Pennies for Peace, South Yuba River Citizen’s League and local theater companies. Speakers also include topics on professional development such as a program from Toastmasters and The Rotary Ethics Project. We also take field trips around the community and have toured the Diagnostic Imaging Center at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, Loma Rica Ranch, Sun Smile Farms, Center for the Arts, and the Apple Center for Sustainable Living to name a few. Rotaract also gives young people the opportunity to volunteer at local community events such as the Duck Race, Victorian Christmas, Casino Night, Community Barbeques, the Nevada County Fair, and The Run for Friendship.

(l to r) Sandra Barrington, Yolanda Cookson, Joel Mower, Rob Sheldon

What inspired you to join Rotaract and eventually run for president?

I’ve always had an inclination toward volunteerism and professional development. When I first moved here in 2006 I felt somewhat lost. All of my close friends live out of the area and I didn’t really have much of a social life in town. I also saw how generous and engaged our community is and wanted to be a part of that. Initially I was going to start a 20/30 club, but was encourage by my boss to help start the Rotaract Club. I came in as the Charter Vice President in 2007 with Yolanda Cookson as our Charter President.

How could someone get in contact with Rotaract?

Become our friend on Facebook.

Sierra Commons – Local Business Ignitor is Roaring Ahead

Outside Sierra Commons Headquarters

Sierra Commons, fresh off its official Ribbon Cutting ceremony and Free Day on January 21st, is roaring ahead with new members, an office expansion, and three upcoming events for the Sierra Commons Speaker Series.

The ribbon cutting ceremony last month was a great success, with members of the city council and local press helping us celebrate the occasion.  It didn’t take us long to get things moving.  Now up and officially running (new sign and all), Sierra Commons is growing quickly, with Pat and Stacy Butler, of the Nevada City Advocate, joining the team setting up camp in our semi-private office.

Along with the new members, Sierra Commons has added a couple hundred square feet of new office space, expanding into the adjoining suite atop the Stonehouse.  It adds more work and wall space, but best of all, a kitchen.

Sierra Commons also has three upcoming Speaker Series events, including Barry Friedman, who will appear next week on the 11th at 6pm.  His presentation will address how to adapt to changing business markets and will draw from his own experiences.

Next month, Sierra Commons will feature two panel discussions for the next two installments of the Series.  The first, on March 4th, will be a Fund Development Panel that addresses the current landscape of public/private fund development.  It will feature Shawn Garvey of The Grant Farm and other fund development professionals.

"Shopping Cart Queen" Christina Hills presenting during Sierra Commons Speaker Series

The second panel, on March 11th, will be a Non-Profits Panel discussion on how non-profit organizations focused on the environment enhance our local economy. Panelists will include Jason Rainey (SYRCL) Izzy Martin (The Sierra Fund), and Peter Van Zant (Sierra Watch).
For more information, check out our newly redesigned website or find us on Facebook.  Thirsty for more?  Drop by our Stonehouse office or email us at info@sierracommons.org.

Words and Photos by Matthew Bell.  Matthew is the social marketing intern at Sierra Commons.

Sign Up Now! Free One-on-One, Confidential, Business Management Counseling

Last week SEDCorp presented another successful and free “Business Boot Camp” where twenty-six entrepreneurs went through a rigorous 3-day workshop to create a strategic business plan for their businesses.

If you missed it, that’s alright, because the Sierra College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides free, confidential, specialized business consulting and resources, along with low-cost seminars to small business owners — home-based, manufacturing, service, and retail operations.

Programs are offered in Rocklin, Roseville, Auburn, Nevada County and Tahoe-Truckee.  SBDC counselors have years of business experience and education that make them well qualified to assist you with your diverse business needs. All have started and managed their own profitable businesses, so they understand your challenges.  SBDC counselors have worked with many local businesses on a variety of issues.  For example, counselor Doug Freeman works out of the ERC office Tuesdays from 8-10am helping businesses with financial reviews, cash flow analysis and the business loan packaging process.

SBDC Business Counseling Services also include:

Marketing

• Preparation of Marketing Plan
• Market Research/Feasibility Analysis
• Marketing Strategy Planning
• Guidance in Creating Promotional/Sales Materials
• Sales Strategy and Planning
• Low Cost Effective Marketing Tactics that Work

Management

• Business Owner Knowledge Needs Assessment
• Business Goal-setting
• Business Plan Preparation Guidance and Review
• Business Ownership Compliance/Licensing/Permits
• Expansion Planning
• “Second Opinion” Issue Review
• Human Resource Planning
• Referrals for Manufacturing, International Trade, Government Procurement and Environmental Issues
• Buying or Selling a Business

Finance/Accounting

• Budget Costing
• Financial Projections
• Cash Flow Analysis
• Bookkeeping and Recordkeeping
• Sources of Financing
• Loan Package Facilitation
• Finance Analysis and Planning
• Financing Record-keeping/Accounting Guidance
• Tax Planning
• How to Work with Business Advisors
• SBA Guaranteed Loan Program Pre-Qualifications

Training

Low-cost, seminar and online classes are available in many business areas.

Visit  www.sccommed.org for listings and to register.

How To Access Assistance

Assistance is available to both startups and established businesses.

Start-ups

1. Call 916-781-6235 and make an appointment for our Orientation series that will explain SBDC process and the basic start-up information that will allow you to make the most of your counseling sessions.
2. After attending the Orientation series, call 916-781-6235 to make an appointment with a Lead Counselor who will help you assess your business needs, create a plan to address them, and assign you to counseling specialists if appropriate.
3. Most small businesses will be guided to write a business plan to layout the financial, marketing, human resources and other relevant strategies to achieve their goals. The job of the counselors is to guide, educate and provide you with the resources to help you gain the confidence and competency to manage your business effectively.

Established Businesses

1. Call 916-781-6235 to make an appointment with a Lead Counselor who will help you assess your business’s specific challenges, create a plan to address them, and assign you to counseling specialists if appropriate.
2. If you do not already have a business plan, you may be guided through the process to create a strategy to maximize your potential and financial efficiencies or to help you survive a difficult challenge.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to receive first-rate business counseling for free!  And you may only have till this June as the program is in risk of losing funding, so use these free services while you can!

SEDCorp Announces Workshops for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner?   Did you know that 89% of annual incomes over $50,000 are earned by owners of small businesses? But, four out of five small businesses don’t last five years. What is the difference between success and failure?  Knowledge.  That is why the Sierra Economic Development Corporation (SEDCorp) is ramping up a diverse selection of classes with expert instructors.  SEDCorp, who is in the business of supporting the growth of small businesses through training workshops and small business loans, is providing the following classes in February in Auburn, Grass Valley and Placerville.

Making Solar Electricity Benefit Your Business
February 3, 2010 – Auburn
Learn the different types of solar electricity, rate structures and rates, rebates, tax credits, depreciation and much more.

Exploring Franchising as a Career Option
February 4, 2010 – Auburn, $45.00
A franchise career can open doors you never knew existed.  Learn how to reduce your risk and improve your chances of success in buying a franchise.

Business Identity Theft Compliance Workshop
February 17, 2010 – Auburn, $35.00
Did you know that FTC Identity theft laws will be enforced on June 1, 2010?  Learn what you need to know if you accept credit cards or bill customers; how much you can be fined and held personally liable.  This workshop is critical to small business owners.

Survival Tools to Manage Your Business Finances
February 11, 2010 – Grass Valley, $45.00
February 18, 2010 – Auburn, $45.00
This workshop will cover financial implications of common accounting transactions, financial forecasting, break-even analysis and cash flow projections.  If you don’t understand these – you are missing the boat.  Learn how to forecast accurately and realistically and whether or not you have enough money in the business to survive.

QuickBooks Class
February 6, 2010 – Setup & Data Entry – Auburn, $60.00 *
February 10, 2010 – Reports & More… – Auburn, $35.00 *
You will receive hands-on training on understanding the importance of setup, how QuickBooks Works, how to create a company file and how to reconcile accounts.   Bring your laptop and get a hands-on training experience.  Reports & More will focus on how to use fixed asset items to track assets, how to use Loan Manage to track loans, how to customize forms and reports and how to analyze data.  * Take both classes for $85.00 and save $10.00.

Internet Marketing
February 9, 2010 – Beginner Class – Grass Valley, $45.00
February 16, 2010 – Intermediate Class – Grass Valley, $45.00
The Beginner class you will learn how to get top rankings on Google, how to pick the right keywords for your business and you will be shown free tools to market locally, track website visitors and improve your business.  The Intermediate class will cover implementation of Internet marketing skills presented in the beginner class.  Advanced techniques of keyword research and competitor analysis will be explained using examples from class participants.  Other topics will include link building, Social Media Marketing, Google Analytics and Pay Per Click advertising.

Body Language / Communication Skills and Time Management
February 16, 2010 – Auburn, $35.00
Do you know the proper way to handshake?  Or how to sit in an interview?  Could a little planning give you a lot more to show for each day?  This workshop touches on nonverbal communication and time management.  Learn skills to manage both.

Business Boot Camp
January 26-27-28, 2010 – Auburn
February 23-24-25, 2010 – Placerville
Expert instructors to provide business & marketing analysis, marketing plans, financial management, tips to optimize your website, business legalities, transition and retirement planning.   Cost:  Free!

Please call 530-823-4703 or email info@sedcorp.biz  to reserve your seat.    Make 2010 a better business year.

January 2010 – Upcoming Business Workshops

January 2010

9  Understanding the Roles and Responsibility of Board Members and the CEO, 8am-12 noon, Grass Valley United Methodist Church.  Workshop fee: $40.  Sponsored by the Center for Nonprofit Leadership.  For more information call (530) 477-3700.

14-15  Never Forget Another Name! (or anything else, for that matter) 3-6:30pm. Nevada County Association of Realtors, 336 Crown Point Circle, Grass Valley.  $100 members, $120 non-members.  David E. Coffill is a powerful and entertaining speaker.  Known s “The Memory Man”, he specializes in teaching business professionals and people from all walks of life, little-known steps to create and maintain a powerful memory!  More information here.

26, 27, 28  Business Boot Camp – Auburn, 8am-8pm FREE.  Sponsored by SEDCorp and funded by Golden Sierra Job Training Agency.  Registration required, (530) 823-4703.