Beer
Leaders of the brewing, distribution and technology industries created the new Beer Industry Technology Symposium (707-261-8716, beertechnologysymposium.com), a forum where technology and strategy intersect. It will be held in Napa in conjunction with the Wine Industry Technology Symposium (wineindustrytechnologysymposium.com), which runs June 30 and July 1. Government
Napa Firewise and the Napa County Fire Department announced that the ever-popular free chipping program for county residents recently received nearly $50,000 in grant funding for the purchase of a new chipper. An original chipper acquired in 2005 had suffered mechanical setbacks due to heavy participation in the program, during which time the department processed 900,000 cubic yards of vegetation and 5,000 customers.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the award of $1.57 million in 2013 Wetland Program Development Grants to six tribes in California and Arizona and four California organizations to conduct research designed to prevent and eliminate water pollution. Among the recipients are the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in Rohnert Park and Pinoleville Pomo Nation in Mendocino County.Manufacturing
Vallejo-based Blu Homes, Inc., maker of factory-built homes, announced its newest model, Breeze Aire. This model is said to have a spacious layout, two to three bedrooms or offices, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, high-end finishes and accommodation for customized engineering changes. It can be delivered across the U.S. in as little as seven months. The Breeze line of homes includes the Sidebreeze and Breezehouse models. The cost of Breeze Aire starts at $350,000, the lowest-priced model in the Breeze line.Media
Novato film and production company Zan Media has been selected for the 2013 California Excellence Award amongst all its peers and competitors by the U.S. Institute for Excellence in Commerce. Each year, the institute conducts business surveys and industry research to identify companies that have achieved demonstrable success in their local business environment and industry category as well as commitment and contribution of small businesses through service to their customers and community.Technology
TSYS increased its stake in San Rafael-based Central Payment Joint Venture (CPAY) from 60 percent to 75 percent. Central Payment founders Matt and Zach Hyman have committed to lead the company as co-managing directors for an additional three years.Wine
Napa-based Delicato Family Vineyards, one of the fastest-growing wine companies in the country, launched Belle Ambiance, a new portfolio of California wines. The line is designed to resonate with a Millennials via upscale packaging, quality but with at an affordable retail price, $10 per bottle.
