San Francisco North Bay business briefs: Week of Aug. 24, 2015
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Education
Sonoma State University housing has again been ranked as one of the best college dorms in the nation by The Princeton Review. Taking the No. 12 spot, SSU's residential community provides housing for 3,100 students and is comprised of six residential villages.
Government
Another major milestone in the Napa River-Napa Creek Flood Protection Project was reached with the grand opening of the Napa River Dry Bypass on Aug. 4. The bypass is projected to enhance flood protection for an additional 2,700 homes and 350 businesses in the city of Napa. The completion of the bypass comes after 17 years of efforts by the Napa County Flood Control District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city of Napa to reduce flood dangers, provide ecosystem restoration, increase open space and recreation, and stimulate the economy. The project cost $18.5 million in federal and Measure A funds, which allow the funding of projects to improve flood protection, water supply and the health of the watershed. The quarter-mile-long bypass, which extends from the Oxbow area to the confluence with Napa Creek, will convey a large portion of the Napa River flows during a flood event around the Oxbow reach. Because the bypass will remain dry throughout most of the year, public access and recreation during non-flood periods will be available. The bypass area will include a trail and walkway system to provide access to recreational facilities and additional space for public events.
The county of Sonoma's Women-Infants-Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) agency was one of only five agencies to receive the Loving Support Award of Excellence at the Gold Premiere level from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is the highest award for a breastfeeding program in the country given out this year. It is the only agency in the Western region to receive this prestigious award. Breastfeeding is the preferred choice for all mothers and their infant children due to the immense health benefits, promoting a stronger link between the mother and her infant, and helping the infant mature and grow.
Finance
Novato-based Hennessy Advisors, Inc. (NASDAQ: HNNA) reported fully diluted earnings per share of $0.56 for the third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2015, a record high for the firm and an increase of 60% over the prior comparable quarter ended June 30, 2014. Quarterly revenue totaled $12 million, an increase of 36% from $8.8 million for the prior comparable period. From June 30, 2014 to June 30, 2015, total assets under management increased 13%, while average assets under management, upon which revenue is calculated, increased by 24%. The increase in assets under management is attributable to both positive net inflows and positive investment performance of the family of mutual funds managed by Hennessy Advisors. Additionally, the Board of Directors of Hennessy Advisors today declared a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share. This quarterly dividend will be paid on September 10, 2015 to shareholders of record as of August 18, 2015.
Health Care
Sonoma State University's Nursing Transition into Practice Certificate Program started three years ago with 38 students. On August 24th, 109 students will be completing the 10-week course that has a 98 percent job placement rate. The 10-week program places students into an internship at one of eight participating hospitals in Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties. One of the requirements for hospitals to participate in the program is that they offer a job after a successful internship. Students from beyond SSU are part of the program, but only students from the region are selected in order to help the local economy. The program accepts applicants who have graduated within 18 months of the start of the session.
ProTransport-1, a Cotati-based leader in the interfacility medical transportation market, and Regional Medical Center of San Jose unveiled their latest venture, a dedicated sprinter ambulance, on July 30 on hospital grounds. The brand new, private-label ambulance was custom designed to meet the needs of patients as well as medical professionals providing various levels of care. The sprinter ambulance is capable of delivering on-the-go care from EMTs, paramedics and nurses to patients requiring transport to or from the hospital.
Marin Community Clinics (MCC) announced that it is now offering radiology services at its Kerner Blvd. clinic in San Rafael. It is the only community clinic in the Redwood Community Health Coalition, comprised of 17 community health centers located in Marin, Napa, Sonoma and Yolo counties, to provide this service on site. Services will include a broad array of general x-rays for both adults and children, including chest and limb x-rays. Other diagnostic procedures, such as ultrasound, are being explored for the future. To start, services will be offered four hours/day, three days/week; hours of operation will be expanded as volume increases. The service will also be available at the clinics' Novato location in early 2016, when facility expansion at that site is completed.