North Bay Business Journal

2011 top stories: New hospital, tech advances define year of the economy

The national and local economy was on everyone’s mind in 2011. But as the Business Journal editorial staff set out to develop its Top Ten Stories of the Year, it quickly became clear that the North Bay was blessed with multiple economy-boosting projects and new commitments job creation.

Dominican, company explore promising approach to graphene

Dominican University in San Rafael has joined forces with a Marin company producing graphene from carbon dioxide.

Other notable projects from around the North Bay

In addition to the winners, the following projects stood out among those nominated and the Business Journal thought were worth noting (alphabetically by county): Edgehill Mansion renovation, San Rafael; Pacheco Plaza shopping center rehabilitation, Novato; Chateau Montelena renovation, Calistoga; Napa Valley Vintners offices, St. Helena; 845 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg; Inman Family Winery, Russian River Valley; and O’Neill PassivHaus retrofit, Sonoma.

A Dominican ‘Venture Greenhouse’ first: A startup is acquired

SAN RAFAEL, NOVATO — Novato-based green energy contractor Evolvelectric has acquired the LED lighting consultant Illumalighting, making it the first company to “graduate” from Dominican University’s Venture Greenhouse.

Education: Dominican ‘Venture Greenhouse;’ $110,000 for Schools Plus

Dominican University’s Venture Greenhouse in San Rafael officially opened Wednesday with the goal of becoming a hub for green business in Marin County. … Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute has announced a series of fall classes for its Tasting Room Management Certificate Program. … Extracurricular activities at Santa Rosa middle and high schools will receive a financial boost after the volunteer fundraising organization Schools Plus held its second-annual “A Night Under the Lights” event on Sept. 24.

Dominican launches ‘Venture Greenhouse’

SAN RAFAEL — With the official ribbon cutting of Dominican University’s Venture Greenhouse last Wednesday, Stuart Corvin continued his push against a trend that he said has plagued Marin for years: that so many of the county’s most talented professionals leave every day for jobs elsewhere. In a close partnership with Dominican’s MBA in Sustainable Enterprise program, Stuart Corvin said the building he donated in San Rafael is helping to cultivate companies that could take root and thrive in Marin, a county that lacks the “business culture” of the remaining Bay Area.

Calling all green technology startups

SAN RAFAEL – A new seed and angel funding investment forum featuring green technology is planned for Marin this Fall, part of a statewide push to bring together early stage investors with early-stage technology companies.

Dominican University launches ‘Venture Greenhouse’

SAN RAFAEL – Dominican University of California is launching a green business accelerator that will support entrepreneurs developing ventures that offer environmental benefits.

Dominican names dean of business school

SAN RAFAEL — Dominican University of California today announced that Dan Moshavi, Ph.D., has been named dean of the School of Business and Leadership and will replace interim dean Gary Williams in the fall. “I am very pleased to welcome Dan Moshavi as the next academic leader of the School of Business and Leadership,” said Luis Calingo, executive vice president and chief academic officer of the school. “As the past business dean, I am very confident that he will lead the business school not only to initial accreditation by the [Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business], but also to a higher level of competitiveness, distinctiveness, and excellence.”

Dominican names Bard College provost as its ninth president

MARIN COUNTY – Dominican University of California announced that Dr. Mary Marcy will succeed Dr. Joseph Fink as President of the University effective July 1.

Dominican University announces new president

MARIN COUNTY – Dominican University of California announced that Dr. Mary Marcy will succeed Dr. Joseph Fink as president of the University effective July 1.

Connecting talent and finance

MARIN – Fostering the growth of business and retention of current businesses in Marin County is the focal point of the Marin Economic Forum.

Education: Dominican to train Marines; SSU partners with SCC

Dominican University of California is now working with the U.S. Marine Corps. … Solano Community College will offer a new bachelor’s degree completion program at its Vallejo campus in the spring of 2011 through a partnership with Sonoma State University. … University of San Francisco, which has a campus in Santa Rosa, offers a number of MBA programs to fit most lifestyles though its San Francisco facilities.

Education: Former Pennsylvania educator to lead Napa Valley College

Mendocino College library under way; Schools Plus sets Oct. 23 fundraiser

Dominican University to host annual career fair

SAN RAFAEL – Dominican University of California will host its annual Career, Internship & Graduate School Fair on Sept. 28.

Education: Marin foundation commits $2 million to elementary schools

Marin Community Foundation is making grants of nearly $2 million to support efforts in eight elementary schools across the county. “The foundation realizes that the earliest years of education, starting in preschool and continuing through the third grade, set the stage for life-long success, both in school and beyond,” said Thomas Peters, the foundation’s president. [...]

Most Influential Leaders in the North Bay: Joseph Fink

Joseph R. Fink, President, Dominican University of California

Colleges forge partnerships, reach out to students

NORTH BAY — North Bay universities increasingly are finding ways to partner with community businesses to better their programs and navigate the economic downturn.

Business Journal profile: Dr. Joseph Fink

SAN RAFAEL — In 1988, a young college president was hired to come on board at the 600-student campus of Dominican University in San Rafael.

Dominican President Joseph Fink to retire in 2011

SAN RAFAEL — Dr. Joseph Fink, president of Dominican University of California for the past 21 years, will retire from his position effective June 30, 2011.

Dr. Fink has led the transformation of Dominican University from a small college of 650 students into a university of more than 2,000 students.