Send business news about North Bay companies to news@busjrnl.com.Agriculture
The Sonoma County Harvest Fair honored Bloomfield Organics with its first-annual award for Excellence in Food Production, citing fresh local food delivered to hundreds in the North Bay, thousands invited to come and pick their own produce straight from the farm, and an innovative program to reduce food waste as just a few of the reasons for the award. Owned by Mike and Karen Collins, Bloomfield Organics farms 45 acres between Bloomfield and Valley Ford, growing an array of certified organic and GMO-free products including: pastured eggs, lettuce, strawberries, kale, tomatoes and potatoes. The Collin’s family also operates a nursery, growing rare edible and medicinal plants not often found in the commercial marketplace. In honoring Bloomfield Organics for Excellence in Food Production, the Harvest Fair recognizes Mike and Karen Collins for their outstanding role in promoting local food, farming and sustainable practices; for their strong advocacy for Sonoma County agriculture; for their commitment to increasing the availability of local fresh farm products; for raising the standard of farming and ranching through innovative techniques and practices; and for their dedication to educating consumers and supporting other industry members.Finance
According to the recent “How America Views Homeownership” survey by Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) and Ipsos Public Affairs, more than two-thirds of Americans (68 percent) feel that now is a good time to buy a home, but many may be reluctant to do so because of uncertainty about qualifying for a mortgage or navigating the homebuying process. The nationwide survey of 2,017 adults also revealed many Americans report that their financial houses are in order, which improves their ability to buy a home. Though 74 percent of the survey respondents said they “know and understand” the financial process involved in buying a home, respondents also gave answers that suggest they may not be aware of all their options as prospective homebuyers. The survey concluded that it is important for prospective homebuyers to feel empowered to ask lenders and real estate agents questions about available options, such as down payment assistance or FHA loan programs or VA loans for veterans.Health Care
Petaluma Health Center has opened a clinical site located in the Mary Isaak Center that will serve clients of the Committee on the Shelterless (COTS). The 400 sf medical space, provided by the Mary Isaak Center is open 16 hours each week. It is one of only two health clinics dedicated to the homeless population in Sonoma County. The focus of the clinic is to provide high-quality, community-centered primary care services. COTS will provide case management for clients and work with Petaluma Health Center staff on referrals for substance abuse and mental health issues. Petaluma Health Center will also be utilizing their Certified Enrollment Counselors to help uninsured clients enroll in health insurance and other public assistance programs as needed. Government
At its Sept. 23 meeting, the Cotati City Council adopted a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2014--15, for the fifth straight year. With the addition of Measure G funds, the council is able to move forward on many community priorities, including adding a new police officer and a new maintenance worker, and making $6.8 million in infrastructure improvements. Measure G is the voter-enacted sales tax passed by Cotati voters last spring which provides a stable local funding source for the next nine years.Nonprofits
The Rohnert Park City Council gave special recognition to the Central Sonoma County Boys and Girls Club, which recently received a national award which named them the number one Club in the nation. The Club offers academic support, leadership development, recreational programs, and other services to at-risk youth. Micki Jones, Director of the Club, received a proclamation from the City Council. The club received a national award for best overall program in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s $500,000 and up budget category, a first for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County. The Best in Country award recognizes excellent programs that the Boys and Girls Club organization runs at 28 locations collectively in Cloverdale, Geyserville, Healdsburg, Windsor, Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park. The organization serves 6,000 children from kindergarten through 12th grade, and has the 12th largest daily attendance of all Boys & Girls Clubs in the country.
