October 22nd, 2009
Greg Toepfer, and two happy customers - his daughters Reese and Cara.
Making national news: Arroyo Grande residents Greg and Ilsa Toepfer’s brainchild, Organic B.R.A.T.™, is a liquid version of the doctor-recommended Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast diet used to soothe upset stomachs. This is more than just a good idea – the beverage was featured at the 3,500-product Natural Products Expo East competition in Boston, where it was named “Most Innovative New Product.” Organic B.R.A.T.™ is available at 4,000 retail locations nationwide, including Vons/Safeway and Whole Foods … Madeline Palaszewski is moving from her longtime position as KSBY promotions and community affairs manager to the newly created position of content manager for KSBY News. She’ll continue to work with community groups in special news projects including “Your Family.” Creative Director Brandon Downing will assume responsibility for promotion and community affairs … Maggie Cox will be the guest speaker at the Cal Poly Executive Partners Fall Business Forum on Oct. 29, presenting “All in a Day’s Work – and No Two Days are the Same” … Running hard on the Super Highway: Helio Fialho, owner of Uptown Jeans, has launched a new enterprise, LeftLane . LeftLane is a private, membership-only Web site offering sports e-commerce and information … The Food Bank Coalition of SLO County has added a proud new member to its team. “Sandie” may not say much
Sandie, the newest team member of the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County.
but never loafs around. This nutritional whiz kid is working hard to keep food and funds heading to the Food Bank … Bill and Patty Carpenter and staff of Cornerview Restaurant welcome Chef Matt Beckett, a great addition to downtown SLO following a long tenure at SLO Country Club.
October 22nd, 2009
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County received a surprise $5,000 gift from the estate of longtime supporter Arthur Rosen, a Cal Poly Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Physics Department Radioanalytical Facility. Funds will be used to help acquire local open space … The Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC) of San Luis Obispo County and Collaboration LLC are teaming up to present “Thriving in 2010 – Learn How to Grow Your Business” on Nov. 10. Register by Nov. 3 … And there’s still time to register for the 2010 SLO County Outlook on Nov. 6. Bob Wacker MC’s – what else could you want? … Keep on track: Learn how to help employees manage personal problems at a seminar for employers on Nov.13. “Troubled Employees in Troubled Times” is being presented by Andre, Morris & Buttery, the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Beverly Ford. Register today …Where better to play on Halloween than in the haunted caves of Eberle Winery? 16,000 square feet of spooky best will be decorated and open Friday and Saturday in a benefit for D.R.E.A.M. for Kids Foundation. The tasting room will be open and pouring Ca-BOO-nay … Also in the sprit of the season: Arts Obispo will have a traditional El Día de los Muertos altar in ARTS Space Obispo (in The Creamery, Suite 165) on Nov.1-2 … And just down the block in the Network Mall, diners can find the triple play of Creeky Tiki, Terraza Grill and Mission Pizza, located in space formerly occupied by Cisco’s and Flame Bay.
October 22nd, 2009
Kudos coming in threes: The recent Scarecrow Contest/Harvest Festival produced by the Cambria Historical Society (and led by BCA pal Susan McDonald) attracted 1,000 happy attendees. And speaking of Cambria, the charming community was named “one of America’s prettiest towns” by Forbes Traveler. SLO County shared this month’s media spotlight with a multi-page article in SkyWest magazine … Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center has been selected for the 2009 “Best of San Luis Obispo Award” in the Hospitals Category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) … Major congratulations to BCA’er Teri Conklin, who successfully completed the Nike Women’s Half Marathon benefitting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in San Francisco on Sunday. Teri, a dedicated local volunteer for the American Cancer Society, walked 13.1 miles to further the fight against cancer.
October 22nd, 2009
Sunnie Brook Jones sets Chloe Morrell's hair before the Parable shoot.
Christmas came in October for Led and Anne Fortini, who graciously allowed BCA to use their gorgeous Edna Valley home as the location of a Parable Christian Stores TV commercial that will air in 50 national markets. The commercial promotes a family Christmas, and we took family to heart in the casting, relying on the talents of BCA Media Buyer Shari Clark’s mom, Ethel Faulds, and Business Development Director Scott Morrell’s children Cooper and Chloe. Rounding out the happy family were Cuesta College Athletic Director Bob Mariucci and wife Lisa, and their daughters Haylee, Taylor and Olivia. Creative concept was done by BCA, with Todd Peterson of Red Canary providing video services. BCA team Isaac Horton, Maite Farias and Shari Clark report we’ve got a winner on its way. Our thanks to Steve Potratz of Parable Franchising who gave us this great opportunity.
October 8th, 2009
Enterprising Enterprise: Funds paid to use Avila Beach for last week’s Bridgestone Tire commercial are helping to pay for weekend lifeguards and “mutt mitts” for beachgoers. Kudos to Port San Luis Harbormaster Steve McGrath and District board members for forward-thinking revenue generating … The UCSB Economic Forecast Project “SLO County Outlook 2010” coming up Nov. 6 at SLO Embassy Suites offers a forecaster who has been “right about everything since the recession began” and an action-packed agenda. Sparks may fly. Reserve today … Wood Winery has moved to Avila Beach and a Front Street location … Fifty residents at Shea Trilogy in Nipomo shadowed Talley winemaker Leslie Mead in a yearlong winemaking class. Winning white and red blends were selected and 300 cases of “Good Life” wine are ready to go for a release party this Saturday night. Tickets available … The retired business gurus of SCORE are offering a new workshop aimed at young businesses and those with recession issues (hmmm…that could be a long list). Classes start Oct. 17 … The Pacific Repertory Opera opens its season Oct. 16 with a swashbuckling, not-to-be-missed performance of Pirates of Penzance.
October 8th, 2009
Continued get well wishes to Robin Dudley, recovering from a wicked bout of pneumonia that landed her in ICU. And if you’d like to help Missie Hobson with her battle against breast cancer by wearing a bracelet of support, contact Maggie Cox … Connie Framberger of Framberger Employee Benefits and Insurance Services sure knows how to celebrate a 30th business anniversary: She’s in the middle of moving her offices to 1920 Broad Street, near Downtown SLO … Planning to be busy: Chris Clark, principal of Crawford Multari and Clark land use planning firm in SLO (and husband of SLO Economic Development Director Claire Clark) is doing double duty, teaching a new crop of planning students land use and law classes at Cal Poly. Great way to nab the new talent coming along …
Dana Nafziger (back row, third from right) and his award-winning team at Aqua Systems.
Dana Nafziger and his team at Aqua Systems, an Arroyo Grande cleaning chemicals company, have joined an elite list of only 60 California companies receiving SHARP designation from OSHA. SHARP, the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, honors small employers who operate exemplary safety and health management systems. Nice side benefit: Aqua is exempt from OSHA inspections while the certification remains current … Business is pleasure for Judith Bean, Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce President and CEO by day and member of “Mudskippers” musical group in her off hours. The skippers go schnitzel every Thursday night during Oktoberfest at Old Vienna Restaurant in Pismo Beach.
October 8th, 2009
The popular BravoSLO event at the PAC was a special hit with local dance troupe Variable Velocity, awarded FPAC’s first ever Bravo Award and check for $5,000. The honor and the cash (supported by the Hind Foundation) recognize new and exciting PAC programming … Quick bits: Josh Petray has been named editor of Paso Robles Press, with Heather Young editor at sister publication the Atascadero News … Congratulations to Mark Smith of Foxenwood Realty & Builders, recently named Santa Maria Chamber Citizen of the Year … Hometown Heroes: We love to crow about our local talent and we’re happy to note that six of the “40 under 40” honored by the Pacific Coast Business Times hail from SLO County. Attaboys to Tom Jones, PG&E Director of Government and Public Affairs; Joe DeSchyryver, COO, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center; Jeffrey Minnery, attorney with Adamski Moroski Madden & Green; Rob Garcia, President/CEO of Rob Garcia Wealth Management; Matt Brynildson, brew master at Firestone Walker Brewing Co.; and Tom Adamski, President/CEO for Level Studios.
