Renaissance Marin is a nonprofit small business development center assisting Marin County small business

Renaissance Marin opened their offices in San Rafael in 2012. Renaissance Marin is a project of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center dedicated to starting & growing local small businesses.

Mission

The mission of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is to empower and increase the entrepreneurial capacities of socially and economically diverse women and men, and thereby strengthen our communities through the creation of sustainable new businesses, new jobs, and the promotion of financial self-sufficiency.

Launched in partnership with the Marin Community Foundation, Renaissance Marin provides critical access to training, resources and support services designed to help aspiring and established entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of small business success and financial independence.

Whether you are a retailer, designer, manufacturer, contractor or bookkeeper — in the startup or expansion phase — Renaissance Marin will provide you with the training, tools, resources and networks needed to create your own thriving business.

Located at 1115 Third Street in San Rafael, Renaissance Marin provides office space in our small business incubator as well as drop in co-working space.

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

Launched in 1985, Renaissance has served tens of thousands of clients in a wide range of industries – from food, fashion and graphic design to education, technology and healthcare.

We offer small business training and resources at four locations:

Renaissance SoMa, San Francisco (headquarters)

Renaissance Bayview, San Francisco

Renaissance Mid-Peninsula, East Palo Alto

Renaissance Marin, San Rafael

SERVICES:

Classes & Workshops

Renaissance’s intensive business planning and introductory business classes will assist business owners in developing the marketing, finance, operations and management skills needed to write a comprehensive business plan and put you on your path to entrepreneurial success.

Advanced classes and workshops will hone your business skills. Both classes and workshops will give the opportunity to learn from successful small business owners, industry experts, graduates and your peers.

Business Incubator

Business Incubator provides both emerging and established small business owners with a vibrant and supportive community of peers and professionals.

They offer low cost office space, professional consultations tailored to business’ needs, conference rooms and building services to support the daily operations and growth.

Renaissance Marin’s building hosts 11 small businesses in a professional and supportive entrepreneurial community designed to help businesses grow and prosper.

Tenants benefit from a full menu of amenities and services.

Consulting

At Renaissance Marin you will meet other business owners and industry experts who will guide, support and inspire entrepreneur in achieving their business goals.

Commercial Kitchen

Open Workspace

The Open Work Space is a collaborative community of entrepreneurs and those seeking a cross pollination of ideas to improve their concepts whether for business startups, community projects or personal development.

 

For more information about classes and business opportunity visit http://rencentermarin.org or call (415) 348-6300.

 

 

Go Native! Chef John Farais from indigenousedibles.com to appear at Guest Chef in Oakland from Oct 9 - 21, 2012.

Have you heard of Guest Chef? Guest Chef is a restaurant in Oakland that invites different chefs to cook there. Guest Chef will be featuring chef John Farais for two weeks from Oct 9 through 21 to introduce his very own native edible food menu.

John Farais is a Marin County chef, lecturer, and cooking instructor with a very unique passion. He is one of the few, if not the only, Bay Area chefs who specialize in the history, taste, and promotion of The Americas’ indigenous edible plants. John uses ingredients that are native to The Americas, both North and South America. Although his cooking incorporates American Indian techniques, it is not necessarily American Indian cuisine, nor is John a Native American. John's company is aptly called INDIGENOUS EDIBLES.

John taught himself the natural history of California Indians, ethno-botany and native anthropology before concentrating on indigenous ingredients as food and native cookbooks. It is his goal as a chef, to help diners rediscover our proud, ancient, history of native edibles. This approach has developed a cuisine that combines the historical natives with contemporary tastes, discovering a Real “California Cuisine”.

John has lectured for Slow Food, Oakland Museum, SFSU, College of Marin and California native Garden Foundation. 

John has also cooked for Carlo Petrini, the creator of Slow Food International, Actor Peter Coyote, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, and many private clients in Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, and San Jose.

John is a board member of the Museum of the American Indian, Slow Food USA, and Chef’s Collaborative. A portion of his proceeds will go to starting a foundation to help Native Americans regain their heritage food ways, through native plant agriculture, and teaching future generations how to grow, cook and eat whole foods.

 

Guest Chef is located at 5337 College Ave, Oakland, CA
telephone:  (510) 658-7378
website:  www.theguestchef.net

John Farais is online at www.indigenousedibles.com

CERT Advanced Training: October 13th - Refresher & Exercise - FREE‏

Are you CERT CERTified?

CERT is the Community Emergency Response Team. It consists of volunteers who assist the Fire Department and Emergency Response professionals in case of any major disasters. We encourage all our readers to take a CERT class and BE PREPARED!

If you are a CERT member in Marin County then this announcement is for you:

 

One of the most consistent comments that we receive after CERT Basic Training is that students would like more hands on exercises, especially in first aid and search & rescue. 

We are pleased to invite you to our third Marin County CERT Advanced Training for 2012, which will be held Saturday, October 13th, in   San Rafael from 9 am-3 pm. Our training will be held at the old McPhail School off San Pedro Rd., a great location for a simulated disaster!

The exercise will host fire department personnel, emergency management staff and CERT volunteers, who will conduct three refresher mini-sessions in the morning and two disaster simulations in the afternoon. Participants will be able to practice and review basic skills and work as teams during the simulations.

Please check out a brief description of the day, which we've included below. Advance registration is requested so we have enough staff for our exercises. We are limiting participation to 50 so sign up today!  There is a place for everyone in CERT and in this exercise.

 

Oct. 13, 2012 

9:00 am      Check-in and welcome

9:30-10:30   Disaster Medical Operations

10:30-10:40  Break

10:40-11:25  Search & Rescue

11:30- 11:55 CERT Organization (how to work as teams)

12:00-12:30  Lunch  Bring Your Own

12:50- 3:00  Simulations 1 & 2

2:45-3:00    debriefing & thank you's; check-out

Let us know if you'd like to volunteer to help on the day of the exercise.

 

We hope to see you on October 13th!

 

For more information or to register: 

415-485-3409

coordinator@marincountycert.org

www.marincountycert.org

50% OFF Tickets Green Chamber Annual Gala - ONLY $25 for members!

The San Francisco Green Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual Event is just around the corner! Register TODAY and receive your 50% off member only special tickets to attend the BACK TO BASICS, BLACK & WHITE GALA on September 20th in San Francisco with keynote speaker HP Director of Environmental Initiatives and Sustainability, Chris Librie!

To register: http://greenchamberofcommerce.camp8.org/Default.aspx?pageId=982086
 

To learn more: http://greenchamberofcommerce.net/annual-event-b2b/

See all the exciting details in our latest press release below and we look forward to seeing you there!

ANNOUNCING THE 2012 GREEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 4^th ANNUAL EVENT

BACK TO BASICS BLACK & WHITE GALA:

CELEBRATING A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

HP Director of Environmental Initiatives, Chris Librie to Keynote at

September 20, 2012 event

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (September 6, 2012) Please join the Green Chamber of Commerce (GCC), sustainable business professionals, thought leaders and politicians at our 4^th annual celebration, the Back to Basics, Black & White Gala: Honoring Our Community’s Commitment To Sustainable Business Leadership.  Held in San Francisco at EEFG, Inc. on September 20, 2012, the Gala showcases our sustainable community through exhibition and awards, highlights our green business policy initiatives and successes over the past year, and provides an opportunity to network with over 100 sustainable business professionals and community leaders. To register, click here: http://greenchamberofcommerce.net/annual-event-b2b/

Guest Speakers

We are excited to have as our keynote speaker, HP Director of Environmental and Health Initiatives, Sustainability and Social Innovation Chris Librie, discussing what he sees as the future for corporate sustainability in addition to why it is vital for businesses of all sizes to demonstrate a commitment to – and collaborate on - sustainability.  There will also be a special address by Green Chamber community partner representative, Group Manager of Product and Policy from General Motors Dave Barthmuss, who is representing the Chevrolet Volt as a proud new member and sponsor of the Green Chamber.

Great Food, Drinks, and Exhibitors

Join us and be treated to offerings from local green businesses, organic caterers and beer and wine makers.  Among those participating are Green Chamber members, Blue Heron Catering, Savoy Events Catering, Delicious Catering, there will be samplings from Frey Organic Wines and local microbreweries Speakeasy Brewery and Bison Organic Beers, as well as sweet treats from Wish Upon A Cupcake.

Exclusive VIP Hour

Attend our Exclusive VIP/ Media Hour from 6 - 7pm to connect one-on-one with sustainable business and community leaders such asSusan Frank of The Better World Group, Jordan Carlton Schaul of National Geographic, keynote speaker Chris Librie of HPand many other guests.

Sustainable Business Award & Raffle Green Chamber is proud to announce it’s 2^nd Annual attendee chosen Green Chamber Sustainable Business Leadership Award. A short list based on nominations by Green Chamber members.  In addition to holding a raffle, which will include exclusive products and services from green businesses, artists, luxury hotels, and much more! For more information, click here:http://greenchamberofcommerce.net/2012/08/23/gcc-2012-sustainable-business-leadership-award/

B2B Gala Sponsors

Thank you to our leading sponsors of the Green Chamber 4^th Annual Gala: East Bay MUD, Chevrolet Volt, Green Dentistry, Frey Vineyards, Kahl Web Services Consultants, and Sungevity.  Learn more: http://greenchamberofcommerce.net/

Tickets & Event Details:

http://greenchamberofcommerce.net/annual-event-b2b/

About the Green Chamber of Commerce:

The Green Chamber of Commerce was created to strengthen a growing business movement that supports sustainable business practices, promote the success of its members, and advocate for green public policy. The Green Chamber provides its members with promotional opportunities, discounts, hosted events, a voice in national and local policy, and tools to become more environmentally and socially responsible.

EVENT DETAILS

What:  The 2012 Green Chamber of Commerce 4^th Annual Event Back to Basics, Black & White Gala: Celebrating a commitment to sustainable business leadership 

When: Thursday, September 20, 2012 ~ 7pm – 10pm (VIP Hour 6pm – 7pm) 

Where: EEFG, Inc. 657 Mission Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94105 Keynote:        Chris Librie, Director of HP Environmental and Health Initiatives, Sustainability and Social Innovation 

Award:  2^nd Annual Green Chamber Member, Sustainable Business Leadership Award 

Attire:   Black & White Cocktail Suggested 

Host:    The Green Chamber of Commerce www.greenchamberofcommerce.net 

Tickets: Members – $25 per person,  Non-members – $50 per person 

VIP:        Members: $50, Non-members $75 

Registration: http://greenchamberofcommerce.camp8.org/Default.aspx?pageId=982086 

Event Contact:         Risa De Ferrari, Executive Director, Green Chamber of Commerc risa@greenchamberofcommerce.net | 415-250-3017

Sponsorship, Exhibition, Raffle donation opportunities are available.  For more information, click here: http://greenchamberofcommerce.net/annual-event-b2b/sponsorship/

Proceeds of the event directly benefit Green Chamber of Commerce development of sustainable networking, education, and advocacy programs. 

Need a manufacturer & supplier of superior quality beef & chicken for the Philly Cheesesteak? Ask Liberty Bell Steak Co.!

Over 25 years old and going strong, Liberty Bell Steak Co. has been producing excellent quality beef chip steaks for what is widely known as the famous “Philly Cheesesteak”. Philly Cheesesteak is the favorite of millions of people, not only in Philadelphia but all over the US. Liberty Bell prides itself in offering “The  Real Authentic Philly Steak Sandwich Meat” for the meal that has become a Philadelphia institution.

People enjoy the true taste of Philly with Liberty Bell Steaks. Liberty Bell offers a variety of steaks of both beef as well as chicken, in a number of portion sizes and bulk packaging that will suit any customer’s menu. They do private labeling and can provide customized packaging for the customers.

Company History

Gus Pahides founder of Liberty Bell Steak was an independent food service distributor and looking to expand his family owned business. In 1986 he started Liberty Bell Steak Co. in order to better serve his customers with the best steak meat in the city. Today, Liberty Bell Steak Co. is headed by President and CEO John Vellios who has experienced continued growth and expansion over the years. Liberty Bell Steak Co. is recognized as an industry leader with distributors throughout the U.S and Canada.

Liberty Bell Steak Co. is a Federal USDA inspected facility that maintains the highest degree of quality control standards for their product.  The steaks are made from the choicest cuts of solid-muscle domestic steer beef.  They demand superior standards and consistency from the meat suppliers, with whom they have built strong and reliable relationships. It is their belief that business starts and ends with the customer and the success depends on meeting those needs best they can.

About Philly Cheesesteak

The foundation of their business is the flavorful sandwich steaks.  But when potential customers want to know what makes Liberty Bell Steak superior to the competitors, they promise these differentiators: 

• dependability and flexibility for the customers
• efficiency, proficiency, and rich Philly history
• NEVER compromise the quality

For a list and description of available Philly Cheesesteak refer to the Liberty Bell Steak product sheet and website at http://www.libertybellsteak.com or call tel. 215-537-1256.

What's a Tandoor or Tandoori?

Tandoori Chicken is a spicy roasted chicken made in a Tandoor and seasoned with spicy yogurt and curry based sauce. Tandoori or Tandoor is an earthen oven used in India. It usually gets very hot, around 800 F, inside it. Tandoor barrel-shaped and run by using coal which burns at the bottom and heats clay interior.

The best substitute for Tandoor will be a closed charcoal grill. You can also use an oven, but it should be your last resort

Tandoori Chicken is also spelled as Tanduri chicken or Tandori Chicken.

Ingredients:

10 pieces of chicken (drumsticks and/or breast with skin removed) 

1 cup plain yoghurt

Spices: 

1 tablespoon melted butter 

1 tablespoon lemon juice 

1 tablespoon red chilli powder (adjust according to preference) 

1 tablespoon coriander powder 

1 tablespoon garlic paste 

1 tablespoon ginger paste 

1 tablespoon cumin powder 

½ tablespoon mustard 

½ tablespoon garam masala powder

Optional Spices: 

A few pods of cardamom, a pinch of saffron, salt to taste

Note: You can also buy ready-made Tandoori Chicken Spice mixture or paste in any South Asian store or ethnic sections of big grocery store.

Preparation:

Mix all spices with yogurt and butter to make marinating sauce.

Prick the chicken and apply the sauce. Cover chicken and marinate overnight inside a refrigerator (at least 4 hrs).

Grill the chicken in regular way. (For better result, apply melted butter to the chicken just before you grill.)

Cook chicken until brownish (or way you prefer)

Serve sliced onion (ring) and lemon wedges with the tandoori chicken. Lemon juice can be sprinkled on the cooked chicken to add zesty flavor.

 

Indian restaurant Taj of Marin is located at 909 4th Street San Rafael, CA. 94901 Tel #: (415) 459-9555 

 

Cherie Miller & Associates, Joshua Tree and 29 Palms Realty

Cherie Miller & Associates, Joshua Tree Realty and 29 Palms Realty offers services for your realty needs, whether you’re a buyer seller or investor. The agents come from all over and have different real estate specialties with the same passion and appreciation on the beauty of the desert communities they all call “home”.

WHY Cherie Miller

“Trust.” That’s the number one advantage in choosing Cherie Miller & Associates, Joshua Tree Realty and 29 Palms Realty to help you find the perfect home, neighborhood and price. They are a family-owned, local, full-service real estate office. Cherie Miller & Associates have diverse backgrounds and specialties

It is with great satisfaction for Cherie Miller to hand buyers the keys to their new home at closing and sees how their faces light up. They always look forward to helping each family to find and settle to their new desert home and community.  And willingly help sell your home from the time you’re ready to move as well.

The home buying process

Cherie Miller & Associates will assist you in making sure everything goes smoothly, from the start to moving-in.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how the buying process works.

1. Price. The staff will talk to you about price, to understand how much you are qualified for, what you want to pay for a monthly payment and help you with the pre-approval process.

2. Next the staff will talk about house size and location. Expect to be asked a lot of questions to help pinpoint the ideal house and location to fit your needs and lifestyle. For instance, do you have school-age children? Animals? If so, how many? This can be a determining factor. Where do you work? Are you retired? After determining all of these factors, they’ll filter them for areas and properties that fit your family needs and wants.

3. Showings. Once you to clearly identify your house needs and location, the next step is to get ready to view 2 to 10 homes until you find the right fit for you.

4. Offer. After you’ve picked the house you want, the staff will help you do the necessary paperwork and deliver your offer to the seller’s agent. Please note. You’ll usually be asked to write a check for a minimum of $500 or up to 3% of the house price. The check is to show you are a serious buyer and will be held as an earnest money deposit.

5. Escrow. When the seller accepts your offer, escrow will be established, serving as a neutral third party for all of the documents. The papers for the lender must be given to your lender as soon as possible and be thorough and accurate to keep from delaying the escrow. It’ll make sure that every “t” is crossed, every “i” is dotted and all necessary papers are signed properly.

6. Loan documents. The lender will prepare the loan documents. The lender will check closely to make sure they reflect the customer’s agreed-upon terms before they sign them and a notary will be available to notarize the deed of trust. At this point the client will provide the down payment, reflecting the difference from the deposit check, in the form of a cashier’s check or wire transfer.

7. Recording deed. Once the deed has been recorded with the county recorder’s office, the keys are handed over. Welcome home!

LISTING WITH CHERIE MILLER  

“Sold.”

That’s the word everyone want to hear from the real estate agent. It’s a satisfying reward to hang that sign in the yard. It shows that the agent was successful in helping the clients move on to the next stage of their lives with one less thing to worry about.

Cherie Miller & Associates will accomplish it with strategic local and Internet advertising, by promoting their proprietary Summer Catalog. Experienced real estate pros will help you navigate the paperwork and now – easy search tools on our website to help you find properties quickly.

Cherie Miller & Associates, Joshua Tree Realty and 29 Palms Realty are family-owned, local, full-service real estate offices. They are protecting the high reputation of the company name and proud of what they do. Their agents have diverse backgrounds and specialties in Real Estate in the Morongo Basin.

The home selling process

Once you’ve decided to place your home on the market, here are the steps involved in selling it.

1. Choosing your agent. These are tricky times, but that’s all the more reason to choose your agent wisely. We don’t view our clients as numbers.

2. Price. Analyzing comparable properties on the market and recently sold, look at upgrades and special benefits to come up with a price that positions your home attractively in your area.

3. Sign and lock box. Once you’ve signed a listing contract with Cherie Miller & Associates, the sign goes up, the lock box goes on and the marketing of your home begins.

4. Neatness sells. Now for the hard part: keeping your home “model” clean and tidy. But it’s worth it. All it takes is that one buyer, and we’ll help find the right one.

5. Offer. When a buyer makes an offer, you may need to negotiate a fair sales amount, presented through the agents. Once you approve the offer or counter-offer, you need to sign it.

6. Inspection. Your home will be inspected at this point; to be sure there are no unidentified problems. Be sure all utilities are on.

7. Escrow. All paperwork is handled through escrow, serving as a neutral third party. Papers need to be signed and notarized, including the grant deed.

8. Closing. At closing, the buyer will bring loan funds or cash, which is placed in escrow. At this point, be sure to turn off the utilities!

9. Deed recording. Escrow will arrange the recording of your home deed.

Disbursement of funds. Upon confirmation of the close of escrow, the buyer is given all keys and remotes. You can pick up your check or have the funds wired to your bank. Have a happy move

For your Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley, Pioneertown, Joshua Tree and 29 Palms real estate needs, trust Cherie Miller & Associates at telephone number (760) 369-1800.