Contra Costa County Employers Advisory Council Today
The Contra Costa County Employers Advisory Council’s “The Hidden Untapped Talent” forum, also sponsored by the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County, will start at 8 a.m. today at Willow Pass Community Center, 2748 East Olivera Road, Concord.
The forum is open to employers, hiring managers and recruiters, and will have speakers, panel discussions and information about local resources. It’s designed to help those hiring to learn about the benefits of choosing aspiring workforce members.
Those interested may visit the websites www.wdbccc.com and https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-hidden-untapped-talent-comes-with-benefits-tickets-49433310362.
Admission is free and breakfast is provided.
DVC Business Boot Camp Saturday For Veterans
Diablo Valley Community College Business Boot Camp will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the college’s campus at 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill.
The “boot camp,” offered by both the college and the Sentinels of Freedom is for f or veterans starting a new business or those interested in growing an existing business.
Participants will learn the basics of validating their business ideas, evaluating the market, assessing their risks, estimating startup costs, setting up their business identities, creating a business lan and developing a break-even analysis.
The event is free of charge. While the target audience is veteran entrepreneurs, their spouses and business partners also are welcome.
Those interested may visit the website http://www.martinezchamber.com/events/details/dvc-small-business-boot-camp-1361.
Sonoma Raceway Starts Thanksgiving Food Drive
Sonoma Raceway has kicked off its 18th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, which runs through Nov. 19.
Race fans and community members can donate non-perishable food items at several North Bay locations, and all food collected will be distributed to two Sonoma County food banks: Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) and the Redwood Empire Food Bank in Santa Rosa.
The raceway’s annual food drive has distributed more than 36 tons of food since its inception in 2000, including 4,486-pounds of food and more than $2,500 in donations from to the food banks in 2017.
“FISH is honored to once again benefit from Sonoma Raceway’s generosity,” said Sandy Drew, member of the FISH Steering Committee and Holiday Food Basket volunteer. “Last year, not only did they deliver a big batch of non-perishable food, but also a generous cash donation collected through the food drive. Through its donations, the raceway helps to make an invaluable impact on our neighbors in need in Sonoma Valley.”
Recommended non-perishable food items include dry rice, dried or boxed milk, canned corn, peas, tomatoes and tuna.
Food items can be dropped off in the collection bins at the following locations:Sonoma Raceway at Gate 1 or the main office, 29355 Arnold Dr.; Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority, 630 2nd Street West, Sonoma. (707) 996-2102; Schell-Vista Fire Station, 22950 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 938-2633; Sonoma Market, 500 West Napa Street, Sonoma; Glen Ellen Village Market, 13751 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen; and RKA, 7694 Bell Road, Windsor.
Food items or donations can also be mailed to the raceway: Jen Imbimbo, 29355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA, 95476.
Windsor’s RKA Motorcycle Luggage will continue its annual tradition as host of a motorcycle group ride Sunday, Nov. 18, which will include a pit stop at Sonoma Raceway to drop off collected food items and take a spin around the Sonoma Raceway road course. Riders can also participate in a raffle and enjoy lunch at the Raceway Café. For more information and to sign up for the ride, visit www.rka-luggage.com.
In response to the great need of rebuilding Sonoma County because of wildfires, the Redwood Empire Food Bank launched the Gallaher Challenge. The Gallaher family will match all new and increased giving to the food bank through Dec. 31. The family has committed to matching up to $1 million dollars. Those interested in learning more about the Gallaher Challenge In Support of Redwood Empire Food Bank may visit www.refb.org/gallaher-challenge-2/.
FISH (www.friendsinsonomahelping.org) has been helping Sonoma Valley residents in times of need since 1970 and provides not only food, but clothing, transportation and emergency rental assistance to Sonoma Valley residents in need.
FISH has been a beneficiary of the raceway’s food drive since its inception in 2001. In 2017, FISH distributed 570 food baskets impacting more than 2,200 individuals. Although much food is donated, each food basket costs an additional $36 because they include fresh eggs, produce, shelf stable products and a $25 gift card supported by cash contributions to FISH.
Those interested in the food drive may visit www.SonomaRaceway.com or contact Jen Imbimbo at Jennifer@SonomaRaceway.com or 707-933-3981.
Business News Welcome At The Martinez News-Gazette
The Martinez News-Gazette’s weekly Martinez Business Beat column is an opportunity for local businesses and companies to tell our readers about business-oriented news, such as moves, grand openings, awards, promotion of employees, staff changes and changes in goods and services.
The deadline is 3 p.m. Friday for news items to appear in the following Wednesday edition. Please e-mail news releases and accompanying high-resolution photographs and logos to martinezgazettereporter@gmail.com and put “Attn: Business Beat” in the subject line along with the name of your business.
The Martinez News-Gazette also appreciates area companies’ advertising patronage. For advertising services, please call 925-228-6400.