NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL EVENT

Best Places to Work 2008 Awards Reception

September 25, 2008, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Doubletree Hotel, Rohnert Park

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Supervisors name Innovation Council

SANTA ROSA -- The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today appointed 34 individuals to serve on the Sonoma County Innovation Council, an advisory committee that will be charged with overseeing the development of an economic strategic plan for the county.

Randy DeCaminada, marketing director for Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), and Cynthia Murray, president and CEO of the North Bay Leadership Council, have been named as council co-chairs.

The Innovation Council will examine the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the region’s economy, including the unprecedented changes that are expected in several areas including workforce demographics, global competitiveness, availability of natural resources and the effects of climate change legislation, among others.

“We are already seeing many of these changes beginning to take effect,” said Mr. DeCaminada. “Now is the time to look ahead and plan to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities.”

“Along with developing a comprehensive economic forecast, we are also formulating an action plan that will delegate tasks to a variety of groups in business, government, and education,” said Ms. Murray. “This plan will help bolster the vitality of our economy through the coming decade.”

The council will meet four times throughout the next 12 months to guide the formulation of the economic strategic plan with the help of expert consultants. A Web site available at www.innovationcouncil.org will update the council’s progress and provide a calendar of public meetings and agendas, an email address for contributing feedback, an e-mail update service and more.

The following individuals have been appointed to the Innovation Council:

Co-chairs: Randy DeCaminada, Cynthia Murray

Steering Committee Members: Bob Anderson, Jane Bender, Bill Carson, Scott Kincaid, Scott Kirk, Bill Nordskog and Lisa Schaffner

Innovation Council Members: Robert Agrella, Steve Amend, Ed Barr, Percy Brandon, Oscar Chavez, Don Chigazola, Judy Coffey, Ann Hancock, Mike Hauser, Mark Inman, Katie Kerns, Patrick Kilkenny, Brian Ling, John Lowry, Alexander Mallonee, Lex McCorvey, Juan Nieto, Onita Pellegrini, Grant Raeside, Saeid Rahimi, Teresa Ramondo, Marlene Soiland, Carl Wong, Joan Woodard and Jennifer Yankovich

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