NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL EVENT

Impact Napa

Tuesday, August 26, 2008, 8-10:45 a.m., Napa Valley Marriott, Napa

Best Places to Work 2008 Awards Reception

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

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The News in Brief

Inertia gets new CEO

NAPA – Ted Jansen will replace Paul Mabray as president and CEO of winery direct-sales software developer Inertia.

Investor-backed Inertia provides Web-based technology to help wineries manage direct sales and marketing. The company was founded by Mr. Mabray, who remains as Inertia’s chief strategy officer and board member.

Mr. Jansen was most recently senior vice president of product and retail at Expedia.com, a leading online travel service company.

According to Mr. Mabray, Inertia is experiencing “phenomenal growth in all areas.” The company’s REthink Engine technology is currently providing an integrated platform to manage all aspects of direct sales to both consumers and the trade for over 600 wine brands.

Fireman’s Fund releases new green coverage

NOVATO – Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. released the latest in its suite of eco-minded products this month, called Manufacturers’ Green Coverage Endorsement.

The company is offering premium reward incentives to manufacturers who employ environmentally friendly initiatives, practices and products. The product also replaces property with green-rated products and construction materials after a loss.

St. Joe adds safety software

SANTA ROSA, PETALUMA, NAPA – The St. Joseph Health System implemented new safety software in eight hospitals this month, including Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Petaluma Valley Hospital and Queen of the Valley Medical Center.

The Premier Healthcare Alliance product, called SafetySurveillor, is used to track antibiotic use and health care-associated infections and is used to improve efficiency and quality of care.

Hospital meetings set

SONOMA, PETALUMA – After voters denied the hospital’s request for bond money, Sonoma Valley Hospital officials will discuss their next move during a meeting Wednesday. Leaders will present information on the facility’s current budget and fiscal status and decide if and when to pursue another bond.

Also this week, Petaluma Health Care District officials will release the second part of a comprehensive study on the city and county’s mental health services.

Unemployment rates up

NORTH BAY – Unemployment rates in Sonoma, Napa, Marin and Solano counties increased year over year in April, according to the state Economic Development Department. Large job drops in construction continued, though Sonoma, Marin and Napa recorded positive overall job growth.

Sonoma County’s unemployment rate, measured by the number of people actively seeking jobs, was about 4.9 percent in April, up from 4.1 percent last year. The county reported 1,400 more available jobs than in April 2007 but still lost 1,000 positions in the construction industry.

Napa’s unemployment rate increased from 3.7 percent last April to 4.4 percent last month. Government had the largest job growth at 500 and construction lost 300 positions.

Unemployment in Marin County was 3.9 percent last month. Industry-specific numbers are not available for Marin.

Solano County’s unemployment fell slightly last month to 6 percent from 6.4 percent but was above last year’s April rate of 4.9. Solano had the largest overall loss in jobs for the second month, losing 2,100, of which 1,800 were in the construction sector.

REI goes solar

SANTA ROSA – Outdoors-oriented retail chain Recreational Equipment Inc., REI, plans to install solar-electric systems on its Santa Rosa store this year as part of a pilot project at 11 stores in California, Oregon and Texas.

The Seattle-based retailer will be installing photovoltaic panels on the roofs of six other California stores, located in Arcadia, Folsom, Sacramento, San Carlos, San Diego and San Francisco. REI expects the 11 installations to generate a total of 1.1 megawatt-hours per year, or enough to power 117 homes.

CalAm rates to increase

SANTA ROSA – The California Public Utilities Commission approved a 36.6 percent revenue increase for California American Water’s Larkfield service area. The CPUC rejected the cost-sharing plan California American Water proposed, which would have partially consolidated rates between 10 Sacramento-area water systems and the Larkfield district. It expects to invest approximately $3 million in infrastructure projects, including a new well, main replacements and treatment plant improvements.

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