Bank of Marin Exec Named President of Marin Economic Forum

The Marin Economic Forum has announced that Mike Kadel, central Marin regional manager for , has been elected as the organization’s new board president.

Kadel joined the board of MEF at its inception in 2009 and was chair of the Targeted Industries Committee focused on the unique issues of Marin’s agricultural, biomedical, commercial real estate, financial, health care, multimedia, software and tourism industries.

Kadel joins fellow board officers and executive committee members, Judy Arnold (Marin County Board of Supervisors), John Maher (Maher Accountancy), Mark Abrahams (Autodesk), Patricia Kendall (Kaiser Permanente), Jon Friedenberg (Marin General Hospital) and Coy Smith (Novato Chamber of Commerce). They all work closely with Neil Stone, chief executive officer of MEF, to strengthening Marin’s local economy.

The Marin Economic Forum was created through a partnership of local government, educational institutions, non-profits and private entities devoted to enhancing Marin's economy through support of start-up, expanding and entrepreneurial businesses while preserving Marin's environment and commitment to social equality.

Women in Business Leadership Award

Regina Bianucci Rus, owner of RBR CPA, was the recipient of the 2011 Women in Business Leadership Award at the 9th annual Summer Fest event sponsored by the Women in Business committee.

“One of our goals is to recognize a local business woman who exemplifies leadership, unity, strong commitment and involvement in her community, as well as inpsires all of us to better serve our community and we believe Regina excels at those qualifications,” said Warrenetta Lane, co-chair of Women in Business.

Spelling Bee & Ribbon Cutting

The will celebrate a Novato Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 5-7 p.m. to officially open the new theatrical stage built by the . Spelling Bee finalists from first through eighth grades will spell challenging words on the new stage with Novato Fire Chief Marc Revere, Novato Youth Center leaders, Ignacio Rotarians and other special guests. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Community members, parents and youth are invited.

Ladybug Connections

Gina Drohan is a Novato resident and owner of three Massage Envy businesses in the North Bay. She’s started a exchange that helps gather clothing and furniture for needy families at Lucchesi Community Center in Petaluma and uses Facebook to post info about what items are needed. She does this work in honor of her Romanian grandmother, Lucretia Carlomagno, who passed away in 2010. At age 92, Drohan’s grandmother told the family that they should think of her whenever they see a ladybug.

To read the full article on the Petaluma Patch site and find out how to help, click this link. 

North Bay Leadership Council Awards

Two Novato organizations will be recognized in October for their leadership by the North Bay Leadership Council. The annual 2011 Leaders of the North Bay Award recognizes individuals and organizations from the region that have been “positive catalysts for change.”

This year will be honored in the Innovative/Entrepreneurial Spirit category. Berta Campos-Anicetti of the will be honored for Leadership within the Latino Community. The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in Rohnert Park.  For more information on tickets, click here.

Send your business-related news items to Tracey Ruiz.