Ten businesses, three schools and two apartment complexes will share $12,000 for their outstanding recycling efforts.

Customers of Napa Recycling and Waste Services were rewarded for keeping recyclables out of garbage and garbage out of recyclables, said Kevin Miller, the city of Napa’s materials diversion administrator.

The highest prize, $1,500, went to Charter Oak Apartments. Receiving $1,000 awards were: Vintage High School, Valley Oak High School, Trinity Grammar & Prep, Aldea, Valley Oak Apartments, Blood Centers of the Pacific and Lucy’s Panderia.

The $500 winners were: Napa Infant Program, Copia, Tacqueria Rosita, Julia’s Kitchen, Andretti Winery, Breaktime Coffee and Downtown Joe’s.

The recycling awards will be presented at 9 a.m., Friday at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3585 Solano Ave. Napa vice mayor Jim Krider will present prizes and plaques.

“We hope the public recognition and financial award will encourage others in the community to engage in proactive recycling programs and save money on their garbage bills at the same time,” Miller said.

Funding comes from local garbage revenues and a state recycling grant./Register

Network group seeks to increase membership

The Napa Success Connection Business Networking Group meets every Wednesday, 8-9 a.m., at 1518 Jefferson St. in Napa (in the house facing Jefferson in front of the Senior Center).

The networking group is seeking new members.

The purpose of the group is to exchange information, refer business to members, and develop ongoing business relationships.

Our meeting format includes presentations by members and scheduled guest speakers.

Info, e-mail:networking@napasuccessconnection.com for more information or

www.napasuccessconnection.com/Register

Napa Chamber is No. 1 in North Bay reader’s poll

For the fourth year in a row, the Napa Chamber of Commerce has won “Best Chamber of Commerce” in NorthBay Biz magazine’s annual poll.

“We are proud to be recognized for our work,” said Jeri Hansen-Gill, chamber chairman.

“The broad range of benefits, services, resources and activities that the Napa Chamber offers is staggering. There is truly value in membership. In addition to being a steadfast advocate for business, we also actively engage in issues that are important to our entire community such as education, affordable housing, transportation and protection of our local agriculture industry — just to name a few. The Chamber does more than just react or respond; we are involved at the fundamental level and actually work within the community to frame the issues that matter to us,” Hanse-Gill said.

“I think the reason we keep winning NorthBay Biz Magazine’s ‘Best Chamber Award’ is because our members vote for us,” said King. “They must feel proud to be members of the award-winning Napa Chamber and they want to keep that prestigious title. I am hoping that they recognize that we are a good, solid and healthy organization. Whatever the reason, we’re simply thrilled to win year after year and we hope we will continue to win their support and this award.”

The award will be presented to the Napa Chamber of Commerce on May 10 in a ceremony in Santa Rosa./Register

Sustainable enterprise confab set for May 4-5

The Sustainable Enterprise Conference is May 4-5, at Sonoma Mountain Village in Rohnert Park. This year’s theme, “At Work. For Life.” focuses on cutting edge sustainable enterprise issues and opportunities, practical tools, successful case studies, interactive learning experiences, and new visions for business, nonprofit and government entities in the North Bay. 

Anyone who wants to learn about tools for creating positive change in their enterprise will benefit.

Workshop topics include increasing profits through sound environmental practices, the benefits of measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, environmental performance measurement systems, going solar, conservation investing, market-driven restoration, greening the enterprise and the region, creating inspiring visions and much more.

May 4 focuses on visions and tools for a sustainable enterprise.  The keynote speaker will be Dave Martinelli, vice president of Coleman Natural Foods, whose Petaluma Poultry division produces “Rocky the Range Chicken” and “Rosie the Organic Chicken.”

The theme for May 5 is regional sustainability. Keynote Speaker Carol Misseldine serves as sustainability coordinator for Oakland’s Public Works Agency and will discuss transforming cities and building sustainable systems. She previously served as Sustainability Coordinator for then-Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown.

A second keynote speaker is Julian Darley, president of the Post Carbon Institute and author who will speak on “Regional Renaissance: Creating a Thriving Economy, a Healthy Climate and Energy Security.”

Sponsors include: Sonoma Mountain Village, PG&E, Agilent Technologies, North Bay Construction, Medtronics, SolarCraft, Paul Dolan Vineyards, Petaluma Poultry, Arntz Family Foundation, Whole Foods, Clif Bar, Earthsite, and others.

Tickets are $200 for two days and $125 for one day. Students and nonprofits pay $160 for two days and $100 for one day.

Online registration is now open at www.sec2007.com or make check payable to: The Leadership Institute and send to: Sustainable Enterprise 2007, Conference Tickets, P.O. Box 356, Forestville, CA 95436./Register