| Published October 29th, 2008 | business briefs | sophie@lamorindaweekly.com | ![](../../issue0217/images/) | | Intraware To Be Sold
Intraware Inc., an Orinda software services company, has agreed to sell itself to Acresso Software, a private equity firm's subsidiary for $27 million. The company that provides online services to deliver and manage software and digital files, was founded in the late 90s by Peter Jackson and Mark Hoffman. After a difficult period in 2001, the company fought its way back to profitability under the direction of Jackson. "Intraware has deep expertise in (software services), and an impressive list of partners and customers, including a number of shared customers," Mark Bishof, Acresso's president, said in prepared comments. The sale is expected to close in December or January. Jackson said he believes the new owner will retain the majority of Intraware's 60 employees. The future operation will likely have East Bay offices.
Mountain Mike's of Lafayette Honors Veterans, 3614 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
(next to Citibank) - 283-6363
Mountain Mike's Pizza in Lafayette offers free lunch buffet to ALL active duty and retired members of the United States Armed Forces on Tuesday, November 11th from 11 to 2 p.m. in honor of Veterans Day. "We want to Honor all those who have served and all who are currently serving," said Ben Mahoney, "and we will be accepting donations for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund as well."
Mt. Diablo Business Women Networking Dinner
On November 13th from 5:45 - 8:30 p.m. The group invites its members and interested parties to join their networking dinner at the Lafayette Park Hotel, 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. The November Speaker is Susan Urquhart-Brown, author of "The Accidental Entrepreneur: Practical Wisdom for People Who Never Expected to Work for Themselves." Register early, no walk-ins.
$37 member, $44 guest. For info contact: www.mtdiablobusinesswomen.org.
A Message From Lafayette Police Chief Mike Hubbard:
On 10-22-08 a string of robberies occurred in Contra Costa County. There were three robberies in the early afternoon in the Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek areas. At 5:15 p.m. the 76 gas station on the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and First Street was robbed. A black male, wearing a hoodie, entered the business with a handgun and demanded money. The suspect fled on foot and was not found. Between 9:00 and 10:00 pm two more robberies occurred in Orinda. The first at Village Pizza and the second at Concina Mexicana. In both instances a dark skinned male, wearing a hoodie entered the business with a handgun and demanded money. The Orinda Police Department and the Lafayette Police Department are working on these cases.
The most important thing to note is that no one was hurt. It is vital that the business owners and their employees know what to do in these situations. The most important rule of thumb is COOPERATE. There is No Thing worth risking your life for. There is a reason so many medals for bravery and heroics are issued posthumously.
Here are some other tips on Crime Prevention for your business:
1. Secure and / or anchor your safe to concrete.
2. Fully illuminate the exterior and parts of the interior of the building and grounds at night.
3. Consider motion detector lights and low voltage alternatives.
4. Locate check-out counters near the front of the store, clearly visible from the outside so that
employees can better watch all activities. Place all entrances under visual surveillance.
5. Train your employees to be aware of suspicious persons and call the Police Dispatch immediately.
6. Prevent easy access to the roof or fire escape from the ground by trimming trees adjacent to the
building. Secure windows, roof access, and fire escape ladders with locking covers.
7. If possible, install rear windows to face parking areas for increased visibility.
8. Do not cover up windows with display material.
9. Use interior shelving and displays no higher than five feet, even lower in the front of the window.
10. Design loading areas that avoid creating hiding places for people and merchandise.
11. Maintain clear visibility from the store to the street, sidewalk, parking areas and passing vehicles.
12. If you are considering purchasing an alarm system or digital video surveillance system, contact
several reputable companies and get a full assessment of your needs.
13. If you do purchase an alarm system, consider adding the following: Panic Buttons, Fire/Smoke
Detectors, Monitored System (contacts Law Enforcement in case of an Alarm)
Check with your local Police Department for more tips on how to prepare your business.
Chambers of Commerce News:
Lafayette Chamber of Commerce
November Chamber Mixer at Queen Bee on Wed. Nov. 12th 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.; 261 Lafayette Circle.
Entrepreneur's Club, Thursday November 20th at 8:30 a.m. will take you on a road trip to
The Nut Factory, 3477 Golden Gate Way.
Moraga Chamber of Commerce
Chamber monthly meeting Friday, November 21 at 8 a.m. (7:30 a.m. coffee)
at Fireside Room Hacienda.
Orinda Chamber of Commerce
Breakfast Meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. at
Shelby's Restaurant, Theater Square. Continental Breakfast Cost $10.00
Speaker to be announced.
| ![](../../issue0217/images/) | | ![](../../issue0217/images/) | If you have a business brief to share, please contact Sophie Braccini at sophie@lamorindaweekly.com or call our office at 925-377-0977. | | |