LAMORINDA WEEKLY | business briefs

Lafayette Mercantile's Architecture
Receives Recognition
3599 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette

Sudhish Mohindroo and Eric Maltman announced at the beginning of the month that their SZFM Design Studio had received the Grand Award for Outstanding Retail Project from the Pacific Coast Builders Conference 2009 Gold Nugget Awards Program for the Lafayette Mercantile building. The Conference invites projects from the 14 western United States and foreign countries, this year, some 375 projects competed. The Mercantile won in the Outstanding Retail Project category. The judges said: "With a focus on street retail, this project presents an inviting public space for people to stop, shop, and enjoy the pedestrian scale." They also appreciated the artistic details, convenient parking and the pleasant mix of retail and offices. The 43 foot high project was developed by Cortese Properties.

Main Street Property Recruits New Associates
985 Moraga Road, Suite 202, Lafayette. 299-8170, www.mspsinc.com.

Main Street Property Services, Inc. is pleased to announce the arrival of two new members on its leasing team. David Fishbein will act as Retail Consultant for the Lafayette-based real estate company. Mr. Fishbein specializes in high-end retail and destination restaurants. Michael Semmelmeyer will act as Retail Consultant. Semmelmeyer joins Main Street after serving in the United States Navy for six years. Focusing exclusively on retail, Main Street Property Services provides clients with first-hand knowledge of activities and transactions throughout the retail real estate industry.

News from the Three Chambers of Commerce:

Lafayette

- Lafayette Reservoir Run on Sunday October 25, starting downtown Lafayette at 8:30 a.m. The 17th Run is sponsored by Oakwood Athletic Club and supported by the whole community, including the Chamber of Commerce. Over 2,500 participants of all ages and abilities compete in the 1oK, 5K or 2 mile race. It's a family affair that gets together serious runners along with walkers, the stroller brigade and dog owners. Stanley Middle School will provide music and the Lafayette Rotary Club will supply pancakes for breakfast. Pre-registration can be done by visiting the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce website, www.lafayettechamber.org or www.active.com

- Green Committee Meeting on Wednesday, October 21 at 11:45 a.m. in the Chamber Conference Room.

- Business Issues Meeting on Friday, October 23 at 8:00 a.m. in the Chamber Conference Room.

Moraga

- Chamber meeting on October 27 at 6 p.m. at the Hacienda de las Flores. Light refreshments will be served for members and guests. Andy Scheck will talk about the Lamorinda Weekly, its business model, use of the web site, and the paper's support of small and middle size businesses.

Orinda

- October 23, Orinda Chamber October Luncheon, noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante. This month's topic is, "An architect's personal vision of downtown Orinda for the next generation; opportunities for sustainable growth," by Peter Hasselman, architect, urban designer, and illustrator based in Orinda. Cost $30.00 per person. RSVP: 925-254-3909.