| Published August 17th, 2011 | business briefs | | | | Lafayette Makes National News
On August 11 CNN aired a news video comparing the city of Lafayette and its low 4.0% unemployment rate with the city of Delano and its 37% unemployment rate. It can be viewed online at: www.trylafayettefirst.org/cnn_lafayette/.
In the news clip Lafayette Council Member Don Tatzin and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jay Lifson share their ideas about what makes Lafayette such a heaven for employment. "Education is the greatest discriminating factor," believes Lifson, who also adds that the large number of entrepreneurs in the city makes a big difference. According to monthly labor force data released in California for Contra Costa in June of 2011, Lafayette has one of the lowest rates (along with Kensington), followed by Alamo at 4.1%, Orinda at 4.2%, San Ramon at 4.6%, Danville at 5.9% and Moraga at 6.6%. The City of Clayton's unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Familiar Lamorinda Personality Keith Miller Starts His Own Brokerage Company
216-8046, www.EBResidential.com
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Keith Miller Photo provided
After years of management in the real estate industry, Keith Miller decided to get back to what made his career in the first place, buying and selling homes. "I'm going back to the essence of business," says the Lafayette resident and Orinda Chamber of Commerce Board member. "I'm going under my own license and creating my own Lamorinda-based brokerage firm, East Bay Residential Realty." Miller declares that his wealth of both sales and management experience will permit him to offer a more personalized real estate experience. "My clients will receive the highest level of professionalism in term of market exposure, skilled buyer and seller representation, and they will benefit from my experience and knowledge of the residential real estate industry from the top down."
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Orinda Country Club (OCC) has a new General Manager
Greg Davis arrived in Orinda a month ago from the North Ranch Country Club in Southern California to manage OCC. "This is a privilege to be working for one of the finest Clubs in the country," said Davis, "this club was developed in the golden age of golf clubs, there is a legacy aspect to this organization. This is a very special place to work." Davis graduated from the University of Oregon in Finance, while competing in the international amateur golf circuit. He was the General Manager at North Ranch for 7 years before he applied for the Orinda position. "My focus in Orinda is to assist the Board of this member-owned club to make sure this place continues to be one of the best in the country," says Davis. His task is to manage the day to day operation and assist the Board in making strategic planning for the long term. "We try to create a really fun recreational experience for the members as well as providing them with interesting social activities," says the new manager, "there are a lot of little things that go into that mix, and I pay attention to all of them." Davis and his wife Trish are in the process of selling their southern California home and plan to be able to settle in the Orinda area soon.
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Israeli Celebration At Shish Kabab Show
376 Park Street, Moraga
388-0538
Shish Kabab show, a middle eastern restaurant in Moraga, will celebrate its roots with music and dancing on Sunday, August 21, starting at 7pm and going well into the night. The Israeli music band More and Yniv will get everyone dancing and surprise belly-dancing performances should delight customers. Call for reservations.
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News from the three Chambers of Commerce
Lafayette
- Entrepreneur's Club, August 18th, 8:30-9:30 am in the Lafayette Chamber Conference Room
- Movies in the Park, Finding Nemo, August 18th, 8-10 pm
- Rock the Plaza, The Floorshakers, August 19th, 6 pm; Tall Shadows, August 26, 6 pm
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Moraga
Annual Chamber BBQ, Tuesday, August 30, 6-8 pm at the Moraga Commons Park. Everyone in Moraga is invited to the Annual Moraga Chamber of Commerce BBQ sponsored by Safeway. Celebrating and re-launching the Shop Moraga First Campaign. RSVP to Kathe Nelson by August 22, kathenelson@gmail.com
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Orinda
After Hours Mixer on Thursday, August 18, 5:30-7 pm at Orinda Motors, 63 Orinda Way, Orinda
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