Sonoma County Tourism Wins Three Prestigious Marcom Awards

Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) earned top honors in multiple categories in the international competition for marketing and communication professionals.

The MarCom Awards recognizes outstanding achievement by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of marketing and communication materials and programs.

SCT received two Platinum Awards (the very highest accolade possible), one in the Public Relations Program Campaign category for “The Unknown Destination for Wellbeing” and another recognition in the Influencer Content category for its Intentional Itineraries Program.

SCT also took home the Gold Award (second highest distinction) in the Digital Marketing Program category for its “Reawakening the Spirit of Travel in Sonoma County” promotional campaign.

There were over 6,000 MarCom entries from throughout the United States, Canada and 43 other countries. Each entry is judged based on its own merits, not in comparison to other entries.

“Our team at SCT and Fahlgren Mortine put a lot of hard work and dedication into the creation and implementation of these exceptional campaigns,” said Todd O’Leary, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Sonoma County Tourism. “Platinum is the highest award anyone can receive and is very challenging to earn. The fact that we earned two platinum, and one gold award just goes to show the passion our team has for these campaigns and our beautiful destination.”

The MarCom Awards is one of the oldest, largest, and most-respected creative competitions in the world. Winning a MarCom Award is one of the most prestigious, highly sought-after honor in the marketing communications industry.

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About Sonoma County Tourism

Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) is the region’s official Destination Stewardship Organization. Through a multi-channel sales and marketing program, the organization promotes Sonoma County as a global visitor and meetings destination, where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome. Leveraging the region’s unmatched assets, wine, culinary, wellness, and sustainability continue to define its character. Visitors spent $1.97 billion in Sonoma County in 2021, a 58% increase over 2020 and employed 17,640 Sonoma Countians, a gain of 8.3% over 2020 hospitality job levels. Post-pandemic, SCT will work with partner businesses to rebuild the tourism economy, regain critical revenue, and re-establish a vibrant workforce. Planning the perfect trip to Sonoma County just got easier with the Sonoma County App as your personal travel assistant. Create a unique itinerary in real time, travel with intention and share with your traveling party. Available for Android and iOS. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com

https://www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-county-tourism-wins-three-prestigious-marcom-awards

Dutra Wishes Bill Dutra a Happy 50 Year Anniversary

Text sourced from Dutra newsletter.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Bill on his 50th anniversary at the helm of The Dutra Group, and to express our sincerest appreciation for Bill’s vision and passion throughout this tenure. Like all companies, The Dutra Group has endured periods of “high seas and foul weather.” Under Bill’s leadership, we prevailed in overcoming our challenges while also strengthening the fabric of the company in the process. Bill’s unfettered leadership, vision, and passion have inspired all of us at The Dutra Group, and we are all fortunate to have learned from him.

This past year, we have experienced unprecedented inflationary and supply chain challenges that we are eager to put behind us. At the same time, We are very optimistic as we move forward into 2023. The company’s markets are strong, and they show signs of continued growth with strong demand for marine infrastructure work of all types.

On the safety side, we could not be prouder of our employees for their tremendous effort in honoring and respecting our culture of excellence and safety. During challenging times, it is the special character of our employees that compels us to excel and to look out for one another.

As we move to grow our company and participate in even larger projects within our areas of expertise, we are highly confident that our people are up to the technical and administrative challenges. By providing the highest level of quality and service to our customers, we have the opportunity to work on exciting and important projects while strengthening and improving the infrastructure of our great nation.

I am honored and excited to work alongside our management team, including our recently appointed vice presidents and newly elevated managers, and everyone throughout the organization to guide this company into its next chapter — the future is very bright.

Let’s continue to enjoy working in a safe, innovative and profitable company.

North Bay Children’s Center – New Year Brings New Opportunities

It’s the beginning of the new year and we’re already off to a great start. NBCC is excited to announce the opening of its second toddler classroom in Sonoma County and the launch of a new associate teacher apprenticeship program in Marin.

In December NBCC rolled out a new toddler program at its Fitch Mountain campus in Healdsburg to provide childcare and early education for 12 toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years. This is the second of five new toddler classrooms NBCC will launch over the next several months as part of its program expansion plans to serve an additional 60 children and their families at existing sites throughout the North Bay.

In January we began partnering with Marin Health & Human Services, Community Action Marin, and College of Marin, among other key partners, to launch an associate teacher apprenticeship program called the Pathways to Success Apprenticeship. This unique paid learning and on-the-job training experience will support a group of individual participants who will earn 12 Early Childhood Education units through College of Marin, complete 2,000 hours of paid work experience, and will be eligible for an Associate Teacher permit.

NBCC is pleased to welcome nine student teachers to this 18-month long apprenticeship. Our goal is to create a learning environment where the apprentices practice what they learn and contribute from their own experience.  President and CEO, Susan Gilmore stated, “This is such a win for our community. It supports working parents who need childcare for their kids, it benefits the participants in their personal growth as teachers, and supports the expansion of our early care and education workforce development.”

Comcast Partners with National Skills Coalition to Close the Digital Divide

National Skills Coalition (NSC) announced today a partnership with Comcast to educate local, state, and national decisionmakers about the benefits of the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to promote digital equity and opportunity nationwide. The initiative aims to help close the digital skill divide that is currently limiting educational and employment opportunities for nearly 50 million Americans.  

NSC received a $200,000 grant from Comcast to help state leaders bridge existing workforce development programs with federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) and Digital Equity Act (DEA) funding. Digital skills are now required across virtually every industry and occupation, yet nearly one in three U.S. workers lack the foundational digital skills necessary to enter and thrive in today’s workforce, with workers of color and those earning lower wages disproportionately affected. These programs represent a once-in-a-generation investment in closing the digital skills gap equitably. 

“If local, state, and federal decisionmakers fully understand its potential – and if workforce and broadband offices work together on its implementation – this federal investment in digital equity could have a profound impact on closing the digital skill divide for tens of millions of America’s workers,” said Andy Van Kleunen, NSC CEO. “We’re grateful to Comcast for their partnership in making that happen.” 

“When digital skills grow, our economy grows,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. “The demand for digital skills exists across every industry and throughout the workforce. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the National Skills Coalition to help ensure more local and national leaders are aware of and take advantage of public sector digital equity funds to invest in the skill development programs that are critical to closing our country’s digital divide.” 

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021, states have recently begun to receive historic federal investments in digital equity through the $42 billion BEAD program and the $2.75 billion DEA. 

BEAD funding will help states expand access to broadband, digital devices, and digital skills in unserved or under-served communities. BEAD also invests in training local workers to install and maintain new broadband infrastructure in their communities. Complementary, DEA will provide grants to states to support a range of digital inclusion activities, including digital skill building and efforts to advance awareness of adoption programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program. 

In addition to the grant, NSC and Comcast will partner on research, communications, and trainings that highlight best practices for implementing federal digital inclusion funding. The work will engage federal, state and local officials; state workforce and digital inclusion advocates; and national equity organizations. 

Comcast’s partnership with the National Skills Coalition is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. 

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About NSC  

National Skills Coalition fights for inclusive, high-quality skills training so that people have access to a better life, and local businesses see sustained growth. We engage in analysis and technical assistance, organizing, advocacy, and communications to improve state and federal skills policies.  

About Comcast Corporation  

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. 

Comcast Partners with National Skills Coalition to Close the Digital Divide

 

W. Bradley Electric’s CEO Leslie Murphy Inducted in to the YWCA Marin Women’s Hall of Fame

Marin Women’s Hall of Fame Annual Induction & Celebration

Thursday, March 23rd, 2023

5:00 – 8:00 pm

Peacock Gap Golf Club

The event honors five extraordinary women who will be inducted into the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame and celebrates the successes and growth of women’s contributions. This inspiring group of Inductees  share characteristics of passion, dedication, wit and hard work, and through their actions, have demonstrated their drive to ensure the progress and well-being of Marin County.

Ticket and table purchases include admission to a cocktail reception and three-course dinner. Tickets are limited and may sell out.

PROGRAM
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Hosted cocktail reception
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Dinner and Induction celebration

About the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame

Established in 1987, the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes Marin women of distinction, preserves their stories, educates the public on women’s contributions, and inspires future generations of women and girls.  The Marin Women’s Hall of Fame was cofounded by YWCA, AAUW, and the Marin Women’s Commission. Before the start of Marin Women’s Hall of Fame, virtually no records of women’s achievements had been recorded in Marin County.

YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley is proud to steward the program, ensuring a legacy for future generations that documents not only successes but also represents a diverse sisterhood of women supporting each other, standing together, and moving the needle on progress for all women. Today, more than 150 women have been recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to Marin County and beyond.

To register for this event follow this link: https://ywcasv.liveimpact.org/li/9568/sevent/evt/home/196234/69

The Press Democrat Selected by Report for America for Grant to Report on Mental Health Effects of Local Disasters

As part of our commitment to deliver even more meaningful and revelatory content to Sonoma County, I’m proud to share The Press Democrat is among several dozen newsrooms across the country to receive a grant to help fund a new reporting position.

The Report for America program selected The Press Democrat from hundreds of other applicants and awarded us a grant to hire a reporter to explore how the past five years of traumatic events — from devastating wildfires and floods to learning disruptions triggered by the global COVID-19 pandemic — have affected the emotional wellness and educational gains of Sonoma County students.

It’s no secret the unprecedented outside-the-classroom challenges our kids, especially those in grades K-12, have confronted the past half-decade have resulted in sagging academic scores.

Reading levels have tumbled, graduation rates have dropped and, even worse, teachers have seen a surge in the number of students grappling with emotional and psychological issues.

The Press Democrat has been exploring the topic for the past year. Investigative health reporter Martin Espinoza last October, on the fifth anniversary of the 2017 storm of wildfires, offered a special report that revealed the growing acute trauma among students reported by teachers and mental health experts.

A local survey reported about one in six Sonoma County middle and high school students say they are still “meaningfully feeling the effects of the 2017 wildfires,” was just one of Espinoza’s findings.

However, even deeper coverage is essential. Exploring the long-term effects of trauma on our next generation of young people was the foundation of our request to Report for America for a journalist who can explore the topic at an even deeper level.

For the next two years, the reporter — for whom we are now recruiting — will frame the challenges while also pursuing solutions that may be found in other parts of the country. I believe it could be one of the most important positions in our newsroom.

There are two ways you can help make this an even greater success.

First, if you are a journalist eager to tackle this enterprising beat or you know of a candidate whose skills match the expectations of our readers, please encourage them to apply at bit.ly/3Ho0gVs.

You also can contact me at rick.green@pressdemocrat.com to share your interest.

Secondly, Report for America pays a portion of the reporter’s salary, and The Press Democrat must raise the balance by seeking tax-deductible contributions. I’ll have more information on that process and how you – as an individual, philanthropic trust or non-profit group — can help in the very near future.

Report for America is a national non-profit group that places journalists in local newsrooms across the country. At a time when American newsrooms face unprecedented economic and financial challenges, the organization helps media organizations like The Press Democrat report on under-covered issues and underserved communities.

We made several presentations to leaders at the organization in late 2022 and recently learned of our award. We are just one of three California newsrooms to earn the grant, and I couldn’t be prouder because it will expand our ability to pursue and publish even stronger journalism for our readers and subscribers. This role will harness watchdog reporting and storytelling skills.

The initiative is part of a national effort by a Boston-based nonprofit news organization called The GroundTruth Project that supports emerging journalists around the globe with a special emphasis on social issues and public service journalism.

When I arrived as executive editor two years ago, I promised a new commitment to powerful journalism that makes a difference in this beautiful slice of California. This position — funded by our community and Report for America — will play a key role in upholding that pledge.

As always, thanks for reading The Press Democrat.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/report-for-america-selects-the-press-democrat-for-grant-to-report-on-mental/

Side by Side’s Annual Report 2021-2022 Out Now!

Side by Side has been doing incredible work in our community. Please read their annual report to see all of the progress and accomplishments made over the last years.

https://www.sidebysideyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/SBS_AnnualReport_2022_122122_FINAL_WEB.pdf

Keysight’s Approach to Building a Better Planet Through Education

As a global corporation we believe we have an obligation to be good community stewards. We take our corporate social responsibility (CSR) vision to Build a Better Planet seriously and apply that philosophy to our efforts in each of our 3 focus areas for community engagement – education, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness.

One of the ways that we add value to global communities is through our engagement with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education programs.  Our recent Corporate Social Responsibility Report highlights the fact that the company exceeded our goals for community impact work last year by reaching more than 145,000 students through STEM education outreach and delivering more than $315,000,000 in value to strengthening communities.

This work looks different in various communities around the world. What may be the best engagement model in the U.S. may not be the right fit for Malaysia, for example.  As a result, our approach to education includes building a network of community support and partnerships that help support local and global needs. In addition, our focus on equitable access to STEM education is an important element of building a future diverse and skilled workforce that can drive sustainable communities into the future. Let’s explore how Keysight approaches STEM education partnerships to drive impact in this space.

Focus on Regional Needs 

At Corporate Headquarters in Santa Rosa, California, the company has been invested and involved in the years-long process of launching a local college and career readiness program to empower students in under-resourced school districts by connecting them to career pathways in the local community. Sonoma Corps is a 2-year skill building program that supports students through their senior year of high school and provides opportunities for them to become paid interns at Keysight and other companies in the region after high school graduation. This initiative is being led by Sonoma County nonprofit Career Technical Education Foundation.

For 3 years and counting now, we have had Sonoma Corps interns on our headquarters site in Santa Rosa. This program has inspired some of the interns to pursue their own STEM interests, like Jocelyn Camacho, pictured above in a Sonoma Corps video, who enrolled in coding classes after being exposed to jobs she didn’t know existed before her internship at Keysight.

In addition to working with targeted programs for primary and secondary schools in our local communities, we have programs that engage universities and university labs around the world to support the company’s mission and continued focus on accelerating innovation to connect and secure the world. These engagements help support both the university programs as well as individual students. In fact, through this work, in 2021 Keysight earned a mention as a top supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Engineering Schools, according to U.S. Black Engineer Magazine.

Global Reach for Girls in STEM

Recently, Keysight has also engaged several new strategic partnerships to broaden the reach of our STEM education work internationally. One such strategic partnership is with Technovation, a global tech education nonprofit that inspires girls to be leaders and problem solvers in their lives and their community. Employees from Keysight Spain had been involved with the Technovation program for years, as mentors, judges, and regional sponsors, and suggested a corporate partnership based on their positive experiences with making an impact.

Focusing on creating opportunities for girls in STEM has been important to Keysight since day one. In fact, some of the company’s longest running community events are our Introduce a Girl to Engineering Days, which are held annually at Keysight sites across the globe. By partnering with Technovation, Keysight can deepen this impact by supporting the STEM education of girls and young women in over 120 countries.

Building Technology Skills for the Future  

Keysight’s approach to supporting STEM education around the world is to find common interests and start building a better future together. We implement an individualized approach to each region’s STEM education needs because educational solutions are not one-size-fits-all. Listening to our communities about their needs and focusing on what we can build together has enabled us to invest in the future of our communities by supporting STEM education around the world.

Our work in support of STEM education initiatives that build prosperous communities is as important as ever to continue to make an impact around the world. After all, the STEM students of today are the problem solvers of tomorrow!

https://blogs.keysight.com/blogs/keys/kcsr.entry.html/2022/12/13/keysight_s_approachtobuildingabetterplanetth-jpmJ.html

Sonoma Raceway’s Jill Gregory Honored at the 27th Annual WISE Women of the Year Luncheon

Women in Sports and Events (WISE), the leading voice and resource for women in the business of sports, will host its 27th WISE Women of the Year Awards Luncheon at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City on March 15th honoring four recipients of its WISE Women of the Year award.

The 2023 recipients are: Andrea Brimmer, Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer, Ally Financial; Jill Gregory, EVP, General Manager, Sonoma Raceway; Hillary Mandel, Executive Vice President, Head of Americas, IMG Media and Carla Williams, Director of Athletics, University of Virginia. WISE members across North America had the opportunity to nominate women for their accomplishments and significant contribution to the business of sports, and the honorees were selected by the organization’s National Board.

“Each of these women exemplifies not only what it means to be a leader, but what it means to be a way- maker, paving the way for those who will follow their example,” said Kathleen Francis, National Board chair and president of WISE. “We look forward to celebrating Andrea, Jill, Hillary and Carla at our annual luncheon and the great work they do, creating opportunities for women.”

The 2023 WISE Women of the Year honorees are:

Andrea Brimmer, Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer, Ally Financial

In her role, Brimmer is responsible for leading all aspects of integrated marketing and brand transformation at Ally, driving unprecedented growth and disruptive consumer engagement. Brimmer’s passion for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and using her platform to create good in the world led to Ally’s ground-breaking pledge to spend equally in advertising across women’s and men’s sports. Among her many honors, Brimmer was named a winner of the 2020 Adweek Brand Genius award, is a three-time honoree on the Forbes’ list of World’s Most Influential CMOs, is the only three-time winner of the Financial Communications Society Marketer of the Year award and was named to the 2022 Adweek Most Powerful Women in Sports list. Prior to joining Ally, Brimmer spent 20 years on the agency side in Detroit, where she led the Chevrolet account. She holds several board positions at organizations including eHealth, the Ad Council and the Professional Advisory Board of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and played varsity collegiate soccer.

Jill Gregory, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Sonoma Raceway

As only the second female leader of a NASCAR sanctioned facility when appointed in 2021, Gregory came armed with extensive leadership skills honed by her experience serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Content Officer at NASCAR and the managing executive of the company’s Charlotte-based

operations. Under her leadership, the organization bolstered its overall marketing strategy to strengthen fan engagement and cultivate new fans among younger and more diverse audiences. In 2017, Gregory established the company’s first content strategy group to elevate strategic planning and enhance collaboration within NASCAR and the industry. Before joining NASCAR, Gregory was senior vice president of motorsports marketing for Bank of America. Earlier in her career, she was director of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series marketing program for Sprint Nextel. She currently serves on the board of Speedway Children’s Charities, and is a national Trustee of Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Hillary Mandel, Executive Vice President, Head of Americas, IMG Media

As Executive Vice President for IMG Media, part of the Endeavor-owned company IMG, Mandel leads sports media sales and distribution for the Americas. During her tenure at IMG, Mandel has advised, consulted, and negotiated for IMG’s portfolio of more than 200 premier content owners, professional sports leagues, teams, college conferences, and U.S. international federations on their media rights and strategy. Among her clients are The AELTC (Wimbledon Championships), Big 10 Conference, Big 12 Conference, NWSL, The R&A (Open Championship), Milwaukee Bucks, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Roland Garros, Conmebol, PGA of America, NYC Marathon, WNBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, and MLS and UFC. Mandel started her career at HBO in acquisitions, and went on to FOX TV affiliate KTVU, eventually moving to Golden Gate Productions which was acquired by TWI/IMG.

Carla Williams, Director of Athletics, University of Virginia

The first African-American woman to lead an athletic department at a Power Five School (ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12), Williams was appointed director of athletics at the University of Virginia in 2017. Upon her arrival, she instituted The Master Plan project for UVA’s Cavalier football program and UVA Olympic Sports to address “the

immediate needs to upgrade facilities.” She has served on the executive committees of both the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators, in 2015 being named one of the top 10 senior woman administrations in the NCAA by CollegeAD.org. Prior to UVA, Williams spent 13 years in athletic administration at the University of Georgia, rising to deputy director of athletics. She played professional basketball in Spain between graduation from UGA and returning for her Masters, serving as assistant coach for the Lady Bulldogs as they advanced to consecutive Final Fours in 1995 and 1996, and the 1996 national championship game.

In conjunction with the 27th Annual WISE Awards Luncheon, the WISE/R Symposium, a first of its kind to focus solely on the personal and professional development of women in the business of sports, will take place on March 14th, the day prior to the luncheon, at The TimesCenter in New York City. Launched in 2014, the day-long program takes a 360-degree view of working in sports and includes sessions featuring leaders across the industry who share their stories, discuss trends, provide actionable career strategies and dispel myths surrounding sports’ biggest jobs. Additional information about the 27th Annual WISE Awards Luncheon and the WISE/R Symposium can be found at WISEworks.org.

About WISE

WISE — Women in Sports and Events — is the leading voice and resource for women in the business of sports. Its network of established industry leaders and professional development programs provides members with the practical tools and support necessary to reach their professional goals and accelerate their careers. A registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, WISE was founded in 1993 and has its headquarters in New York City with chapters across North America. WISE Chapters: Arizona, Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, DFW, Greater Orlando, Greater Raleigh, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, NYC Metro, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, Seattle, SF Bay Area, South Florida, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Twin Cities, Utah, Washington DC.

For more information about WISE, please visit WISEworks.org.

Dutra Names New CEO

Harry K. Stewart has been named the new CEO of San Rafael-based heavy civil marine contractor The Dutra Group.

Bill T. Dutra, who has lead the company since its founding in 1972, will move into the role of executive chairman.

“I am proud of Harry Stewart, who is taking my place after 50 years leading this company as we built The Dutra Group into a fine organization committed to supporting our nation’s infrastructure and focused on our customers’ needs,” said Dutra. “I feel very confident that, with the leadership of Harry and his executive team, and all the employees at Dutra, the company will have great success for years to come.”

The company is associated with the construction and maintenance of the extensive California Delta levee, as well as water projects that serve the entire state.

Dutra founded the company as Dutra Construction in the southeastern Solano County city of Rio Vista at age 26.

“Bill’s unfettered leadership, vision, and passion have inspired all of us at The Dutra Group, and we are all fortunate to have mentored under him,” Stewart said. “I am honored and excited to work alongside our management team and everyone throughout the organization to guide this company into its next chapter and heightened prosperity into the future.”

Stewart previously was the company’s chief operating officer. He joined the company in 1983.

https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/article/marin-county-heavy-marine-contractor-dutra-names-new-ceo/