Fresno is the Center of the Universe

Or at least the center of California.  A new client told me  that they chose Fresno for their west coast location because of the one day ship time to so many places.  This got me thinking of all the places I “ship” myself for a day or two.

• Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey CA 151 miles

Chowder, The Aquarium, 17 mile drive and lunch in Carmel.

• Sierra Summit, Lake Shore, CA  68.3 miles

Ski, BBQ, Ski more, back in town for Sushi dinner.

• The Roxy Theater, Hollywood CA 221 miles

Great shows in a great club.

• Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, CA 236 miles

Dive, Hike Santa Cruz Island, or just take a day cruise.

• Fort Ross State Park, Sonoma County, CA

Abalone Dive, Wineries, Hiking

 Joe Denham

Inaugural Awards Banquet 10/10/09

Fresno’s Leading Young Professionals’ (FLYP) Inaugural Awards Banquet will take place on Saturday, October 10th at 6:00 P.M. at the Downtown Club.

According to FLYP founder Nevin Hindiyeh, this year’s award recipients will be recognized for their efforts to “cauterize Fresno Brain Drain and enable Fresno to foster, grow and retain young professionals.” FLYP Vice Chairman Dawn Steele added, “The actions and efforts of these individuals and organizations promote our goal of establishing Fresno as a destination for college graduates and young professionals.”

And the winners are…

Craig Scharton. Photo from the Fresno Bee

LEAD – Craig Scharton, Director of Downtown and Community Revitalization
This award is for a public official, public figure, or corporate leader in the Greater Fresno Area who has provided sustained and effective leadership to improve the lives of those that live in the Greater Fresno Area. The leader has demonstrated selfless service in promoting the Central Valley in a positive light and has made demonstrable and significant changes to advance the professional community.

SERVE – Grizzlies Community Fund
This recipient has demonstrated a broad-based, continuing commitment to community service, public service and/or significant charitable or philanthropic contributions to benefit the community.

Al Smith. Photo from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce

CONNECT – Al Smith, CEO and President of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce
This award is for a leader that has exhibited a passion for connecting individuals in the Fresno community under a common goal to promote positive change in our community. The recipient has bridged generational, professional and political boundaries to advance initiatives in support of the professional community in the Greater Fresno Area.

COMPANY OF THE YEAR – Pacific Gas and Electric Company
This award is for a company that has demonstrated a continued commitment to attracting, retaining, and mentoring young professionals in the Greater Fresno Area.

Local elected officials will show their support of FLYP and are planning to attend the banquet. Expected guests for the event include Councilman Andreas Borgeas, State Senator Dave Cogdill, Council President Cynthia Sterling and Assemblyman Mike Villines. Mayor Ashley Swearengin will be the evening’s Keynote Speaker.

Tickets are available to purchase online by visiting FLYP’s website at www.flypinfo.com.

For more information please contact Dawn Steele at Steeledawn@ymail.com

Upcoming Events

The Central Valley Business Incubator is proud to announce the 3rd Annual Central Valley Stock Exchange

The Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship writes “The Central Valley Stock Exchange (CVSE) is a mock “Stock Exchange” showcasing Central Valley small businesses and entrepreneurs. Guests play the role of “High Stakes Investors” and are encouraged to see demonstrations and “pitches” from the entrepreneurs, divvying up their $1 Million CVBI Bucks as they see fit.”

Thursday October 22, 2009
Doors open: 5:00pm
Trading begins: 6:00pm
Dinner served at: 7:15pm

Clovis Veterans Memorial Building

Tickets: $65 Purchase here. For event details click here

The Fresno Advertising Foundation presents: New Media Success Stories, Creative Approaches & Insight to Boost Sales

Stephen Years
Technology Strategist, Sustainability Office at Sun Microsystems

Anne Marie Begley
Vice President, New Media Sales at LSN, Inc.

Thursday, November 19, 2009
7:30-9am breakfast @ TorNino’s

Tickets $25 in advance • $35 after 11/13 and at the door

Purchase tickets at www.fresnoadfoundation.org

The Fresno Advertising Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, formed in 2005 to enhance the understanding of advertising and marketing as essential components of our economic and social system. Proceeds from the annual “Focus” colloquium benefit the educational outreach programs of the Foundation.