Business briefs

Telestream joins regional tech index

Western Nevada County has increased its economic influence in the region with the inclusion of Telestream of Nevada City in the Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance (SARTA) Index, a closely watched measure of the economic health of technology companies in the eight-county greater Sacramento region.

SARTA is a public-private partnership, formed to attract $500 million in technology investment capital to the Sacramento region by the end of 2005. Telestream manufactures hardware and software products that enable customers to access and exchange video and audio over the Internet.

Real estate agency gives to Habitat

The local Habitat for Humanity affiliate received an unexpected contribution recently when it purchased a house at 307 Church Street in Grass Valley through Network Real Estate. Listing agent Mary Margaretich and agency owners Bill and Kathy Papola each contributed a portion of their commission - a total of $6,300 - to the rehabilitation of the house.

Perhaps it's just a coincidence, but Margaretich is the current fund-raising coordinator for Habitat, which provides housing for needy families who are required to pay off interest-free mortgages and work with Habitat to create additional housing.

Thai princess gets Nevada County gift

Bob Britts, Pacific Rim sales manager for Tri-Continent Scientific of Grass Valley, left a little bit of the county behind during a recent business trip to Thailand when he presented a copy of "California Gold Rush Country" to royal Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Mayor honors new 'Fun Friday' effort

Mayor Patti Ingram has issued a proclamation acknowledging the efforts of the Grass Valley Downtown Association to market the business area with the new "Fun Friday" promotion, a weekly event through June that features a raffle and a get-acquainted party with merchants at the Holbrooke Hotel.

New consignment shop opens doors

Second Heaven, a consignment store for upscale clothing and home decor opened, for business Saturday at 11671 Maltman Drive in the Brunswick Basin with some unique features. Owner Lisa Vaughan has installed a stage and small seating area in the store so that visiting musicians can serenade shoppers. Vaughan also plans to offer classes focusing on physical, mental and spiritual growth.

Brook Designoffers art cards

LeeAnn Brook, president and creative director of Brook Design Group in Nevada City, has introduced a line of fine art note cards and limited edition prints featuring photographs of local images.

The cards - scenes of Grass Valley, Nevada City, Gold Country windows and Grass Valley neon signs - are currently available at stores in Grass Valley and Nevada City, including J.J. Jackson's, and 10 of the limited edition prints are on display at Friar Tuck's in Nevada City.

Brook is also exploring other distribution channels for the Brook Design Series after three months of test marketing.

Mountain Event Video provides new service

Greg Whatley, owner of Mountain Event Video of Nevada City, is now offering legal video services to litigants who want to record depositions and other material for trials. Whatley, who has 18 years of experience as an audio engineer and has been a video editor for 7 years, was recently certified by the American Guild of Court Videographers. Additional information is available by phoning 272-6293.

Two things of which you can be certain

Death and taxes? For those who haven't noticed, you have to drive past Walp Tax & Accounting on Bost Street in Nevada City to get to Hooper & Weaver Mortuary.

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Got business news? Contact George Boardman at georgeb@theunion.com via e-mail or call 477-4236.