Archive of: Finance

Brian Smucker becomes chair of Fair Trade Federation

Brian Smucker, co-owner of Baksheesh fair trade stores in Sonoma and St. Helena, has taken office as chair of the board of directors of the Fair Trade Federation. He was installed at the annual meeting of the trade organization in Milwaukee on May 8, following elections in April.

Mia’s Kitchen names Brendan Kelley sales manager

Mia’s Kitchen, the Sonoma food company headed by Mia Sebastiani, today announced the appointment of Brendan Kelley to the post of national sales manager. 


Taxpertise moves Sonoma offices

Taxpertise (formerly Symmetry Business Services) and Sonoma Valley Tax Service recently moved to new offices at 453 Second Street West near Westamerica Bank. As Enrolled Agents, Robert Mathison of Sonoma Valley Tax Service and Bonnie Lee of Taxpertise offer more than a combined 60 years of experience for tax preparation, tax planning, and tax representation for issues such as audits, offers in compromise and tax problem resolution.

V2 wine group of Sonoma names Scott Ericson Vice President

V2 Wine Group, which is headquartered in Sonoma, announced recently the appointment of wine industry veteran Scott Ericson as the company’s Vice President of Sales.

Boisset Family Estates acquires Buena Vista Carneros

Boisset Family Estates announced recently that it has acquired Buena Vista Carneros to its collection of wineries.  Boisset purchased Buena Vista from Ascentia Wine Estates, which had acquired it from Constellation Wines U.S. in 2008.

Sterling Financial Corporation announces first quarter growth

Sterling Financial Corporation, the bank holding company of Sterling Savings Bank, which includes Sonoma Bank, in Sonoma, this week announced first quarter net income attributable to common shareholders of $5.4 million, or $0.09 per common share, compared to a net loss of $88.8 million, or $112.70 per common share for the first quarter of 2010 (Per share amounts adjusted for a 1-for-66 reverse stock split in November 2010).

Exchange Bank announces $3 million first quarter profit

Exchange Bank issued a press release this week announcing that it made an after tax profit of $3 million for the first quarter of 2011. "However, with many consumer and business customers still struggling through this modest economic recovery, the Bank remains cautious in their outlook until the local recovery begins to support substantially stronger employment and consumer spending," the release added.

Anthony Valluzzo joins Sonoma law office of Thomas A. Haeuser

Longtime Sonoma attorney Thomas A. Haeuser announced this week the addition of Anthony Valluzzo to his law firm. The addition, Hauser said, will allow it to take on a wider range of tax, business, and estate planning matters while still retaining its historic small-town charm.

Sonoma Valley Fund names 3 new board members

Joe Aaron and Scott Smith of Sonoma, and Joshua Rymer of Glen Ellen, three Sonoma Valley residents with extensive national and international business experience, have joined the board of the Sonoma Valley Fund this week.

What About My Refund?

Questions and answers about tax refunds, why you get them and what to do with them.

By Lillian Meyers