January 13, 2005

ABA kicks off the new year with evening mixer

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Friends and business colleagues alike joined members of the Almaden Business Association [ABA] in welcoming a new year filled with opportunity on Jan. 6 for its first networking event of 2005.

Former ABA president Doug Keller (right) poses with Lori Adams (left), along with Jennifer Tynes and Dinah Moore of Federal Com-munications Corp.

The event, held at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Oakridge Shopping Center, was sponsored by the Mercury News and hosted by their Almaden advertising representative Katie Spielberger. It served as a perfect opportunity to meet the ABA’s new officers and discuss their energetic plans for joint marketing efforts and membership drives in the future.

Former ABA president Doug Keller stepped aside, as Cathy Spielberger Cassetta, managing artistic director of The Tabard Theatre Company, shifted seamlessly into the top spot, accompanied by Vice President Dave Roche with Boulevard Financial Group and Treasure Pete Bucter, owner of Time+Plus Payroll Services.

In an attempt to strengthen the association between the Almaden community and member business connections as well as the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce and others not yet familiar with the ABA, the new leadership team coined a variation of another popular phrase by adopting the theme “Six Degrees of Connection” for the limitless opportunities that exist for its members.

Rick Flynn, Alain Pinel Realtors no doubt discussed soaring property values with Bob Swan of Mortgage Magic.

To better accomplish the aggressive goals they’ve set for 2005, leadership team members have joined forces with committee chairs, including membership chair Carole Edman of HRManagertogo.com, who will promote the roster and encourage new member tracking; Community Service Chair Edie Fehling of Catalyst Funding will identify, plan, and organize association participation in community service projects; Business Building and Projects Chair Doug Keller of Ravina Marketing will coordinate coop advertising projects, while fostering joint venture development and referral programs; and Communications Chair Rich De La Rosa of Allstate Insurance will oversee meeting minutes and communications. In addition to holding his post as vice president, Dave Roche will also wear the hat of Program Committee Chair, focusing on monthly events and schedules.

For 2005, The ABA will continue to meet on the first Thursday of every month, but will alternate its popular evening mixers with morning meetings that may include speakers that focus on providing valuable information and resources necessary to promote Almaden and Blossom Valley companies, as they market and grow their businesses.

For more information about Almaden Business Association, including upcoming meetings and mixers, visit www.almadenbizassn.org or contact Cathy Spielberger Cassetta at 408-979-0231.