initially created develop a stronger relationship
between port businesses and the maritime industry,
which was the bread and butter of the East Bay’s
economy back then. COI has since morphed
into an organization that is here for all industries.
Members include financial institutions like
Mechanics Bank, hotels like Courtyard Marriott,
financial and geological consulting groups, and
more. They’re open to all businesses but are most
effective for medium- to large-size companies.
“We’re open for anybody to come and join
us,” Ruk said. “We may not be right for some
businesses, and if we’re not we highly recommend
that you partner with the chamber of commerce
and your neighborhood city council.” But they’re
all about promoting business and community,
striving to create a proactive, symbiotic
relationship with government and business owners.
While constantly working with West County
mayors to focus on sustaining local business and
recruiting more to the area, COI will also be
participating in the group that is focusing on
Richmond’s air-quality maintenance—one of the
first cities in California to get involved with the air
pollution mandate outlined by Assembly Bill 617.
They’re also actively consulting with the city about
how to best rezone around the Richmond Field
Station, how to protect Winehaven and develop
Point Molate, and how to create even more local
business! For more information, or to get involved,
please visit councilofindustries.org or call (510)
215-9325.
You may have recently attended their annual
Shoreline Cruise last September at the Marina Bay
Yacht Harbor, which is a great example of what
COI does for the local business community. Guests
were able to meet city officials, neighborhood
and business representatives, and more, all
while enjoying views of the shoreline from
the Hornblower yacht. “We slowly circled the
Santa Fe Channel and the 32 miles of coastline
in Richmond and West County, highlighting
major businesses,” Ruk said. “Not all of them are
COI-member businesses, but that’s not the point.
The point is to promote business and economic
development in the region.”
CASTRO’S CARE HOME
Residential CaRe FaCility FoR the eldeRly
CARE HOME
Serving the Community Since 1995
Castro’s Care Home 1
2481 Romona Street
Pinole, CA 94564
(510) 222-5174
Facility# 071441201
Cecilia Castro, RN
Adminstrator
(510) 685-7607
Contact Person
Michelle Castro
Manager
(510) 963-6483
CASTROSCAREHOME.COM
Bay Area
Hearing Services
We can help you hear better today!
WINTER HEARING PROMO!
Give Someone You Love the
GIFT OF HEARING
Purchase a $500 Gift Certificate and get
$50 OFF* Limit 4 GC per purchase, up to $200 off total. Good towards any hearing aid purchase.
Offer Expires 12/31/18
Call Today for a FREE Hearing Evaluation
510-724-4327
1599 Tara Hills Drive, Pinole, California 94564
bayareahearingservice.com
Satisfaction guaranteed. Let us check your
Insurance for coverage!
Serious Injury • Auto Accident
Donald E.
Patterson
Attorney at Law
Plaza Two, Hilltop Office Park
3260 Blume Drive, Suite 410
Richmond
www.DonaldEPatterson.com
FREE CONSULTATION 510-262-2120
