Inside, we reveal the 2008 winners of our annual readers’ poll, and you’ll get a glimpse of why these companies were voted the Best in the North Bay. This year’s response was, once again, among the largest in the 19 years we’ve been conducting this poll. There were more than 1,200 ballots cast by our readers, which translated to almost 25,000 votes in the 38 different categories. There were more than 1,000 companies and individuals who garnered votes, which underscores the depth and quality of the companies doing business in the North Bay. Given the extent of the competition, the winners are justifiably proud to have emerged as the Best in their category. Often, the vote totals were close; that’s why, several years ago, we began awarding Gold Medals to the companies that finished second. All this year’s Gold Medal winners are listed on page 112. Also, this year, we’ve included a list of companies that have won the Best Of designation more than once over the past several years. You can review this list of multiple winners HERE.
The awards night party this year will take place May 15 at Stone Tree Golf Club in Novato. The evening wouldn’t be possible without the support of all our fine sponsors: Ghilotti Construction, Discovery Office Systems, Bank of the West, Stone Tree Golf Club, D&S Awards, Elaine Bell Catering, Chocolat MedSpa, Santa Rosa Plaza, River Rock Casino and SouthWest Airlines. I’d like to thank them all, in advance, for their help making it a night to remember.
Pouring their award-winning wines that night will be some of Wine Country’s finest: Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Dutcher Crossing Winery, Kendall-Jackson, La Crema Winery, Duckhorn Vineyards, Armida Winery and Grgich Hills Winery. The food complementing the award-winning wine promises to be a feast in its presentation, quality and variety, thanks to the fine staff of Elaine Bell Catering. Also, David Correa and Cascada will be setting the right mood on awards night with their distinctive music.
Congratulations to all the winning companies, thanks to our staff for all they do (every day) and thanks to all our NorthBay biz readers, who took the time to vote for the Best Of the North Bay. We’re looking forward to another outstanding, memorable event.
Best of the North Bay 2008
Click on the business name to view the article, or click here to see all of the 2008 Winners.
Business Entertaining
Best Business Breakfast Omelette Express
Best Business Lunch Graffiti
Best Business Dinner John Ash & Company
Best Catering Service Trends
Best Entertainment Venue River Rock Casino
Best Sparkling Wine Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
Best Sauvignon Blanc Dutcher Crossing Winery
Best Chardonnay Kendall-Jackson Vineyard Estates
Best Pinot Noir La Crema Winery
Best Merlot Duckhorn Vineyards
Best Zinfandel Armida Winery
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Grgich Hills Cellars
Business & Pleasure
Best Golf Course Fountaingrove Golf & Athletic Club
Best Spa/Resort Meadowood Napa Valley
Best Wine Tasting Room J Vineyards & Winery
Best Hotel for Business Guests FountainGrove Inn
Best Business Event Napa Chamber of Commerce
Business & Financial Services
Best Chamber of Commerce Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce
Best Real Estate Company Frank Howard Allen Realtors
Best Wealth Management Company Collins & Company Wealth Managers
Best Commercial Real Estate Company NAI BT Commercial
Best Accounting Firm Linkenheimer CPAs & Advisors
Best Insurance Brokerage George Petersen Insurance Services
Best Builder Christopherson Homes
Best Business Bank Exchange Bank
Best Consumer Bank Bank of the West
Best Credit Union Redwood Credit Union
Best Law Firm Anderson, Ziegler, Disharoon, Gallagher & Gray
Best Job Placement Service Nelson Staffing
Business Style
Best Jewelry Store E.R. Sawyer Jewelers
Best Luxury Car Dealer Smothers European
Best Office Technology Supplier Discovery Office Systems
Best of the Best
Best Company to Do Business with in Napa County Elaine Bell Catering
Best Company to do Business with in Marin County Bank of Marin
Best Company to do Business with in Sonoma County Exchange Bank
Best Green Business Codding Enterprises
Best Business Community Leader Bill Carle
