Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce November Events

After Hours Biz Mixer


Tuesday, November 15, 2005 • 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Any Event Party Rentals/Catering
9251 Elk Grove Blvd.
Members and the public welcome! Mingle, network, win prizes,
and learn about a great business member of the Elk Grove
Chamber of Commerce. Bring a door prize…a great way
to promote your business!




Membership Luncheon
Friday, November 18, 2005 • 11:30 a.m.
Business Expo
Wackford Community Aquatic Complex
9014 Bruceville Rd.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Fax to (916) 691-3810, go online at
www.elkgroveca.com or call (916) 691-3760.
$20 Members w/reservation; $25 Door
$25 Non-members w/reservation; $30 Door
(Cancellations required by Thursday preceding the luncheon. Thank you.)

Sports - Auburn native Dragila fails to qualify at World Track and Field Championships - sacbee.com: "Auburn native Dragila fails to qualify at World Track and Field Championships
By Bob Burns -- Special to The Bee
Published 6:38 pm PDT Sunday, August 7, 2005
HELSINKI, FINLAND - Stacy Dragila, the Auburn native who made the women's pole vault a showcase event with her record jumps and effervescent personality, plans to rest up and get a fresh start after failing to make it out of Sunday's qualifying at the World Track and Field Championships.

Dragila looked nothing like the aggressive vaulter who won a pair of world titles, one Olympic championship and set numerous world records. Her third-attempt clearance of 14 feet, 5� inches placed her 16th out of 28 vaulters in Sunday's qualifying."

Twelve women advanced to Wednesday's final, including the world record holder, Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia.

"I had a rough day," said Dragila, who has been hampered by an Achilles' tendon injury since last summer, when she failed to qualify for the Olympic final in Athens. "The confidence for me has been in the dumps. I'll sit down and evaluate whether I'm going to call it a season."

Asked if she was considering retirement, the 34-year-old Dragila shook her head no.

"If I want to do this, I want to be healthy," she said. "I have days when I can jump well. But I haven't been consistent, and that used to be my strength. I know I'm capable of more. That's what keeps me going."

Dragila jumped a season-high 15-1 last month in Lausanne, Switzerland, placing second behind Isinbayeva's world-record 16-2. Isinbayeva subsequently broke the record two more times, becoming the first woman to vault five meters (16-4¾) two weeks ago in London.

"I hope what she's doing doesn't discourage the other girls," said Dragila, whose career best is 15-10. "They have the potential to jump five meters, too. I think I can still jump it, on the right day, with the right pole. But once you get injured …"

Her voice trailed off.

"I'll be in the stands cheering for them."

2005 Walk to Cure Diabetes
Sunday, October 2, 2005
Check-in Time: 8:00 a.m.
Walk Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
Sacramento
Start/Finish: State Capitol West Steps
Walk Length: 5K
Walk will take place rain or shine.
For more information contact:
Northern California Inland Chapter
916-920-0790
northernca@jdrf.org

Website: http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=100599
Larry Nelson,
Regional Director of Harman Management,
along with the Northern California Inland Chapter
of the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation
invite you to join us at the...
2005 Walk to Cure Diabetes
Team Captain Kick-off Luncheon
Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Location: Hyatt Regency Sacramento
1209 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Time: 12:00 Noon
For further information and reservations,
please call JDRF at 916-920-0790
or you may fax the RSVP card to 916-920-0367
or email to northernca@jdrf.org
Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 3rd

The Northern California Inland Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) serves Northern California from Shasta to Fresno and everywhere in between! The Chapter provides valuable information about juvenile diabetes and research to people with diabetes, their families, and the general public.

The "Bag of Hope" and "Teen Pak" are available free of charge to newly diagnosed children by calling the Northern California Inland Chapter at (800) 650-7714.

JDRF holds successful events including the Walk to Cure Diabetes, Cure Diabetes Golf Tournament, and the Passport to a Cure Gala that raises much-needed funds for diabetes research.

News Release

For Immediate Release Contact: Ken Macias, Board Chair

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 (916) 779-3532

“SACRAMENTO HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES THE RESIGNATION OF STELLA PREMO, PRESIDENT AND CEO”

"Sacramento – The Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SHCC) announced the resignation of Stella Premo, President and Chief Executive Officer."

“Leaving the Chamber is bittersweet”, says Premo, “But, I am ready to tackle a new adventure,” she says. Stella has accepted the position of executive director for the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF). The California Restaurant Association (www.calrest.org) created the Foundation in 1982, to act as their educational arm. Representing the restaurant and hospitality industries since 1906, the California Restaurant Association is the largest and longest serving non-profit restaurant trade association in the nation. CRA members comprise more than 22,000 foodservice establishments in the Golden State. Stella will begin her new role on September 1, 2005.

“Stella has been an invaluable asset to our organization, especially over the last two years” says Ken Macias, Chairman of the Board. “She has shown an incredible amount of leadership, business intelligence, and dedication to ensuring the Chamber’s stability and future growth,” he says.

Stella has been with the Chamber since 1999 and has definitely made an impact. She started as the account executive and was quickly elevated to the position of vice president of chamber operations and recently led the organization as the president and chief executive officer. Her work has resulted in an increase of membership growth, business focused programs and activities, and improved fund development. “I have had the good fortune to work along side some of the greatest people on our board. I feel both privileged and proud to have been a part of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,” said Premo. Her work, along with the Board of Directors, has also resulted in SHCC being awarded “Best” Large Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in California by the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2004) as well as, Region One “Best” Large Hispanic Chamber of Commerce by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2004).

The Board of Directors has been actively searching for a replacement for Stella’s successor and will be announcing their new appointment by the end of July.

The Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was established in 1972 and its Mission is (1) to create, expand and promote business opportunities for the Hispanic community, and (2) to support and advocate for the interests of the community, which it serves through advocacy, education and networking.

Sports - Now playing in Sacramento: One night only - sacbee.com:

Now playing in Sacramento: One night only
Anna Kournikova's glamorous side often overshadows her game. The Capitals need both.
By Melody Gutierrez -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, July 10, 2005
Hey, you.

Yeah, you, the gentleman sandwiched between 10-year-olds with the black Sharpie and glossy print of Anna Kournikova in hand. While the ballboy outfit almost was convincing, your mustache and 6-foot frame gave you away, buddy.

Please return to your seat.

And take the guy pretending to be a line judge.

The Sacramento Capitals' staff is prepared for these hypothetical scenarios. It knew upon drafting Kournikova that she brings more than two Grand Slam doubles titles. Her accolades include being named to People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People list and a sexy swimsuit cover photo in Jane magazine this month.

The 24-year-old Russian-born beauty also has a fitness column called Good Sport in Elle magazine, which debuted in June and runs every other month.

It's her looks that keep Kournikova in the public eye, especially since leaving the WTA Tour in 2003 with back problems.

"It's true that for the past couple of years the tabloids have been more interested in my boyfriend (Enrique Iglesias) and the color of my bathing suit than when I'm returning to the pro circuit," Kournikova wrote in her first Elle column.

But there is at least one person more interested in her tennis credentials. Capitals coach Wayne Bryan needs her to help pick up his faltering team, which has lost two straight matches, in today's 7:30 p.m. match at Allstate Stadium in Citrus Heights.

"She played sensational (Thursday) night with Mark Knowles in mixed doubles," Bryan said. "I was surprised. She's such a nice girl, and she's a team player."

She has some experience in World TeamTennis after two years as the marquee player with the Kansas City Explorers. Kournikova said she has used WTT as a way to keep active while pondering her future as a professional player.

"I love the format," Kournikova said in a conference call. "I love the possibility for me to be on the court again and in front of fans and play some great tennis."

The Capitals need Kournikova to play some of her best tennis tonight or the five-time WTT champions will have their first losing record in as long as anyone can remember. They are 2-2.

The Capitals also obviously are interested in her ability to fill a stadium with fans. The team hopes to sell out 4,300-seat Allstate Stadium in Citrus Heights tonight against the Philadelphia Freedoms (0-3).

"She transcends tennis," Capitals co-owner Lonnie Nielson said. "She has celebrity."

Which is what makes her easy to market. Friday, the Capitals gave away caricature pins of Kournikova. Players have trading cards this season, and there are jerseys and glossy prints floating around Allstate Stadium of the tennis beauty.

"My dad wants her autograph," said Katie Moore, 16, as she cruised the stadium following Friday night's loss to the Newport Beach Breakers.

Moore, who is part of a group of Australian teens who came to Sacramento as part of a three-week junior tennis tour, walked arm-in-arm with a local high schooler while wearing a Kournikova jersey.

"I am very excited," said Lauren Combs, 16, daughter of Capitals co-owner Ben Combs. "All my friends were like, 'I'm coming,' even those who don't play tennis."

The Capitals offered an opportunity for Kournikova fans, young and not so young, to become the leggy blonde's towel boy/girl by submitting a 200-word essay on why they are the ideal person for the job. They asked that the essays remain "tasteful."

One entry, written by "Dan" who didn't list his name or city, read, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, something I will tell my fellow residents about in the retirement community when I get old."

He didn't win. Two 10-year-old girls will receive the towel honors after being chosen from among about 50 entries. Lauren Roppolo of El Dorado Hills and Kassidy Jump of Granite Bay both effectively explained why they want to be Kournikova's towel girls.

"I'm her No. 1 fan," wrote Jump.

Added Roppolo: "I look up to Anna because of her dedication, attitude and sportsmanship."

Kournikova said she is equally as enthused about her Sacramento appearance, especially because she hasn't had the opportunity to visit California's capital.

"It is one of the few cities I've never been to," Kournikova said. "I'm excited to play for Wayne Bryan; he has great energy. I'm also excited to be a part of a team ... the crowd and the public will get to see some great matches."

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: THE TENNIS PLAYER
Age: 24.

Birthplace: Moscow.

Residence: Miami.

Turned pro: October 1995.

Singles titles, record: 0, 209-129.

Doubles titles, record: 16, 200-71.

Best singles ranking: No. 8 (Nov. 20, 2000).

Best doubles ranking: No. 1 (Nov. 22, 1999).

Career earnings: $3,584,662.

Last WTA Tour match: April 9, 2003.

CAPITALS VS. PHILADELPHIA FREEDOMS
When: 7:30 p.m. today.

Where: Allstate Stadium, Sunrise Mall parking lot, Citrus Heights.

Tickets: $20-$89.50. For information, call (916) 638-4001 or visit www.saccapitals.com.

Capitals' roster: Mark Knowles, Anna Kournikova, Elena Likhovtseva and Sam Warburg.

Philadelphia Freedoms' roster: Josh Eagle, John Paul Fruttero, Carly Gullickson, Lisa Raymond and Elena Tatarkova.

Set to watch: The mixed doubles tandem of Knowles and Kournikova performed well in Newport Beach on Thursday, so look for that set to showcase Kournikova's best tennis against Fruttero and Tatarkova.

About the writer:

* The Bee's Melody Gutierrez can be reached at (916) 326-5521 or mgutierrez@sacbee.com.

Caps News
"Sacramento Capitals secure ‘retro’ champions from ‘Special K’ to ‘Boom Boom’

Headliners include Anna Kournikova, Venus Williams and Boris Becker in World TeamTennis draft

SACRAMENTO (March 29, 2005) – The World TeamTennis draft recently took place and the Sacramento Capitals have acquired a talented array of Caps’ team players as well as visiting marquee players for the upcoming season. Here is the outstanding Caps’ lineup:

Anna Kournikova, former No. 1 in doubles and No. 8 in singles in the world rankings, is a two-time Australian Open doubles champion (1999, 2000). The native Russian, holder of 16 doubles titles, is arguably the world’s most popular female athlete based on her vast amount of endorsements and photographs.

Kournikova will make her first appearance in Sacramento and will be a one-time substitute for Caps’ player Nicole Vaidisova, who is slated to play Fed Cup for the Czech Republic during the first week of July.

“We’ve done several clinics over the years including a recent tsunami relief exhibition in Houston,” relayed Caps’ coach Wayne Bryan about the Caps ‘Special K’. “She does a lot of charity work and is not playing on the tour. However, she is one of those players who has great doubles instinct and comes alive on the court in doubles. Maybe our California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, will pay a visit that night and welcome Anna to Sacramento. I think she’ll bring a lot of new fans to the Sacramento Capitals.”

Nicole Vaidisova, who turns 16 in late April, is the Caps’ Czech mate. The 6’0” tower of power won two WTA Tour titles last year at Tashkent and Vancouver. Her ranking has skyrocketed to No. 53 in the world. The WTT’s 2004 MVP and Female Rookie of the Year resides in Prague, speaks four languages and is a former Australian Open junior finalist.

Mark Knowles finished 2004 ranked No. 1 in the world in doubles with partner Daniel Nestor, and is the 2004 U.S. Open champion as well as the 2002 Australian Open champion in doubles. Knowles, the Caps captain and returning fifth-year veteran from the Bahamas, has reached all four Grand Slam doubles finals and recently won the sixth largest tournament in the world at Indian Wells with Nestor.

In a recent interview with KHTK 1140 AM in Sacramento, Knowles did not immediately announce that Anna Kournikova was the hot draft pick for the Caps team. Then he casually revealed that Venus Williams and Boris Becker would also be appearing in Sacramento. That prompted the radio interviewers to ask: “Are you a good poker player? Because you keep dropping these bombshells on us!”

Knowles, who admitted he’s pretty savvy at poker and just signed a three-year contract with the Caps, also said: “I used to play mixed doubles with Anna on tour, and anytime you have names like Venus Williams and Boris Becker, who is an absolute legend, that’s pretty exciting…I really enjoy the WTT format and the added support of Caps fans all year. The Caps are a great franchise and the community really rallies around it.”

The Caps are enormously pleased to welcome back five-year veteran Elena Likhovtseva, who took a hiatus from WTT to concentrate on the 2004 Summer Olympics. Currently ranked No. 17 in the world, the Muscovite was a stalwart on the Caps team in 2002 when they won their fifth WTT King Trophy.

Wayne Bryan, named 2004 WTT Coach of the Year, is the father of one of the world’s most dominant doubles teams. The Bryan twins, former French Open doubles champions who have captured 22 titles overall, were drafted by the Kansas City Explorers and will be visiting marquee players in Sacramento. “It was actually tougher on me with the Caps competing against my sons than it was for them,” confessed Coach Bryan, who has led the Caps to the 2002 WTT Championship and the 2003 WTT Final. “My sons don’t live and die with every point like I do.”

As alluded to earlier in this release, the Caps’ crew are excited to welcome two amazing champions to Allstate Stadium in Sacramento: Venus Williams and Boris Becker.

Williams, a Grand Slam champion in singles (2000-01 Wimbledon and U.S. Open) and doubles with her sister Serena, was drafted by the Delaware Smash. “It will be great for the Sacramento community to have Venus here,” said Coach Bryan. “But it will be tough for my team to beat her.” Williams played for the U.S. Fed Cup team for four years and participated in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

Becker, drafted by the Hartford FoxForce, was not only the youngest player to ever win Wimbledon (in 1985 at 17 years of age), but he was also the first unseeded player and first German to become champion. His acrobatic dives for volleys and explosive serve earned him the nickname ‘Boom Boom.’

Andre Agassi and Dmitry Tursunov will not be returning to WTT this year. Agassi, the WTT Ambassador and Caps’ marquee marksman for three years, elected to sit out this season for personal reasons. Tursunov, the Roseville-based Russian and WTT’s 2004 MVP and Male Rookie of the Year, is recuperating from back surgery and intends to get back into the swing of tournament play.

History of WTT and the Sacramento Capitals
The WTT Pro League enters its 30th season of play in 2005. Billie Jean King and Larry King created the unique gender-equity team concept in the early 1970s. The WTT Pro League first hit the courts in 1974 for a five-year run. After a short hiatus, the League returned in 1981 and has been a highlight of the annual U.S. tennis calendar for the past 25 consecutive years. For information on WTT, visit www.WTT.com.
In their 20th year of the WTT League, the Sacramento Capitals have captured Western Conference in 2004 but fell to the Newport Beach Breakers in the WTT Semifinal in New York.
The WTT Pro League format consists of 10 teams, each comprised of two men, two women and a coach. Team matches consist of five sets, with one set each of men's singles and doubles, women's singles and doubles, and mixed doubles. Each game in a set is worth one point. The winner of the evening is based on the total number of games won during the match. This no-ad scoring ensures action-packed tennis from beginning to end because both teams have a chance to win the match until the last point, even if they have lost the first four sets. The entire match normally takes two and a half hours.

The WTT regular season runs July 4-24 with 12 teams battling for the King Trophy. The two top teams from both the Western and Eastern Conferences advance to the WTT Finals, Sept. 16-17, in Sacramento, California at Allstate Stadium at the Sunrise Mall. Eastern Conference teams are Boston Lobsters, Delaware Smash, Hartford FoxForce, New York Buzz, New York Sportimes and Philadelphia Freedoms. Western Conference teams are Houston Wranglers, Kansas City Explorers, Newport Beach Breakers, Sacramento Capitals, St. Louis Aces and Springfield Lasers.
Official sponsors of the WTT Pro League include Advanta, Gatorade, Head/Penn Racquet Sports (official ball) and Wilson Racquet Sports (official racquet).


For more information, contact:

Kim Kodl
Director of Media & Public Relations
Sacramento Capitals World TeamTennis
2483 Sunrise Boulevard, Suite C
Gold River, CA 95670
kkodl@gocaps.net
Cell: 530-906-0153
Caps’ office: (916) 638-4001




Contact the Sacramento Capitals: (916) 638-4001, Email: tickets@gocaps.net
© 2005 Sacramento Capitals. Designed and developed by DB.
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