Business

Jason Raby has recently been named a full partner in Articulate Solutions, Inc., southern Silicon Valley’s leading design and communications agency. As the firm’s technical and art director, Jason will sit on the Board of Directors and will share leadership and management duties with company founder and Executive Creative Director Katherine Filice.

The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce was out to support the move of the Harvest Coffee House to its new location at 1295 E. Dunne Ave., Suite 100 in Morgan Hill. Joining Chamber President John Horner and Chairman of the Board Rich Firato, were ambassadors and board members, including Lorraine Welk, Leonette and Tony Stafford, Persis McGinty, Suzanne Barrett, Tim Hennessy and Teresa Martin. Mayor Steve Tate and Councilwoman Marilyn Liebers were also present to watch Harvest Coffee House owner, Frank Alvarez cut the ribbon to the new store.

Gilroy’s Polar Express mobile Ice Cream Trolley and DJ made its Grand Debut at the Memorial Day Parade. This fun little ice cream trolley drove through the parade with its owners, husband and wife team, Kelli and Dave Aita, bumping beats, waving and smiling and introducing themselves to the community. “People were dancing in the streets and waving and smiling right back at us. It was an amazing community experience to be a part of,” Kelli said. “My grandfather was a merchant marine that was honored with two Purple Hearts in World War II and just passed last year at the age of 97. It was a great way to honor him on Memorial Day.” The Polar Express Ice Cream Trolley and DJ is available for private parties, weddings, fundraisers and any other event you can think of. For more information about the Polar Express, visit www.thepolarexpress.info or call (408) 595-3963.

MommyJuice Wines hosted the 3rd annual Mom's Nite Out on May 9, at the Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin. The party gives moms a night off the Thursday before Mother's Day and includes wine, shopping, food, dancing and giveaways. Proceeds go to Family Giving Tree. At right are Claire McAdams, Megan Freiermuth, Christine Trice and Cheryl Durzy, founder of MommyJuice Wines.

Rachel Santos has been named a finalist for the 7th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards. A ceremony will take place June 19 in New York.

GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, announced that Affordable Solar Roofs of Morgan Hill has received the prestigious GAF Master Elite™ Installation Excellence Award. With no property owner incidents or complaints, this coveted industry award recognizes Affordable Solar Roofs’s dedication to the highest level of quality installations.

Specialized Bicycle Components now offers the Turbo electric-assist bicycle to its dealers in the United States. The combination of pedal power and electric power gives the Turbo a top assisted speed of 27.9 mph. The Turbo delivers superhuman power to anyone who rides it: it's you, only faster. The Turbo creates an entirely new category of eBikes that we've named "Performance Urban." Turbo is a speed-focused, high-tech urban bike that looks and performs like a fast bike should and it just happens to have a motor. With a top speed of 27.9 mph, the Turbo is unquestionably fast. It's even fast standing still as the battery recharges in just two and a half hours. Every aspect of the design exudes speed, efficiency and style. At 50lbs (23kgs) the Turbo is not the lightest bike in the Specialized line, but it's arguably the lightest in its speed class

Articulate Solutions has added to its trophy wall, taking home Gold and Silver awards in the prestigious 2013 Communicator Awards. The creative service agency won the Gold Award of Excellence for its logo design for Sassy Pooch, a Gilroy pet grooming salon and boutique, as well as the Silver Award of Distinction for logo design for 152 West Productions, a local video production company.

Clos LaChance Winery introduces Bistro Clos. Bistro Clos will provide guests with a restaurant-style experience within the winery setting. The menu has been developed in tandem with chef Lou Zulaica and Roy Froom, director of hospitality at Clos LaChance, certified wine educator and first level sommelier. Chef Lou is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He has more than 20 years of fine dining experience. Reservations are required on Friday nights only and can be made by calling 1-800-ITS-WINE, ext. 106. Details: www.clos.com or call 1-800-ITS-WINE.

Castro Valley Ranch announced the appointment of Michael S. Johnson as its new ranch manager. Michael succeeds Richard J. Neuenschwander (Rick). Michael manages all aspects of the ranch, including the cattle and hunting activities. Prior to joining the ranch, Michael served as the operational manager for 101 Livestock Market Inc. where for 19 years he managed facility operations, lease negotiations, maintained livestock facilities, ranches and water development projects. Michael will report to representatives of the family that has owned Castro Valley Ranch since 1979.