Panel 2

Staying on Top of Business Practices

Panel Objective: session provides attendees with enhanced knowledge and motivation about what it takes to start up, diversify, or scale up a new business venture, with:

• Brian Crawford, CDA Director - How to successfully permit an ag project in Marin County.

• Rick La Franchi, Nicasio Valley Cheese Co. - Why a business plan is important and helpful.

• Bill Daniels, United Markets Owner/President - Keys to a successful partnership between the grocer and agricultural producer.

Expert: TBD

Moderator: Bob Berner, Marin Agricultural Land Trust

Brian Crawford is the Director of the Community Development Agency for Marin County. Previously he held the positions of Assistant Director from 2006 to 2008, and Deputy Director of Planning Services from 2000 to 2006. Mr. Crawford joined CDA in 1988, worked as an environmental planner for the City of Chico from 1992 to 1993, and returned to his roots in Marin County to resume his career in the Community Development Agency. He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1983, receiving a B.S. degree in conservation resource studies with an area of emphasis in natural resource law, public policy and administration. He is a native of Marin County and lives in Petaluma with his wife and their two daughters.

Rick LaFranchi is the Co-owner of Nicasio Cheese Company. Rick was raised on the family ranch in Nicasio. He graduated from Santa Clara University in 1974 with a B.S in Management, and has been involved with the family Nicasio Dairy one way or another ever since. Recently the family established the Nicasio Valley Cheese Company, and Rick is responsible for handling sales and marketing.

Bill Daniels (bdaniels@unitedmarkets.com) is the owner and president of United Markets. Bill Daniels was born and raised in Placerville, California and moved to Mill Valley where he attended school at Tamalpais High School. After serving in the Air Force, Bill joined united Markets in the early 60’s. He worked his way up through the ranks, and was the Manager of the San Anselmo United Markets for 10 years, before he and his partner Bob Musante purchased the markets in 1984. Through Bill’s leadership, United Markets has lead as a local business in the forefront of activities and programs supporting local schools, non profits, and charitable organizations for over 50 years! Bill is proud to call Marin his home.