(FOLSOM, Calif.) – September 25, 2008 – Just as the season begins to change, Barcellona Inc. in Folsom, has brought on the talents of local marketing expert, Ken Parnell, as Client Services Director. The full-service advertising firm will rely on Parnell to be a leader in strategic planning, account management and new business efforts. Before coming to Barcellona, Parnell was the marketing manager for Centex Homes, a national home building company that earned JD Power awards, five years in a row during his tenure. “It is a pleasure to join such a capable group,” said Parnell. “I’ve seen the caliber of work that comes out of this firm and I’m looking forward to getting in the mix and hitting some home runs for our clients.” With over 18 years of experience in the homebuilding industry, his career started at Granite Construction and has included positions in custom homes, landscape design and the management of his own national promotions company. A general contractor by trade, marketing guru by day, and event planner by night, Ken knows how to get things done and how to make the most of any situation or budget. “Having been one of our previous clients, Ken really understands the needs and wants of those that we work with,” said Rochelle Barcellona, president and creative director at the firm. “Not to mention the fact that this guy can do just about anything. Ken is our resident jack of all trades.” His keen artistic eye and creative ideas bring a distinct flavor to Barcellona’s creative team. From architectural and landscaping review, interior design and merchandising, to the most resourceful creative marketing campaigns, Parnell has never hesitated to give his two cents and holds his projects to the highest creative standards. He has… RJ Walter Homes is building SMUD’s Home of the Future, the first LEED platinum home in the Sacramento area. To read the full article see the link below:
Home_Is_As_Green_As_It_Gets.pdf
Cheers! Green Drinks group hits Sacramento
By Ted Cox
Beer, nachos and environmentalism. What Earth lover could resist such a combination? That’s the idea behind Green Drinks, which recently started a new chapter in Sacramento. The worldwide organization (a term used loosely here) bills itself as an informal networking event that started in London in 1989. The Web site boasts 402 local groups across the world (including one in the Republic of Malta!). Sacramento Green Drinks met in the noisy Pyramid Alehouse downtown early last month, and SN&R was there to check out the group’s second meeting. While an acoustic guitar player serenaded the crowd with versions of “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Wonderwall,” about 20 people gathered that night, their backgrounds ranging from business owners and government employees to people who simply wanted to connect with other environmentally minded individuals. They wandered freely around the elongated table, shaking hands, trading business cards and discussing everything from surfing to the penal system of the Netherlands. Outside on the patio, Rochelle Barcellona and Kelsey Skidmore, both from Folsom-based green-friendly advertising firm Barcellona Inc., said they had heard about the San Francisco Green Drinks group from a Bay Area client, which eventually led them to the Sacramento gathering. “He said, ‘You guys gotta come out here and come to a Green Drinks,’” Barcellona recalled. “He said, in fact, ‘You should do one in Sacramento.’” After a little research, Skidmore learned that a Sacramento group had already met for the first time in July. This original group had been organized by J. Richard Noss, the head of green consulting firm Green Vision, who said that word of mouth is exactly how he hopes to spread the word about Sacramento… Business break: She switches to four-day workweek
By Bob Shallit -
Published 12:05 pm PDT Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Folsom advertising exec Rochelle Barcellona is giving her employees an extra 52 days off per year. The catch? They must work an additional two hours per day during the week. In an earth-friendly business move, Barcellona recently switched to a four-day workweek, with employees putting in 10-hour days Monday through Thursday. Getting a three-day weekend is a “nice benefit” for Barcellona Inc.’s nine employees, she says. But the main incentive is to “lessen our (environmental) impact” by eliminating the office commute one day a week and reducing office energy costs by closing every Friday. Barcellona says she researched the subject before announcing the change to staffers last week. She found plenty of other companies nationwide that have taken similar steps, but not many locally. According to her research, employees at companies with 10-hour days are “actually more productive” than those on standard shifts. The company’s clients also supported the change, she reports, especially when told that one employee would be on call each Friday to handle any business emergencies. Who gets that duty? “Me,” says the company CEO. 4_Day_Week_Sac_Bee.pdf Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
(916) 353-5200 x. 3316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Rocklin, CA) July 12, 2008 - School is out for the summer, but exciting things are happening in the Rocklin Unified School District. Construction is underway at Sunset Ranch Elementary School, located within Whitney Ranch, the amenity-focused master plan in Rocklin. Scheduled to open in August of 2010, Sunset Ranch will service kindergarten through sixth grades and have a maximum capacity of 700 students. The Rocklin Unified School District Board of Directors chose the name Sunset Ranch after a community-wide request for name submissions. There were many names submitted from school staff, teachers, parents and even students. Sunset Ranch Elementary will be a replica of Ruhkala Elementary in Rocklin, a layout and blueprint that has proved to be very successful for the Rocklin Unified School District. The school will feature a large multi-purpose room, 4 wings of classrooms, a fully stocked library and adjoining computer lab. Multiple sports fields adjoin to a neighborhood park. Sunset Ranch will feature some upgrades, now that the plans are in their fifth generation. “All classrooms will be smart classrooms,” explained Sue Wesselius, Director of Facilities for Rocklin Unified School District. “They are each equipped with an LCD projector which is integrated to the teacher’s computer and… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
(916) 353-5200 x. 3316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Rocklin, CA) June 21,2008 - Encompassing 1,200 acres at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in northwest Rocklin, Whitney Ranch is a community more and more families are calling home - and there is little wonder why. Whitney Ranch, the area’s highly-regarded master planned community has it all. From a squirt park and little league fields for the kids at Whitney Community Park; to the stunning Ranch House community center where residents can host the greatest of parties; to the miles of bike and walking trails which meander throughout the community. This amenity-focused master plan is a place where families can truly live their lives to the fullest. “Currently we are looking forward to the opening of the Sierra Foothills Audubon Society garden,” said Rebecca Parre regional marketing director for Newland Communities, developer of Whitney Ranch. Planned to open in late this summer, the garden was designed by Audubon members in conjunction with Whitney Ranch’s landscape architects. It will feature a variety of different backyard concepts designed to showcase how to connect people with nature and preserve the natural environment and habitat. “We want to encourage Whitney Ranch residents to keep their natural surroundings in mind,” said Peter Bridges, project manager for Newland Communities.… [Folsom, CA] –July 8th through July 13th, Folsom’s favorite local chiropractor, Dr. Michael Nevius, will serve professional athletes and other noted celebrities at the American Century Championship golf tournament. Throughout Tahoe Celebrity Golf Week, “Dr. Mike” will be donating his time to help the popular events’ famed celebrities heal their aches and pains and make sure they are in tip top shape for the event. “I love working at the Tahoe Celebrity Championship,” said Dr. Michael Nevius of Folsom Family Chiropractic. “It gives me the chance to meet lots of new people and do what I do best: make people feel better.” This year’s celebrity participants will include Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Dan Quayle, Mario Lemieux and Donald Trump, just to name a few. All proceeds from the event go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation which provides information and tools for people living with cancer. The charity also raises money for cancer research. Its mission is to inspire and empower people with cancer. For more information go to http://www.livestrong.org. Dr. Mike is well known for his use of The Fenzian Treatment System, a highly effective electrical impulse technique used by many professional basketball, football and baseball stars. The treatment provides symptomatic relief and management of chronic pain and is available in Folsom only at Folsom Family Chiropractic. Dr. Michael Nevius is one of only five practitioners in the greater Sacramento area that has received certified training to use this proven technique. The system received a Smart Award and an associated grant from the UK’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) after it met the strict criteria for eligibility. Since its introduction, the system has been used to alleviate pain for more than 4,500 patients and can be used to relieve… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
(916) 353-5200 x. 3316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Rocklin, CA) June 7, 2008 - Celebrate National Homeownership Month by becoming a homeowner at Whitney Ranch. Right now is the most opportune time in years to make the commitment and enjoy the benefits of owning your own home. With more affordable pricing, lower interest rates and abundance of selection, now is a great time to become a homeowner. And if you are looking for the perfect place to purchase a home, Whitney Ranch, Rocklin’s newest amenity-focused master planned community, is the place. Experts agree that transitioning from leasing a home to owning a home at Whitney Ranch is like investing in an automatic savings account. You accumulate savings in two ways. Every month, a portion of your monthly mortgage payment goes to pay off the principal, reducing the overall loan amount. Each year, a greater percentage of your mortgage payment goes to paying down the principal. As a renter, your rent pays a portion of the owner’s principal, reducing their overall loan amount. Secondly, as a homeowner your home appreciates over time, making it one of the very best long term financial investments. The location of Whitney Ranch, resident member amenities offered by the master plan and quality built homes in every neighborhood make purchasing… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Rocklin, CA) May 17, 2008 – The Ranch House, the resident-exclusive community center in Whitney Ranch master plan community in Rocklin, is the perfect place to enjoy the warm days of summer and host events of all kinds. Designed as a place for resident families and friends to gather, play, relax and enjoy all year, residents are invited to make themselves at home inside and out. “We’ve already hosted birthday parties and graduation celebrations. And there is a wedding planned in June,” said Jessie Hinchman, activities director at The Ranch House “It is a perfect event venue for the (Whitney Ranch) residents.” All of the single-family home residents at Whitney Ranch have exclusive access to all the homeowner facilities on site, many of which can be reserved for special occasions or large gatherings. Inside the Ranch House, stunning open beamed ceilings and a grand fireplace beckons residents to make themselves at home in the Hideaway Hills Lounge. Residents can enjoy the Grand Chaparral Ballroom, conference facilities, a demonstration kitchen and much more. Outside is a summer oasis for adults and children alike. A 4,000 square foot pool and nearby kids wading pool with splash pad will keep the family cool all summer… Contact: Lesley Albright
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(FOLSOM, CA) May 15, 2008 - Recently, employees of Barcellona, Inc., a full-service Folsom marketing agency, took a break from the daily grind to frolic with the lions, tigers and bears, “Oh My,” at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. In lieu of traditional holiday gifts for its clients, Barcellona donated $1,000 on behalf of its clients to the Sanctuary to purchase enrichment items for zoo animals. The gifts included balls, food puzzles and other toys designed specifically for each animal to help stimulate brain development and social growth. The Barcellona team visited the sanctuary to watch the presentation of the toys to the animals. “Enrichment for the animals is almost as important as food and water,” explained Vicki Valentine of the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. “Without friends like Barcellona, Inc. we wouldn’t be able to provide the stimulating environment that is necessary to their growth and of course happiness.” The Folsom Zoo Sanctuary has always been a favorite of Rochelle Barcellona, president and creative director of the firm. “It was one of the first places I visited when we moved to Folsom. Then I became a Parks & Recreation Commissioner and really got to be a part of its growth and development,” said Barcellona. “I really commend… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
(916) 353-5200 x. 3316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Rocklin, CA) May 10, 2008 – Just when you thought Whitney Ranch had it all, the amenity-focused master plan in Rocklin unveils its brand new, exclusively-designed squirt park. Located at Whitney Community Park, the new squirt park adds to the kids play area which also features a three story play structure. The squirt park will be open to the local community through the summer months. “The squirt park is an excellent addition to the (Whitney Community) park,” said Rick Forstall, operations manager, parks and facilities division for the City of Rocklin. “We have been excited about this since the initial brainstorm. It’s great to see the kids already enjoying it so much.” Even the squirt park keeps with the ranch theme noticeable throughout the master plan. The centerpiece of the water playground is the water tower which has 4 shower style water features providing a large water play area. On the other side of the playground is what is known as the “wet saloon” that has 4 sprinklers and a water dump bucket. Not wet enough yet? Leave it to the 2 horse cannons and 3 ground geysers that squirt water up at various intervals and pressures to keep the kids wet all summer… Presentation on marketing green homes given at the Green Home Expo May 8th, 2008 in Sacramento, CA in coordination with Matt Brost from SunPower and Linda Schwartz, Marketing Director for Tim Lewis Communities. If you are not familiar with downloading large files (this one is 22MB) from the internet, your best bet would be to right click on the link below and choose “Save Target As...” and then save the file completely to your desktop before attempting to open it. Marketing Green Homes Presentation Contact: Lesley Albright
(916) 353-5200
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Lincoln, CA) April 26, 2008- Sunday, April 27th, Twelve Bridges presents a Day of Classic Pairings hosted by Marcy Smothers from KFBK 1530AM’s The Food Guy and Marcy Show. Just as you would pair a fine wine with the perfect meal and fabulous friends, Twelve Bridges is a place where nature is perfectly paired with today’s most elegant homes. One of Twelve Bridges most luxurious communities, Monte Azul Estates by Greenbriar Homes provides the perfect setting for outdoor entertaining. From 12pm to 3pm on Sunday, guests will enjoy catering from Food Network star, Guy Fieri’s Tex Wasabi, local wine tasting and scenic views of the Sacramento Valley from Monte Azul Estates. From 10am to 12pm, Terry Knight will record live from Richmond American’s beautiful Kinsley Hill community which has easy access to the newly opened Twelve Bridges elementary school and Coyote Pond Park. All of the homes at Twelve Bridges feature spacious kitchens and dining rooms, designed for entertaining. “We want people to see how easy it is to entertain with friends in the beautiful spaces afforded by nature at Twelve Bridges,” said Mike Lee, marketing director for Placer Holdings. “We’ve put a lot of effort into preserving the open space and creating an intricate trails… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
(916) 353-5200 x. 3316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Rocklin, CA) April 26, 2008 - Last Tuesday was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sierra Foothills Audubon Demonstration Garden located within Whitney Ranch, the amenity-focused master planned community in Rocklin. The Audubon Garden will feature a variety of different backyard designs and ideas aimed to connect people with nature and preserve the natural environment and habitat. “We want to encourage Whitney Ranch residents to keep their natural surroundings in mind,” said Bob Anders, project manager for Newland Communities. “We’ve (Whitney Ranch) gone to great lengths to preserve the habitat in and around the community. The Audubon garden area will help people understand what they can do to help.” Designed with the help of Audubon members in conjunction with Whitney Ranch landscape developers, the garden will offer ideas for planting and gardening in the Placer County region. It will feature native California plants, shrubs and trees, many of which are low-water plants, reducing their need for water consumption. The many ways homeowners can participate in Audubon’s conservation efforts will be on display, including bird and butterfly friendly ideas. Everything will be easily enjoyed by walking trails throughout the area, notes Anders. “There will be ideas that homeowners can apply to their existing backyards,”… CONTACT: Ana Helman
(916) 677-5717 ext. 2751
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Roseville, CA) April 25, 2008 – The North State Building Industry Association (NSBIA) is thrilled to announce that its first annual Green Home Expo will be 100% carbon free in its inaugural year. This all day trade show, to take place at the Sacramento Convention Center on May 8th, 2008, has taken every measure to minimize the environmental impact of staging a large event. Some of the steps taken to reduce the footprint of the gathering include: • Eliminating the use of carpeting in trade show aisles
• Use of china service to replace all disposable beverage containers and bottled water
• Use of electronic documents whenever possible
• All printed marketing materials printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based ink “This is the first BIA event ever to be completely carbon-free,” announced Bob Walter, Chairman of the Sacramento Green Expo Committee and owner of RJ Walter Homes. “One of the reasons we chose the Sacramento Convention Center as a venue was because of its dedication to energy conservation.” In addition to the efforts by the NSBIA, the Sacramento Convention Center features energy efficient light bulbs and sensory light switches throughout the complex, has committed to recycling any left over conference materials and has partnered with the City of Sacramento to recycle and dispose of all leftover wood pallets, metals and light bulbs used for conventions like the Green Home Expo. For the energy use that cannot be avoided, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) has graciously purchased carbon offset credits through its carbon offset program to bring the balance to zero. This financial contribution will mitigate the greenhouse gas… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
(916) 353-5200 x. 3316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Rocklin, CA) April 19, 2008 – While many “industry experts” continue to discuss the doom and gloom of the real estate industry, they all agree on one thing – this is a great time to buy a home. And home buyers seem to have focused their attention on Whitney Ranch in Rocklin, because sales at the amenity-focused master planned community, developed by Newland Communities in partnership with IHP Partners, has been steady for the past two months. Rebecca Parre, Whitney Ranch’s marketing director, notes that prospective home buyers who come into the community’s information center are commenting on several factors in their buying decision. First, Whitney Ranch offers an impressive selection of the distinctively designed ranch-style homes in nine unique neighborhoods. Secondly, there are few who can resist The Ranch House, a resident-exclusive community center that sits atop a hill overlooking the Sacramento Valley. “Our homeowners say that it’s like having a private resort that comes as an added value to their homes,” comments Parre. And four legged residents and their families seem to prefer the walking and biking trails that meander through the community, connecting homeowners with nature. And there is no denying that the state-of-the-art Rocklin Unified School District, home… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
(916) 353-5200 x. 3316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Rocklin, CA) March 29, 2008 – HomeAid Sacramento was presented with a check for $20,000 Tues. March 18th from Newland Communities. The funds were raised at the annual Newland Communities Life is good® Pumpkin Festivals held nationwide on October 20, 2007. Locally the festival was held at Whitney Ranch in Rocklin. An estimated 1,100 people from Whitney Ranch and the surrounding South Placer region attended the festival and helped raise just short of $10, 000 for two charities, HomeAid and Construction Cares for Children. The national beneficiary of the 2007 Life is good® Pumpkin Festivals was HomeAid, a leading national non-profit provider of housing for today’s temporarily homeless. Newland Communities donated 75% of the proceeds to the national HomeAid office who distributed it where it was most needed. The Sacramento chapter of HomeAid, the philanthropic arm of the North State Building Industry Assocaition and the local chapter of the national organization, received $20,000. “We are very thankful to Newland Communities and Whitney Ranch,” said Greg Grant, Chair of HomeAid Sacramento and regional sales executive of Creative Touch Interiors. “Without the continuing generosity and support of our community, we would not be able to fund as many projects as we do.” The money… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
(916) 353-5200 x. 3316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Rocklin, CA) March 15, 2008 - Whitney Ranch has launched its new website this week with a fresh look and added features. WhitneyRanch.net boasts a new design, in coordination with the “Room For Your View” community resident focus theme launched last year for the master planned community in Rocklin. The site’s added features make it easier for new home shoppers to navigate to the information they desire, whether they are searching for information on a new home, the community’s outstanding amenities or the Rocklin Unified School District. “The goal was to make the site more convenient for new home shoppers,” said Rebecca Parre, regional marketing director for Newland Communities, developer of Whitney Ranch. “We recognize the convenience of being able to shop for a new home on the internet. I hope they (new home shoppers) find it a useful tool.” Highlights of the revamped site include a Find Your Home feature that allows users to search for a home based on six different criteria including number of bedrooms and price range. New home shoppers can save their favorite Whitney Ranch neighborhoods, homes and floorplans their own special folder with the new My Whitney Ranch feature. The site includes extensive information about Whitney… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Rocklin, CA) February 16, 2008 – Next Saturday marks the City of Rocklin’s opening of Whitney Community Park’s first phase. The 40-acre park is located within Whitney Ranch, the amenity-focused master planned community in Rocklin. Everyone is invited to join the City of Rocklin on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 9 a.m. – noon to celebrate the park’s much-anticipated opening with events including a run/walk, health picnic, city recreational sign-ups, and city services booths. Radio Disney will be on-site from 10 a.m. – noon with great family games, events and prizes. “The development of the park has been a great collaborative effort between Newland (Communities) and the City (of Rocklin),” said Bob Anders, project manager for Newland Communities. “Everything has gone very smoothly and we are excited about the completion.”
Phase One of the Whitney Community Park delivers much needed athletic facilities to the City of Rocklin. It features lighted softball and baseball fields, along with convenient parking, a concession area and restrooms. The spotlight of the community park, and sure to be the most popular with all the younger Rocklin and Whitney Ranch residents, is its signature play area. The kid’s area includes a three story one-of-a-kind super play structure, and a… (ORLANDO, Florida)—Barcellona, Inc., an integrated marketing communications firm focused on green, real estate and social marketing has won top honors at this year’s International Builder Show (IBS) in Orlando, Florida. It was announced Thursday that the firm has won a gold award for Best Marketing Campaign for a Green Community from the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) “The NationalsSM” awards competition for its work with locally-owned green builder, Treasure Homes. The campaign was designed to close the innovative Fallen Leaf at Riverbend community in Natomas, the first zero-energy community in the City of Sacramento. “It is especially gratifying to receive this honor in the green category because all of us at the agency have a passion for our environment,” said Rochelle Barcellona, president and creative director of Barcellona, Inc. “It is really an extension of our personal values into our professional lives.” In addition, Barcellona was awarded a silver award for its own website as well as a regional award for best digital marketing tool. Nearly 1,400 entries were accepted and approximately 350 of those came from the west coast, making for a competitive field. Barcellona’s namesake company has stepped to the forefront of the push for green-minded marketing with its work for energy efficient builders, solar equipment manufacturer and provider SunPower Corp. and the California Energy Commission’s New Solar Homes Partnership. To take it a step farther, the team at Barcellona has made significant changes in the way that it does business by carpooling, driving hybrids, telecommuting, teleconferencing and spending each day working with an elite group of forward thinking clients and suppliers that have adopted similar environmentally friendly philosophies. “This is a clear indication that green marketing has become even more important in the real estate industry and the marketplace… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
(916) 353-5200 x. 3316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Rocklin, CA) - February 9, 2008 – Whitney Ranch, the amenity-focused master planned community in Rocklin, will host an Open House to celebrate the opening of The Ranch House. The resident-exclusive community center will be open to the public and residents from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. today, Feb. 9. The event will include refreshments, kids’ crafts, music, an Audubon demonstration and exclusive self guided tours of The Ranch House. Indoors, residents will enjoy the Grand Chaparral Ballroom and Hideaway Hills Lounge as well as conference facilities, a demonstration kitchen and much more. The Ranch House also houses the Whitney Ranch Homeowner’s Association offices. Outside is a 4,000 square foot pool, nearby children’s wading pool with splash pad, shaded cabanas, shower house, picnic lawn and BBQ area for residents to enjoy during the summer months. Anticipated to open the first of March, all Whitney Ranch residents will have exclusive access to all the homeowner facilities on site, many of which can be reserved for special occasions or large gatherings. “The Ranch House will be a great place to gather with other families in the neighborhood,” said Laurie Roche, homeowner at Wisteria by Christopherson Homes. “We have really been looking forward to it opening.” … (FOLSOM, Calif.)— If one of Rochelle Barcellona’s resolutions this year was to be on as many building industry committees as possible – mission accomplished. Folsom’s well-know real estate marketing expert was named to the California Building Industry Association’s (CBIA) Public Affairs Committee and has accepted a second term as a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Board of Directors. In addition, Barcellona will sit on the NAHB National Sales and Marketing Council’s Board of Trustees and simultaneously serve as chair of the Sales and Marketing Ideas Magazine Advisory Board. All in a days work for the busy advertising and PR powerhouse.
“This industry is really evolving right now and it is an exciting time to be involved in the organizations that help shape its future,” said Rochelle Barcellona, president and creative director of the graphic design, advertising and public relations firm. “Especially when it comes to the future of green home building.”
The NAHB Board of Directors, being the governance arm of the 250,000-member association, sets policies that are designed to positively impact the homebuilding industry and the consumers of new homes as well. For example, NAHB encourages “green” building, and also engages in research that adds to the development of green building technologies. The Board is responsible for managing the affairs of the Association, which includes electing the senior officers, setting policy, approving the long range strategic plan and NAHB’s budget, establishing dues, and communicating with constituents.
“The North State BIA places great confidence in those it entrusts with the responsibility and privilege of serving as its board representatives at the national level,” said John Orr, president and CEO of the North State Building Industry Association. “Rochelle’s active role at NAHB with both the National Sales & Marketing Council and the… Contact: Lesley Albright
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Paso Robles, CA) January 11, 2007 - Estrella Associates, Inc. has broken ground on River Oaks Center, an innovative commercial center designed to meet community needs while employing the latest eco-smart solutions. “The Center will be an important resource and convenience for area residents,” said Estrella Associates CEO Dick Willhoit. “Its design and construction have been developed with the latest thinking in eco-smart facilities.” River Oaks Center is San Luis Obispo County’s first commercial building to receive a Silver pre-certification from the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building rating system. The five key LEED areas are: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor air quality. Willhoit said the Center, located on 5.6 acres within the City of Paso Robles at Buena Vista Drive and Experimental Station, will welcome its first tenants by late 2008. Two Prairie-style buildings, totaling some 50,000 square feet of floor space, will provide a location for services such as a gourmet grocery, banking, coffee house, restaurant, medical offices, professional offices and retail. “One goal is to provide high quality, essential services that will help residents minimize their daily car trips, and help reinforce our strong sense of… (FOLSOM, Calif.)—Barcellona Inc., a full service advertising, public relations and graphic design firm has brought home two silver awards and one regional award from the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) “The NationalsSM” awards competition. Honors included silver awards for the best green marketing campaign and best website for an associate as well as a regional award for best digital marketing tool. Nearly 1,400 entries were accepted and approximately 350 of those came from the west coast, making for a competitive field. Gold honors will be chosen from the silver winners at the International Builder Show in Orlando, FL on February 13, 2008. “Being recognized in digital and green categories is a big deal for us,” said Rochelle Barcellona, president and creative director of Barcellona, Inc. “It really demonstrates that we have taken our work to the next level for our clients and have adapted to changes in the market.” Barcellona has stepped to the forefront of the push for green-minded marketing with its work for energy efficient builders, a solar equipment manufacturer and the California Energy Commission’s New Solar Homes Partnership. The team at Barcellona has made significant changes in the way that it does business by carpooling, driving hybrids, telecommuting, teleconferencing and spending each day working with an elite group of forward thinking clients and suppliers that have adopted similar environmentally friendly philosophies including Treasure Homes, Tim Lewis Communities, SunPower, Estrella & Associates and the California Energy Commission. Now in its 27th year, The Nationals pays tribute to superior new home sales and marketing achievements by individual sales and marketing professionals, homebuilders and associates, and sales and marketing councils. The nation’s largest competition for new home sales and marketing professionals and communities, The Nationals showcases winners in distinguished national, regional, and local publications.… Contact: Lesley Albright
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Roseville, CA) October 22nd, 2007—This weekend, October 27th and 28th, Syncon Homes will bring out all the stops to make deals on homes at its five current Northern California communities. The locally-owned builder has announced their ability to deliver solar capability for the first time. During the two-day Let’s Make a Deal event, select inventory homes will include a state-of-the-art solar electric system for free. In addition, the owners of Syncon Homes will be on hand to provide a quick turn around on any offer made during the event. No more haggling with sales agents or bargaining for incentives. The Syncon family wants to give buyers the true bottom line and this is the weekend to do it. “We are very excited to be able to offer solar for the first time at all of our communities,” said Zach Streight, director of marketing for Syncon Homes. “We decided to celebrate this by incorporating a free solar giveaway into our ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ Event. Between the combination of incredible deal making opportunities and free solar, we truly believe that now is the best time to buy a Syncon home.” Seventeen inventory homes are available at Vistancia in Elk Grove, Cobblestone in Sacramento, Bacarra in Rancho Cordova,… Contact: Lesley Albright
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Lincoln, CA) October 22, 2007- The 16.5 million dollar Lincoln Public Library has officially opened to the public with the Grand Opening Celebration that took place this past Saturday, October 20th at the new facility at the entrance of the Twelve Bridges master planned community. The City of Lincoln and the library staff are inviting everyone to come visit and take a tour of the new facility. The library’s hours of operation are Monday and Wednesday, 1pm to 8pm, Tuesday and Thursday, from 10am to 6pm and Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 5pm. “This is another great amenity for the residents of Twelve Bridges to enjoy,” said Mike Lee, marketing director for Placer Holdings. “Lincoln is a wonderful place for families to grow and learn and the new library makes information and resources even more accessible to the residents of Twelve Bridges.” Winner of the Leroy Greene Design Award, the Lincoln Public Library at Twelve Bridges was built on a five-acre site adjacent to the future Twelve Bridges High School and future Lincoln satellite campus of Sierra College. The 40,000 square-foot space will eventually serve the students of the high school and college, as well as residents of Lincoln. The grand opening celebration… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Rocklin, CA (September 24, 2007) – Whitney Ranch, the exceptional master-planned community in Rocklin, is expecting the completion of two the community’s most anticipated amenities, The Ranch House and phase one of Whitney Community Park, early next spring.
The Ranch House will feature conference facilities, a relaxing lounge, a large banquet hall and demonstration kitchen. It will also house the Whitney Ranch HOA offices. Outside there will a 4,000 square foot pool, nearby children’s pool, shaded cabanas, shower house, picnic lawn and BBQ area for residents to enjoy during the summer months. All Whitney Ranch residents will have access to all the facilities on site, many of which can be reserved for special occasions or large gatherings.
“The Ranch House is what people are most excited about,” said Rebecca Parre, Regional Marketing Director for Newland Communities. “It will truly be the heart of the community. We are excited to see its completion nearing.”
The distinctive architecture of the Ranch House is in harmony with the community’s ranch-style theme. Residents are welcomed under a grand prote cochere and simple, but stately stonework which adorns all sides of the Ranch House. A decorative iron entry gate greets visitors at the… Contact: Kelsey Skidmore
(916) 353-5200 x. 3316
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Sacramento, CA) September 3, 2007 - Ready to tap into the power of the sun? Now home buyers have the opportunity to save up to sixty percent on their utility bill at three Tim Lewis Communities neighborhoods; Amberleigh at Madeira in Elk Grove, and Brentwood Estates and Villas in Orangevale. These unique environmentally friendly communities are now open and come standard with a wide range of energy efficient features including California Green Builder features and integrated solar PV roof tiles. Tim Lewis Communities has teamed up with the SMUD Solar Smart program, SunPower® and BP Solar to tap into the power of the sun to help the environment and save residents money. “Tim Lewis Communities has always strived to offer the highest standards of amenities and choices in the homes we build,” Tim Lewis, President of Tim Lewis Communities said. “We are excited to offer TLC Solar Living homebuyers the opportunity to have a feeling of satisfaction at having done something good for the environment while saving money every month on their utility bill.” Some of the California Green Builder and TLC Solar Living features built standard into these homes include:
• High-efficiency Solar Electric System (SunPower® SunTile® at Amberleigh; BP Solar… (FOLSOM, Calif) - Rochelle Barcellona, MIRM, CMP, President & Creative Director of Folsom based Barcellona, Inc., has been elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for 2007-2008. She was nominated for the office of Director by the North State Building Industry Association, located in Roseville, CA. Other recent additions to the Board include Chris Cady, from Pulte Del-Webb communities, Bill Niemi from Dunmore Homes and Harry Elliott of Elliott Homes. “As a non-builder it is a special honor to be a director of this prestigious national organization,” said Barcellona. “My appointment underscores the importance of marketing in the home building industry and the holistic philosophy of the NAHB.” The NAHB Board of Directors, being the governance arm of the association, sets policies that are designed to positively impact the homebuilding industry and the consumers of new homes as well. For example, NAHB encourages “green” building, and also engages in research that adds to the development of green building technologies. “Rochelle’s active role at NAHB with both the National Sales & Marketing Council and the Institute for Residential Marketing, and her faithful attendance at the national meetings, make her an ideal candidate to serve as a director,” said John Orr, president and CEO of the North State Building Industry Association. “She is also actively engaged in providing leadership in her local association, the North State BIA.” The Board of Directors of NAHB is responsible for managing the affairs of the Association, which includes electing the Senior Officers, setting policy, approving the Long Range Strategic Plan and NAHB’s Budget, establishing dues, and communicating with constituents. Barcellona believes that community outreach is an integral part of being a successful and respected business leader. Moreover, over the past… (SACRAMENTO, CA) June 5, 2007 – Treasure Homes, one of Sacramento’s most innovative homebuilders, was recently awarded the Clean Air Champion Business Award for its leadership in delivering zero energy consumption homes in Natomas. Its award winning project, Fallen Leaf at Riverbend, aims to reduce residential homeowners’ utility bills by 60%, thus dramatically improving air quality. The fourth phase at the zero energy development has just been released, marking the final phase of the Natomas community. The final eight homes are now available for reservation with move in as soon as June. The builder will be hosting a solar education event on June 23rd from 11am to 2pm where the public is invited to learn more about zero energy homes and the SMUD Solar Smart HomesTM program. Treasure Homes partnered with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) to open Fallen Leaf, making it the first Zero Energy Home community in Sacramento. Complete with solar paneling and a slew of other energy saving features, residents here have the unique opportunity to actually receive a check back from SMUD each month, instead of a bill for their electricity use. By incorporating built-in energy efficient components and state-of-the-art renewable energy sources, these homes reduce the homeowner’s utility costs and help protect the environment.
“Now that our homeowners are moved in and settled we are really seeing results in the form of energy conservation,” explains Jim Bayless, president of Treasure Homes. “Not only do our homeowners feel good about what they are doing for our environment, but they are seeing a direct benefit to their pocketbooks. Some even wave me down each month to show me their unbelievably low utility bills.”
The project has also been named a California Green Builder Community, a… (SACRAMENTO, Calif.) –Treasure Homes, one of Sacramento’s most innovative homebuilders, was recently awarded the Clean Air Champion Business Award for its leadership in delivering zero energy consumption homes in Natomas. Its award winning project, Fallen Leaf at Riverbend, aims to reduce residential homeowners’ utility bills by 60%, thus dramatically improving air quality. The fourth phase at the zero energy development has just been released, marking the final phase of the Natomas community. The final eight homes are now available for reservation with move in as soon as June. The builder will be hosting a solar education event on June 23rd from 11am to 2pm where the public is invited to learn more about zero energy homes and the SMUD Solar Smart HomesTM program. Treasure Homes partnered with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) to open Fallen Leaf, making it the first Zero Energy Home community in Sacramento. Complete with solar paneling and a slew of other energy saving features, residents here have the unique opportunity to actually receive a check back from SMUD each month, instead of a bill for their electricity use. By incorporating built-in energy efficient components and state-of-the-art renewable energy sources, these homes reduce the homeowner’s utility costs and help protect the environment.
“Now that our homeowners are moved in and settled we are really seeing results in the form of energy conservation,” explains Jim Bayless, president of Treasure Homes. “Not only do our homeowners feel good about what they are doing for our environment, but they are seeing a direct benefit to their pocketbooks. Some even wave me down each month to show me their unbelievably low utility bills.”
The project has also been named a California Green Builder Community, a designation awarded by the… FOLSOM, Calif.—March 22, 2007—Last night’s annual ADDY awards celebrated the 100th year of the Sacramento Advertising Club. It also marked the 12th year that Barcellona, Inc. has made a creative splash at the awards held at the Double Tree Hotel. The local marketing communications firm took home a total of 11 ADDY awards for client work created during 2006. Barcellona received two gold and nine silver awards in categories that included collateral materials, elements of advertising, advertising for the arts & sciences, and public service mediums. “The competition is always fierce here in Sacramento,” said Rochelle Barcellona, owner and creative director of Barcellona, Inc. “We were happy to come away with eleven awards and be able to pass the good news on to our deserving clients. The ADDY’s are a time when our team can sit back and be proud of our body of work!” A complete list of the awards received by Barcellona at the ADDY Awards is as follows: Gold Award:
Sacramento Ballet
Collateral Brochure
Advertising for the Arts & Sciences Sacramento Ballet
Poster
Advertising for the Arts & Sciences
Silver Award:
Sacramento Children’s Museum
Brochure
Public Service KMS Business System
Business Identity
Elements of Advertising Regis Homes of Sacramento-Villa Terrassa
Logo
Elements of Advertising Regis Homes of Sacramento-Islands at Riverlake
Logo
Elements of Advertising
Folsom High School Boosters
Logo
Elements of Advertising Sun Ridge Systems Campaign
Magazine Campaign
Consumer or Trade Publication Monterey Village… |
