
From the Publisher: Ballet is Back
Snap Shots offers an intimate look at the art of dance
Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of being one of about 30 “thought leaders” invited to a private performance by the Sacramento Ballet as they proved that, indeed, ballet is back.

Start Smart by Starting Small
ShopSmart nurtures small retailers, one square foot at a time
When Faiz Saif got his electrical engineering degree from Sacramento State in 2010, he never dreamt his business card would say “Owner, Clothes For Bros” just a few short years later. But thanks to a downturned economy and the presence of a unique store in south Sacramento, Saif isn’t looking for an electrical engineering job anymore. Instead, he’s looking to expand his growing business into a retail empire.

The Lighter Side of Drinking
You don’t need to get drunk to support local brewing
Let’s eschew the wonders of hops and malts for a minute to explore the fizzy but kid-friendly offerings of Sacramento beverage artisans.

NeighborWorks Paint the Town
Nearly 150 volunteers spent Saturday, September 19, sprucing up 10 homes in South Oak Park during the 26th annual Paint the Town event, sponsored by NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center Sacramento Region.
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Our Experience, Your Family Business
Working in a family-run business is much more than a job for its owners and employees—it’s in their DNA
Our team of local bankers recognizes that many middle market businesses began as, or still are, family-run organizations. With more than 200 years of banking experience, we’re well-versed in addressing the unique needs of these companies. Nearly 75 percent of our clients are privately-owned businesses—a majority of which are owned and managed by families or entrepreneurs. It’s our pleasure to be an integral part of their lives.

Dog Days
Why one couple left behind the trappings of the corporate world to chase the growing industry of professional pet care.
Matthew and Arlette Woods were professionally unhappy and unfulfilled. One night, they both came home worn out from yet another long work day, and a seemingly innocuous comment sparked a decision that changed everything.

The Team Behind the Scene
B Street Theatre
“We are lucky to work with a great team here, because this is not always easy,” says set designer and charge artist for B Street Theatre Samantha Reno. “You have to be flexible, you have to be quick and you have to make good, solid decisions. The schedule can be grueling, but the show must go on.”

The Gift Shop That Keeps On Giving
After years in limbo, William Glen returns with the old spirit for a new generation
For most people, William Glen was an enduring symbol of simpler times, a homegrown survivor of bad economies and big department chains. For Mark Snyder, the store was a family treasure. His father, Bill Snyder, co-founded the original store more than 50 years ago. But in 2010, the William Glen story became a tragedy, closing down after Bill passed away from lung cancer.

Selected Artists Tour Golden 1 Center Site
Artists in hard hats toured the Golden 1 Center construction site during the first week of September to get a first-hand look at the locations selected for four public art projects. Shelly Willis, executive director of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, led four orientation sessions for the 17 artists who have been selected to submit proposals in late October.

The Power of the Bean
How former President Ronald Reagan became a fixture in jellybean lore
It’s a story as old as marketing itself: A company looking to sell more widgets pays a famous person gobs of money to pitch their product and drive up sales. Some celebrities pimp so many products — we’re looking at you, Peyton Manning — we almost forget what made them famous in the first place.