Business Bits

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Polycom

Hacienda's Polycom is expanding its relationship with Microsoft to include support for Microsoft's new unified communications strategy. This strategy encompasses e-mail, instant messaging, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), telephony and conferencing in an effort to create more effective communication both within a business and with its partners. Polycom will create a number of new products supporting this direction, including integrated desktop devices that leverage instant messaging and other recent technologies with the new telephony and VoIP capabilities of Microsoft's unified communications platform.
Standard Pacific

Standard Pacific's East Bay Division, headquartered in Hacienda, has made its first foray into the North Bay with the opening of Veranda, an in-fill community in Cotati consisting of 15 single-family homes, both detached and attached. Veranda will incorporate a variety of green building techniques, including the recycling of at least 50 percent of the waste generated on the construction site.

"The North Bay's housing market is such that Veranda is a rare opportunity for home buyers to not only live in a renowned locale, but to do so in a newly constructed home at a relatively affordable price point," said Glen Martin, president of Standard Pacific Homes East Bay Division. "In our move to the North Bay, we are excited to continue our company-wide commitment to using forward-thinking, community-mindful methods in building homes and neighborhoods that cultivate and reinforce the quality of life of their cities.

"Standard Pacific's East Bay division currently has new communities in American Canyon, Antioch, Dublin, Fairfield, Oakley, Tracy and Vacaville.
Shaklee Corporation

Shaklee Corporation donated nearly $600,000 worth of high-protein nutrition drinks - enough for 222,000 servings - to the Vitamin Angel Alliance Indonesian Earthquake Relief Effort. The aid program will bring emergency nutritional supplies to the villagers in the Jogyakarta region, which was devastated by the recent earthquake.

"One of our primary goals at Shaklee is to make a direct impact on peoples' lives," says Roger Barnett, Shaklee chairman and CEO. "When disaster strikes, access to good nutrition is often compromised. We're proud that Shaklee products can make a difference for people in times of need."

Howard B. Schiffer, president of Vitamin Angel Alliance, added, "This generous donation means thousands of people will receive balanced, nutritious meals. Shaklee previously supported our Pakistan Earthquake Relief Operation, and we are once again delighted to receive needed supplies from this socially responsible company."
Hacienda Companies Recognized by San Francisco Business Times

Hacienda's Prudential California Realty and Hunter World Travel placed 29th and 58th respectively in the San Francisco Business Times' list of the largest private companies in the Bay Area. The publication based their rankings on 2005 revenues of $197 million for Prudential California Realty and $49 million for Hunter World Travel. The latter company was also rated as the 15th largest family owned business in the Bay Area by the Business Times.

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July Business Bits

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