BUSINESS BRIEFS

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Heavens opens

A celestial-themed gallery and theater opened in the Sierra Vista Mall June 16. Heavens includes a 30-seat space theater, 15-seat lounge, art gallery and gift shop. All the items sold in the gift shop and gallery have a celestial or space-related theme.

The theater offers live shows that depict an imaginary outerspace. Owner Amir Sade compares the show to a planetarium presentation. "Except this is real, live objects coming at you," Sade said. "You feel like you are floating in space without moving."

The smaller lounge will show space-related films and documentaries.

"The whole idea is for people to have a celestial experience," Sade said.

Game store arrives

Play N Trade, a new gaming store in the Sierra Vista Mall outdoor expansion, held a grand opening June 14. Play N Trade offers a setting that includes wall-mounted, flat-panel HD LCD monitors and wireless controllers, an extensive selection of games, consoles and accessories ranging from classic to current, disc- and console-repair services and a "try any game before you buy" policy. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Details: 786-2911.

New bakery cafe

Panera Bread opened its newest bakery cafe June 3 at the Sierra Vista Mall in the new expansion area. Panera Bread offers a variety of artisan breads and other specialty breads, along with bagels, pastries, baked goods and hot and cold espresso beverages. The bakery-cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers hand-tossed salads, signature sandwiches and soups served in edible sourdough bread bowls. Panera Bread uses all-natural, antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread and a menu free of trans fat.

Hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Details: 325-0290. Orders may be faxed to 325-0291.

Business matchmaking, networking

Registration is open for businesses looking to sell their products and services to government and corporation entities at the Second Annual Business Matchmaking & Networking Event held by the City of Fresno Economic Development Department Aug. 1. Details: www.fresnostartup.com.

Loan, contracting workshop

The U.S. Small Business Administration Fresno District Office will hold a lending workshop 9 to 10:30 a.m. and a contracting workshop 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. July 15 at the SBA Fresno District Office, 2719 N. Air Fresno Drive, Ste. 200, Fresno. Reservations are required. Details: William Hori, 487-5791, Ext. 0, or e-mail william.hori@sba.gov.

Networking group

The Clovis Chamber of Commerce is holding "The Business Roundtable," a new networking group free to Clovis Chamber members. The group will meet 7 to 8 a.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Red Caboose Cafe, on the southwest corner of Bullard and Minnewawa. Participants will be able to find resources, develop marketing and advertising strategies, get accounting and tax-saving tips and learn how to solve business problems. Details: Beth, 299-7363, or e-mail beth@clovischamber.com.

New bank office

Daniel J. Doyle, president and CEO of Central Valley Community Bank, the sole subsidiary of Central Valley Community Bancorp, announced the opening of the bank's new office at 1795 Herndon Ave., Suite 101 in the Buchanan Crossroads North Shopping Center. The bank relocated the smaller Save Mart in-store office in the Windmill Marketplace into the new larger facility to accommodate a growing customer base.

New officers

The San Joaquin Valley Power Authority appointed Ron Manfredi, director for Kerman, as the new chair of the San Joaquin Valley Power Authority Board, and Robert Ford, of Clovis, as vice chair.

Top jewelry sales

Lia sophia, a fashion jewelry business, recognized Janice Lemley and Mariha Brandt, both of Clovis, for their outstanding sales accomplishments and professionalism. Lemley and Mariha earned top honors as Excellent Beginnings Program Achievers by attaining certain sales levels and by sharing lia sophia with other new advisors in their first 15 weeks.

According to Bonni Davis, vice president of lia sophia, "This immediate success is a result of their hard work and dedication. lia sophia is fortunate to have them as part of our team and we look forward to celebrating their future successes."