Did you ever think that going out to dinner in a local restaurant helps drive our local economy?   Does checking out a show at the Gallo Center, State or the Fat Cat help create jobs and keep our community vibrant?

Alternative energy was once the darling of Wall Street and the promise all politicians made. The corn price boom was fueled by government tax credits and investor mania. Solar stocks soared. Bio-diesel aroused private investor interest and tales of vast profits to come. Then came a different kind of eco-disaster: the eco-nomic downturn. Alternative energy fell faster than a wind turbine rotates.

Business owners understand the daily stress of operating a company, especially during a down economy.  Few, however, have to deal with the added strain of having a customer base that consists of criminals.

Angela Garcia, President of Garcia Family Bail Bonds, knows first hand the pressure and anxiety of running a bail bonds business.  That’s why she and her husband Mark decided to diversify and open a secondary family operation that offers a calmer, more genteel clientele.  They chose the wine business and the Most Wanted Wine Company was born.

Founded in Berkeley by entrepreneur Ken Sarachan in 1971, Rasputin Records has grown from the single flagship store on Telegraph Avenue into a nine-store behemoth spread throughout the Bay Area with relatively recent stores opening in Stockton and Fresno.

Many topics are being teed up for October’s annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington, a gathering that will draw about 190 country representatives. There is a substantial risk of disappointment, one that would be detrimental to the welfare of billions around the world over time.

Volkswagen has completely revamped the Jetta inside and out for 2011.  Even though it’s only a few inches wider and longer, the Jetta’s appearance has significantly changed and for the better.  A key benefit of the extended wheelbase is a more comfortable layout of the five-seat rear seating area.  The unique styling characteristics of the new 2011 Jetta and the wide track dimensions make for a very visually distinctive automobile.

Internet marketing is the new frontier where small businesses hope to find a way to prosper.  The opportunity to reach new customers is the promise. The challenge is learning the skills to thrive in the crowded new world. Here’s how one man did it and some lessons he has learned along the way.