LAMORINDA WEEKLY | business briefs


Carol Haag Photo provided

Business Anniversary

Scientific Symposiums International 20th Anniversary

133 Fernwood Drive, Moraga

(925) 376-0217, www.scientificsymposiums.com

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Scientific Symposiums International, a Moraga-based business since 1994. The company, owned by Carol Haag, specializes in continuing medical education for physicians in the specialties of surgical pathology and dermatopathology. Since its founding, the company has awarded Continuing Medical Education credits to some 10,000 physicians from around the world who attend courses in Hawaii, South Carolina and Virginia. The company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and the American Boards of Pathology and Dermatology. Haag started her career as a journalist before moving to corporate communication in the health industry. She became the layperson on the board of a medical center and did market research for future businesses. "I've met so many terrific people over the years," says Haag, "and at the same time the business is simply run from my home in Moraga, where we built an office." From her desk, Haag can see the vineyard she planted on her property and she even has time for the Lamorinda Winegrowers Association, in which she plays an active role.

Moraga Employee of the Month

Karin Kasra, a branch service officer at Union Bank in Moraga, has been named the Moraga employee of the month for November. A banking veteran with 40 years in the banking industry, Kasra was one of the original employees to open the Moraga Union Bank branch in 2007 and she has served as a key customer service representative for the past seven years. Kasra was presented with her award and gift cards to Safeway and Pennini's Ristorante at the Moraga Rotary luncheon on Tuesday, Dec.16.

News from the Chambers of Commerce

Lafayette

The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce proposes a Lafayette gift card to be used all around town. Go to GiftCards.com and search for Lafayette Chamber of Commerce; choose the denomination you want for your card. It's a nice way to support local businesses and keep sales tax dollars working for the community. Limited supply available at the chamber office, 100 Lafayette Circle, Suite 103.