Pinole Chamber of Commerce

Who we are....

Monica Shaw - President

Kendall Financial Services

Monica Shaw is a private money manager who operates Kendall Financial Services located in Pinole.  Kendall Financial Services does tax and financial planning for small business and individuals.

She has become a woman of strong conviction. Although she has achieved a level of success she only dreamed of in the past, things weren’t always smooth for her.  In 1988 she began her small bookkeeping and tax business.  She also became a mom to a very special daughter born with Down Syndrome, a developmental disability. Soon after she and her husband divorced. She struggled to build her business and raise her daughter as a single parent.  She managed to pile up her personal debt to over $70,000.00. Very concerned about her daughter’s future she began to study in the areas of tax, financial and estate planning.

She decided to work hard and get serious about her future. She kept her business at home so she could be there for her daughter. She eventually paid off her debt and did so without filing for bankruptcy or forgiveness of any debts. In November 2001 she achieved her goal of becoming debt free – about a week before her 40^th birthday!

Monica has achieved accreditation with the National Association of Financial and Estate Planners as a Certified Estate Advisor. In 2003 she was licensed as a Registered Investment Advisor with HD Vest Advisory services. She received her life insurance license in 2002. Since 2003 she has been an Enrolled Agent, licensed to practice before the Internal Revenue Service.  She is also licensed to practice real estate.

Monica has volunteered for the Down Syndrome Connection a community based organization located inDanville, California for the past 19 years. She is also an active board member of the local Pinole Chamber of Commerce, and an active member of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce.  She is also currently on the board of directors at NIAD, National Institute of Art & Disabilities located in Richmond , Ca.

Vicki Resso - Vice-President

Resso Studios

Resso Studios provides fine art painting commissions and restoration services of porcelain and ceramic antiques and collectibles. Husband, Michael Resso, is also known as “The Porcelain Doctor” and he is well known for his high quality, invisible repairs of broken treasures. As his assistant, I am in a constant state of switching from communications with antique dealers, to shipping high-end art pieces, to paint color matching, to estimate consultant. Occasionally I get to finish a painting in peace.  

I enjoy painting pet portraits more than anything.  But I accept commissions involving architecture and landscapes as well.  We welcome visitors to our home studio so you can see for yourself this crazy, interesting career that we cherish and enjoy.  Estimates for porcelain and ceramic restoration are free.  Paintings of your well-loved home or pet start at $100.

Carol White - Vice-President

Carol White Insurance

Crag Parker - Director

Maintenance Plus

Judy O'Bannon - Director

The Mechanics Bank

Michelle Blackwell - Director

EBMUD

Michelle Blackwell is a Community Affairs Representative at East Bay Municipal Utility District representing

. She joined EDMUD in 2002. Prior to working at the water district, Michelle worked in public relations and marketing communications in the telecommunication, reprographics, and software development industries. She holds a B.A. in English and an Applied Science Degree in Electronic Engineering. Michelle has many years of volunteer experience with the American Lung Association, Contra Costa Earth Day, Cystic Fibrosis Research Fundraising and Community Concerts. Her hobbies include music, writing, reading and graphic design.

Alex Gomez - Director

West Contra Costa Business Development Center

Alex Gomez has served as Executive Director of the West Contra Costa Business Development Center (BDC) for the past four years. The BDC is an innovative nonprofit corporation whose goal is to help build strong, growth-oriented businesses that create job opportunities and stimulate economic activity in the communities of West Contra Costa. Alex is a graduate of UC Berkeley and is a

resident. He is an active member of various economic development associations and participates on local community and school district advisory boards.

Laura Rosete - Director

Coldwell Banker/AFC Lending

Laura Rosete is a Realtor and Senior Loan Officer for Coldwell Banker Coon & McCreary and AFC Lending located in Hercules, CA. Prior to working as a Realtor and Loan Officer, Laura worked in Information Technology and Information Security Administration for Providian Financial in San Francisco and Oakland. Laura is a graduate of Sacramento State University with a degree in Family and Consumer Services and has been a Pinole Resident since 1999. Laura is an active member of the West Contra Costa Board of Realtors and the Pinole, Hercules, and Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Laura enjoys spending time with her family and friends, is active with her sons in the Pinole Hercules Little League, and enjoys volunteering for the Pinole Relay for Life – American Cancer Society Annual Event.

Deanna Million - Executive Director

Bronze Buns Tanning Salon