Business briefs, Dec. 7

Fruition Brewing launches crowdfunding campaign

WATSONVILLE — Fruition Brewing has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the brewery and tasting room in the East Lake Village Shopping Center, next to the forthcoming Staff of Life Market and recently expanded roaster cafe Coffeeville. 

Fruition Brewing is finishing construction on a 4,400-square-foot building, with an additional 1,000-square-foot patio and is set to open in early spring.

For information and to donate, visit igg.me/at/fruition.

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Boardwalk security officers recognized for life-saving efforts

SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk security officers Michael Moise and Nicole Richter were recently recognized by the California Association of Licensed Security Agencies, Guards & Associates with a Lifesaving Award for saving the life of a Boardwalk guest who was having a heart attack.

The pair successfully administered CPR until paramedics arrived.

Moise is also a registered EMT.

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Staff of Life to host International Tasting Fair

SANTA CRUZ — Staff of Life Natural Foods will host an International Tasting Fair at 1266 Soquel Ave. on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. in the outside patio.

With proceeds of the event supporting Santa Cruz Animal Services, Staff of Life will offer wine, champagne, cheese, port and sweets from around the world. 

“Staff of Life is pleased to offer such a large selection of holiday treats from around the world,” said Cesar Olivares, specialty foods manager for Staff of Life. “We are also thrilled to pair up with Santa Cruz Animal Services to provide them proceeds from our event.”

Tickets are $10 for a complete tasting passport and cheese and sweet tasting is complimentary. Tickets are available day of the event in Café del Sol, Staff of Life’s patio café.

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Laye named chief financial officer at News Media Corporation

ROCHELLE, Ill. — News Media Corporation President Nickolas Monico announced that Lori Laye has been named the company’s new chief financial officer. She began her new duties on Nov. 19 at the NMC home office in Rochelle, Ill.

Laye has more than 20 years of financial expertise, including 17 years of media company experience. She oversaw financial operations of more than 225 publications in 17 states during her tenure as the Regional and Division Controller at Gatehouse Media, LLC, where she and Monico previously worked together.

“I am pleased to be working with Lori again,” Monico said. “We had worked together for several years in the newspaper business and she brings a strong media and finance background to News Media Corporation.”

Laye is a graduate of Rockford University, obtaining her CPA in 2000. Prior to entering the media industry, she worked in public accounting for three years in audit and tax. 

NMC operates 75 media titles in nine states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming. The company has 10 production facilities and a digital/website agency.