Long-time Rocklin resident Jim Bellacera believes he has at least part of the solution to solving the economic crisis for communities across the country.

As the founder of Successful Thinkers Inc., Bellacera helps teach business owners how to interact in an interpersonal environment with other local business owners. The new organization also features a networking-based Web site to connect the same businesses online. According to Bellacera, “This arrangement of mixer-style events and Internet-based networking creates a successful combination of online and offline – or high tech and high touch – for its members.”

Since 1977, Bellacera has owned and started roughly 15 businesses. Throughout this time, he has also participated in and researched many ways to network and market businesses. Successful Thinkers is the culmination of all his experiences. And unlike other networking groups or chambers of commerce, Successful Thinkers offers free membership and participation, including events, use of the Web site, as well as many other resources. Not surprisingly, the organization is growing rapidly throughout the country. In the Sacramento region alone, Successful Thinkers boasts over 4,000 members, according to Bellacera.

“My whole life, I’ve always wanted to leave a legacy. There’s a lot of personal fulfillment in knowing that I’m helping people to help themselves,” he says. “I’ve always paid everything forward, so this organization just feels like a natural extension of me.”

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