Community Impact Report

September 2017

Community Impact Report

Tracking Progress for Business

2017 Community Vision Report Now Available!

On behalf of our Board of Directors, we offer you the 2017 Community Vision report to kick off an important community conversation about taking responsibility for Chico's future.

Best Buy, Chico Bag, Dutch Bros., Smucker Natural Foods, And Transfer Flow, Inc. Share Concerns

The Chamber's 5th anchor business listening session took place on September 6th with Best Buy, Chico Bag, Transfer Flow, Inc., Dutch Bros. Coffee Chico, and Smucker Natural Foods, Inc. The agencies shared common concerns about the quality of life in Chico and the impact on their efforts to recruit and retain employees among other topics. Thank you to Golden Valley Bank who sponsored breakfast.

IMPACT: Challenges to doing business in Chico include lack of skilled workforce and broadband interconnectivity, but businesses are going on the offensive and investing strategically in Chico. Needs include a joint rail spur for manufacturers, trailing spouse jobs, and improved safety in the downtown. This feedback will influence the Chamber's Vision advocacy.

Chico Delegates Visit Sonoma - Plaza Best Practices

On August 25th delegates from the City of Chico, Chico Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Chico Business Association to meet with Sonoma Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma Police Department and City of Sonoma Public Works Department on their best practices for their downtown plaza.

IMPACT: Cleanliness and safety in downtown Chico, the City Plaza in particular, have been hot topics for several years. This meeting allowed Chico and Sonoma officials to integrate best practices for keeping public spaces sanitary and inviting, including restroom usage and hours, utility access, event management, and ordinances.

Ambassadors Drop In On Businesses

Friday, September 8th the Ambassador Membership Team completed the rest of their business outreach in the Park Avenue area. Some of our Ambassadors engaged in valuable conversations, while others simply said thank you for being a Chico Chamber Member and having a business in Chico. We are pleased to have reached a grand total of 20+ businesses in that region of Chico. The October Membership Walk will focus in the Hegan Lane area.

IMPACT: B-to-B conversations enable Ambassadors to get boots-on-the-ground view of the challenges and opportunities in the business climate, building upon the Chamber's understanding of how to address issues.

Fall Business Crawl Success

Thank you to Klean Kanteen, Museum of Northern California Art (MONCA) and Idea Fab Labs Chico for hosting over 50 of our business community members! Our attendees learned so much about each business and appreciate how much each one contributes to our community. Sponsored by Transfer Flow, Inc.. Check out our Facebook page for pictures from the night!

IMPACT: B-to-B events generate leads for attendees, build relationships, grow word of mouth, and showcase stellar business operations in Chico.

Legislative Action Committee

At their September 19th meeting, the Legislative Action Committee (LAC) discussed / heard: On the improved Intercity Rail/Bus Service by Karl Ory, Bureau Land Management Letter by Alison Sterling Nichols, Guest presentation by Sherry Miller on the Airport Demand Analysis, Update on the Task Force July - September Board Study Session, Report on the 5th Anchor Business Listening Session, Release of the 2017 Community Vision Report. Join us for the next meeting Tuesday, October 17th, 7:30 a.m. at Golden Valley Bank.

IMPACT: Air service development is a hot business topic and Sherry Miller, Chico Airport Manager, presented the latest Catchment Area Study, data generated to engage airlines in talks for serving the Chico business and leisure travel market.

24-Hour Public Restrooms Heavily Impacted Businesses

"Chico >> At this point, there aren't any plans in the works for establishing 24-hour restrooms in Chico. There's no funding identified right now to purchase a 24-hour restroom facility, but city staff is still "brainstorming the feasibility and most appropriate location," said Erik Gustafson, public works operations and maintenance director. In January, the city opened the City Plaza restrooms 24/7 . .. Read More.

IMPACT: Downtown businesses have long been concerned about sanitation so the City launched a pilot 24-hour restroom program in the City Plaza. The pilot resulted in a degradation of the facilities so it was halted and the City continues to look at solutions for providing safe, clean public restrooms.

Great Turn Out For Rio Lindo / Cohasset Community Safety Meeting

The Chico Police Department and Team Chico met with dozens of businesses in the Rio Lindo and Cohasset area on August 24th to discuss issues in the area. Click here to read the full July Team Chico Business Walk Report. Join us for our next Community Safety Meeting October 10th at 9:00 a.m. at the Chico Mall - Food Court, 1950 E. 20th St., Chico.

IMPACT: At this second Community Safety Meeting for the Rio Lindo area, businesses and residents discussed the safety of the bike path and freeway undercrossings, as well as theft, vandalism, and other safety concerns, providing the Chico PD with real-time information on issues.

Successful Nord Corridor / South Campus Community Safety Meeting

Team Chico had their monthly Business Walk where they visited the Nord Corridor and South Campus area. This business walk specifically focused on notifying the businesses of the September 7th Community Safety Meeting . Click here to read the full August Team Chico Business Walk Report. Join us for our next Community Safety Meeting October 10th at 9:00 a.m. at the Chico Mall - Food Court, 1950 E. 20th St., Chico.

IMPACT: At this sixth Community Safety Meeting for the Nord Corridor and South campus area, businesses and residents shared concerns with the Chico PD, University PD, and University and City officials. A task force may soon form to providing ongoing opportunities for Q&A.