News from the Chico Chamber of Commerce
"Leveraging the Voice of Business for Community Good."
In This Issue
Partnership Perspective
Membership 411
Special Events
Ambassadors
Young Professionals
Explore Butte County
CEO Report
Community Safety Meetings
Community Impact Partnership
Chamber Pictures
Quick Links
November Event Calendar
Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  Find us on Pinterest  View our profile on LinkedIn
View our videos on YouTube   View on Instagram  
Committee Corner
All Chico Chamber of Commerce members are welcome to attend committee meetings held at the Chamber and join in the discussion. 

Please click here for more information and to be added to the committee e-mail  distribution list.

YPO Committed Leaders Meeting
Wednesday, November 1
11:30 a.m.

Ambassador Executive Meeting
Monday, November 6
12 p.m.

Special Events Committee
@ Golden Valley Bank
Friday, November 10
12:00 p.m.

Ambassador Meeting
Monday, November 13
12:00 p.m.

Executive Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 15
7:30 a.m.

Legislative Action 
Committee Meeting
@ Golden Valley Bank
Tuesday, November 21
7:30 a.m.

Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday,  December 6
7:30 a.m.
Welcome New Partners!
Welcome New Members!
CalChamber Corner

Be on Alert, California Employers!

2nd Quarter 2017
Chico Economic Snapshot
July 2017
Business Confidence Survey
October Community 
Impact Report

Community Vision
Team Chico
Your friendly 
Chamber staff!
Katie Simmons
President & CEO


Kelsey Torres
Associate Vice President 

Heather Ugie
Member Services & Events Manager

Michelle Woods
Operations & Communications Manager

Jennifer Horn
Visitor Center & Membership Assistant

Jeanette Joslyn
Accounting

Visit us downtown at the corner of 5th Street and Main Street in the Old Municipal Building, 
441 Main Street
Monday - Friday*, 
10a.m. - 4p.m.
530-891-5556 

*The Chamber will be closed November 10th in observance of Veterans  Day and November 23rd and 24th in observance of Thanksgiving.
 
Thank you to our 
Legacy Partners

November 2017
 
 
Attend the Premier Business and Community Event of the Year!


CEO Insight
Businesses make data-driven decisions; the Chamber is no different. When our Board of Directors formed the Task Force on City Revenues & Expenditures earlier this year it was with the express intention of leaving no stone unturned. Charged with producing data on the City's ability, or lack thereof, to pay for our current and future needs in priority areas - like public safety and roads - the Task Force returned with key observations: there are no means or plans to improve our collector and arterial roadway infrastructure ($90M price tag) nor invest in a proactive police department (112 officers plus dispatchers at $3M more/year). Add to this a lack of funds needed to improve technologies to deliver greater efficiencies, like Emergency Medical Dispatch which will benefit both our Police and Fire departments by eliminating many duplicate responses to calls. On top of these gaps, the City is facing an unfunded pension liability of $120M which has already upset the apple cart - pulling needed funds away from public services, a trend that will only accelerate as annual payments balloon beyond current budgeted funds.
At the Board's Annual Retreat last week, the Task Force was charged with producing a white paper on the exploration of, among other things, the mechanics of a revenue measure to help fund improvements in these priority areas. Many of these talks are ongoing in the community already, and the Chamber Board has pledged to convene these groups for the purpose of fleshing out opportunities, obstructions and, ultimately, feasibility. All of this research will be presented to our members and partners around the first of the year with an understanding that there is no single solution. We will pause then, as we are doing now, to invite your feedback.
One long-time Chico business owner said recently on the topic, "a revenue measure doesn't scare me; operating my business under California regulation does." Another said, "I'm a collector of sales tax and as long as we can educate consumers on the benefits of shopping locally then I am not bothered by the revenue measure concept." We expect opinions will be diverse. No sweeping decisions that benefit the community are made by one organization operating in a political vacuum. The reality is the community-at-large drives outcomes, we are simply providing the data and framework for possible next steps - as pledged in our 2017 Community Vision Report.
Although the revenue measure topic couldn't be bigger and, potentially, more controversial, we would not be meeting the needs of our members by ignoring the problems that have been so pronounced in nearly every business walk, anchor business listening session, and casual conversation for years. You have demanded, rightfully so, a better quality of life which equates to less crime, better roads, and a safe community in which to operate your business and conduct your life. Let's see if we can find a solution that will be a great fit for Chico. If you are interested in participating in this data collection and framing of next steps, please let me know and I will send you an invitation to our next Task Force meeting.
I'll say this in closing, the Chamber Board - which is no more than a collection of hard-working business people and community leaders operating under a shared Community Vision - is committed to Moving Chico Forward. It's a job we take very seriously and with a deep sense of responsibility. The membership and partnership of the Chamber, and our collective economic success, are the reasons we endeavor to accomplish great things. Businesses create healthy communities, plain and simple. If you have thoughts, concerns, questions, ideas, now is the time to speak up. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work together. Chico - the place where you live and choose to do business - is worth it.
Katie Simmons, President & CEO
Partnership Perspective
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I wanted to give thanks to our new Community Impact Partners!  Thank you to our new Visionary Partner  The Table Group Consulting and Champion Partner Oxford Suites!  I also want to take this time to thank all of our Community Impact Partners as without your support we couldn't continue doing what we are doing to achieve our vision for Chico!  Our work is not done, so if you want to be a part of our Community Impact Partnership program give me a call at 530-891-5556 or email  me at kelsey@chicochamber.com.
Kelsey Torres, Associate Vice President
Membership 411
Celebrate the season with us at our Holiday Kick Off Mixer Thursday, November 16th! Red Tavern will be hosting holiday nibbles with no-host beverages. We appreciate your RSVP.
Your business will soon receive a formal invitation to the 80th Annual Dinner & Business Awards Ceremony. However, reservations are currently open to reserve your seat and/or table. Don't delay! This event sells out!
Thank you to all of our new members and partners that joined us in October. We are excited to offer you and your staff access to Chamber programs, events and resources to move your business forward! I am always personally happy to meet with any of you about your specific business and community needs.
Best Thanksgiving wishes to you all! Gobble, Gobble...
Heather Ugie, Membership Services & Event Manager
Special Events
Calling all Silent Auction donors! The Chico Chamber and Special Events Committee are preparing for the 80th Annual Dinner & Business Awards Ceremony "Rising to the Occasion" held at the Big Room, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., January 18, 2018. It is an evening we look forward to as we recognize the outstanding 2017 individuals and businesses who help make Chico so special! In conjunction with the dinner and program, we host a silent auction. We are looking for businesses who would like to be recognized as a 2018 Silent Auction Donor.
Natasha Beehner, Special Events Committee Chair, Golden Valley Bank
Chamber Ambassadors
Are you affiliated with a key business here in Chico? Do you have a representative from your company as a Chamber Ambassador? As we go into one of the busiest seasons of the year for many retail businesses, the Ambassadors continue to spread the message of the Chico Chamber through engagement in the community. At the beginning of October, we had a Membership Orientation where our Membership Chair, Ramon Ferguson, talked about our ambassador program to new and existing members looking to re-engage. We continue to see success in connecting with businesses through our membership walks and business walks with Team Chico. If you want to join a group of professional men and women dedicated to our city who are in the know about the people, events, and activities that are moving our community forward, please email me,  brett.bjacobson@farmersagency.com,  or stop by our regular monthly meeting on the second Monday of every month at 12:00 p.m. in the Old Municipal Building, 441 Main Street. 
Brett Sanders, Ambassador Chair, Office of Brad Jacobson, Farmers Insurance
Young Professionals Organization

Thank you to everyone who came to our fall mixer at Sierra Nevada. We appreciate Golden Valley Bank, our YPO  sponsor, for stopping by and supporting us. YPO has had an amazing year so far! We will be adding a great program for December 13th featuring speaker Ben Winter with Transfer Flow, Inc.. We hope you'll also join us at the Chico Chamber Holiday Mixer on November 16th at Red Tavern, RSVP's appreciated. See you there. 
Danie Schwartz, YPO President, Danie Schwartz Consulting
Explore Butte County

As our busy tourism month comes to a close we are ready to start show casing how awesome Butte County is in all seasons! We recently signed an extension to our marketing campaign to continue highlighting all of what we have to offer. We are currently working on a couple different campaigns in our area. One is we are participating in the California Fall Colors campaign as a partner with Shasta Cascade, as I'm sure you all know how beautiful Butte County is during fall when the leaves start to change. We are focusing on 5 different areas to see how it changes week to week. We will be showcasing photos, from Cindy Lee Hoover, of Paradise, Oroville, and Biggs and showcasing photos, from Danie Schwartz, of Chico and Durham. Check our Facebook and the website here week to week to see how the landscape changes as we move into fall. Our other campaign happened in part of October - we had two media writers come and visit during the Sierra Oro Farm Trail and tour our county. 
Our next board meeting is November 9th at 12:00 p.m. at the Residence Inn by Marriott. If you would like to be added to our email distribution list please email me and don't forget to like us on Facebook and Instagram!
Brooke Smith, Hospitality Chair,  Courtyard by Marriott & Residence Inn by Marriott
SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY REFORM INPUT
The Office of Advocacy is involved in Regulatory Reform efforts as a result of two recent regulatory Executive Orders. One of these efforts will be hosting roundtables to hear what regulatory burdens small businesses are facing.

Click here t o keep up to date on Advocacy's involvement in reducing burdens to small businesses

* P lease click here to fill out the  U.S. Small Business Administr ation form to tell them  about your federal regulatory burdens.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETINGS
Every month for the past 5+ years, Team Chico has conducted Business Walks in Chico to   find out what businesses need and how to support them with resources and services. These Walks spurred "Community Safety Meetings" between businesses and the Chico Police Department.

  • North Valley Plaza: November 9, 2017 @ 11:00 a.m., Round Table Pizza Clubhouse, 2201 Pillsbury Road, Chico.
  • 2017 meetings will continue to be announced
Businesses, property owners, and community members in the corresponding areas are welcome and encouraged to attend these free Community Safety Meetings.  No RSVPs are required.
Shown above is a photo from our October 10th Community Safety Meeting at Chico Mall on 20th Street focusing on safety issues occurring in the 20th Street, Chico Mall and Business Lane area. More meetings are planned throughout Chico business districts in 2017 and we welcome your participation!
COMMUNITY IMPACT PARTNERSHIP
Businesses making an investment in our community 
In addition to traditional membership, we now have four tiers of investment which allow businesses to support their own mission through the Chamber's advocacy work, economic development partnership, and targeted activities that benefit Chico's economic health and high quality of life.  
 
Businesses choosing partnership will stand with us as we do some of the most important and influential work being done in our community right now, and will make a lasting difference.
 
Every successful community is built on a foundation of successful businesses creating jobs and economic possibilities.  And every successful business is built on strong and enduring relationships.  Through your membership or partnership, let's keep Chico businesses and our local community flourishing.   Call Kelsey for an overview, 891-5556 ext. 307

LEGACY PARTNERS
      

 
VISIONARY PARTNERS
STEWARD PARTNERS
 
CHAMPION PARTNERS
Air Spray Anderson & Associates, Inc. | Associated Pension Consultants | BloodSource - North Valley | Business Learning Systems | Cafe Petra | Chico Mall | Coldwell Banker DuFour Realty | Costco Wholesale | Courtyard by Marriott | CREAM | Diamond W Western Wear | Downtown Chico Business Association | Experts In Your Home | Gold Country Casino & Hotel | Guillon Brouhard Commercial Real Estate | Hotel Diamond | InterWest Insurance Services, Inc. | K-Coe Isom |  M & S Wesley Tree Service | Madison Bear Garden | Milestone Technologies INC. | Mom's | North Valley Ag ServicesOxford Suites | Rabobank | Ramada Plaza Chico | Residence Inn by Marriott | Shubert's Ice Cream & Candy| Smucker Natural Foods | Spelts Wealth Management, Inc. | Teller$' Grill |  Titus Pacific Insurance Services | Union Pacific Railroad | UnitedHealthcare | Walmart | Weiss McNair

MEDIA PARTNERS
   
     
  KZFR
UPCOMING EVENTS
Let's Do Lunch!
Friday, November 3, 2017
166 E. 2nd Street
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
We set the time and place, you meet your fellow members for lunch. Chamber Members + 1 Local Restaurant + 1 Hour = Great Networking Opportunity! Pre-registration required for attendance. Click here to reserve your spot today. Call 891-5556 for questions. Networking events are presented by  Steward Partners. 

Community Safety Meeting - North Valley Plaza / Rio Lindo / Cohasset Area
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Round Table Pizza - Almond Orchard
2201 Pillsbury Road
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Be Part of the Solution! Join Chico Chamber of Commerce and the Chico Police Department for a Community Safety Meeting discussing the North Valley Plaza, Rio Lindo and Cohasset business area. This event is free and all are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Community Development Update
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Old Municipal Building - Conference Room
441 Main St
12:00 p.m. | 530-891-5556
Featuring Community Development Director Leo DePaola and Brendan Ottoboni Public Works Director - Engineering, from the City of Chico, discussing: Permitting Timelines & Staffing, Overview of Permit Activity, Online Inspection Scheduling/Permitting, Projects & Development Update, and New Regulatory Standards. Q&A with City Officials to follow presentation. No cost to attend but RSVP is requested

25th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, November 9, 2017
2750 Sierra Sunrise Terrace
5:00 p.m. 530-894-5429
Help The Terraces Senior Living celebrate their 25th Anniversary! Drinks and hors d'oeurves will be provided. Check out their event Facebook page for more details.

Holiday Kick-Off Mixer
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Location: Red Tavern - 1250 Esplanade
5:30 p.m. | 530-891-5556
'Tis the season for connecting and spreading pre-holiday cheer!  Hosted hors d'oeuvres with a no-host bar.  No cost to attend, RSVP's appreciated! Networking events are presented by Steward Partners.

Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Chico, CA
When small businesses succeed, we all do! Each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, shoppers, business owners, and organizations come together to Shop Small and share the places they love with the people they love.
SAVE THE DATE
Let's Do Lunch!
Friday, December 1, 2017
1910 E. 20th Street, Suite 150
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
We set the time and place, you meet your fellow members for lunch. Chamber Members + 1 Local Restaurant + 1 Hour = Great Networking Opportunity! Pre-registration required for attendance. Registration opening soon. Call 891-5556 for questions. Networking events are presented by  Steward Partners. 

Open House & Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Parris and Associates, LLP
590 Vallombrosa Ave
4:30 p.m. | 530-345-1728
Help us welcome Parris and Associates, LLP to the Chico community with this open house and ribbon cutting.
 
80th Annual Dinner & Business Awards Ceremony 
"Rising to the Occasion"
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Sierra Nevada Big Room
1075 East 20th Street
5:30 p.m. | 530-891-5556
Registration Now Open!
The Chico Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner & Business Awards Ceremony draws Chico business leaders together each January. The event features a reception, silent auction, dinner, installation of Officers and Directors, business and community awards, and scholarship presentations. 
For more details or sponsor information please  contact Heather Ugie, Member Services & Event Manager, or to donate an item for the silent auction  contact Natasha Beehner, Special Events Committee Chair.  Award & Scholarship Nominations Now Being Accepted, December 1, 2017 deadline.

Business Summit & State of the City Address
Friday, January 26, 2017
545 Vallombrosa Ave.
3:00 p.m. 530-891-5556
This annual event is free and open to the public  BUT RSVPs are required, as seating is limited. Registration opening soon. Summit agenda includes the Business Climate Outlook, 2018 Economic Outlook, Downtown Report, and the State of the City Address. Questions? Call 530.891.5556 or e-mailBusiness Summit & State of the City is presented by our  Legacy and Visionary Partners.
CHAMBER REMINDERS
New Chico Chamber Podcasts Available
Did you happen to miss the Chamber's last couple events?!? Not a problem! Visit chicochamberpodcast.com for the last few episodes including "Chico, What the Tech?". Like what you hear? Don't forget to subscribe in ITunes to check the Chamber's other podcasts such as "A Look at the Community Vision Report", featuring President & CEO, Katie Simmons, Chair of the Chico Chamber Board of Directors, Rick Anderson, Dex-YP, and Mark Francis, Golden Valley Bank, Legacy Partner as they sit down for a candid conversation about why now is the time to kick off the important conversation about taking responsibility for Chico's future. The goal? To be, "the safest, most vibrant, premiere city in the North State." Also coming Soon: An Afternoon Conversation with Rick Smith, President & CEO of Tri Counties Bank. Thank you to Business Learning Systems  for your help in the production of the Chico Chamber Podcasts!
CHAMBER PICTURES!


The newly opened Museum of Northern California Art (MONCA) gave our members a special visit on October 4th for our weekly CBC! Thank you, MONCA, for hosting!
A record breaking 3,200 lbs. of food was collected and loaded up by UnitedHealthcare Chico employees October 2nd for Catalyst Domestic Violence Services !
Another great turn out at our Membership Orientation on October 5th! Our business community learned what membership and partnership mean for their business and how they are already involved in the Chamber's vision to "Move Chico Forward!"
Thank you Transfer Flow, Inc.  for opening your doors to our community for your October 6th Open House!
Another delicious Let's Do Lunch! October 6th at Cafe Petra . Thank you to all who could attend!
October 11th we were at Butte College: The Training Place with Miles Berdache Lynk, Ready to Live my Dreams and Ready Success Go Coaching. Miles discussed a revolutionary method to help increase your sales 300% called B.A.N.K. Code!
October 13th the Chico Chamber Ambassadors took to the streets and visited the Hegan/Otterson area for their monthly Membership Walks. Thank you  Select Janitorial Inc.  for all your feedback!
The YPO Mixer October 18th had a great turn out at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company . Thank you Golden Valley Bank for be the YPO sponsor!
Thank you Kelsey Torres, Vice President of the Chico Chamber of Commerce, for helping to fill in as a judge at the Chico Mall 's superhero costume contest October 21st. 
Thank you Ramada Plaza Chico for hosting and supplying a full breakfast to our Chamber members for the  October 25th CBC!
Chico Chamber Board of Directors Retreat, on October 25th at Tres Hombres Blue Agave Room, was a success in part to all our Board of Directors who participated and to Angela Quail from The Table Group Consulting. Thank you to all for participating!
A new podcast is in the works with Rick Smith, President & CEO of Tri Counties Bank, on business and the community conversation. Keep an eye out for the full Chico Chamber Podcast coming soon! Produced by Business Learning Systems.
Team Chico took to the streets October 27th in the North Valley Plaza area to invite local businesses to the November 9th Community Safety Meeting at Round Table Pizza Clubhouse.
"Leveraging the Voice of Business for Community Good."

530-891-5556