News from the Chico Chamber of Commerce
"Leveraging the Voice of Business for Community Good."
In This Issue
CEO Report
Partnership Perspective
Membership 411
Special Events
Ambassadors
Young Professionals
Explore Butte County
Small Business Regulatory Reform Info
Community Safety Meetings
Community Impact Partnership
Save The Date
Upcoming Events
Chamber Reminders
Chamber Pictures

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  

Quick Links

February Event Calendar

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.

Ambassador Executive Meeting
Monday, February 5
12 p.m.

YPO Committed Leaders Meeting
Wednesday, February 7
@ Residence Inn By Marriott
11:30 a.m.

Ambassador Meeting
Monday,  February 12
12:00 p.m.

Special Events Committee
@ Golden Valley Bank
Friday,  February 16
12:00 p.m.

Legislative Action 
Committee Meeting
@ Golden Valley Bank
Tuesday, February 20
7:30 a.m.

Executive Committee Meeting
Wednesday, February 21
7:30 a.m.

Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday,   February 28
7:30 a.m.

Welcome New Partners!

Welcome New Members!

CalChamber Corner


Be on Alert, California Employers!


3rd Quarter 2017
Chico Economic Snapshot

December 2017
Business Confidence Survey

December Community 
Impact Report
*No January 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 February 19th in observance of Presidents Day.
 
Thank you to our 
Legacy Partners

 
February 2018
CEO Insight
A few weeks ago at our 80 th  Annual Dinner, Anastacia L. Snyder, 2018 Board Chair, promised the crowd we're not just going to think outside of the box this year, but act outside of it as well. Our Special Report from the Task Force on City Revenues & Expenditures proves that. Advocating for business looks different today than it did 10 years ago, that's for sure.
Major concerns throughout California cities - and cities across the nation - center around crime, aging infrastructure, debt, and homelessness. To get to the root of some of these issues, our Task Force analyzed four major buckets within the City budget: police, roads, fire, and pensions. The City has done an excellent job moving our municipal budget into the black, but we're woefully under-resourced when it comes to fully meeting community expectations.
While our Special Report utters the words "revenue measure" it doesn't commit beyond requesting that our City Council and community explore it as a means to meeting goals through targeted investment. It's a pretty taboo topic, one that's generated plenty of quiet support but little public celebration, naturally. We know you have opinions as members of our business community and we want to hear them. RSVP 
for one of two upcoming input sessions at the Chamber: February 22nd from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. or February 26th from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
There's plenty to celebrate in our new  Community Vision video Take a look at what some of the superstars in Chico are doing to make this a great place to work and live. And help us congratulate our 2017 business and community award recipients who go above and beyond. I'm often asked what's special about Chico and I answer "the people" every single time. You. Thank you!
Katie Simmons, President & CEO
Partnership Perspective
January was such an amazing month! We celebrated our business community, we were updated on our State of the City and we welcomed a new Legacy Community Impact Partner, OrangeTheory Fitness!! I had a feeling 2018 was going to start off strong and I was right! Chico is my home and I am proud to be able to advocate and work for our business community and community as a whole.  Do you want to be involved in 'Moving Chico Forward?' Give me a call at 530-891-5556 or stop by today!  Here is to a productive, fun filled February!  
Kelsey Torres, Associate Vice President
Membership 411
We sure are coming off a month of event highs! A big appreciation to all of our 80th Annual Dinner & Business Awards Presenting Partners, Supporting Partners, Reception Sponsor, Media Partners and Silent Auction Donors. I also want to thank our Special Event Committee for their support. I probably say this every year, but it is always amazing to see so many of our business community in one "Big Room."  
2018 continues with more opportunities for you and your team to engage and be part of 'Moving Chico Forward.' Keep a pulse on the chamber calendar, host a Chamber Business Connections, or get to know your fellow members and support the restaurant community by participating in Let's Do Lunch! The 2018 Spring Business Crawl is also in the works for Thursday, April 12 th .  Crawl Host Hint: Green Screen...
Heather Ugie, Membership Services & Event Manager
Special Events
The Special Events Committee (SEC) is so proud of the Chamber team for putting together another wonderful event, the 80th Annual Dinner and Business Awards Ceremony! Over 350 guests enjoyed a dinner and awards presentation in the Sierra Nevada Big Room as we celebrated community efforts we are all making to "Move Chico Forward." Great job to all involved!
We are now getting geared up for our Summer Bash, which is quickly approaching on Thursday, May 31st, 2018 at Patrick Ranch Museum. We will be honoring the 80th Anniversary of Shubert's Ice Cream & Candy with great music, food and networking. More details to come!
Natasha Beehner, Special Events Committee Chair, Golden Valley Bank
Chamber Ambassadors
I want to start off by thanking all of the Ambassadors, the 2017 Executive Team and Brett Sanders for their participation in the Chamber this past year. Collectively, all of you set the direction for 2018 and I look forward to being part of this amazing team. In January we selected the 2018 Executive Team which includes: Wendi Hart, Vice Chair with Farmers Insurance - Geiger Insurance Agency; Tim Sharkey, Membership with Chico Gift & Ship; and Taj Atkins Economic Development with ServiceMASTER by Cronic. And Brett Sanders of  Office of Brad Jacobson, Farmers Insurance, Past Chair, will continue to support us on our team this year.
In January the Ambassadors attended and participated in several local business and community events. Chamber Business Connections meetings were held at AAA-California State Automobile Assoc., Prestige Assisted Living, White Glove House of Fire, Mary Kay-Pink Dreams Studio, and Avrit Insurance Agency. Nevin & Witt Insurance held a grand reopening at its new location and the monthly Let's Do Lunch! was at Broadway Heights, a great way to spend a lunch networking and supporting local restaurants. Many Ambassadors attended the Chamber's 80th Annual Dinner at Sierra Nevada Brewery Co. which recognized members and citizens for their contributions in our business community. Don Cutler of Happy at Home was awarded the 2017 Ambassador award. Don, we thank you for your dedication and participation in the Chamber and so appreciate your enthusiasm. We also had the opportunity to attend the Business Summit and State of the City Address where we heard from several civic and community leaders about our City and the economic outlook and plans for 2018.
If you would like to learn more about the Ambassador program and how you can become an Ambassador, please contact me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 530-899-4212.
Valerie Coletti, Ambassador Chair,  Northern California National Bank
Young Professionals Organization

Hello and happy February! We're fresh off the heels of a fantastic January Leadership Luncheon by Larry Ducummon and Maria Espino with Chico Toastmasters. They shared with us some really helpful tips to make our next presentation or speech a success! Our next Leadership Luncheon, February 21st, should also be very interesting! We will get the privilege of hearing from Farshad Azad, Grandmaster of Azad's Martial Arts Family Center at his location on 313 Walnut St. Hope to see you all there!

Kelly Gibbons, YPO President,  Office of Brad Jacobson, Farmers Insurance
Explore Butte County

Do you plan an event or have an event that brings tourism to our area? Explore Butte County is currently accepting applications for our Zone Marketing Grants. The application period is open from January 1st - March 31th. Interested parties can apply at www.explorebuttecounty.com/zone-marketing-grant/. Our zone marketing program allows organizations to raise awareness and grow attendance at their events and programs that bring people to Butte County to stay overnight. We highly encourage organizations seeking marketing dollars, that have ability to drive tourism, to apply. Funds will be distributed based on specific jurisdictions within the County that applicants self-select during the application process. The Explore Butte County board will be reviewing applications for a variety of tourism related initiatives including projects, special events, seminars, and collateral creation that increase the marketing reach of Butte County to potential visitors. Again please apply by March 31 st  at www.explorebuttecounty.com/zone-marketing-grant/.
Are you interested in attending an Explore Butte County meeting or learning more about our organization? Please send me an email and I can add you to our distribution e-mail list. Our next regular meeting is February 8 th at 12:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Oroville. We are also currently looking for advisers for our board, and will be taking nominations at our annual meeting on March 8 th at 12:00 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott. Any questions? Feel free to contact me.
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. We will conduct a handful of meetings in 2018 - please stay tuned for dates, times, and locations!
 
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 November 9th Community Safety Meeting at Round Table Pizza Clubhouse on Pillsbury Road focusing on safety issues occurring in the North Valley Plaza area. More meetings are planned throughout Chico business districts in 2018 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 PetraChico Breast Care Center | Chico Mall | Coldwell Banker DuFour Realty | Costco Wholesale | Courtyard by Marriott | CREAM | Creative Composition, Inc. | Diamond W Western Wear | Downtown Chico Business Association | 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 Advanced Imaging| North Valley Ag ServicesOxford Suites | Radio Chico Rabobank | Ramada Plaza Chico | Residence Inn by MarriottServiceMASTER by Cronic | Shubert's Ice Cream & Candy| Smucker Natural Foods | Spelts Wealth Management, Inc. | Teller$' GrillThe Inn at the Terraces of Chico | Titus Pacific Insurance Services | Union Pacific Railroad | UnitedHealthcare | Walmart | Weiss McNair

MEDIA PARTNERS
   
     
  KZFR
UPCOMING EVENTS
Grand Opening
Thursday, February 1, 2018
The Inn at the Terraces of Chico
2950 Sierra Sunrise Terrace
4:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting @ 5:00 p.m.
You're Invited! Please join The Inn at the Terraces of Chico for gourmet hors d'oeuvres along with local wine & beer, live music, raffles and community tours. RSVP to 530-535-7337. Click here for their Facebook event page.

Let's Do Lunch!
Friday, February 2, 2018
2635 Esplanade
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 Now Open. Call 891-5556 for questions. Networking events are presented by  Steward Partners. 

Community Development Update
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Old Municipal Building - Conference Room
441 Main Street
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The City of Chico, Chico Chamber of Commerce and Valley Contractors Exchange will host a Community Development Update. This free event occurs quarterly and is open to the public.  With limited seating, RSVPs are requested. Click here to reserve your seat!


February YPO Leadership Luncheon
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Speaker: Farshad Azad, Grandmaster of Azad's Martial Arts Family Center
Topic: "How to Survive the Ride of an Entrepreneur"
Location: Azad's Martial Arts Family Center - 313 Walnut Street
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
$20 for YPO Members; $25 for Guests. *Cost includes buffet lunch, drink, tax, and tip. Vegetarian options available. Pre-registration with payment required, reservations now open! Questions? Call 530-891-5556 or email.
SAVE THE DATE
Let's Do Lunch!
Friday, March 2, 2018
Buffalo Wild Wings
801 East Avenue
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. 

 
YPO March Event
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
306 Otterson Drive 
5:30 p.m.
More details to come! 

Membership Orientation
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Old Municipal Building - Conference Room
441 Main Street
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Come learn more about what membership and partnership means for your business and the Chamber's vision to  "Move Chico  Forward".   All current, prospective and past members welcome to attend! No cost to attend but RSVP is required. Reserve your seat today! Questions? Call 530.891.5556 or email.

Spring Business Crawl
Thursday, April 12, 2018
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Climb aboard a shuttle for a fun evening celebrating local business! Network, enjoy refreshments, and meet local teams that make their respective companies successful! Keep an eye open for our Spring Business Hosts! Registration coming soon.

YPO Leadership Luncheon: Entrepreneurial Panel
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
603 Orange st
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Speaker details coming soon!

National Small Business Week
April 29, 2018 - May 5, 2018
More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. Mark your calendars and support your local businesses during National Small Business Week!

56th Annual Summer Bash
Thursday, May 31, 2018
10381 Midway, Durham
5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
The 56th Annual Summer Bash will be honoring the 80th Anniversary of Shubert's Ice Cream & Candy! Join us for an evening under the stars at Patrick Ranch enjoying local music by the Kelly Twins Dueling Pianos. More information coming soon!
C HAMBER REMINDERS


__________________________________________________________________________________________

Still Time To Order your 2018 Compliance Material!
All California employers and businesses must post the new 2018 compliance material effective January 1, 2018.  
CalChamber's 2018 all-in-one poster includes mandatory updates to the Cal/OSHA notice for January 1, 2018, plus recommended updates to the USERRA notice and the CFRA notice.  
Reminder: The first scheduled minimum wage increase (to $10.50/hour) takes effect for employers with 25 or less employees; second increase (to $11.00/hour) takes effect for employers with 26 or more employees. Click HERE for more details on minimum wage increase.
Order your products through the Chico Chamber by clicking here  or download the order form here .
C HAMBER PICTURES!



Thank you AAA-California State Automobile Assoc. for hosting a very informative CBC January 3rd and for all the giveaway items!
First  YPO Committed Leader meeting of the year!

January 5th  Broadway Heights helped us kick off the first Let's Do Lunch! of the year.
January 9th the Chamber attended a wonderful Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for  Groups Recover Together! T hank you to Joy Sun, Co-Founder & COO, & staff  for bringing their treatment model to Chico.
January 10th we were with Crystal Craig and the staff at Prestige Assisted Living  for our weekly CBC.
Oxford Suites  renovation reveal January 12th. Stop by and see the beautiful updates!
Here are some of our YPO Committed Leaders with January 17th YPO Leadership Luncheon speakers - Larry Ducummon and Maria Espino,  Chico Toastmasters !
Presenting our 2017 Annual Dinner award winners! On behalf of all of the Chico Chamber of Commerce, we truly thank each and every guest who attended our 80th Annual Dinner & Business Awards Ceremony on January 18th.  Click here  to view more photo's. 
Grand reopening January 25th at Nevin & Witt Insurance Services new location!
Standing room only at the Business Summit & State of the City Address on January 26th.
Thank you Avrit Insurance Agency for hosting our January 31st CBC. Congrats to business card drawing winner Lynn Tosello, Your Consciousness Key Hypnotherapy.
"Leveraging the Voice of Business for Community Good."

530-891-5556