"Leveraging the Voice of Business for Community Good."
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Committee Corner
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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, March 5
12:00 p.m.
Special Events Committee
Friday, March 9
12:00 p.m.
Monday,
March 12
12:00 p.m.
YPO Committed Leaders Meeting
Wednesday,
March 14
@ Residence Inn By Marriott
11:30 a.m.
Executive Committee Meeting
7:30 a.m.
Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday,
March 28
7:30 a.m.
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Welcome New Members!
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We're working hard to leverage the voice of business for community good.
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February Community
Impact Report
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2018 Compliance Material
STILL Available
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All California employers and businesses must post the new 2018 compliance material effective January 1, 2018.
Order your products through the Chico Chamber by clicking
here
or download the order form
here
.
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CalChamber Corner
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Be on Alert, California Employers!
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3rd Quarter 2017
Chico Economic Snapshot
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December 2017
Business Confidence Survey
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Community Vision
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10-year Community Vision
to the Chico City Council.
This vision outlines our standards and expectations for...
1. A safe community
2. Healthy city government
3. Thriving anchor businesses
4. Vibrant shared spaces
5. Premier facilities and community amenities.
The vision outlines common goals that will move Chico forward. Chamber partnership and membership now mean standing together to achieve a common vision for Chico that meets all of our expectations. We are certain that the Chamber, along with our members and partners, will make a difference in this community for the better, and it all starts with our Community Vision.
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| Team Chico |
Next Business Walk Date:
March 30, 2018
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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
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
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Thank you to our
Legacy Partners
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The Chico Retail Watch program hosted by the Chamber, DCBA, and Chico Police Department kicked off on Monday, February 26
th
, with a meeting between Police Chief Michael O'Brien, Commander Billy Aldridge, retailers, and loss prevention personnel. Businesses of all sizes and locations are in search of tools to better cope with the rash of shoplifting happening in Chico right now. No matter where you point to explain the sharp increase in property theft, like Props 47 and 57, the impacts on businesses are tangible and undeniable, leading to hiring freezes and price increases to compensate for losses.
At the Retail Watch meeting, businesses asked for signage to indicate they report and prosecute shoplifting. They asked for answers to frequently asked questions about detainment and trespassing. They looked to each other for best practices, swapping contact information to stay connected all the time. Our next meeting is Monday, March 26
th
, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Oxford Suites. If you are a retailer call us to RSVP (530-891-5556), or send me an email to request a recap.
The Chamber has tackled another workplace topic: cannabis. A subcommittee of members has formed under our Legislative Action Committee to research employer rights and responsibilities, workplace safety, impairment testing, and employee safety in the context of current state and local cannabis regulations. Research will be sent to the Chamber Board for discussion. The subcommittee is full but we invite your questions on workplace safety related to cannabis to help the subcommittee understand what local businesses need to know. Feel free to send your questions to me.
Our Special Report has been making the rounds for the last month. We hosted a member input session and are continuing to take feedback in a myriad of different ways. The possibility of a revenue measure is a new and big topic for the community - and we're blazing new ground just by talking about it. If you have thoughts or input on local road conditions, the pension deficit, funding to our police and/or fire departments, please let me know. We're in solution mode and look forward to an ongoing conversation with local businesses and the general public about funding our priorities.
I'm in the thick of things so even I miss the forest of trees sometimes. Everything we do here at the Chamber - all of the initiatives named above, and beyond - is done in service to our local businesses to make Chico the safest, most vibrant, premier city in the north state. We're as serious about this goal as you are about the goals you've set for your own business. Thank you for investing in this community vision and for moving Chico forward.
Katie Simmons, President & CEO
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Partnership Perspective
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Chico is blooming, which can only mean Spring is coming! Chico in the Spring is close to perfection with sunshine, fresh flowers and green grass. It is also the perfect time to become a
Community Impact Partner! As I keep saying, businesses are listening and supporting the Chamber because we are making a difference, not only in the business community but also in the community as a whole. When it is all said and done we all choose Chico as our home because of the quality of life if offers. As a Community Impact Partner you are investing in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Chico. Be a part of the local solution and sign up today with me
by
email
or by calling 530-891-5556!
Kelsey Torres, Associate Vice President
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Membership 411
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Thought you would make a resolution to get out in the community more to increase your connections which might increase your overall business relationships? Didn't happen? That's ok! As a Chamber, part of our goal is to help your business thrive by providing services and connection opportunities that extend your business reach in the community. So, make sure to attend/host Chamber Business Connections or sign up for the Spring Business Crawl featuring insider host tours from Northwest Lineman College and Action News Now. You wouldn't believe how much networking happens on the shuttle!
We are also gearing up for our 2018 Summer Bash honoring the 80th Anniversary of Shubert's Ice Cream & Candy. Exhibit booths go on sale Friday, March 2nd. Contact me if you would like your business recognized at this epic community event! Here's hoping a little bit o' luck finds you in the month of March!
Heather Ugie, Membership Services & Event Manager
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Special Events
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The Chamber Special Events Committee (SEC) is gearing up for another great Summer Bash this year! We are excited to honor the 80th Anniversary of
Shubert's Ice Cream & Candy at Patrick Ranch on Thursday, May 31st, 2018. Food, Celebration, Entertainment and Fun!
The Kelly Twins Dueling Pianos will be there again to knock our socks off. A great event to network and celebrate our community. If you are interested in exhibiting your business with a booth at this event, please reach out to Heather at
[email protected]. This isn't one to miss!
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Chamber Ambassadors
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February was another incredible month for the Ambassador team. We continue to grow in numbers and I am so appreciative of the group and the individual efforts put forth daily to reach out into our business community and become even more engaged. Chamber Business Connections were held at the Office of Brad Jacobson, Farmers Insurance on Valentine's Day, followed by Northern California National Bank, and at American Cancer Society in the month of February. These morning networking meetings and business showcases are a great way to share your stories and meet fellow business members in our community. Ambassadors also attended the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Boost Mobile/Mobile Plus. Our monthly Let's Do Lunch was held at La Hacienda and this is another event that I really enjoy attending. We have the opportunity to sit together for an hour plus in a relaxed setting learning more about each other and enjoying a wonderful lunch at a local eatery. Our Membership Walk and Team Chico Walk were great successes as well.
I would invite you as members of the Chamber or those who just may want to learn more about the Chico Chamber and the Ambassador program to contact me. Let's do coffee or lunch!
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Young Professionals Organization
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We just finished up our February Leadership Luncheon with Farshad Azad at
Azad's Martial Arts Family Center. He is so inspirational and we were lucky to get to hear from him. He gave many wise takeaways regarding the culture of service, our core values, and my personal favorite, 1,2,3 DO IT!! Don't procrastinate, do it as soon as you think about it. Thank you, Grandmaster Farshad Azad!
I'm really looking forward to our next evening mixer March 21st hosted by
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. We will get to hear from Gentry Power, Director of Customer Experience, and enjoy refreshments. The registration fee will be a minimum donation of $10. All contributions will be evenly distributed directly to 3 local community organizations in need: food, housing and literacy. It's sure to be an incredible night. Click
here to register!
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Explore Butte County
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LAST CHANCE TO APPLY: Do you plan an event or have an event that bring 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 31st. 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 list. Our next meeting is our annual meeting on March 8
th
at 12:00 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott. We are also currently looking for advisers for our board, and will be taking nominations at our next meeting. Any questions? Feel free to contact me.
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SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY REFORM INPUT
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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.
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UPCOMING COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETINGS
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  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!
- Monday, March 12th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Jesus Center - Topic: How to Give Compassionately (Helping without Hurting/Culture of Caring)
- Monday, May 7th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Old Municipal Building - Topic: Community Court
- Monday, September 17th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at CSU Chico (Location TBD) - Topic: Community Court - Part II
- Monday, November 5th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Old Municipal Building - Topic: Tools for Giving (Chico Holidays Together)
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!
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COMMUNITY IMPACT PARTNERSHIP
Businesses making an investment in our community
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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
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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 Friday, March 2, 2018
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 Now Open! Call 891-5556 for questions. Networking events are presented by Steward Partners.
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Saturday, March 3, 2018
1950 E. 20th Street, #C319 (Chico Mall)
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting @ 12:15 p.m.
The new Xfinity Store is now open! Come by for refreshments, live product demos, raffle prizes and kid entertainment! Also there will be a special guest appearance from Amy G., NBC Sports Bay Area reporter from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Click here to view their Facebook event page.
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, March 9, 2018
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
| 916.329.1980
Ribbon Cutting @ 11:30 a.m.
Help Northern Valley Indian Health open their Chico Children's Center! Light refreshments will be served and followed by a tour of the new facilities! Please RSVP to 916-329-9180.
YPO March Event
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
306 Otterson Drive
5:30 p.m.
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SAVE THE DATE
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 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.
Friday, April 6, 2018
Tackle Box Bar & Grill
379 E. Park 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.
Spring
Business Crawl
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Old Municipal Building
441 Main St
5:00 - 9:00 p.m. | 530-891-5556
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.
$20 for Members; $30 for Guests. Shuttle ride and refreshments included. We have confirmed Action News Now and Northwest Lineman College as our hosts! Registration Now Open! Spring 2018 Business Crawl presented by Visionary Partner Transfer Flow, Inc.
YPO Leadership Luncheon: Entrepreneurial Panel, "The Tales of an Entrepreneur"
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
603 Orange st
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Moderated by Dr. Colleen C. Robb, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship of
California State University, Chico, you won't want to miss this awesome opportunity to engage with a local group of entrepreneurs who have each faced challenges, risks, and rewards of launching and growing a business. We look forward to announcing our panelists soon! Registration opening 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!
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C
HAMBER REMINDERS
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
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C
HAMBER IN THE COMMUNITY!
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Let's Do Lunch! at
La Hacienda
Restaurant February 2nd.
During the W.A.C.E. Conference, February 6th - 8th, our President & CEO Katie Simmons talked about the Chico Chamber's evolution and the creation of our Community Vision to c
hamber executives and staff from around the country.
Our Associate Vice President Kelsey Torres attend the 2018 Linked Learning Conference February 13th - 14th on behalf of Team Chico.
Quarterly Community Development Update, co-hosted by the Chico Chamber of Commerce, City of Chico Public Works and
Valley Contractors Exchange. Leo DePaola, Community Development Director, and Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director - Engineering, from the City of Chico updated our community and Chamber members on our City.
Ambassadors took to the streets February 16th for their monthly Membership Walk in the Mangrove Avenue area.
February 17th
Boost Mobile/Mobile Plus held their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting. Congratulations Boost Mobile on your new East Ave location!
Legislative Action Committee (LAC) discussed cannabis with their guest speaker Marti Fisher, California Chamber of Commerce lobbyist, during the February 20th meeting.
Thank you Grandmaster Farshad Azad, of Azad's Martial Arts Family Center, for being our February 21st YPO Leadership Luncheon speaker on 'How to Survive the Ride of an Entrepreneur!'
February 23rd Team Chico revisited the Hegan Lane and Otterson Drive area to check in on parking and traffic safety following improvements over the past year including parking space striping, curb striping and center line striping.
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Thursday, May 31, 2018
