News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber |
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Monday, December 14, 2020 |
Jay Lifson, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Virtual Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
Closed Dec. 23 at noon through Jan. 4 at 9am.
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Please shop local this holiday season!
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2020 is the year to support your local stores and businesses.
The Lafayette Chamber has made it easy for you, check out our Holiday Gift Guide featuring our members. Keep checking back because the guide will continue to grow as we add new gifts and Holiday meal take-out options from our members!
When you shop local this holiday season, you will be helping local business owners through this challenging economic time. Additionally, sales tax from your purchases will be funneled back into our local economy.
Let’s help each other make this a great holiday season.
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Tell Congress that Small Business needs more relief to survive COVID
As you may have heard in the news this week, Congress is finally talking about approving another COVID-19 relief package that our small businesses and unemployed need more than ever before. Please join me, Chamber Executive Director, Jay Lifson, in telling our Congressional reps that Small Business needs additional funding to survive and offer financial and legal protections, and workforce development for small businesses, their employees, and the chambers of commerce and organizations who help them thrive. It is imperative that we help small businesses recover and get back up to full speed. The economy of our communities, states and nation depend on it. Thank you for supporting this effort to save and reinvigorate our small business communities nationwide.
➡ Then join me for COVID Q&A with Jay, Wednesday, December 16, 9am-10am.
I will provide an update on the recent changes and answer any questions you may have. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll see if we can find it for you!
Meeting ID: 890 5826 8167, Passcode: 334062.
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For small business owners, there are resources for you.
A new call center is now available in Contra Costa County to connect businesses and workers with helpful federal, state, and local programs. This includes providing resources and referrals on loans and grants, unemployment insurance, payroll subsidies, and other critical concerns. The small business call number is 833-320-1919, and available to be reached Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Additionally, there are online webinars for employers coping with COVID-19. The Contra Costa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has created an Online Webinars for Coping with COVID-19 page to provide tools for navigating the economic difficulties posed by COVID-19, including step-by-step directions on filing an application for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. For personalized assistance, businesses can call (925) 222-5228 or email admin@contracostasbdc.org.
There are resources the State has provided for business owners as well. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has compiled helpful information related to COVID-19 for employers, employees, and all Californians, available at www.business.ca.gov. The COVID-19 resource page includes information about the State of California’s small business loan programs and tax relief programs.
At the federal level, there is the Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. The deadline for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan is December 16, 2020.
There are also resources for Employers Impacted by COVID-19 through the California Employment Development Department (EDD). The EDD has created a centralized COVID-19 resource page at www.edd.ca.gov for both workers and employers impacted by COVID-19.
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Welcome NEW Member!
We recently welcomed the following business to our membership! We encourage you to reach out to learn more about them!
140 Mayhew Way, #400, Pleasant Hill
925-858-5283
We wear our beliefs on our sleeve like a badge of honor while we change the fast-food industry one organic meal at a time. We don't hide behind additives, gimmicks, and chemicals no one can pronounce. Our unwavering foundation fuels our team of passionate people pushing for social change.
Driven to bring delicious organic food to private events, corporate outings, and public pop-ups, our stylish Food Truck is here to make your next get-together a success. Drop us a line at FoodTruck@TheOrganicCoup.com and let us help you get the party started.
Category: Food Truck
Thank you Renewing Members!
The following members renewed their Chamber membership between December 7-13. Thank you!
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Member Shout Out!
The Lafayette Chamber has the following Churches & Synagogues as valued members! We have started a page announcing their Holiday services and programs. Click here to view.
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Looking to network (virtually)? The Lafayette Chamber is starting a networking/referral group called Chamber Connectors.
We are looking for founding members to help kick off the group. We will meet twice a month (first and third Wednesday of the month at 4:30pm). Our next meeting is Wednesday, December 16 from 4:30 to 5:30pm.
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Lafayette Young Professionals - Wine Down Wednesday
Wednesday, December 16, 6pm-7:30pm
This will be our last event of 2020! We will be having a very casual virtual mixer to help support each other as we get closer to the finish line for 2020!
We will also be discussing plans for 2021 and growing Young Professionals, finding ways to increase the support we provide and would love to hear your ideas!!
Register here! Once you register, you will receive a confirmation and the Zoom link will be sent out Tuesday, December 15th for access.
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Mayor Mike Anderson is retiring today!
We are most thankful for his 16 years serving on the City Council and five years as the Mayor of Lafayette. His engaging smile and quick wit charmed us at many Chamber events. We were fortunate to have him multiple times to honor and distribute proclamations to our Business Persons and Citizens of the Year. He delivered the State of the City Address with ease and reassurance and joined us for numerous Coffees with the Mayor. He supported our Chamber efforts to unite the City, the businesses community and the residences for the betterment of Lafayette. We wish Mike and Courtney the very best!
Photo: Mayor Anderson and 2020 Business Person of the Year, Jennifer Perlmutter at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. Photo credit: City of Lafayette
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Thank you to our retiring Chamber Ambassadors … Anne Birdsong and Norma Evans
As 2020 comes to a close, we need to say goodbye and good luck to more Chamber Ambassadors … Anne Birdsong and Norma Evans are both moving out of the area.
Norma has been with the Chamber for countless years. Her energy, spunk and community spirit will surely be missed. And let’s face it her home baked sweets and treats were the main reason most of our Art and Wine Committee returned every year!
Anne has spent the last few years jumping in to help with every event too. Even helping lead the first ever Y-ME, Young Entrepreneurs section of the Art and Wine Festival last year. We will miss her contagious smile and can do attitude.
Anne and Norma, we wish you both the very best in your new adventures ahead. Please come back and visit us as a guest in 2021.
Photo from left to right : Norma Evans (left), and Ann Birdsong (left).
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City of Lafayette
Annual Lafayette City Council Reorganization Meeting
Please join us, tonight, Monday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m., for the annual reorganization meeting of the Lafayette City Council. Not only will Joanne Robbins, City Clerk, certify the November 3, 2020 Election results, but she will swear-in newly elected Councilmembers Carl Anduri, Cam Burks and Gina Dawson. Outgoing Mayor Mike Anderson will be honored as will Councilmember Steven Bliss, both of whom decided not to run for re-election. A new Mayor and Vice Mayor will be elected by the Council for the coming year. A number of Councilmembers will make remarks as will Mayor Anderson as he retires from many years serving the City of Lafayette. Watch the broadcast on the City's YouTube channel. Or, you can participate in the meeting and provide public comment via Zoom webinar. Read the full meeting agenda here. We hope to see you Monday at this festive annual meeting.
Important Links:
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Welcome to The New Reality of Online Virtual Business Networking.
Thursday, December 17, 10am, Online
JOIN THE FUTURE - ONLINE VIRTUAL BUSINESS BUILDING NETWORKING
Learn how to adapt your business to the new reality of multi-media networking and marketing across multiple platforms that can take your business to the next level of networking, presenting, and closing more sales.
Learn the one-stop that will raise your profile and exposure on Linkedin, Facebook, FB Messenger, Twitter, Eventbrite, Meetup, and more.
Start building business relationships with people who may have clients that can use your services. These like-minded professionals may help you access key decision-makers. This will be a fun, very productive 2 hours well spent.
Expand your network by engaging with professionals who focus on business to business networking on our engaging video meeting with breakout rooms hosted by Professional Speed Networker Ambassadors.
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Experienced Business Professionals Help You Succeed
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Member & Community Announcements |
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The DeSaulnier Digest: End of Year Town Hall
As 2020 comes to an end, my colleagues and I are hard at work to support the American people. To provide you with an update on that work and a preview of the coming year, I will be hosting a virtual town hall on Thursday, December 17 at 12:30 p.m. PT. To participate in the conversation, click here or on the image to RSVP and submit a question.
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Mountain Shadow Film Society - December Film
Saturday, December 19, 7:30pm
Straight from the Mill Valley Film Festival Mountain Shadow brings you the pre-theatrical release, Master Cheng. It's a delightful international comedy for the Holidays! Monthly films are free for Film Society members. If you are not yet a member, you can purchase a $12.50 general admission ticket for your online screening. https://www.mountainshadow.org
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Food Bank Raffle for Contra Costa and Solano Food Bank
Morrison's Jewelers is raffling off these fabulous little earrings to raise funds for the Contra Costa/Solano Food Bank! 14k white gold and pave diamonds earrings (.25cts of GVS2) with omega back closure. Retail Price – $1000 – These are GREAT little earrings! Our community needs our support and we are always compelled to respond.
$25 per raffle tix (goes to the Food Bank) or 5 tickets for $100. RANDOM DRAWING ON December 20, 2020. Purchase tickets here.
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Special Offer from Diablo Ballet
It's the most wonderful time of the year, which means it's time for Diablo Ballet's The Nutcracker Suite, which will
virtually stream into households December 21 - 23.
Lafayette Chamber friends can receive a special $25 virtual screening ticket, saving you $10 off the regular price. To get this offer, call the Lesher Center Ticket Office at (925) 943- 7469 and give the code FRIEND 10.
Take a look here at this magical production that puts a unique and charming spin on the classic Nutcracker tale. With your screening ticket, you'll receive three days of unlimited viewing of this charming ballet that's perfect for young and young at heart.
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Give the Gift of Coaching!
Have you ever wondered why someone else is hitting their goals faster than you? Or why life appears to be so much easier for those around you? So many times it's because they have a coach or a mentor. They have invested in themselves intentionally. I have seen this so many times with clients and through my personal experience. We find ourselves in a rut. We begin comparing ourselves to others. We repeat the same actions and expect a different outcome. And surprise, nothing happens. Without new action, nothing changes. A coach can help you see your blindspots. A coach can help guide you to the right new actions. A coach is there to help you define success for yourself. To cheer you on. To help you stay the course even on those bad days. This is why I am offered 70% off of my coaching. I am also offering a 2 pack package which I never offer. This is a limited time holiday offer. If you or someone you love needs a fresh perspective, help setting goals, new ideas, motivation, a cheerleader or a jumpstart for the New Year, be sure to purchase your package today. https://hollyjeanjackson.com/shop/products/gift-certificate
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Announcement about Participating in Be Kind and Be Happy Project
There’s an opportunity to participate in a new project that encourages kindness and different ways to find happiness. It’s a new documentary series in which Be Kind features two dozen individuals and experts talking about what they do to be kind to others and what others have done to be kind to them. Be Happy features individuals and experts talking about what makes people happy and what they do to make others happy. Here is more information about these projects and how you can participate to promote kindness and happiness, which is very much needed in the world right now.
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Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten registration for 2021 - 2022
Online Pre-enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year will open on January 4, 2021
If your child will be five years old by September 1, 2021, please go to www.lafsd.org; click on the Enrollment icon and follow the links to pre-enroll for Kindergarten. Kindergarten is optional in California (CA Ed Code 48200). Note: Transitional Kindergarten is for children born between 9/2/16 and 12/2/16.
If your child will be six years old by September 1, 2021, please pre-enroll for first grade (CA Ed Code 48010). Children who have completed kindergarten in a private or public school in California shall be admitted to the first grade unless the parent/guardian and the school district agree that the child may continue in kindergarten for an additional year. (CA Ed Code 48011). View flyer >>
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From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center |
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‘TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING AND WE’VE MADE IT EASY AND MEANINGFUL!
When you make a donation of $25 or more in honor of someone on your gift list, the Lafayette Library Foundation will fund new Library materials and technology to benefit everyone in our community!
For each tribute gift, we will email a printable certificate so you can notify your honoree that materials were purchased in their name. You can request a child or adult themed certificate.
Spread some holiday cheer and let the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation provide a unique and heart-warming way to satisfy your holiday gift-giving. Click here to gift!
Holiday Crafts!
Looking for something to do this holiday during SIP? Lafayette Librarian Allegra has put together a list of fun holiday craft books for kids, teens and adults.
Remember - our Front Door Service is still available six days a week!
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Don Tatzin Community Hall
Last chance to give blood at the Library this year!
Help Save Lives. The Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation and American Red Cross have teamed up to host monthly community blood drives. Donating is a safe process. All healthy, eligible individuals are strongly urged to give blood or platelets.
For a limited time, the American Red Cross will test all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to our donors. To schedule an appointment go to: redcrossblood.org/give or call 1-800-733-2767 and use Sponsor Code: lafayettelibrary |
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New Member Posts on Social
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Please note: to signup you will be asked for your birthdate. This information is not stored, it is only used for verify you are over 21 years of age. |
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