James Cooper
President/CEO
Pleasanton
Chamber of Commerce
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Strategic Planning - The new Chamber Way | |
Every year, the turning of the calendar brings new energy to the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce. Each January, the Chamber welcomes a new Board Chair to lead the Board of Directors. This year is no different, with Shawn Henley of Morgan Stanley taking over from Jill Buck, Executive Director of the Go Green Initiative. Shawn inherits a Board with six new Board members from organizations such Workday, VIP Audio/Visual, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley and Merchant Advocate, along with a Doctor of Chiropractic and a retired former City Council member. They join an experienced Board that spent 2023 building the first three-year Strategic Plan in the Chamber’s history.
The new Strategic Plan, which covers 2024 through 2026, builds on past Chamber work by creating three priority “pillars” on which to focus: Membership, Advocacy, and Governance. There are 39 work goals that will be incorporated into an already-busy Chamber calendar. Achieving these goals will give members a stronger mix of benefits while sharpening our advocacy efforts and ensuring our organization operates at the highest level of professionalism.
These changes represent a new way for this Chamber to approach planning going forward. In the past, the organization has used a five-year “community vision” approach that included key economic development and community priorities to guide our planning. While it served its purpose well, the pandemic laid bare some of the inherent weaknesses of this approach. Topics of importance can change fast. One example of where this was a concern was on water, which is not even mentioned in the 2025 Community Vision document yet has been our constant focus since I arrived in mid-2022.
Going forward, instead of a Community Vision, the Chamber will create a “public policy agenda” that is reconfirmed each year by the incoming Board of Directors. This will take the best elements of the Community Vision document and incorporate them into a process that is regularly updated so our priorities match those of our community and members every year. And this is but the first step. Strategic Planning opens many doors, which is why an organization needs time to ensure it can meet each of its strategic goals. It is highly likely that not every goal will be realized, in part because we will identify other options to accomplish a similar result. But the plan lays a clear course we can follow and includes a set of metrics by which we can measure our success. It is the template for what the Chamber’s planning will look like for years to come and the new “Chamber way.”
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Checking in with our Chair | |
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Shawn Henley
2024 Board Chair
Pleasanton
Chamber of Commerce
Email Shawn
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Impermanence and the new 2024 Chamber Board Chair
One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to meditate more often. One of the things I’ve come to embrace through meditation is the concept of impermanence-- the state of not lasting forever. Impermanence, or change, is what forces us to adapt and grow. It impacts all aspects of our lives and is now evident within the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce as I take on the role as the Chair of the Board for 2024 with great gratitude and enthusiasm. Huge thanks to Jill Buck for all her time and dedication this past year. She has, no doubt, left me with some very big shoes to fill.
However, I am not in this alone -- I have a talented Board of Directors as well as six new Directors that I am very excited about! We’ve just finished putting the final details together on a new Strategic Plan that will be executed over the next three years. Our ultimate goal is to meet the standards and be recognized as an “Accredited Chamber of Commerce”. Out of approximately 7,000 Chambers across the U.S., there are only 201 nationwide that are “accredited”, and there are only seven in California. I welcome the challenge and realize we have a lot of work to get done.
A bit about your new Chair: I’m a California-native and graduated from Cal High in San Ramon. I then attended St. Mary’s College in Moraga where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business & Economics. Immediately after college, I landed a job with Dean Witter in Hayward back in 1986. My company eventually merged with Morgan Stanley and that’s where I’ve worked ever since. While at Dean Witter, I met my beautiful wife, Angela, we’ve been married 33 years. Angie and I bought our first home in Pleasanton back in 1992. We immediately fell in love with the downtown, restaurants, shops, outstanding schools, parks and the diversity of the residents. We raised two boys in this great community: Chase (27) and Braxton (23). Some of my fondest memories were coaching both my sons in Little League baseball at the Ken Mercer Sports Park-- what amazing sports parks we have here in town!
I realize I’ve been blessed to live in a community like Pleasanton and raise my family here. While working in Hayward I joined the San Leandro Kiwanis Club as a way to give back and be involved with community service. As a Club, for the last 21 years, we have provided the annual lunches for Special Olympics Track & Field Event, which takes place at AVHS each May. I’m currently a member of the Pleasanton North Rotary Club. Last year I completed the Pleasanton Leadership program, along with my son Chase, which was a great experience. In my opinion, there is no greater town than Pleasanton. I look forward to being your 2024 Board Chair and helping our business community in Pleasanton thrive!
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Pleasanton Young Professionals | |
Learn, Grow, Empower
The premier networking group for emerging and established young professionals, the Pleasanton Young Professionals is a committee of the Pleasanton Chamber that strives to help other young professionals to learn, empower, and grow from their mastermind lunches, volunteering and fundraising opportunities, and monthly networking mixers.
Up Next
February Networking Mixer
Wednesday, February 7th - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
BottleTaps - 3020 Bernal Avenue, #160, Pleasanton
FREE RAFFLE, No Host Bar
Register in advance here, Free admission
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StopWaste grants $1.1 Million in Funding | |
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StopWaste is offering grants with a total of $1.1 million available in funding for projects in six categories. The focus is on innovative approaches to preventing waste in Alameda County and supporting local communities.
- Food Waste Prevention & Recovery (up to $30,000 per grant)
- Surplus Food Donation Equipment (nonprofits only, up to $10,000 per grant)
- Community Food Systems (up to $10,000 per grant)
- Reusable Foodware (up to $25,000 per grant)
- Reuse & Repair (up to $25,000 per grant)
- Reusable Transport Packaging Equipment (up to $10,000 per grant)
Businesses, nonprofits, and institutions are eligible for funding, unless noted otherwise. For details visit www.StopWaste.org/Grants. Application deadline is March 14, 2024.
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City of Pleasanton's New Facebook and Instagram Pages are Live! | |
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Be the first to know about upcoming events, City initiatives, and important announcements. These pages will be your go-to source for up-to-date, accurate information whether it's a community gathering, a new public project, or a fun-filled festival.
Spread the word! Let's build a strong online community that reflects our wonderful city. Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to join us on this exciting digital journey.
Connect with us!
👍 Like Us on Facebook
📸 Follow Us on Instagram
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Ed Kinney Speaker Series tickets go on Sale February 20 | |
Jeremy Meier as tech innovator, Steve Jobs | |
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Museum on Main announces the highly anticipated
2024 Ed Kinney Speaker Series
An Afternoon or Evening With…
in-person at the Firehouse Arts Center
An Afternoon or Evening with . . . Steve Jobs
Tuesday, March 26, 2pm and 7pm
Firehouse Arts Center
4444 Railroad Avenue
Pleasanton
For the 2024 Ed Kinney Speaker Series Schedule,
visit Museum On Main
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Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council: On the scene and behind the scenes, supporting the Arts and Culture in Pleasanton for over 44 years. | |
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You have an opportunity to support PCAC at its upcoming “A Night in Paris” fundraising event on April 13th.
Details are at www.pleasantonarts.org for tickets and sponsorships.
PCAC was Incorporated in 1979: “To promote appreciation of the arts, provide facilities for arts activities, and create an environment where residents can pursue and enjoy a wide range of cultural opportunities.” PCAC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
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The 2024 Teen Job & Career Fair is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, 2024, from noon - 3 PM. The event will be held at the San Ramon Senior Center- 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, CA 94583.
If you have hiring needs and are interested in participating as an employer, please complete the Employer Application by Friday, February 16, 2024.
Employer Benefits:
- Promote your business and exhibit your products and services to high school students at no cost.
- Distribute employment or volunteer applications to potential candidates
- Employers will determine the amount of their own printed materials
- In an effort to be environmentally conscious, event organizers recommend QR codes and or a flyer with information for teens to take a picture of
- Interview prospective employee’s on-the-spot
- If interested, conduct mock interviews with the teens and facilitate discussions on various work-related issues and topics.
This event is free for employers and job seekers. We would recommend that at least two representatives from your organization be present at the event.
This event is sponsored by the City of San Ramon, City of Dublin, City of Pleasanton, Town of Danville, and the Dublin/San Ramon Women’s Club.
Contact Julian Mireles, with any questions. You can also contact, Edwin Tse, the event host, at etse@sanramon.ca.gov or at 925-973-3326
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PPIE to host 2024 State of the School District Event | |
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PPIE (Pleasanton Partnerships in Education) is pleased to host our 5th annual State of The School District event on March 12, 2024 in collaboration with Pleasanton Unified School District (PUSD). In its 5th year, this gathering brings together over 200 education and business leaders to celebrate our schools.
Held at the Firehouse Arts Center, the PUSD Superintendent of schools, Dr. David Haglund, will present his annual State of the School District address.
We will have a light breakfast reception at 7:45 a.m. and the program will start at 8:15 a.m.
The event also features PPIE’s annual Pillars of Pleasanton Awards, recognizing businesses in selected categories that support Pleasanton schools in a variety of ways. This year, these awards will be presented by our wonderful PUSD principals.
RSVP Here by March 1
Please join us on March 12th at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566.
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PAL to Hold First Show of 2024 | |
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PAL (Pleasanton Art League) will hold its first show of 2024, the 16th Members’ Show at Museum on Main (MoM) called “Imagination Expressed 2024.”
This is a unique show for PAL members in that each member can enter up to two pieces, either 2D or 3D plus case entries! This year the show will be judged by Jeff Dunn, and $700 in cash prizes will be awarded! Register early because according to what artwork can be accommodated, artworks with a later date of entry may be excluded.
So, start painting, sculpting or jewelry making plus remember to renew your PAL membership early! Let’s make this show a members’ show to remember.
Click here for information and prospectus
Exhibit Dates: March 13 to May 11, 2024
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 5
Delivery of Art Date: Tuesday, March 12, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Delivery of Art Location: Museum on Main, 603 Main Street, Pleasanton
Reception Date: Saturday, March 16, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
PAL February General Meeting will be held February 12, 2024 via Zoom. For more information online.
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Welcome to the Chamber's New Members | |
Studies show consumers prefer to do business with chamber members by a margin of 2-to-1 over non-members. We recommend that you look to chamber members for your business and consumer needs. You can access our online member directory here. Congratulations to the following new members that have recently joined the chamber.
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies | |
Ribbon cuttings increase the visibility of a grand opening, new location, ground breaking or special anniversary. The chamber brings the giant scissors and the red ribbon, invites our ambassadors and publicizes the event in various publications. To schedule a ribbon cutting, email Dawn.
The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the following businesses on their recent ribbon cutting ceremonies.
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Kottinger Barn Plaza Charity Event | |
Congratulations to Kottinger Barn Plaza on kicking off their 2nd annual Charity Event. Kottinger Barn Plaza transformed into a winter wonderland during the month of. They raised money for charity, benefitting the Pleasanton Police Officers Association and Little Miracles. | |
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The Pleasanton Chamber would like to congratulate Kiran Adibhatla of Karuna Yoga on the grand opening of your beautiful new studio. The doors are officially open to this space designed for wellness, mindfulness, and community.
Karuna Yoga is located in Mission Plaza Shopping Center at 1991 Santa Rita Road. Suite I in, Pleasanton. Discover the transformative power of self-compassion. Class schedule available online here. Learn more online here.
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The Pleasanton Chamber would like to congratulate Blue Oaks Church on your grand opening ribbon cutting celebration, which included Christmas carols and fun activities for the whole community. Blue Oaks Church is located at 7139 Koll Center Parkway in Pleasanton. They strive to be a community that enriches your life, helps you grow in your faith, and inspires you to love God and love others. Learn more online here. | |
Refresh Sleep Medical Clinic | |
At Refresh Sleep Medical Clinic, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep for your overall health and well-being. Whether you’re an adult seeking relief from sleepless nights or a parent concerned about your child’s rest, our dedicated team of sleep specialists is here to help. So, take the first step towards better sleep and a better life! Learn more online here. | |
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | |
SpringHill Suites by Marriott® is an all-suite hotel that seamlessly blends design and functionality offering the modern amenities you need to stay refreshed and focused - all at an affordable price. Spacious suites and vibrant lobbies offer flexible spaces perfect for working, meeting or relaxing. Take the stress out of travel with free Wi-Fi, relaxing pool, fitness center, 24/7 Market for snacks and necessities, and complimentary breakfast with fresh choices for a customized start to your day. Quite simply, from business trips to leisurely journeys, SpringHill Suites is a breath of fresh air. Learn more online here. | |
Zakia's Comfort Home Care | |
Zakia’s Comfort Home Care specializes in offering dependable and cost-effective home care solutions to individuals residing in the Livermore Tri-Valley region in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their comprehensive services cater to a range of needs, from regular health-focused assistance to scheduled care. Our team of dedicated home care specialists collaborates closely with each client to design and oversee a customized care plan tailored to their preferences. The founder, Zakia, is deeply committed to aiding seniors in their journey of aging gracefully, reflecting her genuine compassion and dedication. Learn more online here. | |
FFB Bank opened for business in December 2005 dedicated to meeting the banking needs of businesses, professionals, and successful individuals in Central California. They believe businesses and individuals want the ''hands-on, know your customer'' approach, especially when it comes to their money. They've made it their mission to provide a full range of banking services differentiated by an ability to tailor and adjust services quickly to meet needs and opportunities unique to this area. Learn more online here. | |
Thank you to our mixer hosts | | |
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The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Veena Kaul and Jon Gracia of Serendipity Labs Dublin-Pleasanton for hosting a very festive mixer for us and the Dublin Chamber in December. Learn more online here and follow Serendipity Labs on Instagram - Facebook - LinkedIn.
Attendees were able to spend the evening networking in the modern and beautiful work lounge area while enjoying delicious catering from Strizzi's. Serendipity Labs looks forward to hosting more exciting and upscale events at their location, on Village Parkway in Dublin. Hear from our host Veena in this reel here.
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The Pleasanton Chamber would like to thank Bryan Hardwick, Joe Jewell and the entire team at Inklings Coffee & Tea for hosting a wonderful mixer for us in January. Learn more about Inklings Coffee & Tea online - Instagram - Facebook.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious charcuterie grazing table, specialty coffee drinks, desserts and an evening of networking throughout the Inklings shop, located in downtown Pleasanton. Hear from our host Joe in this reel here.
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The E-Business Connection is a bi-monthly electronic newsletter produced by the
Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce.
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PLEASANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Catalyst • Convener • Champion
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