Chamber news & updates
Week of August 31, 2020
Message from the President & CEO:
Many businesses are pivoting this year, by changing the way they’re doing business or altering the products/services they’re providing.

Some business owners wanted to pivot but didn’t react quickly enough and lost an opportunity. That’s hard.

When businesses miss a new opportunity, it’s generally because they don’t have the resources or all the information they need to try.

At the Chamber, we strive to provide you with resources, and the information you need to make informed decisions to help grow your business. We host free webinars every month in our Chamber Academy Webinar series on topics you need to be successful. Check those out (see Chamber Academy Webinar section in this newsletter) or catch the past episodes on our YouTube channel.

Plus, on September 25th, we’re bringing together public and private sector leaders to give updates on economic recovery. At our inaugural Alameda Economic Forecast event presenters will tell you everything you need to know about jobs, the economy, and what we can expect in 2021. 

It’s critical information you need if you do business in Alameda.

Get your tickets today. They're $55. If you buy five, you get one free. This event is one of the only of its kind focused on the information you need to make critical business decisions. 

Join us virtually for this one-of-a-kind event.  
Mark Your Calendar
Join us via live stream as we learn from some of the brightest leaders in our area including:
 
  • Stephen Baiter, Executive Director, East Bay Development Alliance 
  • Eric Levitt, Alameda City Manager
  • Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of City of Alameda
  • Nancy Skinner, State Senator
  • Joe Ernst, SRM ERNST Development Partners
  • Sean Whiskeman, Catellus Development
  • Josh Roden, Brookfield Properties
  • Linda Mandolini, Eden Housing

Friday, September 25th
11:30am - 1:00pm
Who will you hear from?
Why should you attend?

Thank you to our Sponsors!
Chamber Blog
How to Create a Business Plan in Uncertain Times
Check out today's post: How to Create a Business Plan in Uncertain Times. How do you plan for a future that seems so nebulous? In this article we give you three strong tips to get you back on the path for success.

The Chamber blog is published weekly on Monday. It contains helpful information for professional and business growth. 

Recent posts include important topics like: COVID operating tips, how to start a business in Alameda, and ways to increase sales. Find the solution you need.
Buy Local or Bye-Bye Local
Support Alameda Small Businesses
Amazon isn't the only place to get the things you need. 

Buying local and shopping small helps ensure businesses without large reserves can continue to function during COVID.

These small businesses need your help. We have partnered with an organization to bring you the Visit & Shop Alameda eGift Card that keeps money here in our community.

These eGift cards make wonderful teachers' gifts as well as rewards for employees, holiday bonuses, and caregiver thank you gifts. Give the gift of local and help your neighbors with this wonderful gift card.
Get More Customers
Support Alameda Small Businesses
If you're a business owner and you long for more customers, check out our free Visit & Shop Alameda Gift Card Program.

Best of all, It costs you nothing!
Virtual Sunset Mixer at Crab Cove
Thursday, September 10th
5:00pm
Alameda Chamber and East Bay Regional Park invite you to make connections and build your social network. Come discover new business relationships and share with us how you are pivoting in the "New Now." Bring your favorite drink and a friend. Let's have some fun, meet the Naturalist Michael, and learn some historic facts about CRAB COVE.

Chamber Academy Webinars
Wednesday, September 9th
3:00 pm
Top Tips for Keeping Your Data Safe No Matter Where You Are

Cyber crime costs businesses $3.5 billion dollars annually and affects all sizes of organizations. With a greater number of people working from home the risk is increasing. It's time to secure your remote and in-office workplaces so you don't fall victim to this type of crime.
Wednesday, September 16th
10:00am
Federal Debt Economics
Geoffrey Woglom, Professor of Economics Emeritus at Amherst College discusses traditional ideas of the economic costs of the debt and why recent events have caused economists to rethink these issues.
Wednesday, September 16th
1:00pm
Grow Your Business Network 
With Social Media
Social media influencers share how to grow your business network online to build a successful businesses online and off. 

Moderator Joie Gharrity will share her strategies and tips on how to build an extensive online network that she derived from 15+ years of working in the Hollywood entertainment industry so you can do the same. 

Roxanne Lynch will introduce her best tips on how to show up on social media with transparency, thereby standing out and gaining a bigger presence online for increased social sales. 

Heidi Parr Kerner will share tools and tips on how to create your own network to support you and your business. Heidi is known as the queen of networking on both coasts. 
Meet the Candidates
Thursday, October 8th
5:00pm
Register for the Alameda City Council Candidates Forum

Hosted by Alameda Chamber Of Commerce, Downtown Association, and West Alameda Association
New Small Business Initiative
New Initiative Looks to Support Smallest of California Small Businesses

On August 27, GO-Biz announced the California Rebuilding Fund, a new public-private partnership that will leverage government backed capital to support California’s small businesses – especially the smallest under-served firms and entrepreneurs from communities that have been historically disenfranchised. 

Click here to read the announcement. Click here to visit IBank's new website sharing details on the Fund.
City of Alameda Updates
From Our Members
New Business Service Notification
My name is Melinda Cardwell and I care about keeping our business here. I intend to start a delivery service to take food from Alameda restaurants to Alameda residents while maintaining strict COVID prevention standards.

I would like to start with two nights a week with a 4-hour window each day.. Orders would have to be placed prior to delivery hours and customers would pay via credit card to the restaurant. I would be happy to bring the CC receipt with their order. The customer would then pay me via Venmo, PayPal, or with cash, thus saving their favorite restaurants from the high fees of delivery app companies! Thank you!

Melinda
mlc.mcardwell@gmail.com
(415) 710-3650
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Alameda Chamber Of Commerce
www.alamedachamber.com
connect@alamedachamber.com
510-522-04014
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