March 2020 Eureka Chamber Membership News
MEMBER BUSINESSES STEP UP TO SUPPORT CHAMBER YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Eureka Chamber Rhododendron Youth Ambassador Program held its 2020 Kick-off event on February 24th at the Sequoia Conference Center. Twenty-one area high school juniors and Chamber member business sponsors partnered up to build a link between business and education.

This program provides practical skills in job and career preparation, a clear understanding of what it takes to successfully run a business and scholarships to help with post high school education. Chamber business sponsors serve as mentors for the students who participate in a variety of activities and a public speaking competition. 

The participating students and their Chamber sponsors for 2020:

Avery Arbaugh, Arcata High School
Schmidbauer Lumber

Mira Becker, Eureka High School 
Redwood Capital Bank

Faith Blanchard, St. Bernard’s Academy
St. Joseph Hospital Humboldt

Mackenzie Bray, McKinleyville High School 
Real Property Management Humboldt

Alysa Cringle, McKinleyville High School 
George Petersen Insurance Agency

Megan Dixon, Fortuna High School 
Times Standard

Josephine Do, McKinleyville High School 
Premier Financial Partners

Dana Gleaton, McKinleyville High School 
SHN

Steven Hadley, Eureka High School
Recology

Julia Hayler, McKinleyville High School
Coast Central Credit Union

Kelli Johnston, Eureka High School
Gary Ogle Insurance Services AFLAC

Leah Johnston, Eureka High School
Hilfiker Pipe Company

Jordan Langholz, Ferndale High School
Advanced Security Systems

Jenna Lewis, Fortuna High School
Cruise Planners

Yasko Massias, Arcata High School
Premier Oil

Nurzat Mukhamedali, McKinleyville High School
Valley Pacific Petroleum

Colson Renner, Ferndale High School
Jitter Bean Coffee Company

Geneva Samuelson, Fortuna High School 
Mikki Moves - Jessika Chapman

Emma Sayre, Arcata High School
Pauli - Shaw Insurance Agency

Isabella Sundberg, McKinleyville High School
Redwood Capital Bank

Rheese Taylor, Arcata High School
Jitter Bean Coffee Company

The program is fully funded through sponsorship fees and business donations. Chamber member businesses are invited to help support the students and this worthwhile program. For more information call the Chamber at 442-3738.
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO
As the coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to spread throughout local communities, we are finding that our environment is changing daily and it can be a daunting task to navigate the daily challenges confronting each of us, our families and friends.

We know all too well that this crisis will very likely have a lasting effect on our community, emotionally, physically and financially.

Of course the top priority is to stay healthy and safe. Yet we would do well to remember that local businesses, like those across the country, will likely be severely impacted.

As a business owner, do you have a plan in the event that your business is shut down or you have an employee that comes down with the virus?

Knowledge is power when dealing with COVID-19 and I would like to share with you all some information about the corona virus and its impact on the workplace in order to provide both employers and employees tools and resources to assist you in the coming days.

DHHS has a Humboldt Health alerts page operating . This web page is a source of information about current health issues that may affect the residents of,and visitors to, Humboldt County. Its purpose is to inform the public of critical issues that may impact their health and to provide information people can use to avoid illness or injury. Click here for DHHS Alerts Page.

North Coast SBDC has just launched a wonderful COVID 19 resource page for clients. Find it by clicking here.

CalChamber also has a one-stop shop of what you need to know about agencies that are providing information and how to find them. This is a great resource for employers. Click here for CalChamber resources page.

The residents of Humboldt County are known for pulling together in times of need with a smile and generous helping hand. We invite you all to join our campaign of best practices. The COVID-19 virus will have direct effect on businesses, especially small, local businesses, which are the backbone of our community. So, if we can find a way to keep supporting each of them while also keeping our community safe, let's do it!! 
 
It starts with you practicing some new habits; make sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, use hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol, cough into your arm, DO NOT touch your face, sanitize frequently-used/touched surfaces and avoid direct contact. Here's a way to do that: use the "Live Long and Prosper" sign with your hand! #livelongandprospereureka No need to shake hands or even bump elbows. Just do this 🖖 <~ Live Long and Prosper - Eureka's New Greeting! 
 
Now this is a call to action - #supportlocal, Keep up to date with the coronavirus through this CDC link https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html, use best #coronavirus #preventionpractices, and use Eureka's New #directcontactless Greeting - 🖖
 
Show us photos and videos of how you're supporting local, while staying safe and using the Live Long and Prosper Eureka hand sign.
NORCAL PTAC & HUMBOLDT BAY AQUATIC CENTER HOST FEBRUARY
"FEEL THE LOVE" MIXER

Submitted by: Teresa Conley, CFP®, Eureka Chamber Ambassador Chair, Principal and Vice President of Premier Financial Group, Inc.

The February Eureka City Chamber Mixer was a well-attended and delightful evening at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center. The hosts Northern California Procurement Technical Assistance Center (Norcal PTAC) and Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center did a wonderful job showcasing the space with such a beautiful view. Located on the beautiful Eureka waterfront across from Woodley Island Marina, the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center (HBAC) is a multipurpose facility dedicated to providing boating safety, outdoor recreation and educational opportunities for the local community, and HSU students and staff. Go paddling on Humboldt Bay, try a canoe at the Mad River Slough, go sailing out in Big Lagoon, or discover the rivers of the North Coast by raft; no matter how you choose to experience Humboldt, an adventure with Center Activities and the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, will provide a safe and enjoyable experience lead by their skilled and knowledgeable instructors.

Norcal PTAC has a mission is to help small businesses build their government contracting capacity. A Procurement Specialist can help you simplify the process of selling to the government at no cost. The administrative office is located on the campus of Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. Their Procurement Specialists provide services remotely via teleconferencing, phone and emails.

There were some key community members who attended the mixer and it was a great way to kick off an exciting schedule of 2020 Chamber mixers. We want to give a special shout out to the HSU Dining team who catered the goodies for the evening. They did a fantastic job.

Mixers are a great way to get to know people and other business members within our community. We strongly encourage you to attend and get involved in the Chamber. Please come join us at our next mixer at Eureka Woman’s Club, March 19, 2020. More information is available at the Eureka Chamber Website or the Eureka Chamber Facebook Page .  

The only cost of admission to a mixer is your business card. We hope to see you at our next event!
Raising Awareness - These Men Walk in Women's Shoes

Based on the old saying "You can't really understand another person's experience until you have walked in their shoes," this lighthearted event increases awareness of women's issues by featuring prominent local men strolling in women's shoes. The funds raised from this event help to support our club's donations into our local and global community.

Tickets are available for purchase:

At the Eureka Chamber Business HQ and online:
Whitchurch Engineering Grows by 2 Licensed Professional Engineers
Whitchurch Engineering announced that Brett Whitchurch, M.S., P.E. and Ryan Cameron, M.S., P.E. have earned their professional engineers license. Both men started with Whitchurch as engineers in training (EIT) and have completed the rigorous requirements to be licensed as professional engineers in California.
COVID-19: Top Resources for Employers
As the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to spread throughout communities, state and local governments are providing wage replacement options to affected workers.
The Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamber
The Workplace is a podcast by CalChamber that provides expert and entertaining commentary on issues critical to California employers and employees. Episodes include discussions about California employment laws, legislative proposals, and national and state politics.

2020 Business Issues and Legislative Guide
The CalChamber prepares this guide annually to provide comprehensive overviews of our priorities and the data to support our positions. Text Link
VALLEY PACIFIC RIBBON CUTTING

What a great turnout and good time at the recent ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand re-opening of Valley Pacific's Eureka-South Commercial Fueling Network location on West Del Norte Street. Since 1947 Valley Pacific has supplied high-quality, competitively-priced fuels and lubricants throughout California, and are now one of the state’s largest petroleum marketers. In 2016, the company significantly expanded with the acquisition of Renner Petroleum of Eureka, and the opening of a site in Redding. Renner Petroleum had a long history of serving the North Coast and anticipating the needs of its customers, and Valley Pacific aims to keep the Renner legacy alive through its commitment to the community.

Valley Pacific is a Premier Silver Member and a great supporter of the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce. Thank you Valley Pacific! Plus, the Northern California Community blood bank's bloodmobile was there for anyone feeling generous enough to give much needed blood!

Supervisor Rex Bohn manned the giant scissors for the grand re-opening event.
CHAMBER LAUNCHES BUSINESS OF THE DAY PROMOTION

The Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce kicked off its social media Business of the Day series this month as a way to honor, acknowledge, highlight, and promote a member business every day of the work week. We started with our Premier Diamond Members and will continue this effort until every member has had a day all their own. 

On Monday March 3, the business of the day went to Chevron. They’re one of the founding investors for the Business HQ and a Diamond Premier Member. Chevron uses breakthrough technology and innovation to advance emerging energy - with the goal of developing scalable and economical new resources - while aiming to reduce its environmental footprint. You can find out more on their website Chevron.com, where you’ll find a plethora of articles and information on how they operate, their mission, their sustainability goals, environmental stewardship, public outreach, new projects, and beyond. Thank you Chevron! Visi t Chevron.com.

The next business of the day was Premier Diamond Member Advanced Security Systems. Nothing is more important than the security of a person’s family, home, business, and property; and that philosophy is at the heart of operations for Advanced Security Systems. With more than 45 years of experience - and offices in Santa Rosa, Eureka, and Crescent City - this family owned and operated security and alarm monitoring company is committed to professional alarm response and system design, installation, and service.For more information, call 707.443.6333 or visit www.advancedsecurity.us.

Our third business of the day was Premier Diamond Member Bear River Casino Resort. Managed by the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria, and located in Loleta, the Bear River Casino Resort is a premier entertainment destination on the North Coast. The resort has 104 spacious rooms, many with views of the Pacific and Eel River Valley, and the casino includes 14 tables and 368 slot machines for lucky and exciting play. Plus guests can earn extra rewards through the Bear River Players Club; wine and dine at the Rivers Edge Restaurant, Express Cafe, and Thirsty Bear Lounge; attend concerts and Bear River Fighting Championships at the Bear River Recreation Center; and even book the Tish-Non Ballroom for special events!

Bear River also has its annual charity golf tournament coming up on July 31, 2020 which will benefit the Eureka Chamber! Thank you Bear River!! Find out more here: www.bearrivercasino.com
EUREKA WOMAN'S CLUB RIBBON CUTTING

On February 28th, the Eureka Woman’s Club held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the new restroom facilities on the first floor. Over the past five years, the club members have raised funds and made contributions for new ADA restrooms for the historic 103-year club building.

In addition to members' contributions, generous grants were given by Tri Counties Bank, Redwood Capital Bank and others.

Local architect Martha Jain designed the new bathrooms and Shawn Herlihy of Compass Carpentry constructed the project.

The building is used for club activities as well as many community activities, with over 12,000 people using the facilities each year. This addition will make a tremendous difference in accessibility for our community.

Eureka Mayor, Susan Seaman was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially launch the new ADA facilities.

Learn more about the Eureka Woman's Club on their website: EurekaWoman'sClub.org
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
COME VISIT BUSINESS HQ
Have you considered hosting a workshop or renting one of our spaces for a meeting?Here are some upcoming events in our beautiful HQ - Hope to see you there and we look forward to your next event!

UPCOMING EVENTS
BRACE YOURSELF FOR NETWORKING - 2020 MIXERS
The year will once again be lively for Chamber members who enjoy the social and networking opportunities at the monthly business mixers. The mixers remain a popular event with hundreds of participants engaging in the occasion to not only to enjoy the delicious food, fun and chance to win exciting door prizes; but to also develop new and renewed relationships and business contacts.