News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber | |
|
Business Person of the Year Dinner honoring Nick Bozych, Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa
Dinner: Thursday, January 30, 6pm-9pm
Call for waitlist.
Citizen of the Year Nominations Due
Friday, January 31, 12pm
Lafayette Chamber Nonprofit Network
Thursday, February 6, 8:30am
Lafayette Business Women at East Bay Health
Wednesday, February 12, 8:45am
Sweet Saturday - Shop Local
Saturday, February 15, 11am-3pm
Lafayette Chamber Connectors
Wednesday, February 19, 8:15am
Ribbon Cutting for Dajenel Medical Aesthetics & Wellness
Wednesday, February 19, 12pm
Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals - Volunteer Event
Thursday, February 20, 3:15pm
"Coffee" with City of Lafayette Mayor Susan Candell
Friday, February 21, 8am
Lafayette Chamber Member Orientation
Wednesday, February 26, 4pm
➡ Lafayette Chamber Events Calendar ⬅
More events from our members!
Lafayette Community Events Calendar
Nonprofit Email Blast (Next issue Jan 31st)
Arts Community Blast (Current issue Jan-Feb 2025)
|
|
2025 Lafayette Citizen of the Year Nominations
Deadline to submit nominations is Friday, January 31, 2025 at noon. Dinner tentatively scheduled for the evening of Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa.
To be considered for Lafayette’s Citizen of the Year, the nominee must meet the following criteria:
- Non-affiliation with Elected Positions: The nominee must not be a current elected official whether paid or volunteer. This includes being a member of the City Council or school board.
- Lafayette Residency: The nominee must be a current Lafayette resident at the time of nomination, remain a resident through the award presentation date, and ideally throughout the year they are awarded.
- Community Contribution: The nominee should have demonstrated exceptional dedication through their time, financial contributions, or energy towards making Lafayette a vibrant and thriving community—one that encourages residents to live, work, and shop locally.
- Exemplary Character: The nominee must consistently model excellence in all aspects of their involvement and behavior within the community.
- Community Leadership & Pride: The nominee should be someone who fosters unity, brings the community together, and embodies the spirit of Lafayette, making residents proud to be part of this community.
Additional Criteria:
- Longevity of Service: Preference may be given to individuals who have shown long-term commitment and dedication to serving Lafayette over many years.
- Impact on Various Groups: Consideration for nominees who have positively impacted multiple community groups, such as youth, seniors, businesses, or non-profits.
- Unrecognized Contributions: Acknowledging those who work behind the scenes without seeking recognition, but whose efforts have greatly benefited the community.
- Volunteer Leadership: Emphasizing individuals who have taken leadership roles in volunteer capacities, such as organizing events or serving on local boards and committees.
- Mentorship and Youth Engagement: Recognizing contributions to mentoring and engaging the next generation of leaders within the community.
- Collaboration and Partnership: Highlighting those who have demonstrated exceptional collaboration with city organizations, schools, businesses, and non-profits to address community challenges.
- Sustainability or Innovation: Recognizing efforts that contribute to long-term sustainability in the community or introduce innovative solutions to local issues.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Acknowledging individuals who have worked to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members.
Previous recipients: W.B. Ellis, Ralfe Miller, Margaret Bainbridge, Mel Nielsen, John R. Jacques, M.H. Stanley, C.R. Turner, Theron Nelson, William Zion, Stanford White, Jack Hageman, Lou Repetto, Jop Van Overveen, Vern Odegard, Jack Marchant, Donn Black, Charles Franklin, Chris Adams, John Kennedy, Clifford Feiler, James Lloyd, Boardman Moore, Robert Augenthaler, Percy Whitten, Barbara Bupp, Irene Graff, Ed Stokes, Robert Fisher, Ernie Marriner, Ken Clifford, Don Young, Irene Thomas, Ned Robinson, Alice Johnson, Hirsh Morton, Sue Cross, Tom Cleveland, Herb Joyce, Skid Thomas, Su Stauffer, Tom Courtright, Lynn Hiden, Avon Wilson, Bill Wakeman, Richard Holmes, Guy Atwood, Connie & Mike Collier, Judy Garvens, Anne Grodin, Ellen Peterson, Norma Evans, Robert Wood, Mary McCosker, Budd MacKenzie, Kathy Bowles, Ivor Samson, Gwen Watson, Judy Carney, Jeanne Ateljevich, Team Library, Karen Mulvaney, Gayle Uilkema, Greg Moeller, Toni McShane, Marechal Duncan, Tom Steuber, Dick & Robin Holt, Donovan Jenkins, Don Tatzin, Rick and Janet Cronk, William Fraser and Janet Thomas, Mike Anderson, and John A. Coleman.
COY Committee is an Independent Selection Committee made up of current Board President, current recipient, and a former City Council member plus our staff liaison who serves to gather notes and moderate. Neither the Chamber Board nor staff in their positions have any influence in the decision process outside this committee. All nominations and comments are directed to this committee.
📷 Photo from the Citizen of the Year Dinner 2024.
Questions? Reach out to the Lafayette Chamber at (925) 284-7404.
To submit a nomination, complete the form here.
| |
|
2025 Lafayette Business Person of the Year is Nick Bozych!
The 2025 Lafayette Business Person of the Year is Nick Bozych, Managing Director of the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. A dinner will be held in his honor on Thursday, January 30, 6pm-9pm at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. The evening will also include the installation of the 2025 Lafayette Chamber Board of Directors.
Please call the Chamber office at (925) 284-7404 if you would like to be placed on the waitlist for this event.
| |
|
Thank you, Renewing Chamber Members
The following members renewed their Lafayette Chamber membership January 21-26.
Barranco, member since 2020
Bayview Painting Co., Inc., member since 2023
Bentley School - Upper Division, member since1998
Bowles and Verna, member since 2002
City of Lafayette, member since 1994
Classic Home Loans, member since 2023
Brydon & Ives Real Estate Team, Compass, member since 2014
The Cotton Patch, member since1989
Diablo Valley Carpet Care, member since 2000
Edward Jones - Fred Steingraf, member since 2018
Holistika, member since 2023
JERKY HUT, member since 2023
Kosich Family Insurance Services, member since1987
Lafayette Partners in Education, member since 1984
Lamorinda Pediatrics, member since 2021
Lamorinda Tooth Buds Pediatric Dentistry, member since 2015
Law Offices of Magany Abbass, Inc., member since 2004
Lemos Center, member since 1998
Locanda Positano, member since 2018
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region, member since 2024
Mobility Matters, member since 1987
Norseman Electric Inc., member since 2010
Outcasts Revisited Media LLC, member since 2023
The Giving Exchange, member since 2023
| |
|
Horn Barbecue
Congratulations Horn Barbecue!
The Lafayette Chamber welcomed Horn Barbecue to Lafayette on Wednesday, January 22 with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony.
3422 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, CA 94549
www.hornbarbecue.com
They offer meat market style, craft Barbecue focused on wood smoked meats, house made sides and family vibes. Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction and a James Beard Award semifinalist.
Fun fact: the smoker is named Lucille!
View photos here! https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBYXMd
| |
Mathnasium
Congratulations Mathnasium of Lafayette of Lafayette on your new ownership and new location! The Lafayette Chamber held a ribbon cutting to celebrate on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Stop by or checkout their website to learn more!
960 Moraga Rd , Suite B
Lafayette, CA 94549
www.mathnasium.com/lafayetteca
925-283-4200.
View photos here! https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBZ9T7
|
|
Lafayette Chamber Nonprofit Network
Sharing Knowledge & Building Community Together
At the Lafayette Chamber Nonprofit Network, we believe that non-profit organizations play an essential role in building and sustaining thriving communities. Our mission is to foster collaboration, share expertise, and promote best practices among non-profit professionals and volunteers in the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a newcomer to the non-profit sector, we’re here to provide you with the resources, connections, and support you need to make a positive impact in the world.
Our first meeting of 2025 will be Thursday, February 6, 2025 8:30am-10am at Creekside Commons, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette, CA.
FREE and open to Lafayette Chamber member non-profit executives, staff, board, volunteers. Not a Lafayette Chamber member? Register as a first-time guest.
REGISTER for February as well as future events here.
| |
|
Lafayette Business Women at East Bay Health
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 8:45am-10:00am
East Bay Health
911 Moraga Rd Suite 101
Lafayette, CA 94549
Registration required! REGISTER HERE
No cost for Lafayette Chamber members. Guests welcome to attend the first meeting for free, then we encourage guests to join the Lafayette Chamber or pay the $20 guest fee during registration.
Chamber members should sign in with their representative account to confirm membership.
📷 Photo above is from the Lafayette Business Women meeting at the Lafayette Library. See more from the event here.
| |
|
Saturday, February 15, 2025, Downtown Lafayette
Enjoy a sample of sweet treats at our downtown retail shops.
If you are a local business interested in participating, please reach out to the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce: (925) 284-7404 or info@lafayettechamber.org.
| |
|
Join Us for Another Fun Chamber Connectors Event!
We’re thrilled to announce the relaunch of Chamber Connectors—a monthly networking event designed to help you grow your business through meaningful connections and referrals!
Next meeting is Wednesday, February 19th,8:15am - 9:30am at Creekside Commons, 1035 Carol Lane (use Parking Lot A), Lafayette, CA 94549
REGISTER HERE
Whether you're a Lafayette Chamber member or new to our community, Chamber Connectors is your opportunity to showcase your business, meet local professionals, and build valuable relationships.
📷 See pictures from the January event here.
| |
|
Sincere thanks to Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa for hosting last month!
📷 Photo from January 16th at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. See pictures from our January 16th event here!
| |
Sign up for Text Notifications from the Lafayette Chamber! | |
|
Choose one or more lists to receive information via text from the Lafayette Chamber. Typically, texts are sent within 24 hours of the event.
Community Events
"Coffee" with our Community Partners
Non-Profit Network
Young Professionals
Lafayette Business Women
Chamber Connectors
Membership Events (includes mixers and ribbon cuttings)
Sign up here!
Email notifications are also an option. To receive an email announcement for upcoming events, subscribe on this page: https://lafayettechamber.org/e-blast/.
| |
|
Networking Lunch
They say it’s not just what you know—it’s who you know!
So why not expand both at the January Greet Lafayette Networking Lunch? Meet new faces, reconnect with old pals, swap ideas, and build those valuable business connections. Bring a friend along and dive into the conversation!
Wednesday, January 29, 11:30 AM at El Talpense Mexican Restaurant in Lafayette.
Space is limited, RSVP at greetlafayette.com/events.
Everyone’s responsible for their own lunch and drinks, but the laughs, high-fives, and "Ah-ha!" moments? Totally on the house. We look forward to seeing you there!
Check out other events online at greetlafayette.com/events!
|
|
Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition 2025
The 2025 Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition is now live! The competition aims to encourage youth entrepreneurship in the county, allowing students K-12 to submit applications with existing business or business ideas. No idea is too small or too big!
-
Applications are open until March 15, 2025.
-
Finalists will be announced in early April.
-
Finalists will pitch to a panel of judges on May 1, 2025 at the Lafayette Library for a chance to win up to $1,000!
Visit their website Contra Costa Shark Tank (or click the photo above) to apply and learn more about the competition. They look forward to reading all of your applications!
*Sponsored and coordinated by the Lafayette Chamber.
|
|
Join Us for 2025 Lafayette Community Day: Share Your Impact!
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Downtown Lafayette Plaza (Mt Diablo Blvd & Moraga Rd)
Nonprofit leaders: Help us make our 4th Annual Community Day unforgettable! We're seeking 10-12 impactful volunteer projects that will engage over 200 Lafayette residents. Each project should:
● Run 1.5-2 hours (9:30-11:30 AM)
● Accommodate 10-20 volunteers
● Be accessible to diverse ages and abilities
To Participate:
- Submit a brief project proposal
- List any special requirements (tools, utilities, etc.)
- Let us know if you'd like to join our Volunteer Fair
- Designate a project lead to coordinate with our team
Key Dates:
● Feb 28: Project proposals due (to info@lafayettecommunityday.org)
● Mar 14: Selected projects/organizations notified
● Apr 7-25: Volunteer registration open
● May 3: 2025 Lafayette Community Day
Don't have a project location? We'll help find one! Questions? Contact Suzy Pak at suzypak@gmail.com.
Presented by the Community Foundation of Lafayette, City of Lafayette, and Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
| |
|
New Simplified Chamber Login for Administrators!
As the primary contact for your organization, you now have access to new online member benefits through the Lafayette Chamber website. With your representative login, you can manage your organization’s member account including your profile, update your representative information, register for events, and post your job openings, news, or promotions.
To begin using these benefits, please login with the password you created during the application process or create a new password here by following these steps:
1. Enter the email address associated with your representative account.
2. Request a new password by checking your email for a verification code.
3. Use the verification code to set your new password.
If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out by replying to this email!
| |
|
New Member Orientation at the Lafayette Chamber!
If you are a new Lafayette Chamber member, new owner or employee in an already existing member business join us for a New Member Orientation.
We offer these once a month at our Chamber offices, the last Wednesday at 4pm. We are located at 251 Lafayette Circle Ste 150, Lafayette CA 94549.
Each event is limited to 10 attendees and will last no longer than one hour. Please register with your Member account using the link below. If you are having trouble logging in please contact us. We will not take walk-ins. If the registration button is no longer shown below, registration is full for this meeting. Please email Rebekah at Rebekah@LafayetteChamber.org to be added to the waitlist.
Don’t forget to bring your business cards and/or promotional materials to share with others and to leave on our membership wall. And come prepared to have your photo taken! Learn how to maximize your membership and how to get involved! Not a member? Click here to join: lafayettechamber.org/join.
View upcoming dates and REGISTER HERE!
Photo of a recent Meet & Greet with Product Deploy, Saint Anthony's Thrift, and Entrepreneurs' Organization - Mt. Diablo Chapter!
| |
|
Small Business Help Office Hours - Hosted by SCORE
SCORE has the largest network of free volunteer small business mentors in the nation. No matter what stage your business is at SCORE can be a valuable resource. The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce has been partnering with SCORE for over 15 years.
We welcome our chamber members and community members to schedule a complimentary meeting with a SCORE representative most Tuesdays between the hours of 1:30pm-4:00pm in our Chamber office at 251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150. View the calendar for upcoming dates.
Mike Harris is our in-house SCORE counselor. Mike earned a BS with an emphasis on electronics from Stevens Institute of Technology and an MBA from Santa Clara University. After a few years in engineering, Mike spent most of his career in high tech marketing and operations management. While continuing to work in electronics he helped manage his family retail business. After retiring from his career in electronics, Mike began working with small businesses helping them obtain working capital loans. Besides mentoring, Mike helps present SCORE business plans and financial planning workshops.
To schedule your appointment, please call the Lafayette Chamber at (925) 284-7404 or book your appointment online here by 10am the Friday before. Enter your desired time frame. In person meetings at the Lafayette Chamber office are by appointment only and are scheduled every 30 minutes.
SCORE also offers free and low-cost workshops. VIEW WORKSHOP SCHEDULE HERE.
| |
Upcoming Chamber Member Events | |
Camps, Schools & Kids’ Activities!
Check out opportunities from these fellow Lafayette Chamber members. Have a program to add? Email us at info@lafayettechamber.org.
| |
|
Shape the Future of Transportation in Contra Costa County!
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is updating the Countywide Transportation Plan (The Plan), and we need your input! Share your thoughts on improving roads, public transit, biking, walking, and all the other ways we travel in Contra Costa County. The Plan is a unique opportunity to help create a safer, more sustainable, and connected transportation system for everyone.
Take the survey to be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift card.
📋 Take the Survey Today: Countywide Transportation Plan - Survey
Your voice matters—join us in building a better future of transportation in our community!
| |
Crosswalk Daylighting Law Will Result in Removal of Some Parking Spaces to Improve Pedestrian Safety
Did you know that you can no longer park within 20 feet of an intersection or crosswalk? California's citation enforcement started on January 1, 2025, however, a grace period in Lafayette means that fines are not currently being issued while we educate the community about this change in State law and make physical modifications to some parking spaces and remove meters where necessary. Note that regardless of whether the curb is painted red or not, parking is still prohibited within the 20-foot range. Read more at www.lovelafayette.org/CrosswalkDaylighting
| |
City of Lafayette The Weekly Roundup
The Weekly Roundup, January 24, 2025 | Latest News | City of Lafayette, CA
News From the City Manager’s Corner
➡ Lafayette Emergency Radio Station Temporarily Offline
AM 1670 is temporarily offline while some of the broadcasting hardware is being fixed. We currently do not have an estimated time it will be restored. We will keep you informed when the station is back online.
➡ City Council Meeting on Monday Night
The meeting starts at 6:15pm with a closed session. The open session starts at 7pm with:
- Update from Congressman Mark DeSaulnier
- Presentation on Commodity Points of Distribution Logistics Plan (developed by the Lafayette Emergency Preparedness Commission)
- Presentation of Fiscal Year 2023/24 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
- Consider whether to market for sale the Campana property (990 Moraga Rd)
- Request from Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and Sustainable Lafayette for upcoming events in 2025
➡ Other Top Meetings:
➡ Are you listed on the Experience Lafayette website? If not, reach out to Suzanne Iarla at the City of Lafayette
➡ Sign up to receive City notifications: Sign up for meeting agendas and Lafayette’s publications at bit.ly/LafayetteNotifications. Also, find out how to follow the City of Lafayette on social media at https://www.lovelafayette.org/connect
| |
Supervisor Candace Andersen Weekly Update
January 24, 2025 Weekly Update
➡ Supervisor Andersen Hosting Town Hall for African American Holistic Resource and Wellness Hub on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
➡ Board of Supervisors Hosts Contra Costa County's 47th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration and Humanitarian of the Year Awards Ceremony
➡ Board of Supervisors Proclaims January 2025 as Eligibility Worker Month
➡ White Pony Express Launches Gift Card Campaign to Support Those Impacted by the Los Angeles Fires
➡ Contra Costa County Fire’s 3 Steps to a Safer Fire Season
➡ Contra Costa Expands Notification System for Hazardous Materials Alerts
➡ Seeking Nominations for the Cesar E. Chavez Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame
➡ PG&E Offers Customers Ways to Manage their Energy Use
➡ The Cleaner Contra Costa January 2025 Reduce, Reuse, Repair Challenge
➡ 511 Contra Costa: Big Win on Transit and Winter Walk Challenge
➡Planning Department Seeks Qualified Companies to provide Independent Registered Municipal Financial Services (IRMA)
➡ Caldecott Tunnel Proposed Project Public Comment Period Open
➡ County Board and Commission Volunteer Opportunities
| |
|
Contra Costa County Cesar E. Chavez Youth Hall of Fame
Contra Costa County is raising some amazing kids who deserve to be recognized!
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are presented annually to outstanding young Contra Costa residents between the ages of 12 and 18. Nominees should demonstrate exemplary behavior in one of six categories.
We invite you to submit your nominations by completing the nomination form and submitting it with your letter of recommendation in one of the following ways
| |
|
Show Your Membership!
Would you like to include a Lafayette Chamber membership emblem on your website or other marketing materials?
The Lafayette Chamber would be happy to provide you with the appropriate logos. Simply email your request to holly@lafayettechamber.org.
| | | | |
