News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber | |
|
Lafayette Business Women at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center
Wednesday, January 8, 5:15pm-6:30pm
NEW! Lafayette Chamber Connectors
Wednesday, January 15, 8:30am-9:30am
Ribbon Cutting at Little Cloud Pediatric Dentistry
Friday, January 17, 3:30pm
Ribbon Cutting at Mathnasium of Lafayette
Thursday, January 23, 5:15pm
New Member Orientation
Wednesday, January 29, 4pm-5pm
Business Person of the Year Dinner honoring Nick Bozych, Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa
Thursday, January 30, 6pm-9pm
➡ Lafayette Chamber Events Calendar ⬅
More events from our members!
Lafayette Community Events Calendar
Arts Community Email Blast (Nov/Dec)
Nonprofit Email Blast (Nov/Dec)
|
|
|
Lafayette Business Women - Business Vision & Mindset Workshop January 8
Lafayette Business Women is a women-led business group. Shared experiences, contributed knowledge and skills, networking and collaboration opportunities. Empowering female entrepreneurs to build successful businesses. This group is a subcommittee of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
Lafayette Business Women will be meet at the Lafayette Library & Learning Center, in the Don Tatzin Community Hall, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 5:15pm-6:30pm for a Business Vision & Mindset Workshop!
Registration required. This is a LAFAYETTE CHAMBER MEMBER'S ONLY EVENT. No cost for Lafayette Chamber members.
The Lafayette Business Women are kicking off 2025 with an exclusive members-only Business Vision & Mindset Workshop on January 8th. This transformative session will be led by three distinguished members: Leah Barnum, State of Design Coaching, a Business & Life Coach; Teri Day, Lovely Days Collective, entrepreneur and women in business accountability leader; and Carine Camara, CARRINNA, a Healer and Acupuncturist. Participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and professional growth through guided meditation, visualization exercises, and intentional journaling. This workshop is designed to help members workshop their dreams and build strong intentions for their business future. Members will have the opportunity to develop clear goals and create a powerful mindset for success in the coming year.
Vision packets generously printed by Katie Santos Consulting-Fitness HR. Please email Carine at hello@carrinna.com if you are interested in sponsoring a future event.
REGISTER HERE!
Sign up for email notifications at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/yozHC2T/women. Join our groups: LinkedIn and Facebook.
| |
|
Welcome our NEW Lafayette Chamber Members
The following recently joined the Lafayette Chamber! We encourage you to visit their website to learn more.
Horn Barbecue
3422 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Nina Horn, 925-385-0111
Meat market style, craft Barbecue joint focused on wood smoked meats, house made sides and family vibes.
Categories: Restaurants, Food & Beverage, Events & Hospitality
Camden Five Creatives
10 Berkshire Street, Moraga
Jacqueline Cook, 510-861-3395
Marketing, graphic design, social media, professional virtual assistants
Category: Advertising & Marketing
Home Instead
6101 Bollingeer Canyon Rd., Suite 315, San Ramon
Sudheer Sree, 510-686-9940
Our commitment to quality homecare begins with the unique Care Pro experience. Our Care Pros provide individual care to every person they serve. Campanionship, meal prep, personal hygiene & more!
Category: Aging & Senior Services
CocoKids
1035 Detroit Avenue, Concord, CA 94518
Faith Donithan and Letty Quizon, 925-676-5437
Our mission is to champion and advance quality child care and early education.
Category: Non-Profit Organizations
Opal & Papyrus
Rodeo, CA 94572
Suzanne Smith, 510-228-5416
We craft handmade stone and sterling silver jewelry. From rough rocks we cut, shape, polish and set each stone in its own custom setting. Each piece is lovingly made and one-of-a-kind, designed and made by our own hands.
Category: Local Artist
| |
|
Thank you Renewing Chamber Members
The following members renewed their Lafayette Chamber membership between December 9, 2024 and January 5, 2025!
Diablo Foods, Inc., member since 1968 **PREMIER MEMBER**
511 Contra Costa c/o City of San Ramon, member since 2017
Anthology Real Estate, member since 2021
Big O Tires, member since 1957
BMO, member since 1973
CCCTA:County Connection, member since 2004
Concentric Wealth Management, member since 2017
Darlene Lizotte Real Estate, member since 2023
Eckerstrom Productions, member since 2002
Efficiency Matters, LLC, member since 2017
El Jarro Mexican Cafe, member since 2004
European Tile & Marble Co., member since 2011
Friends Corner Book Shop, member since 2010
Hank & Frank Bicycles, member since 2024
Kaiser Permanente, member since 2021
Lafayette Nursery School, member since 2019
Lafayette Senior Services, member since 2012
Lamorinda CERT, member since 2015
LPL Financial, member since 2007
Mighty Market, member since 2023
Mo Levich, member since 2020
Parker Harrison Real Estate, member since 1996
Secret Garden Landscapes, member since 2024
SHELTER, Inc., member since 2017
Soccer Post, member since 2006
Sparq Marketing, member since 2015
Steve Hall Tech, member since 2023
Thal Vineyards, member since 2022
The Angell Law Firm, P.C., member since 2018
Thyme Integrative Health, member since 2024
Wallace Advisory Group, member since 2015
| |
Now Open! 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.
| |
|
We are excited to announce the relaunch of Chambers Connectors!
Are you looking for another networking opportunity? Do you want to meet people who might be able to help you grow your business through referrals? Chamber Connectors is relaunching in January. Connectors will meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 8:30am. For January, February and March we will meet at Creekside Commons.
Register HERE for the January 15, 8:30am event at Creekside Commons.
Chamber Connectors will provide Lafayette Chamber members an opportunity to showcase their business and meet other professionals that may be able to refer you to new customers. Each meeting will last about an hour and will consist of an opportunity to introduce yourself and your business and then have an open networking session with all attendees. This group is a subcommittee of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
No cost for Lafayette Chamber members. Guests welcome to attend their first Lafayette Chamber event/meeting for free, then we encourage guests to join the Lafayette Chamber or pay the $20 guest fee during registration.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for drinks and snacks! Please contact Fred Steingraf at fred.steingraf@edwardjones.com for more sponsorship information.
| |
|
Update on Mandatory Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program
Did you know it is mandatory for employers with 50 or more full-time employees in the Bay Area to register with the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program? Even if your employer offers commuter benefits, to be in compliance with the Bay Area Air District’s Regulation 14, Rule 1, they are required to enroll in the program and update their registration annually. Employers can choose from five commuter benefit options:
1. Pre-tax transit benefits
2. Employer-provided subsidy for transit or vanpooling
3. Employer-provided transit (such as shuttles)
4. Telework one or more days a week
5. A custom plan that includes other modes like bicycling or walking, possibly combined with promotions that encourage alternates to driving alone and more
Employers can play a key role in affecting air quality and traffic congestion, both of which have a strong impact on our quality of life and future sustainability. We strongly encourage employers to comply.
Enrollment in the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program is easy and free by visiting 511.org. Take advantage of the many resources to help you comply. The helpful handbook for employers walks you through all the options, and frequently asked questions answer your most important questions. We will provide resources to guide you through this quick process or speak to one of our team members for hands on support. For more information, visit 511.org, call us at 510-285-3182 or email the team at commuterbenefits@511.org to confirm if your organization is registered.
| |
|
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 | |
|
Front Porch Presents
Front Porch Music, in partnership with the historic Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette, proudly presents Front Porch Music Presents—a quarterly music series now entering its third year! This series offers a powerful and entertaining showcase of local musical talent in the acoustic and folk genres. Each event kicks off with lobby entertainment, creating a vibrant atmosphere and opportunities for musicians and attendees to connect. Don’t miss this unique musical experience!
Front Porch Music Presents
Friday, January 10, 2025, 7–9 PM (Doors open at 6 PM with lobby entertainment and bar), Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette.
Featured Acts:
• The Sweet Sally Band (bluegrass)
• Mark and Cindy Lemaire (sweet guitar & harmonies
• Brian Skinner and Friends (acoustic funk)
• Jen Courter & Ron Geren (uke magic)
• Michael Ching (one cool cat) in lobby before show!
Learn more here: https://frontporchmusic.org/presents.
| |
|
AI in Action Workshop
Friday, January 24, 2025 9:00 AM thru 12:00 PM
Sonesta Select Pleasant Hill, 2250 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
WSI is hosting a 3 hour hands-on "AI in Action: From Fundamentals to Business Applications" workshop aimed at helping small to medium sized businesses reduce costs, incrase efficiency and stay ahead of the competition. In this workshop, you can expect to:
- Learn about the fundamental concepts including prompt frameworks of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI.
- Explore real-world use cases tailored for businesses like yours.
- Walk away with practical tools you can start using immediately.
Limited to 25 attendees. Introductory price of $299. Register by Jan 10 to receive the introductory rate. Learn more and register here:
https://nomanbhaigroup.wsiworld.com/ai-workshop-registration
| |
|
LOCAL NEWS
Roadwork Notification:
TUESDAY, JAN 7 - DEWING AVENUE NEAR MT DIABLO BLVD
On Tuesday, January 7 at 9 a.m., City of Lafayette Public Works will close the center of Dewing Avenue near Mt Diablo Blvd to work on the center striping. Although the work will be quick, the cones will be left in place until about 3 p.m. No street parking will be allowed from MDB to about half way to Bickerstaff until 3 p.m. Vehicle traffic will still be able to travel in both directions; however, they will not be able to cross over the middle lines of 3 parking lots. Drivers will not be able to make left turns into/out of the parking lot.
NO PARKING signs have been put up for approximately 10 spaces from Mt Diablo Blvd towards Bickerstaff. Cars WILL BE TOWED if they are parked in those spaces.
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
