December 2024

Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

‘Tis the Season to… Shop (and Eat) Local

Happy Holidays from Greater Eureka Chamber CEO Nancy Olson and Board Chair Ross Creech!

______________________________________


In the spirit of the holiday season, we would be remiss if we did not remind all of you of the benefits of shopping local. And to be sure I’m walking the talk: I’ve purchased holiday goods and gifts from at least a dozen locally-owned businesses and artisans so far this season! (Those artisan fairs get me every time!)


Here’s what happens when we all shop local:


Keep Money Local - For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $73 remains in the local economy. Only $43 does when purchasing from a larger chain store. (And online shopping? Even less money stays local.)


Eat Local - Local eateries return nearly 79 percent of revenues to the community, compared to just over 30 percent for chain restaurants.


Locally-Made, One-of-a-Kind Products - Preserve the community’s distinction and create more jobs locally.


Support for Nonprofits - Studies show that nonprofits receive 250 percent more support from small businesses than large ones.


Personal Connection and Community Building - Getting to know local store owners and makers means enhanced customer service, access to expert advice, and a more enjoyable retail experience.


Support Future Growth - Shopping locally is the best way to show pride in your city and help protect the businesses that make our towns unique.


Of course EVERY season is the season to shop and eat local – and we hope you’ll support our local businesses all year round!


Warmly,


Nancy

Chamber News

Tickets on Sale Now for the 'Boldt Gala!


Get ready for the 2025 Greater Eureka Chamber Business Awards Gala where we will celebrate some of our region’s most inspiring business and community leaders. The ‘Boldt Gala will be a haute couture-inspired evening, modeled after the renowned NYC fashion and fundraising gala held annually on Fifth Avenue.


The evening will begin with an inspirational awards ceremony and exciting live auction, followed by a fabulous cocktail party and generous silent auction. Prepare for exciting entertainment, high fashion, art installations, custom cocktails and mocktails, and tapas-style nosh from a variety of Chamber Members. 


For details on sponsorship, contact nancy@eurekachamber.com.


January 31

5:30 p.m.

The Acres

Learn More
Get Tickets

Calling All Wine Lovers!


Put this intro to wine tasting class on your holiday wish list! 


This beginner’s guide to the language of wine is the perfect gift for foodies looking to up their wine knowledge and vocabulary.

Erin Young, a WSET Level 3 Sommelier with 10+ years of industry experience, will teach you to use the right lingo to describe the wine you love.


We have just a few spots left so register soon!



December 18

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce

612 G Street Suite 101, Eureka

Register

Network at our Festive December Mixer


Our December Business After Hours mixer is right around the corner and will be teeming with holiday cheer! This month’s hosts Canopy | RWE and Vineyard Offshore have a classy and cozy networking event planned at The Pearl Lounge, featuring signature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and gifts for attendees.


December 19

5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

507 2nd Street, Eureka

Learn More


Prioritize Your Financial Wellness


Does your New Year's resolution involve getting your finances more organized? Join Coast Central Credit Union representatives Kay Serotta and Jera Newland for this Next Level class that will help you plan clear financial goals for 2025.


As a bonus, everyone who registers will be offered FREE financial coaching appointments with certified financial coach, Jim Ritter. Don't wait to sign up!



January 14

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce

612 G Street Suite 101, Eureka

Register

Ready to Enhance Your Impact as a Leader?


Are you interested in growing your leadership skills to make a greater impact in the community?


Consider applying for the Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation's Leadership Redwood Coast fellowship. This five-month regional leadership program for both emerging and established leaders is centered on empowering diverse individuals throughout Del Norte, Humboldt, and Tribal Lands.


To learn more, sign up for one of our virtual info sessions on December 12 or January 9. Applications for the 2025 cohort are due Friday, January 17.

Learn More
Apply

New Class: How to Use AI Tools to Your Advantage


In an era where artificial intelligence is transforming industries, prompt writing has emerged as the key to unlocking AI's true capabilities. The Art of Prompt Writing: Unlocking AI's Full Potential is your comprehensive guide to mastering this essential skill and using it to elevate your marketing, business strategies, and content creation.


February 6

12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce

612 G Street Suite 101, Eureka

Register

Speak for Success: Confident Delivery Workshop


Do you have a public speaking engagement on the horizon? Would you like an opportunity to practice your presentation and receive positive and constructive feedback? In this Speak for Success course, you'll get to workshop your presentation and learn tips and tricks to help you confidently deliver your message.


February 19

10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce

612 G Street Suite 101, Eureka

Register

Holiday Kick Off Business After Hours Mixer at Tri Counties Bank


Held at the busy Tri Counties Bank E Street/Henderson Center Branch, the festive November 21 Chamber mixer marked the kick-off to the highly anticipated 2024 holiday season.

Read Recap
View Photos

Recognizing Women in Leadership


Congratulations to all those who completed the Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation's inaugural Women in Leadership class series!


We were so inspired by this amazing, hard-working cohort of 27 women from across our region. A special thanks goes out to the Arcata Chamber of Commerce for partnering with us on this series and to Vineyard Offshore for being a presenting sponsor.


If you're interested in connecting with other bright minds in our community, save the date for our Women in Leadership Conference on April 23, 2025.

View Photos

Increasing Health Care Opportunity in Eureka


United Indian Health Services celebrated the grand opening of its Eureka Health Village with an open house and ribbon cutting on December 9.


Located at 434 7th Street and 525 7th Street, the newly remodeled facilities offer medical, behavioral health, dental and vision services to the American Indian community.

Learn More
View Photos

From L to R: Carol Larsen, UIHS Area 3 Vice Chairperson, Nancy Olson, CEO of the Greater Eureka Chamber, Elizabeth Lara-O'Rourke, CEO of United Indian Health Services, Kim Bergel, Mayor of Eureka.

Member News

Free Friends of the Dunes Guided Nature Walks


Step into a rare landscape with Friends of the Dunes on a guided walk with a naturalist through a conserved coastal dune ecosystem. These free educational events offer participants a chance to experience one of nature’s most dynamic environments and learn about its unique flora, fauna, ecological and cultural importance. RSVP is required.


King Tides Walk

December 13, 9:00 to 11 a.m.

Mushroom Walk

December 14, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Learn More

Fun for Families: Don't Miss the Rex & Friends Trucker's Parade!


The 36th Annual Trucker's Parade, benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of the Redwoods, will return for another year to bring holiday lights and merriment to Eureka streets. The parade will start and end at Redwood Acres.


December 14

6 p.m.

Learn More

Free Conservation Lecture from Sequoia Park Zoo


In an engaging hybrid lecture, Drs. José R. Marín Jarrín and Mark Colwell will delve into the “Impact of Marine Protected Areas on Fishes and Birds in Northern California.”


Lectures are hosted in-person at the Zoo and online through Zoom.


Wednesday, December 18, 2024

7:00 p.m.

3414 W Street, Eureka or online

Learn More

Support the Redwoods by Shopping with Redwood Parks Conservancy


Redwood Parks Conservancy is holding its annual Holiday Sale in their park stores now through Tuesday, December 24.


RPC’s visitor center stores are a great source of books for all ages, locally made items and unique gifts from pottery to fog globes, outdoor wear, and many other gift items related to the natural and cultural history of our area.


Hurry in for 20% off all merchandise storewide or 25% off for all RPC members. 

Learn More

Eureka Chamber Music Series Announces 2025 Lineup


Eureka Chamber Music Series has a grand lineup of concerts for its 2025 season. 


Purchase tickets today for the Borromeo String Quartet where you can watch Grammy winner Awadagin Pratt, Sophie Shao & Tom Stone in a powerhouse performance during one of two events in January. 


For details and to see all upcoming performances from Eureka Chamber Music Series, click Learn More.

Learn More

Become a Firefighting Vendor


Are you interested in becoming a wildland firefighting vendor? Now is the time to get set up with the US Forest Service and CAL FIRE! Learn what you need to qualify for a BPA or EERA and how you can register with the US Forest Service and CAL FIRE at Norcal APEX Accelerator's FREE virtual training! Webinar topics include an overview of the prerequisites of each program and how to register in the US Forest Service’s Virtual Incident Procurement portal and for CAL FIRE's Hired Equipment Program.


January 28, 2025

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. [PT]

FREE Virtual Training (Zoom Webinar)

Registration is required.

Learn More

Chamber members! Want to see your news in this newsletter? Contact carly@eurekachamber.com for details.

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