December 2023
Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
The Greater Eureka Chamber and members of the community celebrated Vineyard Offshore's new Eureka office a with a ribbon cutting ceremony!
2024… Can You Believe It?

2023 has certainly been a banner year for the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce! We are thrilled to share a sneak peek into 2024, and exciting opportunities for you to get involved…

First up: our 2024 Annual Meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, 11am to 12pm. This event will be virtual so all members of the Greater Eureka Chamber can attend, at no cost. We will provide a report on 2023 and a look ahead to 2024. Please register to attend here.

Our 2024 Awards Gala will be held on Friday, January 26, and will recognize some incredible businesses and organizations who are leaders in our community. We will also celebrate our Chamber community together with music, great nosh and drinks, and engaging activities. Learn more about the event, sponsorships, and ticket purchases here!

In March, via our new Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation, we will launch the 2024 cohort of the Leadership Redwood Coast fellowship. LRC is a five-month program designed to connect emerging and established leaders to cross-sector leaders across our region, providing in-depth education about the assets and challenges we face together. Applications are due January 19. Apply today!

2024 will also include our third-Thursday mixers (including the Summer Fun Family Mixer on July 18!), a wide array of professional development opportunities via Next Level, and an Economic Forecast in the Fall. Track these events and more via our Events Calendar.

We sincerely appreciate your partnership. May your holiday season be bright – see you in 2024!

Nancy

P.S. I encourage you to scroll through this newsletter in its entirety and find out what your fellow Chamber members are up to!
Chamber News
Take the Eureka Pledge to Shop Local
The Greater Eureka Chamber recently partnered with the City of Eureka and Eureka Main Street to launch a Eureka Pledge campaign to encourage residents to do their holiday shopping here in the Eureka community. The pledge is as follows:
"This holiday Season, I pledge to shop locally. When Eureka shops together, we support our shared future."

By taking the pledge and shopping locally, you become a leader in the effort to put dollars back in the community and help small businesses thrive.

Spread the word to #shopeureka and #choosehumboldt!
CANCELLED: December Mixer
What great havoc the elves have caused!

Unfortunately the Greater Eureka Chamber's December mixer has been cancelled. But don't worry, there will be lots of great networking and local business promotion in the new year, starting with our 2024 Awards Gala on January 26!
Greater Eureka Chamber Annual Membership Meeting
The Greater Eureka Chamber will be hosting its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 17 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom. Join us to hear a report on all we've done in 2023 and what's ahead for 2024.
Did You Get Your Membership Renewal Invoice?
In November, we sent invoices for membership dues via snail mail and email as we are transitioning to all-electronic billing. If you haven't received your bill already, check both your mail box and inbox. If you didn't receive an email, or think your information is out of date, please logon to your member portal and update your contacts.
Apply for Leadership Redwood Coast!
We are now accepting applications from emerging leaders to be a part of the 2024 Leadership Redwood Coast Fellowship.

This five-month regional leadership program is centered on giving individuals in our region the tool, connections, and insight they need to effect equitable and innovative change in their communities. LRC fellows take part in conversations with leaders across sectors, excursions throughout the Redwood Coast, and transformative leadership development.

Applications are due Friday, January 19. 2024.
Join the Chamber Ambassador Team!
The Greater Eureka Chamber is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be Chamber Ambassadors! Our ambassadors provide critical support during networking events and serve as liaisons between the Chamber and the greater business community. Want to get involved?
Download the application below!
Next Level: Ads vs. Branding in the Digital World
This new class explores what it takes to maximize your business' potential in the digital world. Visit the Greater Eureka Chamber website to register.

Thursday, December 14
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Southern Humboldt Elevate
Digital Marketing Class
Attention Southern Humboldt businesses! The Elevate Digital Marketing class is traveling to the Garberville Library for the final FREE workshop series. Members and Non Members are welcome!

Wednesdays, 2/7, 2/14 and 2/21
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Sponsor the 2024 Awards Gala
Join us for our 2024 Awards Gala "An Evening of Intrigue and Wonder," where The Acres will be transformed into a Cirque du Soleil inspired cocktail lounge.

This magical event will feature an inspirational presentation of awards to highly-deserving local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders, a lively live auction facilitated by State Senator Mike McGuire, and music by guitarist Jeff Smoller and Amber Soul!

Friday, January 26, 2024

Interested in sponsoring? Connect with Nancy [email protected].
Gala Auction Items Needed!
If you are interested in supplying an auction item for our 2024 Annual Awards Gala, please email Carole Crossley at [email protected].
Celebrating the Grand Opening of Schlueter Gallery
Eureka's newest art gallery had its grand opening on Saturday December 2nd and will be run by our new Chamber members, Stock and Rachel Schlueter, who showcase the beauty of our region and beyond through their art.

Schlueter Gallery is located at 330 Second Street in Eureka and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Good Relations Reopens in a Sleek New Boutique!
Good Relations, which has been a Humboldt County retail staple since 1983, had its grand RE-OPENING on December 1st, where owner Dr. Melinda Myers and staff unveiled a dazzling new location at 329 2nd Street in Old Town Eureka.
November Mixer Highlights
Last month, Compass Community Credit Union hosted a festive holiday mixer during the Henderson Center Open House. Attendees were encouraged to shop at local businesses after the event and were entered to win a special prize drawing if they did so. Congrats to our winners and thank you all for supporting our Henderson Center Merchants!
City News
Upcoming Eureka Road Work
The City of Eureka’s contractor will be performing street paving work on I Street between 6th and Harris Streets beginning Monday, December 11. The work will continue through the week between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Road closures, traffic detours and parking restrictions will be in effect.
Eureka Holiday Events
Eureka boasts fun and inspiring citywide holiday events to put on your calendarhappening now through the new year! Whether you want to join the Trucker's Parade, watch the Nutcracker, or visit Santa, Eureka has something for the whole family.
Member News
Krampus Christmas Gift Faire
Check out creepy cool craft vendors and grab a bite to eat from local food trucks at the Krampus Christmas Gift Faire hosted by Six Rivers Brewery.

Six Rivers Brewery's bar and marketplace will be open during the event. The Companion Animal Foundation will be featuring adoptable cats, and attendees can contribute to a winter coat drive.

There will also be a gift wrapping fundraiser booth where you can bring your gifts in from home and get them wrapped!

Sunday December 17
1 to 6 p.m.
Six Rivers Brewery
Eureka City Schools Appoints New Superintendent
The Eureka City Schools Board of Education appointed Gary Storts as the new Superintendent for Eureka City Schools on November 16. Storts will take the reins from outgoing Superintendent Fred Van Vleck in January of 2024. Congratulations in-coming Superintendent Storts and thank you Superintendent Van Vleck!
Scam Alert
Eureka Payments wants to warn members about a potential scam that has been reported to them over the past few weeks by local merchants. According to Eureka Payments, merchants are being approached by individuals offering credit card processing services with deceptive claims.
A Lifesaving Gift for the Holidays
This holiday, give a heartfelt and practical gift—an AirMedCare Network membership.

In a medical emergency every second counts, especially when transporting patients who are far from adequate medical treatment. AirMedCare Network can help provide financial coverage for emergency air medical transport when needed.
Humboldt County Resource List
The latest edition of the Humboldt Community Resource List is now available. The list serves as a resource for individuals who work with community members as assisters, case managers, eligibility specialists, volunteers, providers, etc.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Benefits are available for small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and small businesses engaged in aquaculture who suffered economic impact due to the California Salmon Fishery Closure which occurred April 6 – Oct. 31. 

The economic injury deadline is Aug. 29, 2024.
Soroptimist of Humboldt Bay Scholarship Opportunities
Soroptimist of Humboldt Bay scholarship applications are due! The Violet Richardson award ($1500), Distinguished Youth award ($1500) and Women in Business award ($1000) are closing soon.
Donate to Tri Counties Bank Holiday Food Drive
Tri Counties Bank is hosting its 17th Annual Tis the Season Food Drive, in partnership with The Salvation Army. You can donate through December 22 to help families in need. For a list of requested foods and ways to donate, click "Learn More."
Zoo Conservation Lecture Series Continues
Calling all whale watchers!

The Sequoia Park Zoo is hosting another conservation lecture on Wednesday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Robyn Norman will discuss the unique behaviors of local whales in her talk entitled, “Cetaceans of the North Coast: a renewed effort for gray whale foraging research."
Humboldt Sponsors Grant Opportunities
Humboldt Sponsors' 2024 grant application period is opening in early January.

Humboldt-based nonprofits that provides services to local youth, may be eligible for grant funding. Learn more about their programs, including funding and donation opportunities below.
Coast Central Employee Promotions
Five employees were recently promoted at Coast Central Credit Union. Learn more about the dedicated staff members and their new positions by clicking the button below!
2024 California Employment Laws Guide
This packet from Cal Chamber details changes in employment laws coming in 2024. Employers may use this guide to review upcoming workplace safety standards, paid leave requirements, wage schedules, and more.
Lighthouse Accounting Group Rebranding and Collaboration
Founder & CEO of Lighthouse Accounting Group, Wyatt D. Kneaper has recently been appointed to Intuit's Partner Council to share expertise and insights with Intuit so the company can better understand the needs of accounting firms and small businesses.

Lighthouse Accounting Group LLC will also soon become The Lighthouse Corporation, a group of companies dedicated to the modernization of accountancy.
You Can Help Prepare Humboldt's Next Gen Leaders
College of the Redwoods, in partnership with the Greater Eureka Chamber, is looking for professionals like you to bring the real world of careers into their classrooms.

Share your experience as a panelist in a classroom, host an intern from CR, have a student job shadow you, or share your business expertise as a member of a career specific, industry advisory group.

For more information contact:
Jim Ritter, Director of Employer Partnerships
We Want to Hear from You!
Your membership benefits include sharing news about your business with over 1,800 newsletter subscribers each month.

Send us your pictures, documents or a press release, the latest news, events and accomplishments (images no bigger than 5mb please) with a sentence or two as a description to [email protected] by the last Friday of the month to be included in the following newsletter.
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Contact Nancy at 707-442-3738 or [email protected] for more information.