News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber |
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Jay Lifson, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Virtual Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
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Short & Sweet for You Today!
- VOTE! Find where to place your vote here.
- You many have seen in the news that some businesses are boarding up their windows ahead of the election and the potential for civil unrest whatever the outcome. As of last week there were no credible threats involving Lafayette. We are working with the Lafayette Police Department and will keep you posted. Please see message below for more details ...
- We've extended Res Run through tomorrow, November 3! Just want the 2020 commemorative t-shirt? Register here. We won't tell anyone you didn't run!
- Are you ready for Thanksgiving? We are putting together a blog post with Thanksgiving dinner options from our chamber members! Check it out here.
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To Board Up or Not to Board Up
As a business owner you are probably asking yourself the question, "Do I board up my storefront before the polls close on Tuesday?"
This election is anything but normal. What happens if one group is not happy with the outcome or even the eventual outcome. We know there will be protests, and many fear destruction of property and/or violence could come to communities just like ours.
We want to let you all know that at this time there has been no imminent threats to the City of Lafayette. If the Chamber learns there is a potential threat, we will share it as quickly as we can. Boarding up your store is a person decision that you will have to make. As of today, I know of only three businesses that are considering this. However, if you do decide to board up, and you need help getting the materials or assistance with the construction, one of our Chamber members is here to help you.
The AB Construction crew would like to let you know that they are here to help. They are available to board up windows in the area today and tomorrow. Please let them know if your business requires their services. Their goal is to help our community in these difficult times. Contact Angela Mullin at 925-708-2491 or angela@abconstructioneastbay.com.
Other than boarding up your business, how can you prepare? There are protesters and then there are times of civil disobedience.
- Keep checking for information from the Police or City staff.
- Be wary of unofficial social media information.
- If you see something, say something.
- You might plan on closing early on election night.
- Protecting your property is not worth your life – avoid confrontation.
- Lock doors and close blinds.
Lafayette Police Department, 3471 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549
Emergency 911
24-Hour Non-Emergency Dispatch (925) 284-5010
General Number (925) 283-3680 Fax (925) 283-4126
Look out for your neighbors, and they will look out for you.
Sincerely,
Jay Lifson, Executive Director, Lafayette Chamber
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Thank you Renewing Members!
The following members renewed their Chamber membership between October 19 and November 1. Thank you!
Welcome New Friends!
Norma & Bob Evans
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Updates from the City of Lafayette
City Council Meeting
11/02/2020 6:00 PM
To participate and/or listen to the meeting click here. Passcode: 172771 Telephone: 1 669 900 9128 Webinar ID: 857 5219 7300
To view the meeting click here.
City Seeks Volunteers for Vacancy on the Lafayette Design Review Commission
The Lafayette City Council is soliciting applicants to fill two vacancies on the Design Review Commission. The five-member body is responsible for matters relating to aesthetics and the physical appearance of the city. The commission advises the staff, planning commission, and city council and acts on applications for design review including residential and commercial development projects.
Members of the design review commission are selected based on education, training, and experience in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, design, city planning, or a related field. The council may appoint one or more nonresidents if, in its discretion, it considers it necessary to gain sufficient expertise. Individuals interested in this volunteer position may obtain an application from the City's web site at www.lovelafayette.org. You may also call the City Clerk’s Office at (925) 284-1968 to request an application be mailed to you. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm, November 20, 2020. |
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Looking to network (virtually)? The Lafayette Chamber is starting a networking/referral group called Chamber Connectors.
We are looking for founding members to help kick off the group. We will meet twice a month (first and third Wednesday of the month at 4pm). Our next meeting is Wednesday, November 4 from 4:30 to 5:30pm.
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Experienced Business Professionals Help You Succeed
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Let Your Flag Fly - Greetings from the Rotary Club of Lafayette
The Pandemic has made it difficult for Rotarians to do what Rotarians do best – to make a difference in our communities, both locally and globally. Our Rotary Club has been thinking about ways to bring Lafayette together - even when we must remain apart. We would like to introduce you to a new project we hope you will be excited about too!
Can You Imagine: American Flags flying from every Lafayette business, the length of Mt. Diablo Boulevard!
In honor of Veterans Day (November 11) and in partnership with Lafayette Ace Hardware, you can purchase an American Flag Kit through November 5th (flag, pole and bracket), for only $25 including tax (+ a $3 credit card fee). A Lafayette Rotarian will deliver the flag kit, fasten the bracket to your storefront, and your flag will fly from November 7 - 12, on patriotic holidays, or on every day throughout the year!
If you’re interested in participating in the ‘Let Your Flag Fly’ project, or have questions, please contact Rotary President Mary Lou Till at mtill@rockcliff.com or at 925-212-4546.
Consider ordering an extra flag for your home or to give as a gift in honor of a Veteran. The $25 cost will purchase the flag and support the many non-profit organizations your Rotary Club of Lafayette supports.
The Rotary Club of Lafayette is part of Rotary International, a service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. Our Rotary Motto is: Service Above Self! During the COVID shelter-in-place, we meet every Thursday on Zoom from 12:15 – 1:30 pm, host a relevant guest speaker and conduct club business. Guests are always welcome! If you are interested in checking us out, email patriciafury@comcast.net for more information.
Respectfully,
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Mt. Diablo Business Women "Networking Successfully While Social Distancing"
Wednesday, November 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Online
We’re all working hard to maintain and grow our businesses in this tough economy. How do we find new connections and stay connected to established relationships, while also social distancing? Elaine Betts, a New York Times best-selling contributing author and the force behind International Networking Week, will share the step by step plan we need. Join us for this timely topic plus our warm and welcoming networking! Free and open to all.
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Layoff Aversion Funding for Small Businesses
Tuesday, November 17, 3pm, Online
If you are a small business in need of assistance due to the pandemic's adverse financial impacts, join us for a webinar on November 17 at 3 p.m. for in-depth information about our Layoff Aversion Grant Program. We'll cover eligibility, reporting requirements, how to apply, and more. We want to help you keep your workers! Learn more and register here.
If you have questions before or after the November 17 webinar, call the WDBCCC COVID-19 Resource Hotline at 833-320-1919 or email bouncebackcoco@ehsd.cccounty.us. |
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Leave Laws
Wednesday, November 18, 12pm-1pm, Online
The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) in partnership with the California Employers Association (CEA), is sponsoring the "Leave Laws" webinar, on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at 12:00 pm (noon). There is no cost to this webinar.
California Leave Laws are confusing! With over 20 different leave laws and the FFCRA ePSL and eFMLA, how do you know if your company has to provide the leave and/or which of your employees are eligible to take time off work? As employees come back to work after and during quarantine, how do you know what leave someone is eligible to take and how do you document and apply the time off accurately?
After the webinar, you will have a clear understanding of:
- Leave and time off laws governing employers: Pregnancy, Personal Leaves, FFCRA ePSL and eFMLA, Domestic Violence, School Suspension, School Activities, and more...)
- Who is eligible
- Employee’s rights under the law
- Notice requirements
- Effects on PTO, vacation, sick, and wages
- Employer Rights & Responsibilities
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Welcome to The New Reality of Online Virtual Business Networking.
Thursdays, November 19 and December 17, 10am, Online
JOIN THE FUTURE - ONLINE VIRTUAL BUSINESS BUILDING NETWORKING
Learn how to adapt your business to the new reality of multi-media networking and marketing across multiple platforms that can take your business to the next level of networking, presenting, and closing more sales.
Learn the one-stop that will raise your profile and exposure on Linkedin, Facebook, FB Messenger, Twitter, Eventbrite, Meetup, and more.
Start building business relationships with people who may have clients that can use your services. These like-minded professionals may help you access key decision-makers. This will be a fun, very productive 2 hours well spent.
Expand your network by engaging with professionals who focus on business to business networking on our engaging video meeting with breakout rooms hosted by Professional Speed Networker Ambassadors.
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Author Talk About Plastic-Free Living During A Pandemic
Thursday, Nov. 19, 7pm-8pm, Online
During her presentation, which is co-hosted by Sustainable Lafayette and the Lafayette Chamber, you'll be sure to pick up some easy new tips to tune up your plastic-free lifestyle in every room of your house. Plus, you'll learn about how waste during the Covid 19 crisis is piling up, including single-use PPE, like the blue polypropylene masks we're seeing littering the streets, disposable takeout containers, online shopping plastic packaging, etc... But don't despair, Sandra will guide us by sharing many easy tweaks we can make to significantly reduce our plastic footprint.
Longtime Chamber of Commerce member and local eco-minded citizen, Sandra is the owner of ECOlunchbox, a local plastic-free food container company that's a Certified California Green Business and socially responsible B Corporation. If you'd like to read the book, it's available at Reasonable Books, a new chamber member business, next to Trader Joe's in Lafayette. We hope you'll join us for this fun, local and interactive evening of eco-friendly conversation. Presentation will last 1 hour and be tailored for adults as well as children ages 12 and older. All attendees will be entered to win a $50 gift card from Reasonable Books! Learn more and register here.
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Member & Community Announcements |
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PG&E: Powering the East Bay Community
Thursday, November 5, 9am, Online
PG&E’s Reno Franklin (Tribal Community Liaison) will be joined by our political gurus, Gordon Galvan and Guy Houston.
When? 0855 for our 0900 launch.
One tap mobile +16699006833,,86739277681#
Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833 Meeting ID: 867 3927 7681
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Be informed - Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is 10/15 through 12/7
Canopy Health, a partner of John Muir Health, UCSF Health, and Hill Physicians Medical Group, wants you to be safe and informed this Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 10/15 through 12/7.
Join us for a free online meeting! For dates and times go to jmh.vanbergins.com or hp.vanbergins.com. If you do not have access to a computer, tablet or smart phone, you can also call 925-204-3412 TTY: 711 for dates and times to call in and hear about your Medicare options.
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Now is the time to buy an electric bicycle!
511 Contra Costa’s new E-Bike Rebate Program is awarding a limited number of $150-$300 cash rebates for e-bikes purchased on or after October 1, 2020 by Contra Costa residents. E-bikes provide a fun, easy, and pollution-free way to get around without driving a car. Visit 511CC.org/rebate for complete details.
Sharp Bicycle, in Lafayette for 21 years, offers Trek, Electra and Santa Cruz electric bikes. Would an e-bike work for you?
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Boardroom Chairs up for Donation
After a remodel at Bank of the West in Lafayette, Vice President, Branch Manager, Chris Lane would like to donate 8 very nice chairs that served in the bank's boardroom to a local non profit. If you are interested, please contact Chris Lane at (925) 284.7072 or via email at chris.lane@bankofthewest.com.
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Hair Stylist or Barber - Chair/Booth Rental at Fringe and Fern
We are a new hair salon & plant shop fusion. We are looking for independent professionals who want to rent with us and showcase their work in a beautiful environment where hair and horticulture thrive together. We offer a few weekly rental options for barbers and stylists at a discount considering our demographics and retail/back bar set up. You can do a trial run day with us anytime. Rent a chair for free for one day and make as much you'd like to try the space out. Learn more here. Contact Blaine to inquire, (925) 784-5377. http://www.fringeandfern.com
Job Opening: Event Assistant 8-10 hours/week
Loaves and Fishes is looking for someone to help with our largest fundraiser of the year, ROCK OUT HUNGER, on February 20, 2021. We need someone who loves events, is comfortable researching and requesting auction items and is interested in helping a great cause. Please check out the full job description and forward to your friends.
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From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center |
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Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation
Distinguished Speaker Series Presents Jess Walter: The Cold Millions
Monday, November 9, 4:00 - 5:00 PM via Zoom
Don’t miss this special opportunity to meet award-winning author Jess Walter as he discusses his highly anticipated new novel, The Cold Millions, described as a "literary miracle" (NPR). Set against the panoramic backdrop of an early 20th century America that eerily echoes our own time, it offers a stunning, kaleidoscopic portrait of a nation grappling with the chasm between rich and poor, between harsh realities and simple dreams. It is a powerful and moving tour de force from a "writer who has planted himself firmly in the first rank of American authors" (Boston Globe).
Walter is the author of six novels including Beautiful Ruins, a #1 New York Times bestseller that spent more than a year on the bestseller list. For a sneak peek at The Cold Millions, check out this brief video trailer from the author himself!
Click HERE for more details and to purchase the book, which includes admission to this special online event.
American Red Cross Blood Drives
Wednesday, November 4 and December 16, 2020
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Don Tatzin Community Hall
Give Blood. Help Save Lives! The Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation and American Red Cross have teamed up to host monthly community blood drives this fall. Donating is a safe process and healthy, eligible individuals are strongly urged to give blood or platelets.
For a limited time, the American Red Cross will test all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to our donors. To schedule an appointment go to: redcrossblood.org/give or call 1-800-733-2767 and use Sponsor Code: lafayettelibrary.
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New Member Posts on Social
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Please note: to signup you will be asked for your birthdate. This information is not stored, it is only used for verify you are over 21 years of age. |
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