Two Tax Measures Move Forward

Last week, two significant tax proposals moved forward in Santa Clara County, with both passing their critical votes with unanimous “yes” votes.

• Countywide Sales Tax Proposal: The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted to place a 5/8-cent sales tax on the November 2025 ballot. The County faces a shortfall due to recent cuts from HR 1. Sales tax generated from this measure is expected to help offset the loss of federal funding.
• Regional Transportation Sales Tax: The VTA Board of Directors voted for Santa Clara County to opt into SB 63, legislation that proposes a half-cent sales tax to support public transit agencies regionally. The measure must still pass the state legislature before potentially appearing on the November 2026 ballot.

Chamber Policy Manager Kat Angelov is tracking both issues. You can reach out to Kat at KatA@sjchamber.com to get involved or help shape the Chamber’s position.

Marketing 101 Toolkit Now Available

Our Marketing 101 Toolkit is now live on our Small Business Committee webpage! This resource captures key takeaways to help business owners strengthen their marketing strategies and connect with customers. Special thanks to Katie Gray-Garrison and Robert Robledo for sharing their expertise and practical tips during our recent workshop. Looking for more resources for your small business? Check out our Small Business Committee webpage here. 

Thank You Councilmember Salas & Welcome to Councilmember Tordillos!

The Chamber extends our gratitude to Councilmember Salas for his service and dedication to our community over the last six months. We also warmly welcome Councilmember Tordillos, who was officially sworn in this morning. We look forward to working with him as he joins the Council and continues serving our city. Stay tuned for a members-only welcome event with the Councilmember soon. 

Last call! Join 800+ business and civic leaders for an evening of networking, live music from Noah and the Arkiteks, friendly cornhole competition, BBQ, booths and more at the Annual Chamber BBQ.

Tickets are available through this Thursday, August 14.

8/19 New Member Orientation Webinar

Are you a new member of the San Jose Chamber or interested in learning more about the amazing benefits of being a San Jose Chamber of Commerce member? Join us for our New Member Orientation event, where we'll guide you through everything you need to know to maximize your Chamber membership! 

8/27 Women in Leadership Speaker Series: Your Balanced Brand

Feeling a little “meh” about your marketing lately? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to stay stuck in autopilot.

Join Anne Kenney, Bullseye Marketing, Chief Marketing Strategist, for her presentation that’s all about helping small business owners like you create a marketing strategy that actually works and feels good.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

8/28 Ninja Challenge

8/29 The Stand

Chamber Board Nominations Due August 15

The San Jose Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for members to serve on our 2026 Board of Directors. We are looking for engaged, community-minded business leaders who reflect the diversity, energy, and innovation of San Jose.

Nominations are due by Friday, August 15. Only current SJ Chamber members are eligible to submit nominations. Please refrain from informing nominees until the Committee has completed its review.

Applications for Cooperative Marketing Campaign Opportunity Now Open

San José’s new cooperative marketing program, THE ARTS WILL PLAY IN 2026!, will spotlight arts and cultural events during a landmark year for the region. With major sports events like Super Bowl LX, NCAA Men’s Basketball, and the FIFA World Cup bringing visitors in 2026, the program aims to boost the city’s brand and economy through the promotion of local performances, exhibits, festivals, and more. Ten to fifteen applicants will be awarded promotional campaigns valued at $10,000–$15,000 each.

Register for the required Pre-Application Workshop on August 22, 2025. Deadline to submit your application is Friday, August 29, 2025 by 5:00 PM.

Playbook for Super Bowl & FIFA World Cup Watch Parties

The Bay Area Host Committee has released the first version of the Bay Area Public Screening Playbook for Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup 2026™. Materials are available in Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. You can find these versions by filling out the form on the Host Committee's website here. This playbook is a guide for Bay Area small businesses and community organizations to publicly screen these mega-sporting events, while adhering to NFL and FIFA regulations. Public screenings refer to any broadcast of the Super Bowl or FIFA World Cup outside of a private dwelling, from restaurants showing the game on their native screens to cities organizing large-scale fan engagement opportunities.

Following the guidelines within this Playbook are critical for businesses, neighborhood associations, and civic groups showing the games. If you or your business have any questions, please reach out to the Bay Area Host Committee at info@bayareahostcommittee.com.

Free Online Business Program from Cornell University

Bank of America’s Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell University invites all Chamber members to enroll in a free online, multi-course program focused on gaining the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to build, manage and scale a successful business. 

Click below for more information and to register for one of three mandatory virtual information sessions, offered in English and Spanish and hosted by Bank of America. The information sessions will take place on August 12 and August 21.

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