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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Update regarding Payroll Protection Program (PPP) COVID-19 relief funding:
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released the application for PPP loan forgiveness.
Attached please find the official loan forgiveness application form.
This application also includes concrete rules for calculating your loan forgiveness as well measures to reduce compliance burdens. Your lender should be reaching out to you this week with specific instructions on how to submit the loan forgiveness application to SBA through them.
READ MORE HERE >>
Guidelines for Reopening
The County will be following State Guidelines for various segments of our economy.
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Another Tool for your Business Tool Kit: FREE “OPEN FOR BUSINESS” Signs
The City of Lafayette and the Lafayette Chamber are at your service as we begin to re-open commercial businesses in Lafayette. As restrictions loosen, we have prepared “OPEN FOR BUSINESS” signs that will affix to traffic A-Frames. You will include your business name or logo and your hours of operation. We’ll even deliver them to your business! Simply send a request to
jay@lafayettechamber.org, and state: Deliver a sign to (name of business). And if you can let us know what your hours of operations will be, we can add that to our website
“Who’s Open" page.
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FREE Business Assistance offered by the City of Lafayette
The City of Lafayette has collaborated with us, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and Townsend Public Affairs to run the Lafayette Business Assistance Program, a way for Lafayette businesses and non-profits to get help on Small Business Administration (SBA) loan and grant applications. The City designed the program to make it as easy as possible for our businesses to get the support they need during the Covid-19 crisis. Find out more about the Lafayette Business Assistance program and how you can benefit on the
City's webpage here. Find out if you qualify for assistance by filling out the
Lafayette Business Verification Form.
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Welcome to Our Newest Member
The following business recently joined the Lafayette Chamber. Visit their website for more information!
Mike Hayes, 415-781-9295
Cross-Group Virtual Speed Networking Events Online, Offline, and Combined and Small Business Zoom Speakers Bureau. “Sometimes you want to go where everybody LEARNS your name.”
Category: Marketing Services
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Become a Friend of the Lafayette Chamber!
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A
Friend of the Chamber
membership provides a way for community members to support the efforts of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
We are 73 years strong and our mission continues “To promote and maintain a healthy business climate and to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Lafayette.” All aspects that make up a community are important to us: schools, residents, churches and synagogues, community organizations, activities, and the city government. Chamber members work with representatives of all these groups for the betterment of our community.
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Thank you to our Friends!
Patricia Battersby
Anne Birdsong
Buddy & Roni Brodwin
Sue Cross
Jill & David Douglas
Reid Edwards
Norma Evans
Earling Horn
Don Jenkins
Mary & Daryl McCosker
Kathy & Mike Merchant
Mike & Jamie Ney
Caesar C. Perales
Karen & Rich Rose
Audrey Richardson
Niroop Srivatsa
Kyle Sumner
Ellen Reintjes & Don Tatzin
Chuck Yeager
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COVID-19 Resources for Businesses & Employees
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Have you been laid off or your employment terminated? Are your corporate benefits ending soon?
Steve Snyder, a licensed insurance agent with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, has been helping people that have lost their corporate benefits, to maintain their health, dental, vision, hearing and life insurance coverage, without having to rely on COBRA as an alternative.
All of our services are FREE to our clients. We compare all plans available in your area side-by-side to make sure we’re getting the best plan possible that both fit your needs and your budget. I look forward to helping and being of service for you and your family during this very different time in our lives. Stay inside, stay safe.
Steve Snyder – Licensed Insurance Agent CA 0H79427. Mobile: 510-599-4700
Certified Enrollment Agent – Covered California
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The Lafayette Chamber is providing COVID-19 business and community resources through a number of channels. Please visit the following for further information:
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Parking remains free in all City of Lafayette owned lots and private lots.
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Please note, we have cancelled all in-person events through the end of July. This includes the postponement of the Rock the Plaza concert series, Citizen of the Year dinner and all ribbon cuttings and mixers. If you have purchased a ticket please send us an email at
info@lafayettechamber.org for reimbursement. See below for virtual events!
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Meet The Expert with Elliot Kallen (Ep. 6) Pandemic Motivation
(Navy Seal Motivation Speaker) David Rutherford will be discussing "Pandemic Motivation: Find A Pathway Through The Pain:"
We are all experiencing a profound change in our daily lives. For many, this is causing significant disruptions in mental health, business productivity, and family dynamics. My talk is derived from the four main Froglogic Concepts. I believe that individuals and teams who develop systems to deal with fear, self-confidence issues, team orientation, and a focused approach to finding true purpose in life, will live a more peaceful, perseverant, and meaningful existence. I am honored to share this timely message with you and your teammates.
Register here.
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Lafayette Young Professionals: Eating to Detoxify Your Body and Enhance Wellness & Mental Clarity
Tuesday, May 26, 5:30pm,
Zoom
Enjoy the unlimited freedom of vibrant health with this informative research-based webinar focused on using food to detox the body, support the immune system, aid in weight loss and decrease inflammation.
Presented by Dr. Jackie Steel, webinar will provide 4 ways to improve your vitality right now and help you gain valuable insight into the radiant power of foods. This informative presentation will provide you with changes you can make to keep yourself feeling lighter, more enthused and energized for the rest of your vital life!
This online zoom meeting is presented for and by the Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals group although anyone is welcome to attend. Please
register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Noon Webinar Wednesdays
Join us this
Wednesday, May 27 at 12 pm for Noon Webinar Wednesdays. Meet new 20 Minutes to Networking Innovators & Organizers Today. And learn about a new video invitation for networking innovators and organizers. Click here to join Mike Hayes on
Zoom: Meeting ID: 415 781 9296 Password: 219761
Save the date for the next free Speed-Networking Events; limited to 100 + Online in Zoom Breakout Rooms.
Expand your network by engaging with B2B focused professionals on our engaging video meeting with breakout rooms hosted by Professional Speed Networker Ambassadors. 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. Watch this
2-minute video to Grow Your Business Quickly!
Register June 5, 2-4 pm on Zoom
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Score Webinar: Marketing Checklist To Re-Open & Re-Market Your Business
Wednesday, May 27, 1pm-2pm, Free Zoom Webinar
Since we business owners do not get to set the policy in the state or city, we have to focus on what we can do to plan a reopening that will make our customers and employees feel safe and protect our business. Get my free checklist to create a reopening that will be successful and keep your reputation and your sales strong.
Attendees of This Presentation Will Learn:
• Re-opening strategies and how to test them in advance.
• Customer retention and how to keep them engaged before your reopen.
• Employee policy & tips to help your staff and your business growth.
• Strategies that help your customers see you are ready and their safety is first.
• Media deals and marketing opportunities to stretch your budget.
• Tools to help you manage your goals and check your success.
• Segmenting your best customers and most engaged contacts for remarketing
• Funnel marketing and how to identify where your time is best spent.
• Downsizing, rightsizing and finding your media mix
Liz Harsch of Tailor-Made Advertising has been helping small businesses make more of their marketing budget since 1988. She has been awarded by Constant Contact as an All Star Email Marketer and is Master Certified and an Authorized Local Expert to present Marketing, Email Marketing and Social Media Workshops & offers other Small Business Workshops.
Register here.
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This Too Shall Pass – Presented by MassMutual Northern California
Thursday, May 28, 12pm-1pm,
Webinar
Join Daken Vandenburg, Chief Investment Officer for MassMutual Trust Company, to present an economic market update for members of our community!
In periods of volatility, many investors fall short of their objectives because emotion often overwhelms reason, irrationality trumps rationality, and thoughtfully constructed plans are abandoned. Successful investors act on their stated plans continuously and failed investors continuously react to external events.
While there is a lot to be uncertain about right now, your long term strategy should not be one of them. Please join us as we will cover:
- Recent Economic and Market Updates
- COVID-19: Separating Facts From Fiction
- Opportunities Created From Market Volatility
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Thinking About Our Post-Pandemic World: Ensuring a Just Recovery for Contra Costa County
Thursday, May 28, 3pm-4pm,
Online
The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, 350 Contra Costa and the Contra Costa County Library invite you to a special webinar, Thinking About Our Post-Pandemic World: Ensuring a Just Recovery for Contra Costa County. This panel discussion will take place Thursday, May 28 from 3:00-4:00 via Zoom.
To learn more and to see login instructions
click here.
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You're invited to “The Perfect Day: Design Your Daily Routine to Build Clarity from Chaos”
Thursday, May 28, 6pm,
Zoom
The pandemic has been a tough time for small business owners all over the globe. Policies of physical distancing have presented huge challenges to businesses across a variety of industries. In these last few months, we have learned how to pivot but many of us are still struggling with our routine.
Now, let’s really dig in and discover how to design your daily routine for the foundation to YOUR perfect day!
On May 28 from 6:00-7:00 pm Pacific join me live as I share the foundational elements you need to get quiet, clear, focused, and motivated.
You will walk away with everything you need to build your routine. With these tools, you will have more perfect days. You will walk away with new ideas, clarity, and calm.
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Friday Fun Virtual Mixer!
Friday, May 29, 1-2:30pm,
Zoom
White Rabbit Business Solutions connects local professionals with others who can help grow their business. Hard to believe that just a few months ago we were having fun meeting new people and making new connections over a cocktail or two. Now, we're able to do the same, but in the comfort of our home! Please join us for our first virtual networking mixer! There will be friends you know and new friends to meet! This is an online event on ZOOM.
Register here.
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Complimentary Video Seminars by Lamorinda Technology
Staying Safe Online: Best Practices for Passwords, Email, Web Browsing, and Data Backup
Monday, June 1, 1pm
Are your passwords too simple? How to easily create strong, memorable passwords. How to safely use email. How to browse the Internet safely. Why and how to make copies of your files.
Join Zoom Meeting. Meeting ID: 844 1009 4808; Password: 6bYNSm
Quick Discussion of Videoconferencing: Zoom; FaceTime; Facebook Live. Ask us anything-Live Question & Answer Session
Wednesday, June 10, 1pm
We'll discuss some of the most popular videoconferencing solutions. Then, we'll be standing by to chat with you and answer your questions.
Join Zoom Meeting.
Meeting ID: 891 5331 3809; Password: 8XFiPj
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Economy Reboot: Back to the Workplace During COVID-19
The Employer Advisory Council (EAC) of Alameda County and the Employment Development Department (EDD) want to support you and your company while practicing social distancing by meeting online at no cost. Hear from our employment law specialist Bill Betley from the law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR), Riverside office, CA to learn and understand your options and obligations as an employer.
This Webinar attendees will engage in the following topics:
• Proper processes to call back employees on furlough.
• Which PPE are required and who provides it.
• Reassure employees that the workplace is safe.
• Institute social distancing protocols and still work efficiently.
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Get your business included in CA’s multi-million dollar Supplier Diversity Database
Wednesday, June 3, 3pm-4pm,
Online
This shelter-in-place has been especially difficult for small and local businesses. There are still new ways to promote your business during these uncertain times, especially if you are a Woman, Minority, Service Disabled Veteran, or LGBT-owned business enterprise. Join
MCE's free virtual workshop on June 3 to learn about California's multi-million dollar Supplier Diversity Clearinghouse database. Utility companies and state program vendors use the Supplier Diversity Clearinghouse database to search for suppliers to help them meet the state procurement requirements. Learn from industry experts about program eligibility and how to certify. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register here.
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The Newsroom @ Home: Restaurants + COVID-19, the struggles, challenges, and changes
Thursday, June 4, 10am
The Bay Area’s dazzling restaurant scene has been laid low by the long shutdown. While some longtime bistros have shuttered permanently, others have pivoted in wildly creative ways to try to keep the fires burning -- and some of those changes may be here to stay. Now, as California lays plans to slowly reopen, we’ll be discussing all the big questions.
Join Jackie Burrell, Eat Drink Play/Features editor, along with journalists Linda Zavoral, and Jessica Yadegaran as they tackle this ever-changing topic and answer the questions you have.
Register here.
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Monetizing Videos and ZOOM For Business With Julia Glyde - Lafayette Chamber Special Event!
Saturday, June 6, 10am,
Zoom
Training Will Include:
• Crucial elements to include in your marketing message
• Proper use and placement to maximize conversions
• #1 thing needed to get people to take action
• Building know, like and trust
• Biggest secret to feeling comfortable and confident on camera
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A Very Special Offer from
Lafayette Social
, Exclusively for Lafayette Chamber Members
Stay squarely in front of one of your ideal audiences: Lafayette homeowners!
INCLUDES:
- 6 months of consistent exposure throughout Lafayette
- Monthly 1/8-pg print ad placement (all chamber members ads placed together)
- Monthly geo-targeted social media exposure (IG & FB) plus analytics
- Ad creation services: print & digital ad designs (can change the design every month!)
- Web exposure on LafayetteSocial.com (with links)
- A listing in the LS Sponsor Index
- A festive Holiday Social (town-wide party)
- Receive an issue of Lafayette Social each month
- ONLY EIGHT SPACES AVAILABLE
Coverage area: 10,000+ (includes all Lafayette homeowners)
Content that fosters community: Lafayette residents share their interests, passions & activities
Term: Only 6-month term: July-Dec2020
Investment: Only $175/month
Timing: reservations by Thursday, May 28 (only 8 spaces available- first come, first serve!)
Click to schedule a zoom meeting with Christine Raymond, Lafayette Social or call 831-295-7676.
Resources Available for Child Care in Contra Costa County
CocoKids (formerly the Contra Costa Child Care County), is the nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of quality child care and early education for young children and their families in Contra Costa County.
During this pandemic, CocoKids would like to inform the LAFAYETTE BUSINESS COMMUNITY about the resources available for child care providers and the families they serve including free child care for essential workers, free child care referrals for families, and funds for cleaning materials, PPE, and other supplies for child care providers that are currently open or intend to open.
FREE CHILD CARE for Essential Workers: CocoKids can pay for child care for essential workers. Here’s the
link to apply for free child care.
FINDING CHILD CARE (including emergency child care sites): CocoKids is the county’s Resource and Referral Agency that helps families find child care (including emergency child care) that best matches their needs and preferences here. Find child care
here.
ACCESS to CSCP State FUNDS for CLEANING SUPPLIES for Child Care Providers: Licensed Family Child Care (FCC) Providers and Centers and Exempt providers that are currently open or intend to open can apply for the state’s Cleaning Supplies for Childcare Providers (CSCP) funds that they can use to purchase much-needed cleaning supplies, PPE, and other supplies. Apply for the CSCP funds
here.
FREE SUPPLIES for CHILDCARE PROVIDERS: Cleaning materials, hand sanitizers, gloves, and other supplies are also available for providers at our Concord Office on 1035 Detroit Ave #100 Concord CA 94518. Providers can call our Donation Supplies Coordinator Monica Joseph at (925) 787-1536 to arrange for pickup of these supplies.
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Can You Help? Yes, You Can. Let's Fill the Can!
This time has been hard on us all, but for many it has been catastrophic. Contra Costa County and our surrounding area has been hit hard.
It feels good to do good. If you can spare low sugar cereals, canned meals (ravioli, stew, etc.), canned protein (tuna, chicken, etc.) canned fruits and vegetables, and peanut butter, please drop in the bin at the front door of Venture. The bin will be outside the door every day 10-4 the month of May.
Let's fill the can!
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Assistance League of Diablo Valley Shops Ebay!
The dedicated member volunteers of
Assistance League of Diablo Valley remind you faithful shoppers and supporters that although the thrift shop located at the Way Side Inn in Lafayette is closed, the ability to shop Ebay is up and running. The member volunteers are eager to help you place orders, so let “their fingers do the walking.”
To initiate this retail coup, please visit our website:
assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley. Then click on the Thrift Shop. Finally, click on the Ebay logo to discover items for sale at drastically reduced prices. In that new items replace sold items, the inventory changes almost daily. This opportunity is truly a WIN-WIN when you consider how much time and how many dollars you SAVE-SAVE!
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A Thank You from the Lafayette Community Foundation
Lafayette Community Foundation (LCF) would like to thank everyone who participated in the COVID-19 Community Matching Campaign. The community really came together and helped LCF exceed its campaign goal proving that Community Can't be Canceled. LCF will distribute more than $124,000 to 26 nonprofits--the most in its 20 year history. The needs of these worthy agencies are ongoing as they move toward recovering and rebuilding from the crisis. Therefore, LCF will continue to accept donations and steer those funds toward future Excellence Grants. To learn more, please visit
lafayettecf.org.
Lafayette Community Foundation would also like to thank everyone who donated to the COVID-19 tests for seniors, helping reach the fundraising goal of 14K. Because of you, Lafayette's most vulnerable seniors and staff in residential housing have received a COVID-19 test.
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Hospice East Bay and the Tree of Lights
Hospice East Bay is looking for a Tree of Lights Chair person to work with the Events Coordinator in setting up the event, day of support and over all liaison to help facilitate community engagement. We are also searching for sponsorships from Lafayette businesses. We offer a wide range of sponsorships to fit all sizes of businesses. Please email
annm@hospiceeastbay.org or call 925-499-6642 for more information or to answer any questions. Thank you in advance for your support.
Town Hall Theatre Music & Comedy Series
Town Hall Theatre has taken their Music & Comedy series online for now. Please tune in to Town Hall Theatre's Facebook page each Thursday at 7:00 PM to see a varied lineup of musicians and comedians, and help support Town Hall Theatre through these challenging times.
View calendar here.
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020: Mark Shaw will bring into your homes the music of the Rat Pack, singing songs by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Joey Bishop. You'll feel like you're time traveling back to the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas!
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020: Ralph Woodson, from Jimi Hendrix tribute band Purple Haze, is going to play stripped down versions of the Hendrix catalog.
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From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center
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Night at the Library, A Virtual Moveable Feast!
Register Today for Night at the Library on Saturday, May 30. Featuring co-hosts Cameron Burks and Carrie Barlow, special video messages from Lamorinda residents and guest authors, prizes for registered guests, watch parties, and
music by Dirty Cello. LOVE Lafayette and LOVE your Lafayette Library by donating, now more than ever, the Library needs your support.
Valuable auction items * Prizes * Special Guest Appearances * Live Music Performance by Dirty Cello
We are all in this together.
Our LLLC Foundation team is working remotely. If you need assistance or have questions about Library and community resources, we’ll do our best to help. Email (
information@LLLCF.org
) or phone message (925-283-6513 ext. 102).
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Community Can't be Canceled Continues!
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Stanley Shout-Out May 28 at 5:15pm
Calling all parents, neighbors and community! Let’s show our Stanley 8th graders how supported they are! Step outside on May 28th at 5:15pm and make some NOISE! Let’s get that energy level up and get the enthusiasm running for their virtual ceremony that starts at 5:30pm!
2020 Dons, Forever Strong! May 29, 6pm
Let’s celebrate the Class of 2020 with ringing of the bells! On Friday, May 29 at 6pm (their originally scheduled graduation date and time), honk your horns, clang your pots and pans, and blow your whistles to let the Class of 2020 know they are loved and celebrated! These efforts should be executed while making certain to adhere to Shelter in Place guidelines.
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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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