News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber | |
Monday, February 24, 2025 | |
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Ribbon Cutting for Nes Pinar Psychotherapy
Tuesday, February 25, 11am-1pm
Lafayette Chamber New Member Orientation
Wednesday, February 26, 4pm-5pm
Business Seminar - Elevate Your Brand: Strategies to Amplify Your Impact
Friday, February 28, 9am-12noon
Ribbon Cutting at Makers Market
Thursday, March 6, 4pm-5pm
Educational Seminar - Nonprofit Leadership Strategies for Growth and Impact
Friday, March 7, 9am-12noon
Lafayette Business Women at Pillar Cowork
Wednesday, March 12, 5:15pm-6:30pm
Lafayette Chamber Connectors
Wednesday, March 19, 8:15am-9:30am
Lafayette Young Professionals at Postino
Thursday, March 20, 5:30pm-7pm
Nonprofit Network
Thursday, April 3, 2025, 8:30am-10:00am
Lafayette Citizen of the Year Dinner Honoring Ann Appert
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 6pm-9pm
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival Opportunities
Saturday September 20, 10am-7pm and Sunday September 21, 10am-6pm
➡ Lafayette Chamber Events Calendar ⬅
More events from our members!
Lafayette Community Events Calendar
Nonprofit Email Blast (Current issue February 2025)
Arts Community Blast (Current issue Jan-Feb 2025)
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Ribbon Cutting at Nes Pinar Psychotherapy
Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate Nes Pinar Psychotherapy's one-year anniversary in their new location as well as being a member of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce! They are also celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their Lafayette practice.
"Our office provides psychotherapy and neurofeedback for children, teens, and adults. We also host the East Bay Therapists Community (EBTC), which is a social and educational hub for mental health therapists.
We hope to get to know each other at the event through some fun & simple group games. Visit www.nespinar.com by the event date to subscribe to our e-mail list for a chance to win a wellness basket."
We will cut the ribbon Tuesday, February 25th at 11:15pm SHARP. Nes Pinar Psychotherapy is located at 251 Lafayette Circle, Suite 330, Lafayette.
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New Member Orientation at the Lafayette Chamber!
If you are a new Lafayette Chamber member, new owner or employee in an already existing member business join us for a New Member Orientation.
We offer these once a month at our Chamber offices, the last Wednesday at 4pm. We are located at 251 Lafayette Circle Ste 150, Lafayette CA 94549.
Each event is limited to 10 attendees and will last no longer than one hour. Please register with your Member account using the link below. If you are having trouble logging in please contact us. We will not take walk-ins. If the registration button is no longer shown below, registration is full for this meeting.
Don’t forget to bring your business cards and/or promotional materials to share with others and to leave on our membership wall. And come prepared to have your photo taken! Learn how to maximize your membership and how to get involved! Not a member? Click here to join: lafayettechamber.org/join.
Next Orientation is Wednesday, February 26, 2025 4-5pm.
View upcoming dates and REGISTER HERE!
Photo of January Orientation.
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Business Seminar Series - Elevate Your Brand: Strategies to Amplify Your Impact
The Lafayette Chamber is hosting monthly business seminars in 2025 with the intention to educate, train and share real-world knowledge in a classroom environment. Each seminar will be led by a group of respected leaders in their respective fields.
Free for Members, $35 for non-members. Registration required. Space is limited to 30 attendees. *This is an indoor event.
Friday, February 28, 2025 9am-12noon, Lafayette Library Art & Science Room
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Lafayette Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce Ann Appert as the 2025 Lafayette Citizen of the Year
A long-time Lafayette resident, Ann was selected for her outstanding contributions to the community. Her extensive volunteer work includes her current role as Grants chair for the Community Foundation of Lafayette, board member of JF Kapnek Trust, baking custom birthday cakes for foster children, and contributions to the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Her spirit of service is part of what makes Lafayette a special place to live.
A dinner honoring Ann Appert will be held at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 6pm to 9pm. The event will celebrate Ann's dedication to Lafayette, which spans three decades and includes various roles in local organizations. Registration for the dinner is now open, and community members are encouraged to attend and recognize Ann's significant impact on Lafayette. For more information and dinner registration visit lafayettechamber.org/coy.
Photograph of Ann Appert and her husband, Peter, by Craig Isaacs, BlueGoo Photography.
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Thank you, Renewing Chamber Members
The following members renewed their Lafayette Chamber membership February 3 - February 17, 2025.
AB Construction, member since 3/3/2015
All Business Class Travel Agency, member since 3/5/2019
Bay Area Crisis Nursery, member since 3/25/2021
Bay Area Rescue Mission, member since 3/24/2021
Bay Area Temporary Sanitation Inc, member since 3/31/2023
Blodgett's Abbey Carpet & Flooring, member since 2/1/1958
Bomac's Inc., member since 2/6/2013
Contra Costa Republican Party, member since 3/11/2024
Cooking with Kids Foundation, member since 3/2/2015
Diablo Regional Arts Association, member since 7/5/2018
Diamond K Supply, Ltd., member since 2/1/1992
Dino Riggio & Associates, member since 3/30/2011
Gillham Fitness, member since 2/6/2019
Honey Homes, member since 3/20/2022
La Finestra Ristorante, member since 3/1/1999
Lafayette Community Center, member since 3/1/1986
Manic Woodshop, member since 3/1/2024
Markstein Sales Company, member since 3/28/2023
Michael Lane Preschool, member since 3/1/2004
Pandora Nail Spa, member since 3/30/2022
Pinnacle Apparel & Promotions, member since 3/1/2000
Primp Salon, member since 3/5/2020
Rivulet Chiropractic, member since 3/5/2014
Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery, member since 3/10/2022
Serene Vibrance, member since 3/26/2024
Sinai Memorial Chapel, member since 3/1/1994
The Forge Wood-Fired Pizza Truck, member since 3/4/2021
The Fourth Bore Tap Room and Grill, member since 3/3/2021
Trust In Education, member since 3/17/2008
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RECENT RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATIONS |
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Educational Seminar Series - Nonprofit Leadership Seminar: Strategies for Growth and Impact
The Lafayette Chamber is hosting monthly business seminars in 2025 with the intention to educate, train and share real-world knowledge in a classroom environment. Each seminar will be led by a group of respected leaders in their respective fields.
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Free for Members, $35 for non-members. Registration required. Space is limited to 30 attendees. * This is an indoor event.
Special thanks to Alex Teece for sponsoring our breakfast coffee and treats!
Friday, March 7, 2025 9am-12pm, Lafayette Library & Learning Center Art & Science Room
Click below for details and registration.
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Ribbon Cutting at Makers Market
Please join us for a Ribbon Cutting at Makers Market! We will cut the ribbon at 4:30pm SHARP.
Register below for a reminder!
When: Thursday, March 6, 2025 4PM - 5PM
Where: Makers Market, 3571 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette
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Lafayette Business Women at Pillar Cowork
Lafayette Business Women will meet next on Wednesday, March 12, 5:15pm-6:30pm at Pillar Cowork.
BRING EXTRA BUSINESS CARDS! This will be a SPEED NETWORKING event!
Registration required! No cost for Lafayette Chamber members. Guests welcome to attend the first meeting for free, then we encourage guests to join the Lafayette Chamber or pay the $20 guest fee during registration.
Chamber members should sign in with their representative account to confirm membership.
Lafayette Business Women will be Co-Chaired by Carine Camara, CARRINNA and Katie Santos, Consulting-Fitness HR. March gathering is hosted at Pillar Cowork.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for future events. Fill out the sponsorship opportunities form here.
📸 Photos from East Bay Health here!
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Join Us at the Next Chamber Connectors Event!
Come to our next Chamber Connectors! It's an excellent opportunity for in-person networking!
Do you want to meet people who might be able to help you grow your business through referrals? Chamber Connectors meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 8:15am. For March we will meet at Creekside Commons.
Register below for the March 19, 8:15am event at Creekside Commons. We've extended the time for more networking opportunities!
Chamber Connectors will provide Lafayette Chamber members an opportunity to showcase their business and meet other professionals that may be able to refer you to new customers. Each meeting will last about an hour and will consist of an opportunity to introduce yourself and your business and then have an open networking session with all attendees.
No cost for Lafayette Chamber members. Guests welcome to attend their first Lafayette Chamber event/meeting for free, then we encourage guests to join the Lafayette Chamber or pay the $20 guest fee during registration.
Lafayette Chamber Connectors is Co-Chaired by Fred Steingraf, Edward Jones and Rebekah Dani, Rebekah Dani Coaching & Consulting.
Special thanks to Ernie Sexton, Sexton Group Real Estate and Nancy Rogers, Accurate Bookkeeping for sponsoring the coffee and breakfast treats at our February event.
Next meeting is Wednesday, March 19th, 8:15am - 9:30am at Creekside Commons, 1035 Carol Lane (use Parking Lot A), Lafayette, CA 94549
REGISTER HERE
Whether you're a Lafayette Chamber member or new to our community, Chamber Connectors is your opportunity to showcase your business, meet local professionals, and build valuable relationships.
📷 See pictures from the February event here.
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Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals at Postino
Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals will mix it up at Postino, Thursday, March 20th, 5:30pm-7pm!
Registration required - sign up here.
No cost for Lafayette Chamber members. Guests welcome to attend the first meeting for free, then we encourage guests to join the Lafayette Chamber or pay the $20 guest fee during registration. Chamber members should sign in with their representative account to confirm membership.
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📷 Photo from Postino in 2024.
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Festival Participation Opportunities!
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival sponsorship and vendor opportunities are now available to Chamber Members!
Save the date for the 28th Annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, the 3rd weekend in September, September 20 & 21, 2025!
Learn more and apply here: https://lafayettefestival.com/apply.
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Dear Chamber Members,
To better protect your privacy and comply with California’s anti-spam and privacy laws, we are removing the email button from our website that previously allowed members to contact one another directly through the system via email.
This change is being made effective immediately to ensure we uphold the highest standards in data protection and reduce the risk of spam and misuse.
We value your connections within our Chamber community and encourage networking through:
✅ Our in-person events, committees, and mixers.
✅ The member directory, which still displays business contact information and provides a link to each member’s website for easy access.
The best way to be contacted is through your website. A contact form on your website may be your best option.
If you have any questions or need assistance connecting with another member, please reach out to Kate Mason, our Membership Engagement lead, or any Chamber staff member—we’re here to help!
Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to enhance member privacy and security.
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2025 Best of the East Bay Starts March 1st - Get Your Marketing Toolkit Today!
2025 Best of the East Bay voting runs March 1-March 31. Have your business ready for Best of the East Bay 2025 with their marketing tools and tips.
- Email: Include a link to the ballot in an email or newsletter.
- Social: Use the graphics we created (download from the link below) to promote on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
- In Person: Use the flyer we created to make a sign to post inside your store to encourage customers to vote for your business.
Register your business for the ballot:
Registration is free and easy—and makes it easier for your supporters to vote for you! Learn more, download the Marketing Tool Kit and register here.
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Build the Bench
The East Bay Leadership Council created Build the Bench—a candidate training program designed to help emerging and established leaders turn their passion for public service into action. Participants get expert guidance, campaign insights, and the tools they need to run and win. Applications for the 2025 program are open through March 14th. Learn more ➡️ www.buildthebench.com
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Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition 2025
The 2025 Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition is now live! The competition aims to encourage youth entrepreneurship in the county, allowing students K-12 to submit applications with existing business or business ideas. No idea is too small or too big!
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Applications are open until March 15, 2025.
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Finalists will be announced in early April.
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Finalists will pitch to a panel of judges on May 1, 2025 at the Lafayette Library for a chance to win up to $1,000!
Visit their website Contra Costa Shark Tank (or click the photo above) to apply and learn more about the competition. They look forward to reading all of your applications!
*Sponsored and coordinated by the Lafayette Chamber.
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Join Us for 2025 Lafayette Community Day: Share Your Impact!
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Downtown Lafayette Plaza (Mt Diablo Blvd & Moraga Rd)
Nonprofit leaders: Help us make our 4th Annual Community Day unforgettable! We're seeking 10-12 impactful volunteer projects that will engage over 200 Lafayette residents. Each project should:
● Run 1.5-2 hours (9:30-11:30 AM)
● Accommodate 10-20 volunteers
● Be accessible to diverse ages and abilities
To Participate:
- Submit a brief project proposal
- List any special requirements (tools, utilities, etc.)
- Let us know if you'd like to join our Volunteer Fair
- Designate a project lead to coordinate with our team
Key Dates:
● Feb 28: Project proposals due (to info@lafayettecommunityday.org)
● Mar 14: Selected projects/organizations notified
● Apr 7-25: Volunteer registration open
● May 3: 2025 Lafayette Community Day
Don't have a project location? We'll help find one! Questions? Contact Suzy Pak at suzypak@gmail.com.
Presented by the Community Foundation of Lafayette, City of Lafayette, and Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
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Small Business Help Office Hours - Hosted by SCORE
SCORE has the largest network of free volunteer small business mentors in the nation. No matter what stage your business is at SCORE can be a valuable resource. The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce has been partnering with SCORE for over 15 years.
We welcome our chamber members and community members to schedule a complimentary meeting with a SCORE representative most Tuesdays between the hours of 1:30pm-4:00pm in our Chamber office at 251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150. View the calendar for upcoming dates.
Mike Harris is our in-house SCORE counselor. Mike earned a BS with an emphasis on electronics from Stevens Institute of Technology and an MBA from Santa Clara University. After a few years in engineering, Mike spent most of his career in high tech marketing and operations management. While continuing to work in electronics he helped manage his family retail business. After retiring from his career in electronics, Mike began working with small businesses helping them obtain working capital loans. Besides mentoring, Mike helps present SCORE business plans and financial planning workshops.
To schedule your appointment, please call the Lafayette Chamber at (925) 284-7404 or book your appointment online here by 10am the Friday before. Enter your desired time frame. In person meetings at the Lafayette Chamber office are by appointment only and are scheduled every 30 minutes.
SCORE also offers free and low-cost workshops. VIEW WORKSHOP SCHEDULE HERE.
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Upcoming Chamber Member Events | |
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Greet Lafayette Invites You to the Next Networking Lunch
Haven’t joined us yet? You’re missing out! Our next Greet Lafayette Networking Lunch is coming up, and it’s the perfect chance to chat, swap ideas, and build game-changing connections with local businesses.
📅 When: Wednesday, Feb 26, 11:30 AM
📍 Where: Millie’s American Kitchen, 1018 Oak Hill Rd, Lafayette
💡 What’s the vibe? Think laid-back conversations, fresh ideas, and opportunities to grow your network (oh, and amazing food, too!). Bring a friend and dive in!
🎟️ Heads up: Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot. Everyone covers their own lunch and drinks, but the connections? Absolutely priceless.
🔗 Stay in the loop: Check out upcoming events at greetlafayette.com/events and stay updated! Don’t miss out—see you there! 🎉
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B&B Locksmith and Security Inc.
B&B Locksmith and Security Inc. is proud to announce our upcoming Contra Costa Commercial Security Expo, coming up on Thursday February 27th!
Stop by the Alamo Women's Club at 1401 Danville Boulevard from 8:00 - 11:30AM for a comprehensive security showcase, covering the best and latest products and systems in the commercial security industry.
We look forward to seeing you there and to helping you keep your property safe and secure!
When: Thursday, February 27, 2025 8:00 AM thru 11:30 AM
Where: 1401 Danville Boulevard, Alamo, CA, 94507
For More Info: Alex Berger, (925) 266-3393
office@blocksmithpro.com
https://blocksmithpro.com/
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➡ The City of Lafayette is looking for an experienced planning professional to join our team as a Senior Planner. If you’re passionate about innovative planning solutions and making a lasting impact, check out this opportunity here.
➡ Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church is looking to add two childcare assistant roles to help serve our growing ministries. You can expect to interact with up to 15 children ages 1-5, lead fun and creative activities, and ensure a safe and nurturing environment. Hours are Thursdays and Sundays from 9am - 12pm, 6-10 hours, $20 per hour. Click this link to apply.
➡ Bae Boats is hiring Dock Hands! Learn more here.
➡ Hank & Frank Bicycles in Lafayette, CA. is hiring a full-time bicycle mechanic.
Hank & Frank Bicycles is located in the heart of the East Bay. Do you love bikes and the people who ride them? Would you love to work in a fun and high-quality environment? Do you have experience working on bikes? If you can answer yes to these questions, then we have the perfect opportunity for you! Apply here.
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Camps, Schools & Kids’ Activities!
Check out opportunities from these fellow Lafayette Chamber members. Have a program to add? Email us at info@lafayettechamber.org.
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Help Shape the Future of Bay Area Transit
The Bay Area Council is conducting the 2025 Return to Office Survey, and we need your help! Your feedback on your employer's return to office policies will influence how public transit agencies adapt to our region’s changing transportation needs.
Survey Details:
· Completely anonymous
· Takes only 5 minutes
· Open until March 3, 2025
By participating, you’ll help improve commutes for your employees, colleagues, and the entire Bay Area workforce. Let’s work together to build a better Bay Area!
Take the survey now!
Thank you for your participation. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback please contact Laura Hill, Senior Policy Director with the Bay Area Council, at Lhill@bayareacouncil.org.
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Lafayette Downtown Parking Management Study - Workshop for Downtown Businesses in March!
The City of Lafayette launched a Downtown Parking Management Study in Fall 2024 to identify parking management strategies that achieve an efficient balance between existing and future parking supply and demand, an expected increase in new housing, and increased multi-modal travel throughout Lafayette’s downtown area.
They want to hear from you! Over the upcoming months, visitors, business owners, and employees of our downtown will have opportunities to provide your thoughts on your parking experiences and feedback on how downtown’s parking supply may or may not meet demands for the wide range of land uses in our downtown. A number of stakeholder workshops are being scheduled this spring.
Workshops specifically for downtown business owners have been scheduled for mid-March:
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Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – 10am-11:30am In-Person at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center
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Thursday, March 13, 2025 – 6pm-7:30pm Online via Zoom.
REGISTER HERE FOR EITHER WORKSHOP AT https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/laf-parking-workshop
The study’s very robust data collection effort was completed in fall 2024 and included comprehensive parking supply counts and occupancy surveys. This information provides information on the total supply of parking and the locations where demand is the heaviest.
The final study deliverables will include series of parking management strategies intended to balance on-street and off-street public and private parking availability and uses to support the diverse range of downtown land uses, accommodate the expected rise in housing supply, and anticipate the potential future reduction in commuter parking at BART station lots.
More information on the City’s website: https://www.lovelafayette.org/city-hall/city-departments/engineering/transportation/parking/downtown-parking-study.
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Shape the Future of Transportation in Contra Costa County!
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is updating the Countywide Transportation Plan (The Plan), and we need your input! Share your thoughts on improving roads, public transit, biking, walking, and all the other ways we travel in Contra Costa County. The Plan is a unique opportunity to help create a safer, more sustainable, and connected transportation system for everyone.
Take the survey to be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift card.
📋 Take the Survey Today: Countywide Transportation Plan - Survey
Your voice matters—join us in building a better future of transportation in our community!
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City of Lafayette The Weekly Roundup
The Weekly Roundup, February 21, 2025 | Latest News | City of Lafayette, CA
News From the City Manager’s Corner
This week’s updates from City Manager, Niroop Srivatsa highlight:
- Senior Services Commission to Present Age Friendly Action Plan for City Council Adoption
- Public Art Committee to Present Annual Update to City Council
- Calling All Lafayette Artists! Join in Celebrating #LoveLafayetteArtists
- Save the Date for Presentation on Public Art in Lafayette: A Community Legacy
- Downtown Parking Management Study Underway
- County to Remove Trees along Taylor Boulevard Next Week
- County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Phone Scam
- Save the Date for Lafayette Community Day on Saturday, May 3
- City Council Meeting on Monday Night
➡ Are you listed on the Experience Lafayette website? If not, reach out to Suzanne Iarla at the City of Lafayette.
➡ Sign up to receive City notifications: Sign up for meeting agendas and Lafayette’s publications at bit.ly/LafayetteNotifications. Also, find out how to follow the City of Lafayette on social media at https://www.lovelafayette.org/connect.
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Supervisor Candace Andersen Weekly Update
February 21, 2025 Weekly Update
➡ Contra Costa Celebrates Black History Month
➡ Ready Contra Costa Provides Natural Disaster Preparation Information
➡ Contra Costa County Public Works to Perform Tree Removal Work in Unincorporated Lafayette Along Taylor Boulevard
➡ 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grants
➡ Healthcare for the Homeless Advisory Board Seeks Members
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Staff Spotlight!
Kate Mason - Membership Engagement Director
Originally from sunny Ojai, California, Kate moved to the Bay Area after earning her degree in Communications from UCSB. Kate also holds a Masters degree from USF in Human Resources and Organizational Development. With over 20 years of experience in communications and Human Resources, Kate has worked with renowned organizations such as Google, GRAIL, Nitro, and the Federal Reserve Bank, helping companies reach their goals. She has called Lafayette home since 2012, where she lives with her husband, son, and yellow lab. In her free time, Kate enjoys hiking the Lamorinda hills, riding her Peloton, and practicing yoga.
📷 Photo by Jeff Heyman
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Show Your Membership!
Would you like to include a Lafayette Chamber membership emblem on your website or other marketing materials?
The Lafayette Chamber would be happy to provide you with the appropriate logos. Simply email your request to holly@lafayettechamber.org.
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