News & Events from the
Lafayette Chamber | |
Monday, September 30, 2024 | |
Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals at Headlands Brewing
Thursday, October 3, 5:30pm-7pm
Ribbon Cutting at El Talpense Mexican Restaurant
Wednesday, October 9, 4pm
Lafayette Business Women at Abio Properties
Wednesday, October 16, 8:45am-10am
👟 Lafayette Run for Education 🥈
Sunday, October 20, 2024: Prices increase Oct. 6!
🎃 Trick or Treat Street 👻
Friday, October 25, 4pm-6pm
Non-Profit Network at Creekside Commons
Thursday, November 14, 8am
➡ Lafayette Chamber Events Calendar ⬅
More events from our members!
Lafayette Community Events Calendar
Nonprofit Email Blast (current issue September 27)
Arts Community Email Blast (current issue Sept. 13)
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Welcome our NEW Lafayette Chamber Members!
The following businesses recently joined the Lafayette Chamber! We encourage you to visit their website to learn more.
J. McLaughlin
3547 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549
Bendlia Legaspi, 925-297-1347
Retail Clothing
Category: Clothing & Accessories, Retail
Contra Costa School of Performing Arts
2730 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Sierra Kulak, 323-919-0126
Category: Schools, Non-Profit Organizations & Clubs
Jodi Foucher Photography
785 Oak Grove Rd. 2, #266, Concord, CA 94518
Jodi Foucher, 925-639-0762
Jodi Foucher Photography captures the essence of community through local organizations, events and professional headshots. Dedicated to showcasing authentic connections, Jodi’s work highlights the vibrancy and spirit of individuals and gatherings, creating memorable images that reflect each unique story.
Category: Photography
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Thank you Renewing Members!
The following members renewed their Lafayette Chamber membership between September 16-29, 2024!
Bay Area Festivals, member since 2015
Branagh Development, member since 2007
Compass - Steven Potts, member since 2023
Cortese Investment Company, member since 1996
Dudum Financial & Insurance Services, Inc., member since 2004
East Bay Health, member since 2023
Floral Arts Florist, member since 2004
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, member since 2022
Greg's Automotive Certified Services, member since 1996
Home Systems, member since 1994
Johnny's Donuts, member since 2022
Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, member since 1984
Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center, member since 1999
Living Hope Fellowship, member since 2017
Loard's Ice Cream and Candy, member since 2022
Local Kitchens, member since 2021
Luck, member since 2018
Mount Diablo Cider Company, member since 2023
Mountain Shadow Film Society, member since 2019
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue (NorSled), member since 2023
Performing Academy, member since 2023
Sharetea Orinda, member since 2021
Temple Isaiah, member since 1994
The Fun and Game Experts, member since 2017
The Linnette Team - Abio Properties, member since 2023
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Reflecting on the incredible success of the 27th annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
Lafayette Community and Beyond,
We want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible success of last weekend’s 27th annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival and extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made it possible.
First and foremost, a huge thank you to our Partners at the City of Lafayette , The Lafayette Police Department and our downtown property stakeholders: BMO, C&H Development, Cortese Investments, Diablo Foods, Karen and Mike Johnson, La Fiesta Square, Lamorinda Music, Mercantile, Pacific Management Group, Postino, SITE Centers, The Brondello Family, The Clocktower, The Collier Family, The Griggs Family, The Hunt Family, The Madigan Family, The Perez Family, The Riggio Family, The Stokes Family, The Whitten Family and Windsor Management Corp. Your support gave us the festival footprint we needed, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
To our dedicated Volunteers, thank you for your countless hours of commitment and enthusiasm. Your energy and teamwork were essential in bringing our vision to life, and your efforts truly made a difference.
First special thanks to our unbelievable Festival Core Committee: Brian Aiello, Tabi Bearce, Nick Bozych, Big Tommy Burns, Adele Christensen, Reid Edwards, Michael Gilson, AJ Glassman, Sandi & Todd Gritzer, Mike & Yolanda Heller, Roberto Hernandez, Travis Johnson, Jonathan, “Ace” Katayanagi, Paddy Kehoe, Jay Lifson, Erika March, AJ Rogers, Mitch Reichenbach, Luis Ruiz, Terry Ring, Tom & Megan Schnurr, Jeremy Steel and Thea Stratford.
Thanks to so many other volunteers who stepped up to help make this event run seamless: Acalanes Cheerleaders, Acalanes Class Parents, Acalanes Helper Helpers, Campolindo Cheerleaders, Campo Music Boosters, Campo Water Polo Parents, Campolindo Water Polo Players – Boys and Girls, Caren Armstrong, Connie & Mike Collier, Jonathon Crain, Brad Crane, Tim Daugherty, Indra Englund, Julie Derby Jaecksch, Diablo View Rotarians, Diane Barbera Delany, Phyllis Edwards, Kim Evans, April French, Tiffany Furrer, Meeta Gandhi, Dennis Garrison, Debbie Green, Mike Hayes, Omar Khan, Laura Klipp, Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club, Dennis Markham, Kate Mason, Jim Meyers, John McCormick, Brian Miles, Kim Moraga, Aran Nafisi, Monica Nolasco, Matt Pease, Fran Pecho, PFlag Volunteers, Kimberly Pinto, Steven Potts, Christine Raymond, Devin, Julia, Riley, Ryan & Tim Regan, Rotary Club of Lafayette, Katie Santos, BSA Scout Troop 212, Scout Troop 402, Lauren Smith, Pete Sonne, Town Hall Theatre Volunteers, Jake Winslow.
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To our community partners, we deeply appreciate your involvement and collaboration. Your dedication to our shared mission and your contributions were vital to the festival’s success. | |
A special thanks to our presenting sponsors Xfinity, Pac Vet Emergency Hospital, Mechanics Bank, and the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. Your generous support helped make this event possible.
To all our sponsors and vendors, thank you for providing exceptional services and products that enhanced the festival experience. Your participation helped create a vibrant and memorable atmosphere.
To the incredible bands and performers, thank you for bringing our stages to life, getting our guests on their feet, and filling the festival with energy and excitement. A special thanks to the sound technicians, MCs, and stage managers who worked behind the scenes to make these performances possible. Your combined efforts made the entertainment unforgettable.
To our local wineries, breweries, restaurants, and food vendors, we thank you for the tasty treats, refreshing beverages, and wide array of delicious food choices you brought to the festival. Your variety of offerings, from local wines and craft brews to unique kombucha and mouthwatering dishes, made the weekend extra special for everyone.
To our talented local artists, thank you for sharing your passion and creativity with the community. Your work added so much color and inspiration to the event.
To our event photographers, Craig Isaacs and Jeff Heyman. Click to view photos!
And finally, to our wonderful guests who return year after year, bringing their families and friends, and voting us Best of the East Bay once again – we are incredibly grateful for your continued support.
Together, we created an unforgettable event that not only brought our community closer but also welcomed newcomers with open arms. Thank you once again, and we can’t wait to see you all next year! Save the dates: September 20 & 21!
The Chamber Team,
Sara Regan, Linda Carlson, Rebekah Dani, Maya Hammerman, Luisa Miles and Holly Sonne
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Last week Holly Sonne, Chamber staff, and John McCormick, Chamber Board or Directors participated in Corporate & Community Partner Recognition Event at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Pictured with Dawn Manley, center, Food & Fund Drive Coordinator, showing Acalanes High School Homecoming drive was #1 in virtual drive fundraisers! | |
Congrats to Hospice East Bay on a successful Hops for Hospice fundraiser at Canyon Club Brewery! Chamber staff along with Ann Mimiaga, Development Manager, had fun in the photo booth! |
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Ribbon Cutting at El Talpense Mexican Restaurant
Join us in welcoming El Talpense Mexican Restaurant to Lafayette! We will join them for a Ribbon Cutting celebration on Wednesday, October 9 at 4pm, cutting the ribbon at 4:30pm SHARP! They are located at 3576 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Register for a reminder here.
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Lafayette Business Women - October at Abio
October Social: ➡ Wednesday, October 16 at Abio Properties, 8:45am-10am
REGISTER HERE!
Lafayette Business Women is a women-led business group. Shared experiences, contributed knowledge and skills, networking and collaboration opportunities. Empowering female entrepreneurs to build successful businesses.
Meeting once a month through November, typically the third Wednesday of the month alternating from morning to evening events, at member locations throughout Lafayette.
This group is for Lafayette Chamber members and their employees. 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. REGISTER HERE
Upcoming events REGISTER HERE
➡ October 16 at Abio Properties, 8:45am-10am
November 20 at Little Seeds, 5:15pm-6:30pm
📷 Thank you Wine Thieves for hosting our September Member's Only event on September 11! Food trays and non-alcholic beverages were purchased from Whole Foods. View photos/videos here!
This group is a subcommittee of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
Special thanks to Carine Camara, CARRINNA for coordinating these events!
Sign up for email notifications at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/yozHC2T/women. Join our groups: LinkedIn and Facebook.
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Trick or Treat Street!
Lafayette Chamber's popular Halloween event, Trick or Treat Street, is Friday, October 25, 2024 from 4pm-6pm.
Families will stroll from business to business on Mt. Diablo Blvd. from Lafayette Plaza to Dewing Ave, Lafayette Circle and in La Fiesta Square.
If you are interested in participating as a business in Trick or Treat Street this year, please fill out the simple and quick form on this page: https://lafayettechamber.org/trick-or-treat/.
This is limited to downtown Lafayette Chamber member businesses along the event footprint. Limited space available for organizations in Lafayette Plaza. Contact Holly with questions!
Participating Businesses as of September 30:
Tutu's Food & Drink
Five Little Monkeys
Sharp Bicycle
Solano Jewelers
Misto Lino
SUNMED - Your CBD Store
Assistance League Thrift Shop
Dudum Real Estate Group
First Mile Cycle Works
Zoonie’s Candy, Gelato, Toy and Novelties
Luck
Douglah Designs
Lafayette United Methodist Church (in Lafayette Plaza)
Town Hall Theatre (in Lafayette Plaza)
Pillar Cowork and Childcare
Kimberley Harrison Interiors
White Barn Home
Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill (in Lafayette Plaza)
Hank & Frank Bicycles (in Lafayette Plaza)
LPIE (in Lafayette Plaza)
Soccer Stars Contra Costa (in Lafayette Plaza)
All Ages Recreation Downtown (in Lafayette Plaza)
Lafayette Library and Learning Center (in Lafayette Plaza)
Lafayette Nursery School
Caroline’s Salon
Local Kitchens (in Lafayette Plaza)
Vintage Vida
i9 Sports (in Lafayette Plaza)
Clocks, Etc.
Hollie's Homegrown (in Clocks, Etc.)
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Non-Profit Network - Sharing Knowledge & Building Community Together
At the Lafayette Chamber Non-Profit Network, we believe that non-profit organizations play an essential role in building and sustaining thriving communities. Our mission is to foster collaboration, share expertise, and promote best practices among non-profit professionals and volunteers in the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a newcomer to the non-profit sector, we're here to provide you with the resources, connections, and support you need to make a positive impact in the world.
REGISTER HERE
FREE and open to Lafayette Chamber member non-profit executives, staff, board, volunteers. Not a Lafayette Chamber member? Reach out to us for a guest pass.
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MEHKO Informational Workshops
Learn how to start your own home-based restaurant!
- Learn the steps to open a MEHKO
- Access valuable resources
- Get answers to your questions
Workshops include a 30-minute presentation followed by Q&A. Participants are not required to attend the full 2 hours. REGISTER HERE. If you need help registering, please contact Contra Costa Environmental Health via phone at (925) 608-5500 or via email at RetailFood@cchealth.org.
2024 MEHKO Informational Workshop Schedule:
Wednesday, October 2nd, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O'Hara Ave., Oakley
➡ Tuesday, October 15th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Lafayette Arts & Science Discovery Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
TBD, TBD, San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, 2501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon
Please visit Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) Workshop Registration (office.com) [forms.office.com] for more information and to register for one of the upcoming MEHKO informational workshops.
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Help Shape the Future of Downtown Parking!
The City of Lafayette is updating its Downtown Parking Management Strategy to ensure a balanced and efficient parking experience for all. With new housing on the horizon and an emphasis on multi-modal travel, this study aims to support both current and future parking needs while improving pedestrian and cycling connections throughout downtown.
Join in this exciting process! The project will include data collection, public workshops, and opportunities for feedback, with the goal of creating a parking strategy that works for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
Keep an eye out for updates, and don’t miss the November workshop with Downtown Merchants and Businesses!
Key Dates:
· Data Collection: October 2024
· Workshops & Survey: November 2024 - February 2025
· Final Study Report: Summer 2025
Read additional information here.
If you have any questions or concerns please direct to:
Patrick Golier, Transportation Program Manager, City of Lafayette
PGolier@ci.lafayette.ca.us
(925) 299-3229
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MCE Launches New Energy Efficiency Program to Help Small Businesses Upgrade and Save Money
$1.25 Million in incentives available for up to 1,200 businesses
Small businesses in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano have new opportunities to save money on their monthly bill with local clean energy provider, MCE.
The newly launched Small Business Energy Advantage program provides no- and low-cost upgrades that make it easy and simple to achieve real savings, improve comfort, and build healthier spaces. Qualifying small businesses will be matched with an energy expert who will identify potential upgrades that can be installed immediately including LED upgrades, smart thermostats, and air purifiers.
MCE is partnering with Green Business Programs and Community Based Organizations to bring awareness of program benefits and enroll participants. MCE aims to:
• Distribute $1.25 million in incentives
• Provide 1,200 small businesses with energy education and referral services
• Serve at least 900 businesses by installing energy saving measures
The program was designed to address challenges that had previously been identified by business owners operating in communities of concern. Some of these challenges include lack of adequate outreach, costly improvements, limited guidance and complicated processes that can be too time-consuming for small business owners.
Small Business Energy Advantage will build local enthusiasm with city-wide door-to-door campaigns. Program representatives and MCE staff will stop into small businesses to offer program services. Concord, California will be the first city to host a campaign in October 2024.
Visit mceCleanEnergy.org/small-business-energy-advantage to learn more about the program and see if you qualify today!
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New Simplified Chamber Login for Administrators!
As the primary contact for your organization, you now have access to new online member benefits through the Lafayette Chamber website. With your representative login, you can manage your organization’s member account including your profile, update your representative information, register for events, and post your job openings, news, or promotions.
To begin using these benefits, please login with the password you created during the application process or create a new password here by following these steps:
1. Enter the email address associated with your representative account.
2. Request a new password by checking your email for a verification code.
3. Use the verification code to set your new password.
If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out by replying to this email!
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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 Meet & Greet!
We offer New Member Meet + Greets twice a month at our Chamber offices, the 2nd Tuesday at 10am and the 4th Wednesday at 3pm. We are located at 251 Lafayette Circle Ste 150, Lafayette CA.
Each event is limited to 5 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 (or see above to reset your password!)
We will not take walk-ins. If the registration button is no longer shown below, registration is full for this meeting. Please email Rebekah at Rebekah@LafayetteChamber.org to be added to the waitlist.
Don’t forget to bring your business cards and/or promotional materials to share with others and to leave on our membership wall.
Come learn how to maximize your membership and how to get involved!
View upcoming dates and REGISTER HERE!
Photo of a recent Meet & Greet with Product Deploy, Saint Anthony's Thrift, and Entrepreneurs' Organization - Mt. Diablo Chapter!
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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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Business Card and Business Resource Center at the Lafayette Chamber Office
Our walls are filling up with our members promotion materials and business cards! Stop by the office or email Rebekah Dani to be included! We love to showcase our members!
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Upcoming Chamber Member Events | |
Lafayette Homeowners Council “Candidates Night”
The Lafayette Homeowners Council (LHC) Board is sponsoring a “Candidates Night” at 7 p.m. on October 9th at the Don Tatzin Community Hall at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
All of the candidates for this fall’s City Council election will participate. Each candidate will speak for a few minutes. Then they will answer questions from the audience. More details will be posed on LHC’s website.
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City of Lafayette The Weekly Roundup
The Weekly Roundup, September 27, 2024 | Latest News | City of Lafayette, CA (lovelafayette.org)
News From the City Manager’s Corner
Last week’s updates from City Manager, Niroop Srivatsa highlight:
- Register for This Year’s Spooky Walk
- City Receives 9th Consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
- Bicycle Safety Reminders for Students
- County Performing Sinkhole Repair on Southbound Taylor Blvd Starting Monday
- Watch your Mailbox Next Week for Your Ballot
- “Lid-Flip” Audits Helps Educate About Proper Bin Sorting
➡ Lafayette Planning Applications and Major Development Projects: Want to know the planning applications that the City’s Planning Department is processing? You can visit the Planning Applications Received page for the latest application information. Curious about construction taking place around town? Information on major developments that are underway can be found on the Major Development Projects website.
➡ 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
September 27 Weekly Update (constantcontact.com)
➡ Voting by Mail: Safe, Secure & Preferred by Voters
➡ Voter Education Resources
➡ East Bay Economic Development Alliance (EBEDA) Annual Meeting
➡ PG&E Tour of the Hazard Awareness and Warning Center
➡ Roadwork in Lafayette Starting Monday, 9/30
➡ Contra Costa County Announces Innovation Fund Grant Program
➡ Public Service Announcements for National Disaster Preparedness Month
➡ Contra Costa County Continuum of Care Annual Homeless Report
➡ County Connection, Free Transit on Clean Air Day 10/2
➡ American Association of University of Women is Holding Two Fundraisers
➡ Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice Is Hiring
➡ County Opportunities
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CONGRATS RICHMOND CHAMBER! | |
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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Sara Regan, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Typical Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
Closed Monday-Thursday 12:30pm-1pm for lunch.
(925) 284-7404 | info@lafayettechamber.org
LafayetteChamber.org
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