News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber | |
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Ribbon Cutting at Amarin Thai
Tuesday, March 11, 4pm-5pm
Lafayette Business Women at Pillar Cowork
Wednesday, March 12, 5:15pm-6:30pm
Lafayette Chamber Connectors
Wednesday, March 19, 8:15am-9:30am
Ribbon Cutting at Lafayette's BART Station Fare Gates
Wednesday, March 19, 4pm-5pm
Lafayette Young Professionals at Postino
Thursday, March 20, 5:30pm-7pm
Nonprofit Network at Creekside Commons
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 March 2025)
Arts Community Blast (Current issue Feb-Mar 2025)
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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:
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – 10am-11:30am In-Person at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center
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.
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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Lafayette Business Women at Pillar Cowork
Lafayette Business Women will be meet on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 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 is Co-Chaired by Carine Camara, CARRINNA and Katie Santos, Consulting-Fitness HR. Sponsorship opportunities are available for future events. Fill out the sponsorship opportunities form here.
📸: See photos from 2024's event at Pillar Cowork here.
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2025 Best of the East Bay - Get Your Marketing Toolkit Today!
2025 Best of the East Bay voting runs through 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.
Download the Marketing Tool Kit here.
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VOTE! - Lafayette Art & Wine Festival | |
VOTE! - Lafayette Res Run for Education | |
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OUR MARCH EMAIL BLASTS ARE SPONSORED BY
Pillar Cowork
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Welcome our NEW Lafayette Chamber Members
The following recently joined the Lafayette Chamber! We encourage you to visit their websites to learn more.
Joseline Annan - Individual Professional
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Joseline Annan, 203-606-8915
Category: Individual Professional
Los Arabis Vineyards
Lafayette, CA 94549
Leslie Ward, 510-406-5680, www.losarabisvineyards.com
Boutique winery in Lafayette growing Pinot Noir since 1999.
Category: Restaurants, Food & Beverage
Made Design Jewelry
21213B Hawthorne Blvd., 5393, Torrance, CA 90503
Bobo Wince, 310-903-9198, www.MadeDesignJewelry.com
We hand make jewelry using solid 14k gold, 9.25 silver and 14k gold filled. Along with semi precious stones from all around the world. We make one of each jewelry design, which makes each item a collectible.
Category: Arts, Culture, & Entertainment
Spark Plug Labs
3641 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Unit 118, Lafayette, CA 94549-6101
Monica Phillips, 202-294-5634, https://www.sparkpluglabs.co/
Spark Plug Labs is the spark that ignites inspiration and leads people to action. We offer executive leadership coaching and training to develop leaders at all levels and thriving teams at the intersection of mindfulness, wellbeing, inclusion, and yoga.
Category: Business & Professional Services, Health & Wellness
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Thank you, Renewing Chamber Members
The following members renewed their Lafayette Chamber membership March 2, 2025 - March 9, 2025.
Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, members since 2/9/2015
Cresco Equipment Rentals, members since, 2/24/2012
Front Porch Music, members since 3/21/2024
Lafayette Library & Learning Center Foundation, members since 3/8/2010
Moraga Country Club, members since 3/26/2012
Premier Kitchens, members since 2/1/2003
RE/MAX Accord , members since 3/1/2003
Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen & Coffee Bar, members since 3/30/2016
Thirteen Oak, members since 1/7/2023
Uncle Yu's, members since 3/1/1985
Waiterock Pet Ranch, members since 8/1/2003
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Celebrating 25 Years with the Lafayette Chamber!
A Husband-and-Wife team, Brian and Jennifer started Pinnacle Apparel & Promotions in 1999. Pinnacle is a promotional marketing company committed to providing innovative products to fulfill and enhance your marketing needs. We partner with manufacturers and suppliers who share our commitment to excellence providing the solution you need to promote your corporate identity & brand awareness needs. Brian and Jennifer each have their “own” clients that they work with, however they often do work together brainstorming ideas, working on client art and logos, or discussing various options that each job brings.
📷: Brian and Jennifer Aiello (co-owners)
📞: 925-946-1657
📍: 1310 El Curtola Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549
🌐: http://www.thepinn.com/
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Celebrating 20 Years with the Lafayette Chamber!
Orinda Academy is a nurturing haven for students who need a smaller school environment. They understand that each student learns differently and faces distinct challenges. With small class sizes and a dedicated team of educators, Orinda Academy provides personalized attention that fosters academic growth and emotional well-being for our students in grades 8-12.
At Orinda Academy, the curriculum is designed to engage students through interactive learning experiences, nurturing their curiosity and passion for knowledge. By fostering strong student-teacher relationships, they create a supportive atmosphere where students feel valued and empowered to overcome obstacles. At Orinda Academy, students can thrive, rediscover their potential, and lay the foundation for a successful future.
Orinda Academy is proud to have been part of the Lamorinda community since 1984 and value their community partnerships with groups like the Lafayette Chamber. They are thrilled to be celebrating 20 years as a member!
📷: All faculty and students at Orinda Academy!
📞: (925) 254-7553
📍: 19 Altarinda Rd, Orinda, CA 94563
🌐: https://www.orindaacademy.org/
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RECENT RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION | |
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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.
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. Thank you to Gratitude Coffee for providing coffee for the upcoming event.
Next meeting is Wednesday, March 19th, 8:15am - 9:30am at Creekside Commons, 1035 Carol Lane (use Parking Lot A), Lafayette, CA 94549
📷 See pictures from the February event here.
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.
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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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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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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!
Sponsors and vendors to date:
Dudum Real Estate Group - Beer Booth Sponsor
First Mile Cycle Works - Commercial Vendor
Metropolitan Transportation Commission - Commercial Vendor
Proyecto - Corporate Sponsor
Club Pilates Lafayette - Entertainment Sponsor
Lafayette Orthodontics - Entertainment Sponsor
Lewis Asset Management - Entertainment Sponsor
The Forge Wood-Fired Pizza Truck - Food Truck
Twisted K's - Food Truck
Alex's Family Bee Farm INC - Food Vendor
Evergood Sausage Co. - Food Vendor
JJMCG ENTERPRISES DBA JC'S HOLEY DONUTS - Food Vendor
Devi Life LLC - Local Artist
Enumero Cribbage Boards - Local Artist
Karen Frock Photography - Local Artist
Love You More Designs - Local Artist
Old Road Brand - Local Artist
Opal & Papyrus - Local Artist
Tracy Broback - Local Artist
West Coast Vibez ~ Resin Designs - Local Artist
Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control - Non-Profit Booth
The Giving Exchange - Non-Profit Booth
Townsend Public Affairs - Ticket Booth Sponsor
Learn more and apply here: https://lafayettefestival.com/apply.
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Chamber Event Sponsorship Opportunities
Taste of Lafayette Restaurant Stroll – $500 Sponsorship
📅 Date: Tuesday, May 20
🔹 High-visibility brand placement throughout the event
🔹 Early access to ticket purchases before they sell out (sells out every year!)
🔹 Beneficiary: Community Foundation of Lafayette & Chamber programs
🔹 More details: Taste of Lafayette Restaurant Stroll
Rock the Plaza Concert Series – $300 Sponsorship
🎸 Free Concerts in the Plaza every Friday in June
📅 Dates: 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, plus Lamorinda Idol Finalists perform on 6/27
🔹 More details: Rock the Plaza Concert Series -
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival – Sept 20-21, 2025
🍷 For sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.lafayettefestival.com/apply
Lafayette Res Run for Education – $850 T-Shirt Sponsorship
🏃 Date: Sunday, October 19
🔹 Logo on the back of 2,200+ participant t-shirts
🔹 More details: Lafayette Res Run for Education
Chamber “Affinity Groups” Monthly Meeting Sponsorships
Chamber Connector | Young Professionals | Lafayette Business Women
Reach an extremely targeted local group for brand visibility, connections, and direct engagement. Sponsors enjoy 3-5 minutes at start of meeting to share their story in person with Lafayette’s business professionals.
📅 Frequency: Each affinity group meets monthly.
🔹Lafayette Chamber Connectors, Third Wednesday, 8:15am
🔹Lafayette Business Women, First Wednesday, alternates between 8:45am-5:15pm
🔹Young Professionals (YoPro’s), First Thursday, 5:30pm
🔹 Host Responsibilities: Venue, set-up, clean-up
👥 Accommodate a group of 30-50.
🔹 Sponsor Responsibilities: Order, transport, and costs
☕ Coffee for 30-50 attendees
🍎 Small bites for 15-25 attendees
🥄 Serving supplies: cups, creamer/sweetener, stirrers, napkins, etc.
Let usknow if you would like to explore these opportunities further — we can find the best fit for you! Contact Grace for more info or to reserve.
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The Sales Tax Rate in Lafayette will Increase on April 1st
Here’s what business owners/managers need to know:
- Starting April 1, 2025, businesses in Lafayette will need to start collecting the new ½₵ transactions (sales) and use tax on taxable items.
- Look for a notice from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) regarding this rate change.
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The City has compiled resources for businesses at www.LoveLafayette.org/MeasureH including a map to see if your business address is within the Lafayette city limits (not the same as Lafayette’s zip code!), links to the rate lookup tool, how to contact the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) if you have any questions.
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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:
● 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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Support the Acalanes Dress Drive – Now Through March 29!
Help make prom dreams come true! The Acalanes Dress Drive is happening now through March 29, benefiting the Princess Project, which provides free prom dresses to those in need.
Drop off new or gently worn prom dresses and accessories at either of these locations:
📍 Lafayette Community Center
📍 In front of the Acalanes attendance office
Your donation will go to the San Francisco Princess Project, giving students the chance to shine on their special night.
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Anxiety, Technology, & Schools: What Parents Need to Know to Support Teen Mental Health
Join Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Assemblymember, 16th District, for an important and timely discussion on teen mental health, the impact of technology, and how schools and parents can work together to support students. This interactive event, facilitated by Heidi Hernandez Gatty from the Walnut Creek School Board, will provide expert insights and practical strategies for parents. Please RSVP to attend.
Featured Speakers & Panelists
- Anxiety: Brittany Beauchamp, LPCC (Rogers Behavioral Health); Dr. Allyson Mayo, DBH (PEACE)
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Technology: Dr. Sheila Hassell Hughes (Saint Mary's College, Human Energy); Grace Dixon (All Ages Recreation Downtown)
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Schools: Dr. Jon Nickerson (AUHSD Superintendent); Chris Clausen (MDUSD Secondary Support Administrator)
Anxiety, Technology, & Schools: A Discussion of Teen Mental Health
Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., doors open at 5 p.m.
Las Lomas High School Library, 1460 S Main St, Walnut Creek, CA
RSVP here!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the district office at (925) 244-1600.
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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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City of Lafayette The Weekly Roundup
The Weekly Roundup, March 7, 2025 | Latest News | City of Lafayette, CA
News From the City Manager’s Corner
This week’s updates from City Manager, Niroop Srivatsa highlight:
• Read the Latest Issue of Lafayette Vistas
• How You Can Contribute Towards Making Lafayette an Age-Friendly Community
• Planning Commission to Review Proposal for 15 New Homes on Deer Hill Road
• March 15 Deadline for Artists to Apply to Exhibit in our Downtown Galleries
• Police Department Statistics for February
• City Council Meeting on Monday Night
• Other meetings, community news & events, and more!
➡ 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
March 7, 2025 Weekly Update
➡ State Route 24 (SR-24) Caldecott Tunnel Overnight Closure #4 Bore Maintenance Work
➡ Black Life in America
➡ March Animal Adoption Events and Community Activities
➡ East Bay Leadership Series Hosts Attorney General Rob Bonta
➡ The Contra Costa Commission for Women & Girls
➡ Contra Costa Health Expands Notification System for Hazardous Materials Alerts
➡ Planning for Tomorrow's Transportation
➡ Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs)
➡ John Muir Offers Inpatient Psychiatric Care
➡ State Updates Maps Showing Fire Severity Hazard Zones
➡ Electric Bike and Scooter Laws
➡ Recycle Smart "Waste Capture" Study
➡ The Cleaner Contra Costa 2025 Reduce, Reuse, Repair Challenge
➡ Hiring and Volunteer Opportunities
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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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