News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber | | |
Lafayette Chamber Connectors at Creekside Commons
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 Business Women at Holistika
Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 8:45am-10am
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 March-April 2025)
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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.
| | VOTE! - Lafayette Art & Wine Festival | | VOTE! - Lafayette Res Run for Education | | | |  | | |
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.
Thank you to Gratitude Coffee for providing coffee for the morning.
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.
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Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals at Postino
Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals will meet 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 album from Postino, Winter 2024.
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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 businesses/organizations recently joined the Lafayette Chamber! We encourage you to visit their websites to learn more.
AYK Brands LLC
Lafayette, CA 94549
Aaron Biner, 415-225-9828, www.littlejupiterkids.com
We have 2 brands that are mainly for e-commerce and wholesale. The main one is "Little Jupiter". A kids brand with mainly toys we design and manufacture.
Category: Shopping & Specialty Retail
Farmor's Dressing
Orinda, CA 94563
Alexandra Gray, 925-200-4980, www.farmorsdressing.com
Organic salad dressing company.
Category: Restaurants, Food & Beverage
Oat Bliss
Lafayette, CA 94549
Sunha Lee, 510-557-5010, www.eatoatbliss.com
Oat Bliss LLC was created to help those who may need a little help moving through busy lives, or simply want something nutritious and tasty to enjoy. Our organic frozen oatmeal cups are quick, delicious and a great meal anytime.
Category: Restaurants, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness
Omar F. Khan, Insurance Broker
3766A Sundale Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549
Omar Khan, 925-400-7959 or 925-325-1632, https://www.healthmarkets.com/local-health-insurance-agent/okhan
I offer my clients a holistic solution when it comes to their health, life, & supplemental insurance & warmly offer this support to individuals, families, & small businesses.
Category: Finance & Insurance, Individual Professional
Sun to Sea Design
Lafayette, CA 94549
Sarah Jura, 312-752-7194, www.suntoseadesign.com
Sun to Sea is a design studio & shop featuring handmade ceramics and prints created by founder Sarah Jura. Inspired by casual California vibes and Japandi minimalism, they offer a simple, imperfect, and warm collection of home and lifestyle goods.
Category: Local Artist, Business & Professional Services
CrossWaterCreek Outfitters
3574 Mt Diablo Blvds. Ste A., Lafayette, CA 94549
Charles Walls, 925-385-0101, crosswatercreek.com
At CrossWaterCreek Outfitters, our mission is to inspire and equip anglers of all skill levels to connect with nature through the art of fly fishing. Rooted in a passion for pristine waters and sustainable practices, we aim to provide exceptional service.
Category: Shopping & Specialty Retail
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Thank you, Renewing Chamber Members
The following members renewed their Lafayette Chamber membership March 10, 2025 - March 16, 2025.
Douglah Designs, member since 1999, Premier Member since 2014
Antigua Doors, Inc., member since 2012
Clover, member since 2021
Club Pilates Lafayette, member since 2017
Collab Fertility, member since 2024
Compass, member since 2003
Contra Costa Jewish Day School, member since 2012
Creekside Commons, member since 2024
Ann Newton Cane - Golden Gate Sotheby's International, member since 2019
Lafayette Historical Society, member since 2015
Lafayette Moraga Youth Association, member since 1999
Lamorinda CrossFit, member since 2022
Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, member since 1999
Laraarchitecture, member since 2024
Lola’s Spanish Cuisine, member since 2023
Orinda Association, member since 2020
Saint Mary's College of California, membes since 2022
Shred Defense, member since 2010
Sunflower Hill, membes since 2021
Tosi Superbites, member since 2021
Treehouse Wealth Advisors, member since 2023
United Constructors, Inc., membes since 2015
Yolo Gold & Silver, member since 2011
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Celebrating 10 Years with the Lafayette Chamber
Andy is a proud graduate of Acalanes and has been doing local construction in Lamorinda since 1988. No job is too big or small. AB Construction's wants to build a better tomorrow by recycling all materials and aiding the reuse of unwanted treasures. They are committed to seeing that every resource finds a new purpose and every treasure finds a new home.
📷: Andy Boggeri (owner) and his dog Sunny
📞: 925-708-2491
📍: 1661 Tice Valley Blvd., Suite 200, Walnut Creek, CA 94595
🌐: https://abconstructioneastbay.com
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In Loving Memory of Dr. Alan J. Swimmer
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Alan J. Swimmer, dedicated husband, father and grandfather, beloved dentist and cherished member of the Lamorinda community. Dr. Swimmer served our town and surrounding area with compassion, skill and a commitment to the well-being of countless individuals and families for so many years.
Throughout his many years of practice, Dr. Al not only provided exceptional dental care but also became a trusted friend and mentor to many. His contributions to the health of our community will never be forgotten.
Dr. Swimmer's legacy lives on through his family and in the smiles and health of all those whose lives he touched.
Any condolences can be sent to the Swimmer office, and they will be sure to forward them to the Swimmer family. A private memorial service will be held in his honor.
Dr. Al Swimmer's practice has been a Lafayette Chamber Member since 1967!
Photo by Chamber Staff, February 2021.
| RECENT RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION | | |
Amarin Thai Cuisine Ribbon Cutting
Last week we celebrated Amarin Thai Cuisine's new ownership with a Ribbon Cutting.
📸: See photos from the event here!
| | Lafayette Business Women at Pillar Cowork | | |
2025 Lafayette Citizen of the Year: Ann Appert
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 paid March 10th-16th:
Abio Properties - Wine Booth Sponsor
Cancer Support Community - Non-Profit Booth
Contra Costa Republican Party - Non-Profit Booth
Cousins Maine Lobster - Food Truck Vendor
Halal Bites of Chicago - Food Truck Vendor
Saint Anthony's Thrift - Non-Profit Booth
Sun to Sea Design - Local Artist
United Constructors, Inc. - Commercial Vendor Booth
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
🔹 Event 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
🔹 Eventdetails: 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
🔹 Event 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.
Contact Grace for more information 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, and how to contact the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) if you have any questions.
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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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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:
● 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.
| | Upcoming Chamber Member Events | | |
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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Youth Homes Expanding Impact Ribbon Cutting Event
Join Youth Homes for their Expanding Impact ribbon cutting event at Youth Homes Thrift Shop! They are thrilled to celebrate the expansion of their shop and the incredible community who shops, donates, and supports the critical mental health services of Youth Homes. Enjoy light bites and stories from the team about how the shop changes their young clients lives.
When: Thursday, March 20, 2025 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Where: Youth Homes Thrift Shop, 15b Vivian Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA
For More Info: Danielle John, 925-285-0689, daniellej@youthhomes.org
youthhomes.org/thrift
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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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Mayor’s State of the City Address
You’re Invited Join Mayor Candell and the Lafayette City Council for the Mayor’s State of the City Address. Reception will follow.
Monday, March 31, 2025 at 6:00 pm
Lafayette Library and Learning Center's Don Tatzin Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA
Please join us to celebrate the achievements of our community together!
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City of Lafayette The Weekly Roundup
The Weekly Roundup, March 14, 2025 | Latest News | City of Lafayette, CA
News From the City Manager’s Corner
This week’s updates from City Manager, Niroop Srivatsa highlight:
- Solving the Plastics Crisis - Free Webinar on Tuesday Night
- On Wednesday, Join Us for Coffee with the Cops at Papillon
- Check out the New, Modern Fare Gates at the Lafayette BART Station Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday Afternoon
- Lafayette Recreation Summer Registration Begins Next Sunday
- Save the Date! Mayor’s State of the City Address on March 31
- Con Fire to Host Meeting April 1 on New Wildfire Hazard Severity Zones
- Share Your Passion! Volunteer on a City Advisory Body
- Experienced Muralists Invited to Submit Portfolios
- Creative Vision: Artists in Conversation on April 8
- Upcoming Hearings on Possible Changes to Basic Residential Telephone Service
- Roadwork Alert: County to Being Maintenance Project on Pleasant Hill Road Bridge Next Week
- Now Hiring! Join Our Team
- Planning Commission Meeting Monday Night
➡ 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 14, 2025 Weekly Update
➡ Urban Limit Line Renewal
➡ Pleasant Hill Road Bridge Work in Lafayette
➡ East Bay Economic Development Alliance: Industrial Lands Webinar on Wednesday, March 19th
➡ Protect Your Family: Wildfire and Emergency Preparedness Program
➡ March 2025 Recognized as American Red Cross Month
➡ Women's History Month, International Negro Women's Month, and International Women's Day Recognized by the Board of Supervisors
➡ Planning for Tomorrow's Transportation
➡ Contra Costa County Historical Society Membership Drive
➡ The Cleaner Contra Costa 2025: Reduce, Reuse, Repair Challenge
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50% off all Bay Area transit
Clipper START is a pilot program to provide single-ride discounts to eligible riders. Participants receive a 50% discount on services noted here.
To qualify, you must...
- Be a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area
- Be 19-64 years old
- Not have an RTC Clipper Card for people with disabilities
- Have a household income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less
Apply now!
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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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