News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber | |
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | |
|
Lafayette Chamber Connectors
Wednesday, February 19, 8:15am-9:30am
Ribbon Cutting for Dajenel Medical Aesthetics & Wellness
Wednesday, February 19, 12pm
Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals - Volunteer Event
Thursday, February 20, 3:15pm-5:30pm REGISTRATION REQUIRED
"Coffee" with City of Lafayette Mayor Susan Candell
Via Zoom, Friday, February 21, 8am-9am
Ribbon Cutting for Nes Pinar Psychotherapy
Tuesday, February 25, 11am-1pm
Lafayette Chamber Member Orientation
Wednesday, February 26, 4pm-5pm
Business Seminar - Elevate Your Brand: Strategies to Amplify Your Impact
Friday, February 28, 9am-12noon
Makers Market Ribbon Cutting
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
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 Chamber Events Calendar ⬅
More events from our members!
Lafayette Community Events Calendar
Nonprofit Email Blast (Current issue February 2025)
Arts Community Blast (Current issue Feb-March 2025)
| |
|
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 February and March we will meet at Creekside Commons.
Register below for the February 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.
Photo from the 2025 Connectors kick-off at Creekside Commons on January 15, 2025.
Next meeting is Wednesday, February 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 January event here.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
Welcome our NEW Lafayette Chamber Members
The following recently joined the Lafayette Chamber! We encourage you to visit their websites to learn more.
Reite Design
124 Camino Posada, Walnut Creek, CA 94595
Christine Reite, 925-858-8030
I am a graphic designer, art director and a part-time gardener working hard to keep my house plants alive. Over the years, I have worked with some amazing companies like Campari America, Gameswift, Wild Dog Farms and The Stone Group. Helping my clients communicate to their target customers is my passion. When I am not in the office, you can find me walking, listening to my favorite podcasts and looking for new plants for my house plant collection.
Categories: Advertising & Marketing, Business & Professional Services
Cafecito Specialty Coffee
Lafayette, CA 94549
Silvia Soriano, 248-854-3149
Cafecito will be a cozy specialty coffee shop where everyone can connect and enjoy high-quality coffee and freshly baked goods. We aim to create a welcoming space for community, relaxation, and memorable moments.
Category: Restaurants, Food & Beverage
Lamorinda Care Collective
1005 Oak Hill Rd., Lafayette, CA 94549
Julie Cummings and Maya Enista Smith, 202-352-3641
The Lamorinda Care Collective was born in December 2024 with a simple yet powerful mission: to bring warmth, support, and dignity to families facing unmet needs during the holiday season. What began as a three-week pop-up shop in Lafayette quickly became something much bigger—welcoming more than 700 families from across the Bay Area and showing us the incredible generosity and kindness of our community.
We were deeply moved by the trust placed in us and knew we couldn’t stop there.
Our commitment remains the same: not just to help families survive, but to ensure they can thrive. We’ve created a streamlined way for nonprofits and families to share their needs, offering appointment-based visits for comfort and accessibility, as well as delivery services to ensure essentials reach those who need them most.
Category: Non-Profit Organizations
Tracy Broback
Lafayette, CA 94549
Tracy Broback, 925-285-2796
I am a local artist, primarily a painter although I also make ceramics and quilts.
Category: Arts, Culture, & Entertainment
| |
|
Thank you, Renewing Chamber Members
The following members renewed their Lafayette Chamber membership February 3 - February 17, 2025.
Accurate Bookkeeping, LLC, member since 2001
Caroline's Salon, member since 2014
Desco Plaza III, member since 2019
John Muir Land Trust, member since 2013
Minuteman Press, member since 2004
Nes Pinar, member since 2024
Network Therapies, Inc., member since 2010
Orchard Nursery & Florist, member since 1956
Orinda Academy, member since 2005
Safeway, member since 2022
San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), member since 2021
| |
|
Celebrating 25 Years with the Lafayette Chamber!
Nestled between Moraga’s wooded rolling hills, the desirable neighborhood home to Aegis Living Moraga offers a charming country atmosphere within easy reach of city amenities. Their friendly Assisted Living and Memory Care community is the perfect place to call home.
They’re proud to offer a truly high level of care, and to help you stay in your apartment while receiving flexible levels of service. They warmly accommodate couples with differing care needs,and are uniquely able to support transitional Assisted Living for those with mild to moderate memory loss, as their community is designed from the ground up to safely maintain a sense of independence. Best of all, their residents are surrounded by the big-hearted team they are known for, providing thoughtful, personal care to every resident.
📷: Stephanie Eukel, Marketing Director
📞: (925) 478-7327
📍: 950 Country Club Dr, Moraga, CA 94556
🌐: https://www.aegisliving.com/locations/aegis-living-moraga-ca/
|
|
Celebrating 10 Years with the Lafayette Chamber!
Gagnon's Party Rentals is a family owned and operated business in Lafayette, CA that has been serving the East Bay for nearly 40 years. They can fulfill any of your party rental needs. Gagnon’s does all types of events and offer everything you need including tents, chairs, tables, dinnerware, grills, heaters, slush and popcorn machines, glass wear, china, linens and much more! They also offer cooking and serving services.
📷: Kyle Gagnon (owner)
📞: (925) 284-3000
📍: 1012 Blackwood Ln, Lafayette, CA 94549
🌐: https://www.gagnons.com/
|
|
Celebrating 10 Years with the Lafayette Chamber!
Harriet Davidson joined the Lafayette Chamber to grow her practice. She is a freelance Controller who helps companies manage their financials and make decisions about their businesses.
The chamber has been a wonderful source of referral for her. But more than that it has been a great opportunity to connect with other business owners whether it’s through the Art and Wine Festival, the Taste of Lafayette or the Connectors, she is forever grateful for the lasting friendships and memories.
📷: Harriet Davidson (owner)
📞: 858-245-7109, 925-478-8287
📍: 410 N. Civic Drive, #203, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
|
|
Celebrating 10 Years with the Lafayette Chamber!
Nestled in the heart of downtown, Lamorinda Tooth Buds is Lafayette's first pediatric dental office. Our team is dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing, and fun environment where kids can feel comfortable and excited about their dental care. We even have an adorable pup named Buddy who can snuggle with our patients during their visits. We look forward to welcoming you to our Tooth Buds Family soon!
📷: Dr. Bonnie Roy (owner) and team
📞: (925) 385-8051
📍: 3501 School St, Lafayette, CA 94549
🌐: lamorindatoothbuds.com
|
|
|
Sweet Saturday Was a Sweet Success!
Sweet Saturday in Lafayette on February 15 was a huge success! The community came together the day after Valentine’s Day to enjoy delicious treats and connect with local businesses. Thank you to all our participating businesses!
Click here for more photos.
| |
|
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
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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 4:00 PM thru 05:00 PM
Where: Makers Market, 3571 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette
|
|
|
Thank You, East Bay Health!
A huge thank you to East Bay Health for hosting and making treats for our recent Lafayette Business Women gathering and a special thanks to Rebekah Dani Coaching & Consulting for sponsoring the coffee for the morning! Your hospitality and support for our local business community are truly appreciated.
📸✨ Check out the event photos here and imagine the great connections and conversations we had!
| |
|
Lafayette Business Women at Pillar Cowork
Lafayette Business Women will be 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 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.
| |
|
Chamber Announcement
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.
| |
|
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!
-
Applications are open until March 15, 2025.
-
Finalists will be announced in early April.
-
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.
|
|
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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 | |
|
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! 🎉
| |
|
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/
| |
|
➡ 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.
|
|
Camps, Schools & Kids’ Activities!
Check out opportunities from these fellow Lafayette Chamber members. Have a program to add? Email us at info@lafayettechamber.org.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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!
| |
City of Lafayette The Weekly Roundup
The Weekly Roundup, February 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:
- Landscape Maintenance Work Planned for Monday on Pleasant Hill Road
- Call for Muralists: Transform Downtown Lafayette with Public Art!
- Stepping Up Enforcement on Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
- Meet Your Team: New Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Andy Comly
- Staying Informed about City News and Events
-
Town Hall with Congressman DeSaulnier on Thursday Night
- BART to Install New Fare Gates at Lafayette Station on Friday
➡ 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.
| |
Supervisor Candace Andersen Weekly Update
February 14, 2025 Weekly Update
➡ Contra Costa Celebrates Black History Month
➡ 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grants
➡ Fare Gates are Updated at Orinda BART Station
➡ Get Ready for Tax Season with 211's Updated Resource Directory
➡ Second Annual Contra Costa County Shark Tank Youth Competition!
➡ Healthcare for the Homeless Advisory Board Seeks Members
| |
|
Town Hall with Congressman DeSaulnier on Thursday Night
Congressman Mark DeSaulnier will be holding a district-wide Town Hall meeting at St. Mary’s College on Thursday, February 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The main topic and focus will be on the potential impacts of the national government's proposed cuts to federal services, capital improvement projects, regulations, etc. To reserve your spot, submit a question, or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. The town hall will be held at the St. Mary’s College Soda Activity Center, 928 St. Mary’s Rd., Moraga.
BART to Install New Fare Gates at Lafayette Station on Friday
On Friday, February 21, BART will begin to install their next generation fare gates at the Lafayette BART Station. Please allow for extra time when entering and exiting the station during the work. For more information on fare gate installations please visit their website: New Fare Gates & Station Hardening.
| |
Staff Spotlight!
Grace grew up in the San Gabriel foothills of sunny Southern California in the 60’s and 70’s. She met her husband, Steve Hall, while completing her business degree at Cal Poly SLO. Grace experienced five states and countless cities as a regional senior executive for Macy’s West. These life experiences inspired her, in 1995, to choose Lafayette as the ultimate hometown for her three children. Grace brings 40 years of hotel and retail management and small business ownership experience to the Chamber. Grace held leadership roles with eight Lafayette nonprofits over the past 30 years. Fun facts: Grace has 13 siblings, three rescue dogs, and often portrays real and imaginary people for events. She is thrilled to be part of the cooperative Chamber team environment. Grace believes that one’s community has a profound impact upon one’s life. She is dedicated to helping Lafayette’s residents, visitors, nonprofits, and businesses thrive, feel welcome and valued.
📷 Photo by Jeff Heyman
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
