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.

Special thanks to Alex Teece for sponsoring our breakfast coffee and treats!

Friday, March 7, 2025 9am-12pm, Lafayette Library & Learning Center Art & Science Room

Click below for details and registration.

OUR MARCH EMAIL BLASTS ARE SPONSORED BY

Pillar Cowork

Learn More

Welcome our NEW Lafayette Chamber Members

The following recently joined the Lafayette Chamber! We encourage you to visit their websites to learn more.

Diablo Valley College

321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Joellen Heaney, 925-708-6456, https://www.dvc.edu

Category: Youth & Education

FitLab Lafayette

1037 Blackwood Lane, Lafayette, CA 94549

Marcus Madrid, 925-406-2366, www.fitlablafayette.com

We are a boutique hybrid fitness gym specializing in mobility classes, strength, yoga, cycle and OCO (Obstacle Course Racing) Training. We partner with Spartan, Deka and Hyrox.

Category: Fitness, Sports & Recreation, Health & Wellness

Garden Designs by Marlene Deel

Oakland, CA 94605

Marlene Deel, 415-637-5607, https://www.marlenedeel.com

Marlene Deel, a landscape designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture and Art History, brings a refined artistic vision and deep horticultural expertise to every project. Since 2003, she has crafted elegant, drought-tolerant gardens that balance beauty, sustainability, and ecological harmony. As a certified arborist, aesthetic pruner, and avid beekeeper, she thoughtfully selects plants that support vital pollinators like bees, birds, and butterflies, infusing each space with vibrant life. Marlene welcomes the opportunity to create a garden sanctuary with you.

Category: Garden & Landscaping

Guaranteed Plumbing

1031 Blackwood Lane, Lafayette, CA 94549

Erin Meadows, 925-820-2090, www.guaranteedplumbing.com

Lafayette's Local Plumber! We specialize in commercial and residential plumbing and gas lines.

Category: Construction & Contractors

Katie Danforth Coaching

Moraga, CA 94556

Katie Danforth, 415-225-2322, www.katiedanforth.com

I am a certified executive coach, career consultant, and growth advocate. Whether it’s achieving career goals or navigating through transitions, I’m here to guide, inspire, and challenge people to grow beyond what they believe imaginable.

Category: Business & Professional Services, Individual Professional

Lafayette Chevron

3523 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549

Sameer Patel, 408-463-8945

Chevron Gas Station with Food Mart and Convenience Store.

Category: Automotive

Livermore Wine Trolley

PO Box 2732, Livermore, CA 94550

Ann Luke, 925-989-0421, https://www.livermorewinetrolley.com

Experience Livermore Wine Trolley – a unique, vintage-style Trolley offering wine tours, private charters, and special events. Enjoy safe, cozy, and unforgettable transportation through Livermore Valley for wine tasting, celebrations, or any special occasion. Life is short – enjoy the ride!

Category: Arts, Culture, & Entertainment, Events & Hospitality

Set To Thrive

2570 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon, CA 94583

Lisa Henderson, 925-984-1797, www.settothrive.org

Set To Thrive provides new essential items to children experiencing foster care and homelessness to bring comfort and confidence during a vulnerable time.

Category: Non-Profit Organizations

The Lafayette Scoop

Lafayette, CA 94549

Alex Teece, 413-695-5802, www.thelafayettescoop.club

The Lafayette Scoop will become Lafayette, California’s newest, and only, standalone hard serve ice cream shop. The Lafayette Scoop is launching summer 2025 to serve the incredible community of Lafayette as a new, homegrown, family-owned, local business.

Category: Restaurants, Food & Beverage

Thank you, Renewing Chamber Members

The following members renewed their Lafayette Chamber membership February 24 - March 2, 2025.

Amarin Thai Cuisine, members since 6/1/1997

BizCare, Inc., members since 11/15/2010

Contra Costa Association of REALTORS, members since, 3/12/2021

Diablo Rapid Print, Inc., members since 3/1/1994

Edward Jones - Belma Mirvic, members since 2/15/2024

F & M Bank, members since 2/10/2020

Florentine Design, members since 3/3/2023

Home Helpers, members since 1/11/2018

Pure Funding, LLC, members since 3/1/2024

Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Funeral & Cremation Center, members since 8/16/2013

Sparks Promotional Products, members since 1/1/2005

Special Olympics Northern California, members since 3/28/2024

SUNMED - Your CBD Store, members since 3/11/2020

Tom Stack - Coldwell Banker Realty, members since 2/26/2007

Town Center Apartments, members since 9/1/1996

View the Lafayette Chamber Directory

RECENT RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATIONS

Nes Pinar Ribbon Cutting

Our ribbon-cutting celebration for Nes Pinar was a huge success!

We had a fantastic time connecting through great conversations, fun group games, and delicious food. It was a joy to celebrate one year in their new location, ten years in Lafayette, and their membership with the Lafayette Chamber!

We’re grateful to Nes Pinar for being a part of the Chamber community.

📸: See photos from the event here!

Upcoming Chamber Events

Ribbon Cutting at Amarin Thai

Please join us for a Ribbon Cutting at Amarin Thai. We will celebrate their new ownership.

We will cut the ribbon at 4:15pm SHARP.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 4PM

Amarin Thai Cuisine, 3555-B Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

For More Info: Kate Mason, (925) 284-7404, membership@lafayettechamber.org

JOIN US!

Lafayette Business Women at East Bay Health - Feb 2025

Lafayette Business Women at Pillar Cowork

Lafayette Business Women will meet next on Wednesday, March 12, 5:15pm-6:30pm at Pillar Cowork.

BRING EXTRA BUSINESS CARDS! This will be a SPEED NETWORKING event!

Registration required! No cost for Lafayette Chamber members. Guests welcome to attend the first meeting for free, then we encourage guests to join the Lafayette Chamber or pay the $20 guest fee during registration.

Chamber members should sign in with their representative account to confirm membership.

Lafayette Business Women will be Co-Chaired by Carine Camara, CARRINNA and Katie Santos, Consulting-Fitness HR. March gathering is hosted at Pillar Cowork.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for future events. Fill out the sponsorship opportunities form here .

📸 Photos from East Bay Health here!

Tommy Burns Shows Strength at Connectors

Join Us at the Next Chamber Connectors Event!

Come to our next Chamber Connectors! It's an excellent opportunity for in-person networking!

Do you want to meet people who might be able to help you grow your business through referrals? Chamber Connectors meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 8:15am. For March we will meet at Creekside Commons.

Register below for the March 19, 8:15am event at Creekside Commons. We've extended the time for more networking opportunities!

Chamber Connectors will provide Lafayette Chamber members an opportunity to showcase their business and meet other professionals that may be able to refer you to new customers. Each meeting will last about an hour and will consist of an opportunity to introduce yourself and your business and then have an open networking session with all attendees.

No cost for Lafayette Chamber members. Guests welcome to attend their first Lafayette Chamber event/meeting for free, then we encourage guests to join the Lafayette Chamber or pay the $20 guest fee during registration.

Lafayette Chamber Connectors is Co-Chaired by Fred Steingraf, Edward Jones and Rebekah Dani, Rebekah Dani Coaching & Consulting.

Special thanks to Ernie Sexton, Sexton Group Real Estate and Nancy Rogers, Accurate Bookkeeping for sponsoring the coffee and breakfast treats at our February event.

Next meeting is Wednesday, March 19th, 8:15am - 9:30am at Creekside Commons, 1035 Carol Lane (use Parking Lot A), Lafayette, CA 94549

Whether you're a Lafayette Chamber member or new to our community, Chamber Connectors is your opportunity to showcase your business, meet local professionals, and build valuable relationships.

📷 See pictures from the February event here.

Ribbon Cutting at Lafayette's BART Fare Gates

Please join us for a Ribbon Cutting at the new Lafayette BART Station Fare Gates.

We will cut the ribbon at 4:15pm SHARP.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 4PM

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) - Lafayette BART Station

For More Info: Kate Mason, (925) 284-7404, membership@lafayettechamber.org

JOIN US!

Young Professionals at Food Bank Contra Costa and Solano

📷 See photo album from February 20th Young Professionals Volunteer Event at Food Bank Contra Costa and Solano here!

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.

Learn more at https://lafayettechamber.org/young-professionals
Join the email list here: https://lafayettechamber.org/e-blast
Participate in the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lafayetteyopros
Join the LinkedIn Group!

Ann Appert - Lafayette Citizen of the Year

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.

28th Lafayette Annual Art & Wine Festival

Festival Participation Opportunities!

Lafayette Art & Wine Festival sponsorship and vendor opportunities are now available to Chamber Members!

Save the date for the 28th Annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, the 3rd weekend in September, September 20 & 21, 2025!

Learn more and apply here: https://lafayettefestival.com/apply.

Chamber Announcements

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.

Business Resources

2025 Best of the East Bay Starts March 1st - Get Your Marketing Toolkit Today!

2025 Best of the East Bay voting runs March 1-March 31. Have your business ready for Best of the East Bay 2025 with their marketing tools and tips.

Email: Include a link to the ballot in an email or newsletter.
Social: Use the graphics we created (download from the link below) to promote on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
In Person: Use the flyer we created to make a sign to post inside your store to encourage customers to vote for your business.

Registration is free and easy—and makes it easier for your supporters to vote for you! Learn more, download the Marketing Tool Kit and register here.

Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County

Communication, Public Relations, & Marketing Services Position Available

Submit Proposal by: Friday, March 14, 2025, at 5 p.m.

The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) is seeking proposals for the delivery of communications, public relations, and marketing services to enhance outreach within the community. WDBCCC is particularly interested in innovative approaches that leverage both current and proven strategies to promote its existing programs and initiatives.

View RFP #1219

Visit our other Contracting Opportunities Page on EHSD.org.

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

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.

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

Rebecca Bauer-Kahan- Anxiety, Technology: What Parents Should Know

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 R SVP to attend.

Featured Speakers & Panelists

Anxiety: Brittany Beauchamp, LPCC (Rogers Behavioral Health); Dr. Allyson Mayo, DBH (PEACE)
Technology: Dr. Sheila Hassell Hughes (Saint Mary's College, Human Energy); Grace Dixon (All Ages Recreation Downtown)
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.

RSVP 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.

View Listing here!

LOCAL NEWS

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.

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.

Lafayette Sales Tax Rate To Increase on April 1st

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.
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.

City of Lafayette The Weekly Roundup

The Weekly Roundup, February 28, 2025 | Latest News | City of Lafayette, CA

News From the City Manager’s Corner

This week’s updates from City Manager, Niroop Srivatsa highlight:

New Modeling Results in Significant Changes to Wildfire Hazard Severity Zones in Lafayette
City Council Adopts Age Friendly Action Plan
Reminder for Business Owners/Managers to RSVP for Downtown Parking Management Workshop
Annual City Council Goal Setting Workshop
Laws for Use of E-Bikes and E-Scooters Vary Depending on their Classification

➡ 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.