December 19, 2016 News & Events
Brenda Oum and Tom Chea
Brenda Oum and Tom Chea
Congratulations to Brenda Oum the 2017 Lafayette Marquee Business Person of the Year!

Twenty years ago, Cynthia Murdough, owner of Papillon Gourmet Coffee, was honored as our Business Person of the Year.  Now that honor has come full circle as we say congratulations to Brenda Oum, current owner of Papillon as the 2017 Business Person of the Year.  Brenda received over 40 nominations from her patrons, one of them said "Papillon is the Cheers of Lafayette". Brenda's life story was the subject of a recent published book.

Join us at the dinner honoring her and her family along with Mayor Mike Anderson's "State of the City" address and the introduction of our 2017-2018 Board of Directors.  Reservations can be made by visiting our website, www.lafayettechamber.org.  The big event will once again be celebrated at the Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa on Friday, January 27, 2017.  6:00pm for cocktails and 7:00pm for dinner.  Tell your baby sitter this event often goes past your bedtime. Register here.


You have seen the posters and stickers all over Lamorinda.  Shopping Local is not simply a marketing campaign, it's a state of mind.  For years your local Chambers of Commerce has been reminding you the many reasons why supporting local merchants makes sense.  Whether it's buying holiday gifts, using local services or meeting friends for dinner, shopping local does matter.  Consider this: When you stay in town and shop...
  • You appreciate the cultural value of a vibrant downtown filled with a wide variety of unique businesses and boutiques.
  • You saving on gas and time
  • You help create a strong tax-base by circulating money in town versus sending it elsewhere.  This helps pay for police, road repairs and other essential services you count on
  • You are supporting the businesses that generously donate to local schools and non-profits throughout the year
When you think about it, isn't it more fun to do business with people you know, like and trust? Your local merchants work hard for your loyalty.  So please remember them this holiday season.  There are more choices in Lamorinda than ever before.  So Relax!  Stay away from the crazy malls and enjoy the season.  We live and work in this amazing place called Lamorinda. Happy Holidays from the Orinda, Moraga and Lafayette Chambers!
This Month's Sponsor
Branagh Development 

Dana Green Logo 

Thank you to Branagh Development & The Dana Green Team for sponsoring Lafayette's twinkle lights!




Premier Members



Quick Links 
EBMUD Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Construction Update December 2016

EBMUD The 30-inch diameter pipeline that will connect to the new Diablo Vista Pumping Plant is now completely installed in Mount Diablo Blvd. The pipeline was pressure tested and connected to the water distribution system last week. Mount Diablo Blvd. will be patched paved this week. After that time, there will be a break in road work on Mount Diablo Blvd. There is some additional median island work that must be completed in early 2017 that will require limited traffic control followed by final paving and striping.
 
Looking forward: The new Diablo Vista Pumping Plant located at the corner of Mount Diablo Blvd. and Mount Diablo Ct. now has some above-ground walls visible. Over the coming months, you will see the remaining above-ground walls and roof for the new pumping plant take shape followed by electrical and mechanical work inside the new pumping plant.
 
Once the new structure is complete, electrical and mechanical systems will be tested and the new Diablo Vista Pumping Plant will be placed online to pump water to your community. The old pumping plant on mount Diablo Blvd. near Carol Ln. will then be taken out of service and demolished and a new City parking lot will be constructed in its place.
 
Construction is anticipated to be completed in fall of 2017.

About the Diablo Vista Pumping Plant: The existing Diablo Vista Pumping Plant, located at 3305 Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette, is a critical facility that serves the communities of Lafayette, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek. EBMUD is constructing a new pumping plant at the southwest corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Mt. Diablo Court, next to the cemetery in order to maintain reliability of your water infrastructure.
 
If you have any questions about the Diablo Vista Pumping Plant replacement Project, please contact Sharla Sullivan, [email protected] or call (510) 287-7208. To learn more about the project, please visit www.ebmud.com/construction and scroll to Lafayette.
 
If you have questions about the unrelated Lafayette Park Terrace development project that is taking place at the end of Mount Diablo Ct., Please contact Larry Babli, [email protected] or (408) 677-2977.

Chamber Member News & Announcements

Roughing It Day Camp Holiday Donations
Roughing It Day Camp is currently accepting donations for One Warm Coat, Toys for Tots, and also a Food Drive. Roughing It Day Camp's Camp Office is located at 954 Mountain View Dr., Lafayette.  Call for more information (925) 283-3795.

Bradley School of Music Special Holiday Concert
The first show on December 22 has SOLD OUT! So, we've added a second show on Dec 23 at 7. Enjoy a night of music with Lucy Clearwater, Patrick Bradley, Jason Heninger and Orestes Vilato. Lucy is a singer/songwriter trained at the Bradley School of Music. Lucy became an instructor at BSM before recently moving to LA to pursue her dream as a professional artist. She is visiting they Bay Area for a special Holiday Concert. Enjoy a night of great music with her and the other instructors at BSM! 
Register here.

75 Anniversary Celebration for the Orinda Theatre - December 29, 7PM

Step back in time to December 29, 1941 - the Grand Opening of the Orinda Theatre.   Lamorinda Theatres will re-create that celebration with a ventriloquist, short films, movie reels, and the feature film "Texas" staring Glen Ford and William Holden. There will be a spotlight; a red carpet, and the staff will be wearing 1940s uniforms.  Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1940s attire. Tickets are .50 Cents. www.lamorindatheatres.com

Temple Isaiah's Annual Gala Dinner and Auction
Temple Isaiah invites you to take advantage of a great opportunity to showcase your business to over 3,000 individuals who live in communities throughout the greater Bay Area by becoming a sponsor of Temple Isaiah's annual gala dinner and auction on Saturday, April 29, 2017. Promotion for this year's gala promises to build excitement for its cruise and casino themed entertainment, and your tax-deductible sponsorship donation can serve the dual purpose of marketing your products and services to our affluent community. Learn more here.

Mobility Matters Rides 4 Veterans
Mobility Matters, a nonprofit agency based in Lafayette, services all of Contra Costa County as a mobility management center. Our Rides for Seniors program provides a free, one-on-one, door-through-door transportation program for otherwise homebound older adults. Through our Transportation Information and Referral Helpline, we match individuals with the provider that fits his or her mobility needs. In early 2017, we are launching a new program, called Rides 4 Veterans. Screened and trained veterans will be giving other veterans rides to their medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other necessities. In order to carry out our mission and keep the promises we make to the vulnerable populations we serve, we have two ongoing needs--financial and human resources (volunteers). If you are able to help or for more information, please visit www.mobilitymatterscc.com.

Brown Bag Lunch: Video Marketing - The Ultimate Online Attention Getter
Video results in better customer engagement, more clicks, and more purchases. The Orinda Chamber is proposing a Brown Bag lunch discussion on Jan. 10 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Video Marketing - The Ultimate Online Attention Getter. Why Videos? How to use your Video? How to create your video? Discussion moderated by videographer Susan Garell, hosted by Pollak & Pollak at 25 Orinda Way, Orinda. Participation is free, but space is limited. Please register by sending an email to [email protected].

Happening at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center

The Lafayette Library will be closed December 23, 24, 25, 26. The Library wishes you and yours a Happy Holiday!

Lafayette Library
Always check out the latest events at www.LLLCF.org and follow LLLC on Facebook and Twitter.


Happy Holidays from the Lafayette Chamber!


The Lafayette Chamber office will be closed Thursday, December 22 at noon through Monday, January 2 - reopening Tuesday, January 3 at 9am.

Social Media Workshop Series Social Media Workshop Series, LinkedIn 2017 - What's New & What Matters to You
January 11,  6-7:30pm (check-in begins 5:50), Homework Center, Lafayette Library and Learning Center
LinkedIn is continuing to evolve. Join us to discuss how you can leverage the most recent changes to this powerful business platform. Speaker: Robin S. Fox, Digital Strategist. This workshop is free but registration is requested. Register here.

Ribbon Cutting at Marilyn Monroe Spa
January 12, 5pm-5:30pm
Join us for a ribbon cutting at Marilyn Monroe Spa (formerly the Lavande Spa) on Thursday, January 12, 2017. Ribbon cutting at 5pm.   Marilyn Monroe Spa is located at 3589 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.

Ribbon Cutting at CG Designs
Join us for a ribbon cutting at CG Designs on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 5pm. CG Designs is located at 3416 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.

2017 Business Persons of the Year Dinner honoring Brenda Oum, owner of Papillon Gourmet Coffees
Join us on Friday, January 27 for our 2017 Business Persons of the Year Dinner honoring Brenda Oum, owner of Papillon Gourmet Coffees. There will also be the State of the City address by the Mayor Mike Anderson and an introduction of the 2017 Chamber Board of Directors. The event is held at the Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa - 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd.  Reception starts at 6pm; dinner at 7pm. Reservations are required. Learn more here.

If you'd like to receive a text message reminder about upcoming Lafayette Chamber events, email your full name and cell phone number to Sara at [email protected] .

What's happening at the Lafayette Chamber? View our Events Calendar.

Jay Lifson, Executive Director