Newsletter

June 6, 2018

3rd Thursday
Block Party
June 21

Join us for the first of our 3rd Thursday Block parties on June 21!

This summer, come downtown for some fun nights out on the town! The 3rd Thursday of each summer month, the Chamber and our local businesses are throwing a party! We'll have music at Town Plaza Park, on Grays Lane with Loma Brewing Company and at Old Town with Federal Realty. There will be fun and games for the whole family, the shops will stay open late, and we'll have beer and wine at Town Plaza Park and Grays Lane.

Hope to see you there!

June 21
July 19
August 16
Lunch & Learn
Successful Fundraising
Tuesday, June 12 at noon

The Top 7 Things you must do to have a successful fundraiser
Join non-profit expert, lecturer and charity auctioneer Dee Dee Kiesow for a lively and educational seminar as she deciphers the secrets to fundraiser success. One thing her clients have in common, is they raise more money with her scientific approach and proven techniques to getting the most money, engaging the right donors and electrifying volunteers. You will leave with new ways to raise money immediately.
 Public Art Funding Initiative

The Town Council is considering a percentage-for-art ordinance that would fund public art projects in our Town. This recommendation is the result of 3 years of discussion, planning and research by the Arts & Culture Commission to provide evidence that cities and towns, big and small, can and do successfully fund innovative, exciting and robust public art projects through these ordinances. 

WHY SHOULD YOU SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE? 

The intent of such ordinances is to enhance aesthetics and the belief that a well-funded public art program creates a more desirable community in which to live and work. Public art programs also help foster local economic development, promote general welfare, and create a more socially connected community.  

Please support this by coming to the The Town Council meeting on June 19 and speaking in support of a proposed funding program for public art projects in Los Gatos. The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce strongly supports this initiative.


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Summer 2018 is here and with it comes lots of fun in Los Gatos. Sure, there is a little bit of beach traffic - stay positive. There seemed to be an improvement the weekend after Memorial Day, so hopefully that's a good sign!  Many of you have offered up some great solutions. I want to believe the Town staff is listening. I also encourage you to get creative on your own streets, whatever it takes.

Our biggest announcement is about our 3rd Thursday Block Parties! We are doing what we can to bring some of that innovation, music, vitality and charm to downtown this summer.   The first Block Party is June 21 and includes fun for the whole family:
  • Block Parties are happening in Town Plaza Park, Old Town and on Gray's Lane.
  • All parties feature music, wine and beer, street performers and entertainment for the kids.
  • June 21, July 19 and August 16
On June 21 we will kick off the Parties with Paul Kent's Acoustic Madness from 5-7 pm  in Town Plaza Park. They will be followed by Dead Sea Fish - a new up and coming band that will play from 7-9 p.m.   Magician Scotty Wiese will be entertaining us all with his tricks. The fountain will be flowing. Pick up a take out dinner at your favorite restaurant and bring it out to dine al fresco. Meet your friends and stroll the Avenue as all shops are staying open late, featuring trunk shows and parties of their own.

If you are a street performer or a musician and want to bring your act downtown on one of these Thursday nights. Call me - I have room for all!

Huge kudos to all those involved with the Women's Empowerment Luncheon held on May 31. Thanks to our panelists, Patricia Bottero St-Jean from Open for Business, Tamara Blue from Charles Scwab and Darla Booth form Darla Booth Chiropractic, and to our moderators, Marico Sayoc and Donna Souza. We had 80 people attend the luncheon. All walked away a little more wise and a little less fearful!  Oh yes, thanks so much to Fortino Wines!

I would be remiss if I did not give a heartfelt thanks to Patti Rice, President of the Chamber, and owner of The Spa-Los Gatos. Patti has owned her business here and has been involved with the Chamber for 18 years. This July she is stepping down and handing the reins over to Brayton Gosling, General Manager, Hotel Los Gatos. And yes, we are so excited to see where we go in this next chapter with Brayton, but thank you Patti, you have been a mentor to so many! You have given so much of your time, heart and soul to Los Gatos; this Chamber would not nearly be what it is today if you had not been around leading us toward greatness. We will miss you but know that you will be around watching us as we move through these next few years.

Other notes of interest -
  • Please join us when we announce the winners of the 2018 "Look and Feel" Photo Contest at our June Networking Mixer and Photo Contest reception on Thursday, June 28th at the Hotel Los Gatos.
  • Judges, Judy Peterson, Michael Kane, George Sakkestad, Rob Rennie, Patti Rice and Ken Benjamin are working right now looking at the photographs submitted by 50 photographers. Awards will be given to the top two photographs in each category: Architecture, Landscape and Community.   All reception attendees at the reception will be able to vote on the People Choice Award.
  • Be sure to attend at least one Jazz on the Plazz this summer, a long time tradition in Los Gatos.
  • Music in the Park is happening in case you were wondering. The concert series begins on Sunday, July 8th. The Chamber will have a tent and will be selling beer and wine. We will also be a pick up location for all food ordered from our local restaurants. Stay tuned for more details.
  • And Save the Date for our Second Annual Eat Drink Los Gatos, September 22! We have an amazing Line up of musicians, restaurants and wineries. For more information or to sponsor, please call me directly at 408-335-6618.
As always, thank you to our members who make all of our work possible and help us add a little extra flair here and there all over town. Our Community Impact Partners are truly making a difference and keeping our town of Los Gatos the special place that we all love.   Here's to summer!

Sincerely,
Catherine Somers
Executive Director, Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming Chamber Events
Photo Contest  
The Look & Feel of Los Gatos
Reception - Thursday, June 28 at Hotel Los Gatos
Reception and Photo Exhibit 
We often hear the term the "Look and Feel of Los Gatos".  What does that mean? Join us at a reception and photo exhibit, where we display the work of 50 photographers answering that question.  Photographs from each photographer will be displayed, in addition to the winning works.

We will have a "People's Choice Award" chosen by guests at the reception.

Photos will be judged in 3 categories:
  • Architecture
  • Landscape
  • People and the Community
Thursday, June 28 at 5:30pm at Hotel Los Gatos.  

Social Media Workshop
Facebook 
Business Pages Review and Feedback
June 8 at 9:00am

Social media marketing is an extremely powerful communication tool. All members are welcome. 

As a group, we will review attendee Facebook pages to identify what works and provide suggestions on improvement. We will also discuss how all Chamber Members can support each others pages. 

Depending on time, Clifford "CJ" White from  Campbell Marketing will share his 5 Pillars of Social Media Success developed from his 9 years of social media experience. 

Seating is limited. Please RSVP.   Open and free to Chamber Members only. 
Welcome New Members

Thank you, Renewing Members

Annarose Monroe Photography
Los Gatos Kiwanis Club
The Catamount
Fortino Winery
Los Gatos Music in the Park
Timeline Construction
Gallery 24
The Alarm Company

For Member Events see our  Calendar
HOT DEALS 
Community Discounts and Offers 

Check out these special offers from our Chamber members.  
  • Enjoy a Summer River Cruise - Riveting Trips
  • C2 California Clean
  • Warrior Camp - TM Fitness
  • Keep Mice & Rats Out! Thrasher Termite & Pest Control
 To see details on these offers and more click here.
MEMBER TO MEMBER DEALS

These special offers are exclusively shared between Chamber Members. Great offers from...
  • Thrasher Pest Control
  • JCC Los Gatos

Log into our website today for details, or click here. Show some love for your fellow Chamber members. Post your offer today. 

Los Gatos Town Council
Stay informed, get involved.

All meetings are held inside  Town Council Chambers  located at 110 E. Main Street.
Agendas in advance can be found  HERE.

Town Council Meeting
June 19, 2018, 7pm
Council is on recess in July

Planning Commission Meeting 
June 13, 2018, 7pm
June 27, 2018, 7pm
 
We encourage you to attend these meetings.  The Town specifically wants your input.  If you cannot attend, please email your input to the Council, Planning Commission, staff or the Chamber. If you'd like to be notified about upcoming meetings and Town Events, click here.