A Virtual Passing of the Gavel
This year, the annual passing of the Chamber Board Chair gavel took place virtually. Outgoing Chair James Fidelibus introduced and "handed" his gavel to 2020-21 Chair Matt Guichard , Guichard, Teng, Portillo & Garrett at the April Chamber Board meeting. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our retiring Chair and outgoing Directors Tim Argenti , Community Relations Manager, Republic Services and Victoria Gallagher ,Business Development Director, The American Heart Association for their service to the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau . We welcome Chair-Elect Margot Stanford , Vice President/Treasury Relationship Manager, F&M Bank, and new Board Directors Chantal Rees , Rees & Rees Insurance and Eugene McGrane , Director, Cushman & Wakefield of California. No doubt, this will be a challenging year for the Board, Chamber staff, Walnut Creek, and the nation. We are all up to the task and ready to take it on! For a virtual introduction to the entire 2020-2021 Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, click here .
Last week, the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Walnut Creek Downtown , and the City of Walnut Creek launched a new campaign to bring attention to open businesses in Walnut Creek. Please look for the WE'RE OPEN! signs displayed in Countrywood Shopping Center, Encina Grande, Newell Shopping Center, Newell Promenade,The Orchards at Walnut Creek, Palos Verdes Mall, Shadelands Business Park, Ygnacio Plaza, and many other local businesses in and around our downtown. Take a break from cooking and get take-out, get ready to return to the office by taking a few garments to your local dry cleaner , prepare some marketing materials and use your favorite print shop , brighten someone's day and send a package from a pack-and-ship , buy a gift certificate for an upcoming birthday, graduation, or other celebration, or plan a future stay-cation at a local hotel . There are so many ways that we can work together to Support Walnut Creek Businesses!
Wait! Before you head out... please take a look at the following links. Many Chamber members are offering special deals or could use your help assisting our front line heroes, seniors, and others in need.   Click here  and visit the  Chamber Facebook,
The Business Survey conducted by the Walnut Creek Chamber generated a number of new questions. In response, the Chamber hosted a virtual follow up and invited Mayor Loella Haskew, City Manager Dan Buckshi , and SBA Economic Specialist Noah Brod to provide updates and answer questions. The call was virtually attended by more than 80 Chamber and community members. To hear the recorded meeting, click here . To view the Chamber conducted survey and the results , click here .
All Work & No Play? No Way!
Join Us for Our Weekly Virtual Happy Hour
A good time was had by all last Thursday when Calicraft stopped by. Attendees took advantage of their curbside pickup, local delivery, and online store in anticipation of the Beer and Hats Happy Hour.
Cheers from a few of last weeks attendees.
All Work & No Play? No Way!
Virtual Happy Hour...Wine & Scarfs
Thursday, April 23 | 4:00 - 5:00pm
Featuring Shadowbrook Winery and

Fill your favorite wine glass and wear your best or funkiest scarf, and join us for our weekly Virtual Happy Hour . This week, our members at Shadowbrook Winery and Vinous Reverie Wine Merchant will be our guest hosts sharing their expertise on all things wine. In addition, Shadowbrook Winery is offering free shipping on any order of two or more bottles of wine during the shelter in place period.  Vinous Reverie Wine Merchant   invites you to use coupon code VINOUS15 for 15% off their entire selection of wines. Phone in orders, local deliveries and pick up options are available.   We can't wait to see you!
NOTE: Register  here . 
 Download www.zoom.com
A meeting link will be sent directly to your registration email address
30 minutes prior to this event.
Save The Date...Save A Life
FRIDAY, MAY 15
1801 Lacassie Ave, Walnut Creek
 The US Food and Drug Administration has announced that US blood supplies have decreased amid the coronavirus epidemic. On May 15 the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau will partner with Vitalant and Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church in the hopes of making a difference. Vitalant is one of the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit community blood service providers. They supply comprehensive transfusion medicine services to nearly 1,000 hospitals and health care partners for patients across 40 states. More details to follow
Walnut Creek City Manager's Update
TELEPHONE TOWN HALLS
In a series of Telephone Town Halls , S enator Glazer has convened Bay area leaders and experts in health, education, business and other fields to answer questions about the Coronavirus and its impact on our community. To see topics covered and to listen to recordings of each, please click here .
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Small Business Resources All In One Place
  • Paycheck Protection Program*
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance Program
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance Program


*Notice: Lapse in Appropriations
The SBA is currently unable to accept new applications for the *Paycheck Protection Program* based on available appropriations funding.
Other Assistance: SBA Debt Relief: T he SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months.
  • The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
Additional Debt Relief: Click here
Defer Payment of Sales and Use Taxes - California is providing broad assistance to small businesses and employers impacted by COVID-19. This includes Small business interest  free deferral of sales/use tax  up to $50,000 for businesses with less than $5 million in taxable sales. Click here .

Qualifying small businesses may apply for the federal loans offered through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Episode 58 of The Workplace podcast, click here .

FUNDING OPTIONS - In addition to traditional SBA funding programs, the CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here .

Northern California SBDC - Forms & Online Webinars, click here

Defer Payment of Sales and Use Taxes - California is providing broad assistance to small businesses and employers impacted by COVID-19. This includes Small business interest  free deferral of sales/use tax  up to $50,000 for businesses with less than $5 million in taxable sales. Click here .

More helpful podcasts on The Workplace by CalChamber
COVID-19 Information
on a Variety of Topics is Continuously Updated and Available on the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau   Website.     
GOOD TIMES AND SUNSHINE ARE ON THE WAY!
  NEW EVENT DATES
39th Annual Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival  
Click here .
In accordance with City and State directives, the Chamber office is operating virtually. While the Chamber office location is closed, all phone calls and emails will be returned promptly. We will continue to serve our members and community.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if we can assist you or your business in any way. We will continue to keep you updated in the weeks ahead. Updates will also be included on the Chamber website. Please visit  walnut-creek.com

Stay well.
Jay Hoyer, President/CEO
Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
1280 Civic Drive | Suite 100 | Walnut Creek | CA | 94596
t.925.934.2007 f.925.934.2404