Weekly Headlines -------------------------------------------Week of August 17, 2020
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Eight Candidates Vie for Three Open City Council Seats |
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Eight candidates are vying for the three open City Council seats in this November's election. All eight candidates - Hailey Ayres; Cindy Darling, Environmental Scientist /Businessperson;
Loella Haskew, Mayor / Accountant; Kurtis Reese, Technology Manager; Michael Samson, Teacher/Musician; Lauren Talbert, Library Clerk; Justin Wedel, Councilmember/Technology Executive; Kevin Wilk, Councilmember/Technology Executive. Please note: Some of the candidate website links may not be live upon receipt of this email. They appreciate your patience and ask you to check back soon.
It is a long-standing tradition for the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau to host a free public forum to introduce all the City Council candidates to the community. The date, time, and registration for this virtual event will be announced soon. Please watch for it in our weekly newsletter and Chamber website.
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In Turbulent Times, Surviving is Not Enough.
Learn how to leverage what you have and pivot to the next best thing.
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Beyond the Conference:
Staying Connected
Tuesday, August 25
Lunch & Learn Webinar
12:00 - 12:45 PM
With speaker
Julie Gordon White
Founder + Chief Business Coach
*The Zoom link will be sent in an email the day before the webinar.
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"Turbulent Times Trifecta:
Three Keys to Pivoting Brilliantly & Resilliantly"
Join us for an engaging and practical conversation with Julie Gordon White, award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker. During her presentation, she will share three powerful and practical strategies to help you navigate today's choppy career and business waters with concepts that are built around what's working right now. There will definitely be time for Q&A so bring your question and concerns, and get prepared for a lively and informative session!
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Business Links Networking [BLINKS]
The Chamber BLINKS networking platform is an opportunity for businesses to generate referrals and develope business relationships. Meet, greet, connect, generate leads, and grow your business.
Now’s Your Opportunity to Join
The popular Chamber Business Links Networking program (BLINKS) that meets noon to 1:00 pm the first and third Tuesday of each month is looking to expand their group. The new virtual meeting format has opened opportunities for additional industry-exclusive representation. Inclusion is limited to Chamber members and will be on a first-come, first served basis for all new categories. Open categories include Commercial Real Estate, Banking, Photographer, Massage, Chiropractor, Accounting/CPA, Staffing,Event Planning, Catering, Medical Professionals, Attorney, Architect, General Contractor/Builder, Hair Stylist, and other personal / home service. This BLINKS session runs July through December, 2020. The cost is $70 and will be prorated accordingly for new members. For more details about the program or joining the group, contact Diane Kaplowitz, RC Fischer & Co. Insurance Brokers, at dkaplowitz@rcfischer.com or (925) 627-5469.
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Stories of Resilience
Over the past several months, our members have been taking action and developing many creative ideas to face these challenging times. Whether by helping the community, feeding our front line heroes, finding innovative ways to pivot their businesses and offices, keeping a positive spirit, and more. You inspire us and keep us motivated. We invite all our members to share their stories of resilience and optimism as we continue this journey -- together. Send your story to Shawn Filardi, sfilardi@walnut-creek.com and we will feature it in the Chamber newsletter and Facebook. Pictures / videos that help tell your story are encouraged.
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Walnut Creek ACE Hardware
proves that for them,
surviving the pandemic has been about staying the course. The nearly instantaneous shut down of businesses triggered by Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on businesses large and small. Having endured nearly six months of changing mandates and regulations, many businesses have come to assume that everything may change forever. For most, this has meant pivoting to a new business model for survival.
Not so for our local Walnut Creek ACE Hardware store independently owned and operated by Kevin and Debbie Fisher Walnut Creek residents and long-time Chamber members. Kevin is also a Chamber Leadership Contra Costasm graduate.Walnut Creek Hardware opened
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its doors in 2008 and quickly positioned itself as the “go-to” hardware store in our community.Their hardworking staff also live locally. Ranging in age from 16 to 78, the staff differentiates itself with their expertise, breadth of knowledge, and attentive and personal service. “That's why we say a visit to Ace is like a visit to your neighbor.” Throughout the past six months, their loyal staff has remained on the front lines serving the community and striving to excel during the uncertainty of the pandemic.
Urged by their contemporaries to take advantage of funding options and forgivable loans being offered to small businesses, Walnut Creek Hardware made a conscious decision to opt out. Instead, they will stay the course, providing what has always exemplified what makes ACE great. The one exception, giving their employees a boost in pay in recognition that “We are all in this together.”
Looking for some family fun? Check out the Ace Trains. Walnut Creek Hardware features extensive model trains which run around the store on an elevated track. The track also showcases various handcrafted model replicas of famous bridges in the area, including the Golden Gate Bridge, New Bay Bridge, the Tower Bridge in Sacramento, and a rail trestle bridge in Benicia. No entrance fee or reservation required, but please do wear a mask. Check out what makes them the Coolest Store, click here.
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BACK TO BUSINESS: Will Be Back in September
Helping to define the "New Norm."
2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month from 9-10 AM
Our hardworking Civic Affairs team who coordinate the Back To Business webinars are taking a well-deserved vacation to enjoy the final days of summer. Therefore, there will not be a September 25 session. Webinars will resume the second Tuesday of September. Details on the topic and speaker will be available soon. To view recordings of past webinars, click here.
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NEW 8/14 - At A Glance - What's Open Now Click Here
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Public Art Scavenger Hunt
Looking for a social distancing activity to do downtown? Try the Public Art Scavenger Hunt. The Hunt is approximately a mile starting at Civic Park and ending at Lesher Center for the Arts. All the art is outside and be found by reading the clues and looking all around for the art. All who enter will be eligible to win the grand prize of an Ipad in February 2021. For complete details, click here or call 925-322-6427 and press the scavenger hunt button on the screen.
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Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Funds Available for Low-Income Walnut Creek Residents
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Walnut Creek is pleased to announce a partnership with SHELTER, Inc. and
St. Vincent de Paul for emergency rental and utility assistance for low-income residents. For complete details, click here.
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Connect with the latest County information, click here.
As of 8/14 - Official California State
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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
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Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
1280 Civic Drive | Suite 100 | Walnut Creek | CA | 94596
t.925.934.2007 f.925.934.2404
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