Chamber Updates - February 3, 2022

February 3, 2022

It seems five letter words are all the rage these days. Wordle has taken over the hearts and minds of millions of people across the globe. Apparently even the New York Times thinks it is a good idea. Here’s to hoping they don’t mess with the simple healthy fun we are all having together.

What makes Wordle so special?

I have lost a few hours of sleep pondering this fascinating question. Last week INC Magazine cited three possible reasons. For starters, Wordle is literally a labor of love. The creator made it as a gift for his girlfriend so they could play something together during the pandemic. Second, Wardle (yes, that is in fact the creator’s name ) leaves players wanting more. When you only get a single word a day, you inevitably crave another – but you have to wait. The game even shows you the hours, minutes and seconds until the next game is live. I know people who do it at the same time every day for that dopamine rush. Turns out, solving this simple five letter puzzle gives you that same satisfaction as a cup of coffee or a romp in the hay. Who knew? Lastly, this game has certainly made a reason for people to start talking and communicating again. The game is simple and inclusive. Anyone and everyone can play. From the age of 5 to 95, we are all solving the same puzzle every day. We celebrate somedays and commiserate on others – think the word KNOLL for example. Wordle has certainly proven its worth in just a few short months. We sure needed something to spark our enthusiasm.

Other words that have been on my mind might include Listen Learn Change and Grow. I encourage you to check out the GBAO juried art competition at NUMU, February 4-March 12. Walking through the exhibit and seeing how artists have different interpretations of those words is fascinating and eye opening. The most powerful of those words perhaps is Change. The GBAO is quoted “Change is-more than ever- the new constant, pushing us to examine both our fundamental needs and our aspirations, bringing with it a challenge of self-reflection and to consider new avenues in search of answers”. Even I have nothing to add to that statement for it says it all.

The nine-letter word ‘character’ however is undoubtedly one of the best words of all times. Just think of how many ways you can use it:

Iron Man is my favorite Marvel character of all time.
We witnessed some interesting characters at that party last night.
Jimmy G’s character is applauded by his fellow teammates, especially Trey Lance.
And Los Gatos is unique because of its charm and its character.

Now, you can understand why the Los Gatos Chamber has decided to host a Luncheon celebrating the Character of Los Gatos. On March 25^th we will recognize a few businesses and individuals who exemplify the character attributes that make Los Gatos special, particularly over these past two tumultuous years. Who do you know who has shown strength, integrity, kindness, compassion, ingenuity and the list goes on. Nominate someone today (Click Here). You will not want to miss this luncheon - we promise it will be the most fun and the best networking you have had in two years. The Luncheon will take place at Loma Brewing. Ticket price is $50. You can purchase your ticket here. The event will sell out.

Catherine Somers

Executive Director

Let's Get the Ball Rolling...

Mixer and 25-Year Ribbon Cutting

at Campo di Bocce

Wednesday, February 16, 5:30-7pm

Join us for a fun evening of great networking, Italian food and wine, while we celebrate Campo di Bocce's 25th anniversary with a Ribbon Cutting. The Mayor will be there to celebrate and we'll have two bocce courts to get a little competition going.

Included: One drink (beer or wine) and small bites.

Members - $15

Guests & non-members - $25

Campo di Bocce Celebrates 25 Years of Bay Area Bocce

Campo di Bocce, the Bay Area’s premier Bocce facility and restaurant, celebrates it’s 25^th anniversary this coming Saturday, February 5^th.

The original idea for Campo di Bocce was born when Tom Albanese and his family were vacationing in Campobasso, Italy, the home of Tom’s ancestors. He saw the residents playing Bocce and families enjoying a meal at the local Bocciodromo (a large building with Bocce courts, a restaurant, bar and a children’s play area). Tom immediately thought it a great idea that might work for families in his hometown of Los Gatos.

When he returned, Tom described the concept to his friends of the local Los Gatos Bocce Club, and found many of them interested in investing in the concept. "A place where friends and families could come, learn to play the Bocce and enjoy a great Italian meal,” says Albanese.

With investors and his own funds ready to go, he found an old lumberyard in downtown Los Gatos, perfect for the opportunity, and Campo di Bocce was born. The rest is a 25-year history of success. Campo di Bocce has been the center for growth of the sport of bocce in the West.

“From family gatherings and corporate team-building events, to the annual Madden-Mariucci Bocce tournament, raising over $8,000,000 for charities throughout the years, Campo di Bocce has been Tom’s dream come true,” says Ben Musolf, COO. “Campo di Bocce has proven that anyone, any age can learn and enjoy the sport that’s played by more than 30 million enthusiasts worldwide".

Celebrating the Character of Los Gatos

Chamber Annual Awards Luncheon

Friday, March 25th at Loma Brewing Company

Buy Tickets

The 2022 Chamber Annual Awards Luncheon will celebrate "The Character of Los Gatos". We are now accepting nominations for awards.

We want to celebrate the Los Gatos community members or businesses whose passionate efforts help define the character of our community. Consider some of the following attributes when nominating an individual or business you think deserves to be recognized as an important member of our community:

Showed a commitment to work for the betterment of the Town of Los Gatos and its community, particularly in these last 2 years.
Made a difference in the lives of fellow community members.
Created strong local partnerships with local community organizations.
Worked in an innovative way to unlock the power of the Los Gatos community to solve a challenge or promote positive change in the community.
Brought diverse communities/groups together by establishing community connections through social responsibility and creating a place where everyone belongs.
Served as a role model for compassion and service.

The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors have the honor and responsibility of deciding the winner. It may not necessarily be based on the number of nominations received. One well written, compelling nomination can make all the difference.

The Chamber Awards Luncheon will be held on March 25, 2022 at 12:00 pm at Loma Brewing Company. Tickets will be available

Nominees do not have to be a member of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce.

You can submit multiple nominees.

Questions: email Donna McCurrie.

Nomination form: Scan the QR code below to complete your nomination online or Click Here to get a form to print.

DEADLINE: All nominations must be submitted to the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce by 5 P.M. February 20, 2022.

Annual Awards Luncheon Sponsorship

Would you like to sponsor our Awards Luncheon? Many different levels available. Click Here to view sponsorship opportunities.

Buy tickets!

NUMU

Greater Bay Area Open

February 4-March 12

The Chamber is proud to be a sponsor of this juried art exhibit, produced by the Los Gatos Art Association in partnership with NUMU, New Museum Los Gatos. Artwork was submitted from artists all over the greater Bay Area from Napa to Carmel. Esteemed jurors include Preston Metcalf, Executive Director of the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara, and Julie Ericsson, Art Curator at New Museum Los Gatos.

The theme Listen, Learn, Change, Grow, matches the title of a our recent campaign. GBAO believes this message invites us to approach these uncertain times with compassion and open curiosity. The artists applied their personal interpretation to the meaning of these words. We hope their expressions and creative insights may open a pathway to consider new possibilities.