The role of a community Chamber of Commerce is multi-faceted, encompassing activities that range from networking events to business/student collaborations such as Career Technical Education (CTE) to public policy advocacy on important local topics. When these topics come up, the Chamber works to collect input from businesses that informs our policy discussions. When done well, these discussions conclude with a clear policy statement that informs public officials and the community about the business community’s position on these issues.

For more than 75 years, the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce has worked to give our businesses a voice on topics such as transportation, housing, infrastructure, and economic development. Over the last few years, water has become a local focal point as the drought forced us to recognize the limitations of our water storage resources. The depletion of our groundwater and discovery of PFAS contamination in our water wells has further amplified the need to identify solutions that ensure we have a safe and plentiful water supply.

A recent special City Council meeting included a discussion on water rate increases the city is planning to implement. Phase 1 will focus on residential rates, with the current plan to raise rates starting in November 2023, while phase 2 (commercial rates) is yet to come. The city’s goal is to improve and stabilize the water enterprise fund and replenish the fund’s reserves as they begin planning for future projects like tackling PFAS. That project will be an expensive effort that will require outside financing, so the city needs to ensure its water fund is fiscally solvent. It also means you will be paying more for water. Continue reading a word from our CEO here.

Chambers of Commerce around the U.S. engage in public policy that can impact our businesses’ ability to keep people employed and contribute to the tax base that underpins the services our municipal governments are able to afford.

Pleasanton’s Chamber of Commerce has three committees that help us assess local public policy issues that are important for every business in town, from our local restaurants to Fortune 500 companies: Economic Development and Government Relations (EDGR); Pleasanton 2025 Forums; and Business and Community Political Action Committee (BACPAC). The document that provides a framework for our public policy work is the Vision 2025 document.

One of the upcoming issues that will impact Pleasanton businesses is the impending water rate increase. Currently, the City Council is working through the rate increase for residents, but during phase 2 of the project, commercial water rates will be proposed. The residential rate currently under consideration is a 30% increase this year, an additional 20% increase next year, and a further 12% increase in 2025. If commercial rate increases are similar, this could be a significant increase in the cost of operations for many Pleasanton businesses.

In order for the Chamber to give well-rounded input to our local public policy makers, we seek your help. Even if you only have a few minutes a year to devote to advocating for business-friendly public policy, we want to hear your thoughts. If you’d like to get involved, please email me at chamberjillbuck@gmail.com.

Since the pandemic, live-streaming for virtual and hybrid events have been in big demand.

For over 30 years, Amos Productions has been producing in-person events for the SF Bay Area and beyond, and now they are bringing those events online to the platform of your choice. Imagine having a live panel discussion with a live audience, online audience, and virtual presenters. Amos Productions has all the right equipment and experience for a seamless experience. Learn more online here.

Mark your calendars for these exciting PYP events you won't want to miss. We have a mixer coming up on August 3rd at McKay's Taphouse & Beer Garden. Please join us for a night of networking and building connections with local young professionals in the Tri-Valley.

We are beyond excited for our second event in August, where we will be collaborating with the Lafayette Chamber's Young Professionals group (aka the Lafayette YoPros) for a Young Professionals Joint Chamber Networking mixer on August 10th at Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen and Coffee Bar located in Downtown Danville. This event is free and gives us more opportunity to expand our networks and build connections with an amazing group of humans.

Come join us for an Oakland Athletics game against the Kansas City Royals on August 22nd before summer ends. All ages are welcome. Game starts at 6:40 p.m. and tickets are $30. Advance registration is required.

Planning is underway for the 51st Castro Valley Greek Festival. Come experience the Ancient Greek concept of Philoxenia and the famous hospitality of the Greek culture as we open our arms, our hearts, and our kitchen to all.

Can we get an OPA?! This popular annual cultural celebration on the grounds of the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Castro Valley serves up authentic flavorful food, great music, dancing, and pure fun.

Celebrate with the Greeks! Dance to our lively bouzouki music, taste our delicious cuisine, drink our wine, tour our traditional Byzantine-rich ekklēsía (church), and shop our agorá (marketplace). Experience a weekend filled with lots of kefi (joy)!

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), there is a 72 percent chance of a 6.7 or greater magnitude earthquake occurring in the Bay Area by 2043 that could cause levees in the Delta to fail. This could result in significant amounts of saltwater being drawn into the Delta region, raising salinity levels and crippling the state’s ability to deliver fresh water because of the location of the State Water Project’s (SWP) only diversion in the Delta. Continue reading here.

It's August, which means it's time for Girls Soccer Worldwide's 3rd annual Dollar-A-Mile fundraising event. It is the time of the year when the entire GSWW family comes together to be one big voice for the girls in the programs. Join us from August 1-31 to make a lasting impact on the lives of girls aged 6 to 18 in underserved communities. Empowering Girls. Shattering Poverty. Leading With Love. Make a lasting impact in 3 easy steps.

Join Slice Out Hunger member and Much Ado About Pizza's Kira Zabrowski alongside dozens of talented pizza-makers at the SF Pizza, Bagel, and Beer Festival on Saturday, August 19. This summer celebration of food and community benefits local causes, with proceeds donated to Slice Out Hunger. Kira will be representing Much Ado Pizza and is an ambassador for Women in Pizza. You can find her at the event making pizzas at the WIP/Ooni booth. Get tickets online here.

Joya Yoga has been named Diablo Magazine's Best of the East Bay 2023 for Yoga Studio and Cycle Studio. This is the 7th year in a row Joya Yoga has been recognized with this honor. Joya is 5 boutique studios under one roof (Yoga-Pilates-Barre-Cycle-Strength Training). They offer heated and non-heated classes suitable for all levels, whether you're new to fitness or whether you're an athlete. From Hot Pilates, Bikram, Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Kundalini, HIIT, Aerial Yoga, Barre, or Cycle, you will find classes that are just right for you. Continue reading here.

On Monday, October 16, 2023, Set To Thrive will be hosting its inaugural Fore! The Kids Golf Tournament at Poppy Ridge Golf Course in Livermore. The goal of the tournament is to raise funds for our Thrive Bags, which are custom-filled bags full of clothing, shoes, and other essential items that are provided to children in our community who are transitioning into foster care. Your support and participation will help kids in foster care. For more information or to sign-up today, please click here.

The Pleasanton Chamber would like to thank Maria DeBenedetti and Chelsea Wilson of Heritage Bank of Commerce for hosting a wonderful mixer in June. Visit Heritage Bank of Commerce online - LinkedIn - Facebook - Instagram.

We had a wonderful time on the patio at Rubys & Roses in July as an outstanding crowd gathered for our annual Pleasanton Salute to Partnerships Mixer & BBQ.

Special thank you to Rubys & Roses for hosting and to Tony Macchiano and his BBQ team from Pleasanton Garbage for the delicious dinner. Thank you to Black Tie Transportation and Amos Productions for sponsoring the event.

This popular summer event brings the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, the Pleasanton Downtown Association, City of Pleasanton Mayor, City Council, employees and Leadership Pleasanton alumni together for a BBQ dinner, drinks, and networking to honor the partnerships that involve everyone working together for the betterment of the Pleasanton community.