News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber |
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Monday, September 27, 2021 |
Jay Lifson, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Office Hours by Appointment only:
Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
Please call for an appointment; masks required inside.
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Tuesday Talk: The Power of a Plan - Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning
Join Kelly Balamuth for a Tuesday Talk on wills, trusts, and why estate planning is ever more important now, even if you aren’t feeling particularly “rich” at the moment — the truth is that having your will and trust in order is vital right now. Let’s answer your questions about how to protect your loved ones if anything were to happen to you. Presented by Lafayette Chamber Member Kelly Balamuth of Balamuth Law. Registration required for Zoom link. Questions? Contact Kelly at (925) 254-1234.
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Lafayette Chamber Board of Directors – Are you ready to get involved?
Petitions to run for the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are now available at the Chamber Office, 251 Lafayette Circle, Suite 150 or online here. The petition must be signed by five current Chamber members and returned to the Chamber office by September 29, 2021. The term of office for the new Directors will be January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023. Voting will take place online from October 1 to October 20, 2021.
The Chamber Board, comprised of 17 elected representatives, 2-3 appointed directors-at-large, and a number of non-voting advisors, is the policy making arm of the Chamber and has final authority in all decisions affecting the organization. Our 2022 Chamber President-Elect is Fred Steingraf, Edward Jones Financial. Board members are required to attend the annual Planning Retreat (early January, 2022) and monthly Board meetings. We also ask they attend a majority of Chamber events such as mixers, ribbon cuttings and our community events. In addition, they are expected to actively serve on at least one Chamber committee. For more information or to obtain a paper petition, call the Chamber office at (925) 284-7404.
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Ribbon Cutting at Sunwise Clinical Research
Wednesday, September 29, 5pm, 911 Moraga Rd, Lafayette
Sunwise Clinical Research is a woman owned Clinical Research Site dedicated to helping individuals suffering from debilitating disease. Their highly experienced medical team is committed to finding improved medical treatments.
We welcome members and the community to join us for light refreshments on the landing and a personal tour of the new facility, Wednesday, September 29. Ribbon Cutting will be at 5:30pm sharp. Register here.
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Welcome New Lafayette Chamber Member!
The following business joined the Lafayette Chamber last week! We encourage you to visit their website to learn more.
3530 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA
Lyn Short, 510-648-6043
Small Business Banking
Categories: Banks, Business Loans / Development
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Thank You Renewing Members!
The following members renewed their membership last week, September 20-26, 2021. Curious about your membership status? Contact us.
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Lafayette Res Run for Education -
THANK YOU Sponsors!
The Chamber would like to thank Lafayette Chamber board member, Brian Aiello, Pinnacle Apparel & Promotions, for incorporating the mural design with the Res Run logo for our t-shirts and well as coordinating the back of the t-shirt! |
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2021 Res Run for Education Sponsors:
With special thanks to:
T-shirts will be in limited supply so REGISTER TODAY! Then run with your friends, family, neighbors and business associates on Sunday, October 24 in person through downtown Lafayette. Choose the traditional 2-mile fun run/walk or 5k along Mt. Diablo Blvd. or the 10k route which goes around the Lafayette Reservoir.
Or, register for the Reservoir Challenge – the virtual race which “runs” around the 2.7-mile paved trail of the Lafayette Reservoir October 13 through 23. Please note, the Reservoir Challenge is not an option on Sunday, October 24 as the Reservoir will be closed for the 10K runners. The Reservoir Challenge is great opportunity to safely walk or run the Reservoir on your own. Regardless of how you choose to participate, just do it!
All four races support our local public schools. Everyone from ages 1 to 99 is welcome and all race registrations include a long sleeve t-shirt (while supplies last).
🍬 The first 100 students from each school will receive a voucher for a 1/4 lb of bulk candy from Zoonie's Candy Shop!
💸 The school with the most registrations by midnight on September 30 AND the school with the most registrations in total will each receive an EXTRA $500 donation!
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COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination or Test Required for Some Contra Costa Businesses
Everyone 12 years and older must show proof of vaccination or a negative test result before going into or working at a high-risk indoor place, including:
➡ Restaurants
➡ Bars
➡ Theaters where food and beverages are served
➡ Gyms
➡ Recreation facilities
➡ Yoga studios
➡ Dance studios
This requirement only applies to indoor areas of businesses. No verification is required for outdoor dining or activities. Masked patrons who have not provided vaccine or testing verification may briefly enter a business that requires it to use the restroom, pick up or deliver food or goods, or perform other transactions that do not require them to be inside the business for an extended period.
Starting Nov. 1, 2021, workers at businesses serving food and drinks indoors or fitness facilities must show proof of full vaccination. If not fully vaccinated, workers must test for COVID-19 weekly and provide negative test results to their employer.
Tools for Businesses including Frequently Asked Questions, a free tool for scanning vaccination QR codes: SMART® Health Card Verifier App, a window poster: Vaccine Verification or Test Result Required in English and Spanish, a Flyer for Customers: How to Download CA Digital Vaccination Record in English and Spanish and a Flyer for Businesses: How to Verify Vaccination Status or a Test Result in English and Spanish can be found here:
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Lafayette Chamber Connectors
Wednesday, October 6 and 20, 2021, 4:30pm-5:30pm
Looking to network (virtually for now?) The Lafayette Chamber is hosting a networking/referral group called Chamber Connectors. The only requirement is that you are a current Lafayette Chamber member. We meet twice a month (typically the first and third Wednesday of the month at 4:30pm) but will start off fall 2021 networking on September 8 and meet again online September 22.
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"Coffee" with City of Lafayette Mayor Susan Candell
Mayor Candell's priorities for Lafayette in 2021 include the new General Plan for the City, state housing mandates and public safety. Join us for "coffee" and get a chance to meet and speak with Mayor Candell on issues that are important to you.
Please register in advance for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Send questions in advance to holly@lafayettechamber.org.
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Speed Networking with Blitzr!
Join Lafayette Chamber Members online for Blitzr Speed Networking - Tuesday, November 9, 12:15pm-12:50pm. Five one-on-one conversations for five minutes each! Please take 5 minutes to setup your account now. Registration is required to participate in this free event open to Lafayette Chamber members and their guests. Register here.
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City of Lafayette, CA: The Weekly Roundup, September 24, 2021
➡ City and School Districts Holding Listening Forum on Safe Student Travel Around Lafayette Schools on September 29
➡ County Eviction Protection and Rent Freeze Ordinance Expires on September 30
➡ Way to go Bobcats: Burton Valley Elementary School Named National Blue Ribbon School for 2021
➡ Lamorinda Spirit Van Program Seeks Volunteers
➡ Roadwork on Moraga Road and Reliez Valley Road
➡ County Supervisorial Redistricting Public Hearing on October 5
➡ Family Outdoor Movie Night on October 22
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Listening Forum on Safe Student Travel Around Lafayette Schools on September 29, 2021
Please save the date for this online community meeting to share your experiences, concerns, and ideas about pedestrian and bicycle safety and traffic around our schools and receive updates from the city and schools.
Members of the Lafayette City Council, Lafayette School District and Acalanes Union High School District Governing Boards, as well as the Superintendents from both Districts and the Lafayette City Manager will be present.
This meeting will be held via Zoom teleconference (agenda and meeting links to be posted later here). You will also be able to watch or listen on the City of Lafayette’s YouTube Channel.
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Supervisor Candace Andersen's Weekly Update - September 24, 2021
➡ Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record
➡ New COVID-19 Health Order: COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination or Test Required for Some Contra Costa Businesses
➡ Kids Can Still Spread the Virus, Even if They Don't Get Sick
➡ COVID Status of Contra Costa County
➡ Apply for COVID-19 Rent Relief
➡ The ABCs of Keeping Young Kids Safe During COVID-19
➡ RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFELY HOLDING PUBLIC MEETINGS
➡ Why is Redistricting Important to You and Your Community?
➡ The Park Theater Trust of Lafayette Working to Restore the Iconic Park Theater
➡ Free Virtual Composting Workshops
➡ Contra Costa County ‘Welcoming Plan for Immigrant Inclusion’ Survey - Feedback Needed by September 30, 2021
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Higher Education Affordability Town Hall
Assemblymember, 16th District Rebecca Bauer-Kahan invites you to join her and local representatives from the University of California, California Community Colleges, and the Department of Rehabilitation for a Higher Education Affordability Town Hall on Wednesday, September 29, noon to 1 p.m. We will hear about programs and other support to help pay for higher education, followed by a Q&A session. This town hall is appropriate for anyone interested in enrolling in community college, university, career technical, mid-career, and re-entry higher education programs.
As always, please feel free to reach out to staff at my district office in San Ramon with any questions, comments, issues or suggestions. http://a16.asmdc.org or call (925) 244-1600. |
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Business Resources & Opportunities |
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ADA Compliance Webinar
Last Thursday, Walnut Creek Downtown presented aB2B webinar all about ADA Compliance. Learn how to minimize your legal risk in just one hour. You can watch the recording here: WCD ADA Compliance Webinar - Zoom.
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Workers' Compensation Fraud: Employers' 101 on Handling Claims
The Employer Advisory Council (EAC) of Alameda County and the Employment Development Department (EDD) want to support you and your company with virtual educational opportunities. Join our webinar to learn from our specialist on California's workers' compensation system Kevin Calegari, managing partner of the law firm LFL&M, San Francisco office.
The California workers' compensation system is subject to fraud from all interested parties. We will focus on the multiple areas of fraud that can impact an employer. Employers should professionally manage their employee's industrial leave and assist workers that have legitimate injuries and deserve the benefits. This webinar provides information on how to combat fraud and deter workers from obtaining benefits that they are not entitled to.
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California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
Eligible Non-profits and Small Businesses Have Until September 30 to Apply for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program: The application window for Round 8 (Nonprofit cultural institutions only) is open and has been EXTENDED to September 30th. Only nonprofit cultural institutions that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com are eligible for Round 8. The application period for the final round, Round 9, closes September 30. Read the application tips.
➡ Lafayette-based non-profits and businesses interested in applying for this statewide grant opportunity are encouraged to register for the City’s Business Assistance Program to received one-on-one help with this and other grant applications. |
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Saint Mary's College of California Career & Internship Virtual Fair
Our students are finally back on campus, and soon they will start thinking about internships, part-time jobs or volunteer positions for the upcoming year, and/or entry-level jobs for post-graduation. If you are looking for help in any of those categories, register now for our fall Career & Internship Virtual Fair so you can make some connections with your potential new hires!
The Virtual Fair will take place on Wednesday, October 6 from 12:00-2:30 pm and is open to all employers.
Pricing is as follows: For-profits: $275 **, Non-profits: $55
**SPECIAL OFFER FOR LAFAYETTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS: $50 OFF YOUR REGISTRATION FEE! Non-profits excluded due to already reduced price.
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Brave Women: Leslie Pfeifer Speaks About Her 75 Flights Into a War Zone
Wednesday, October 13, 5:30pm-7pm, Online
Since 2020, “first responder” has taken on new meaning for all of us. We have deeper appreciation for people who do what is asked of them in dire circumstances. Whether their vocation is healthcare, public safety or the military, their grueling work is often done with selflessness and bravery. Leslie Pfeifer, a past president of MDBW, will share her fascinating experience as a Vietnam era flight attendant. Whatever opinion you have about that conflict, you’ll be moved by Leslie’s eye-witness account of transporting the troops who were asked to serve.
Mt. Diablo Business Women's October 13 meeting, you’ll also get a current look at travel from our member "five minute" speaker, Debi White. You’ll be able to introduce yourself and your business to everyone at the meeting, network in several smaller groups, and enjoy the camaraderie of Mt. Diablo Business Women! All Guests are welcome for 2 visits before joining as a member. Register here.
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Business Builder Throwdown
The Business Builder Throwdown Livestream show is for business owners who want to grow and scale their business.
Struggling with marketing and sales tactics? Not sure what to invest in first or where to start? Tune into the show. You will find all the answers to your burning questions….from three business experts.
Season One is LIVE: Check out the episodes on YouTube. View 13 episodes that go deep on topics you need to grow your business today. And check out our social media throwdown mini series as well (also on YouTube).
Coming Soon…..The Business Builder Membership. The co-hosts of the Business Builder Throwdown, including our very own member, Holly Jean Jackson, are launching a founders membership.
Sign up before October 14, 2021 and you will lock in your monthly membership for life. Subscribers to the Throwdown will be the first to hear about this opportunity….be sure to subscribe. Don’t miss out!
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Fundamentals of Financial Wellbeing
Hosted by Center for Excellence in Nonprofits and Presented by MassMutual: Gian Panetta, Matthew Sagers, Kim Smith, & Samantha Sagers-Davenport
Having clear financial goals are the foundation of a person's financial well-being, especially during times of uncertainty. This no-cost educational workshop will leave you with a better understanding of financial opportunities/strategies - at all income levels - and will provide suggestions to help you set financial goals. This interactive workshop will address top concerns such as income, savings, retirement, and debt and provides ample time for participant questions.
This program is open to the public and has a special focus on addressing the unique concerns of nonprofit sector employees and individuals seeking to deepen their personal financial knowledge and education. Click here to register.
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Forma Gym 2021 Turkey Trot
Virtual Race Nov. 20 - Nov. 27 + Community Celebration Thursday, Nov. 25
Instead of doing the traditional 5K and 10K road run this year, Forma Gym is inviting everyone to come do their Virtual Turkey Trot run together at Las Lomas High School. In addition to doing the Virtual 5k/10k, Forma Gym will be offering 3 Group Fitness Super Classes and a challenging obstacle course for both kids and adults. All are welcome to the event and we encourage community members to come out and support one another. Learn more and register at formaturkeytrot.com.
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Lafayette Community Foundation Presents 12th Annual Virtual Senior Symposium
Saturday, October 2, 2021
Admission is FREE, Click here to register.
Attention Seniors and Senior Caregivers! Don’t miss out on getting the latest information for seniors at our no-cost Senior Symposium on October 2nd, introduced by Mayor Candell and generously sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and John Muir Health.
Register now to secure your virtual seat at the table, as our expert panelists discuss:
- Critical fire prevention tips every senior needs to know right now
- Ways seniors can cope with emotional stress during uncertain times
- The local and global impact of Covid on seniors and where we go from here
- Recognizing the signs of elder abuse and what to do if you’re experiencing abuse
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Lafayette Community Foundation's Under a Harvest Moon
Join the Lafayette Community Foundation for an alfresco evening featuring exceptional wines from the Lamorinda American Viticulture Area (AVA), expertly paired with your appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Enjoy a special preview of plans for Lafayette’s new tasting room “Local Vines” featuring Lamorinda wines, plus cabaret entertainment from Town Hall Theatre actors, live auction, live music, and dancing under the stars to classic rock band Other People’s Money. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. Tickets are $150 per person. Register here.
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Backpacks for Afghan Refugees
MVPC has be awaiting direction on how to support the Afghan refugees who are being resettled in the Bay Area. We are working with the IRC (International Rescue Committee), who is one of the two authorized agencies who are tasked in resettling the refugees. We have been asked to put together 50 backpacks with school supplies for the Afghan children who will be starting school. The backpack drive will be held from September 22 and end October 22nd.
Here are the details on what is needed below. Please stick to the lists provided as uniformity is needed. Only newly purchased backpacks and supplies please. Two types of backpacks are needed: for elementary school age and for middle / high school aged children.
Elementary school age backpacks should have packed inside them: pack of markers, pack of colored pencils, pack of pencils, erasers, small pencil sharpener, lined notebook paper, notebook, ruler, yellow highlighter, pens, child scissors, construction paper, index cards, (optional: lunch bag, water bottle, stickers or small toy). Please also include a note of welcome and support to the recipient.
Middle / High school aged backpacks should have packed into them: pack of pencils, erasers, pens, yellow highlighter, sharpie, ruler, index cards, 1-3 paper notebooks, paper folders to store papers, scissors, tape (optional: lunch bag, water bottle, small toy). Please include a note of welcome and support to the recipient.
We will collect the backpacks in the MVPC Church office starting September 22 and we will end October 22, 2021 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga, CA. Collection will also take place at the Lafayette Chamber offices, 251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150.
Thank you for supporting our new Afghan neighbors and sending them Love From Lamorinda.
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Help save The Nut Factory
Michael Kearney Jr., Owner of The Nut Factory writes: We are a small family run business that still operates like we have for almost 70 years. We roast tree nuts in small batches that ensure the finest quality you can find. One bite and you are hooked. We search all over the USA to find novelty food items you can only find at The Nut Factory. Most recently we have been serving hand scooped ice cream which is a huge hit!
The pandemic hit The Nut Factory hard, and we barely survived, but we did. However, on May 15th, 2021, a large oak tree fell on the factory, causing us to temporarily shut down.
The family business, which was passed down to me when my father passed away 11 years ago, is a tradition that goes beyond the community of Lafayette, as we ship our products all over the country. We are not going to let a fallen oak tree take away what my family and I have built.
If you would like to see this unique family-run business survive, a donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated.
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Contra Costa County Plans Efficient, Equitable Rollout of COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
People previously vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine who should receive a booster, according to the CDPH, include:
- those who are 65 or older
- residents of long-term care facilities
- those who are 50 to 64 with underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 due to social inequities, including those from communities of color
People previously vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine who may consider receiving a booster, based on their individual benefits and risks, include:
- those who are 18 to 49 with underlying medical conditions
- those who are 18 to 64 and at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their occupation or institutional setting
Booster doses of vaccine are not currently recommended for others, including people who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine. CCHS will promptly post updates at cchealth.org/coronavirus as more information becomes available. Learn more here.
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Lafayette Homeowners Council Annual Meeting
The Lafayette Homeowners Council’s Annual Meeting will be Thursday, October 14, starting at 7:00pm. The meeting will be conducted online via Zoom due to covid19 issues. Go to the LHC’s website as shown below. All Lafayette residents are urged to attend to attend.
We're pleased to have two guest speakers to address many current issues, in particular housing and a couple of the bills recently signed in Sacramento plus the GPAC work regarding Lafayette’s General Plan. Each presentation will be followed by a question and answer period.
Our first guest speak will be Lafayette’s City Manager Niroop Srivatsa who will present and update us on the General Plan revision underway, its impacts on zoning, traffic congestion and circulation, as well as an update on major development projects happening within Lafayette.
Our Annual Meeting's second guest speaker will be Mayor Susan Candell, who will provide an evaluation of the financial state of the City and a review of the impact of recent legislation on growth management that may affect our City.
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Vitality Bowls Lafayette is hiring!
Be the healthy change in our community. Work at Vitality Bowls and kick-start your superfood career 🍇🍇🍇
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Are you looking for a job? See also our Instagram Highlight for Lafayette Chamber businesses that are hiring! |
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From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center |
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Sweet Thursdays presents Carol Edgarian: Vera
Thursday, September 30, 2021, 5:00 - 6:00 PM | ZOOM
An astonishing feat of imagination, a grand adventure set in 1906 San Francisco, featuring an indomitable heroine coming of age in the aftermath of the great quake and her quest for love and reinvention. Meet Vera Johnson, an uncommonly resourceful fifteen-year-old who must disregard societal norms and prejudices and imagine a new kind of life, forging an unlikely family of survivors to navigate their way beyond disaster.
This program is presented by the Friends of the Lafayette Library.
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Your Lafayette Dining and Gift Shopping Guide! |
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Follow us on Instagram! Use your phone's camera to scan the code here, then follow @lafayettechamber_ca!
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Please note: to signup via text you will be asked for your birthdate. This information is not stored, it is only used for verify you are over 21 years of age.
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Show Your Membership!
Would you like to include a Lafayette Chamber membership emblem on your website or other marketing materials?
The Lafayette Chamber would be happy to provide you with the appropriate logos. Simply email your request to holly@lafayettechamber.org. |
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