Hello August – my old friend. Can you stay for a little while longer this year – please?
I think most of us would agree right now that reality is tough and escaping from it is not as easy as it once was, though somehow I managed it last week. I laughed when I read an article in this week’s Los Gatan reporting on my absence from the last Promenade. They know everything.
I was sorry to miss that last celebration and the very last one it might have been. We should be so thankful that we were able to have them at all. Those summer nights will forever be remembered as part of the Los Gatos lore. And for all of those who are wondering, we really did not intend for July 28th to be the last one.
Truth is – the Town Council did grant the Chamber $120k to produce a series of Promenade events. I should clarify here, that the $120K was not Town money per se, but was money from the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds Los Gatos received from the Federal Government for Covid Relief and economic stimulation. So, thank you Washington D.C. Those funds helped our Town tremendously, but that well is now dry. Linda L. Lester also gave us a $10K grant but that money was used against the $120K, so in fact we only received $110K from ARPA.
Back in April we were fairly certain we could pull off 7 events with those dollars as last year each individual event cost approximately $15K to produce. Come June, we realized our expenses had skyrocketed due to heightened security needs and ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) post-Covid rules and regs. We needed a lot more paid staff to make it all happen, taking the total of each event to right around $20K. Still, what great events they were and wonderful summer memories were made. Thanks to all the businesses that participated and to all the folks who came out to stroll on those Thursday evenings.
In other news, you may have heard about the modernization of the Business License flat fee and tax structure. Not to worry, we feel pretty good about how we advocated on your behalf. While we needed to increase that flat fee a little, the Council was conservative, equitable and fair when deciding how to implement an increase. No one should bear all of the burden of increasing costs and inflation. We all have to play a part and invest into the good for all. There will be one last meeting on August 11 to consider this business license modernization ballot measure. For information, click here.
Come September, the Chamber plans to get back on track (finally after two years) with some of our usual programs. We will reintroduce our monthly networking mixers, as well as business development programs and workshops. We will reimagine our biz to biz luncheons and will take a deeper dive into this idea of creating a robust Business Alliance Program. If you have ideas for guest speakers or have topics you would like to explore, please let us know.
We are also excited about a new fall event we are bringing to Town. You all are familiar with our Wine Walks. The Spring Wine Walk always draws an amazing crowd. Sometimes we have a Wine Walk in the Fall as well, but this year we are going to produce a Wine & Beer Walk, and will mix in some music and other entertainment. People love to gather so let’s make it happen. If your business would like to sponsor this new event, call today. Mark your calendars for October 15th.
It is an election year here in Town. Three Council seats are open. I urge you to pay close attention to how these candidates feel about the various challenges currently facing Los Gatos. There are always two sides to an issue. Don’t be lazy; engage and learn what is going on. The Chamber will hold a Candidate Forum sometime in late September, stay tuned for details.
You may have heard that a referendum has been filed against the Town regarding the 2040 General Plan. I know that might not mean a whole lot to some of you, but it is important for everyone to understand the facts. We all should be informed voters. Need more information? Here are some resources:
I will end with reiterating that the Chamber of Commerce is a 501c6 Organization supported by our membership. The Town of Los Gatos is a completely separate governmental organization with no affiliation to the Chamber of Commerce. Town funds are granted to the Chamber to run the Visitor Information Center, which is also a separate entity. Town funds do not support the advocacy efforts of the Chamber in any way. The Chamber will always advocate on behalf of all businesses in our town.
With that, reality is tough right now. I hope you can get a little lost in August and find some peace in all the craziness.
Cheers.
Catherine
