A Message from our new CEO Bob Linscheid |
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"Linscheid brings extensive chamber and economic development leadership experience to Walnut Creek at a time when the Chamber Board has begun to 'reimagine' the organization and its role in our region," said Board Chair Margot Stanford, Vice President of F&M Bank.
In addition to focusing on re-opening business, Linscheid plans to invest considerable time meeting and listening to business leaders, elected officials, and counterpart organizations throughout the area to gain an understanding of how the WCCVB can add value to the economic significance of the region.
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These “listening tours” have already begun and Linscheid is optimistic the WCCVB can play an important role to help guide policy decisions, grow the economy, and help Walnut Creek attract, retain, and grow business.
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Restaurant Revitalization
Grant Program Provides Debt-Free Financial Support
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Registration is LIVE for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund aka the $28.6 billion in government grants covering full-year 2020 losses (up to $10 million). Beginning Monday, May 3, restaurants & bars can apply for federal grants, with initial priority going to businesses owned by women, veterans, or people from economically and socially disadvantaged groups.
Debt-free support for annual revenue losses between 2019-2020 includes expenses for:
Payroll (excluding employee compensation over $100,000/year), employee benefits, and paid sick leave
Mortgage, rent, and utilities
Maintenance
Outdoor seating construction
Supplies, protective equipment, and cleaning materials
Food and beverage
Operational expenses
Principal payments for business debt
ABOUT THE IRC: The Independent Restaurant Coalition was formed by chefs and independent restaurant owners across the country who have built a grassroots movement to secure vital protections for the nation’s 500,000 independent restaurants and the more than 11 million restaurant and bar workers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Perspectives on Homelessness: Successful Strategies & Continued Challenges for Contra Costa County |
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Tuesday, May 11, 9:00-10:00 AM Register here.
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EAST BAY WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
"REIMAGINED"
Celebrating 16 Years of Excellence
Our Virtual Speaker Series Continues in June & July with two remarkable women: Amaryllis Fox & Tina Tchen
EBWC 2021 is presented by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau in conjunction with John Muir Health & Stanford Children's Health.
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June 1
Bestselling Writer, Activist
CIA Veteran
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July 6
American Lawyer, President & CEO of Time’s Up
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New Member Orientation
May 26, 4:00-5:00 PM
At this virtual training for new, current, and future Chamber members, learn how to maximize the programs, events, policy forums, marketing, and networking opportunities we provide to build community connections and reach hundreds of new potential customers. To register, click here.
Say Hello to Our New Members!
Amir Jamali MD
Haleh Amiri
Jeremy Fisch
Alex Guzman
Janay McCullough
Virna Zwingle
Wilson Stephens
Bob Fisher
Jing Chen
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Your success is our business.
From free directory listings on our website to monthly mixers to business development groups, Chamber membership offers you a wealth of valuable benefits. We kick off your partnership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city officials and feature the event in our weekly newsletter. To learn more, contact Linda Vesneski at
Virtual Speed 1-1 Networking
May 13, 5:00-6:00 PM
Calling all business owners and professionals! Join us at this monthly speed networking event and make new contacts. Everyone is welcome to join us at this free event. Invite your friends and colleagues.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Happy Hour Virtual BASH
May 27, 4:00-5:30PM
More details to follow, but grab your spot and register now.
Host A Chamber BASH In 2021!
Are you ready to boost your business? We're looking for members to host a virtual Happy Hour. Reach out to our Membership Sales Director Linda Vesneski: (925) 934-2007
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Outdoor dining in public streets has been a pandemic-era lifeline for bars and restaurants. Now that life is slowly returning to "normal" cities across the Bay Area are contemplating, what happens next? Walnut Creek's City Council begins to consider this complicated question at its May 4 meeting. The business community is invited to participate in this very important conversation. To view agenda and dial-in instructions, use this link.
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Travel With Us To Sicily
October 19 - 27, 2021
Discover Sicily through its glorious architecture, ancient ruins, breathtaking villages, and sumptuous cuisine on this fall adventure with the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce.
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California Small Business Grants
Round Five of the California Relief Grant program provides up to $25,000 for small businesses impacted by the pandemic and allocates $50 million for non-profit cultural institutions. Register for a free webinar, here.
Paycheck Protection Program
This SBA-backed loan helps businesses keep their workforce employed. click here.
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SBA Increases Lending Limit
The U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profits can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000. For the press release, click here.
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With coronavirus cases among the lowest in the nation, it looks like California is on track to leave the color tier system and fully reopen by June 15, 2021.
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COVID-19 Updates For Contra Costa County
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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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