News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber |
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Jay Lifson, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Virtual Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
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Lafayette’s Favorite Dinner Party – The “Taste of Lafayette” Restaurant Stroll!
Tuesday, June 22, 5pm-8pm, Downtown Lafayette
The “stroll” begins when ticket holders head out at their own pace to stop at any or all of the participating restaurants for sampling. Open-air shuttle bus will be provided. Will call and bar will be at Lafayette Plaza Park 5pm-8pm. Evening includes music throughout the stroll.
Tickets are now on sale, $50 early bird through May 31, 2021, $55 thereafter. Tickets are limited and the event will account for any state/county health and safety guidelines. Please note you may be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours of the event. High risk or those not feeling well should not attend. Face coverings will be required unless immediately eating or drinking.
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RED FLAG WARNING EXTENDED!
REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PDT TUESDAY
NIXLE Advisory: Red Flag Warning for the North and East Bay Hills, as well as the East Bay Interior Valleys, through 6 pm Tuesday for offshore winds and low humidity... .The Red Flag Warning has been extended through Tuesday afternoon. Conditions have briefly moderated but offshore winds will gradually increase again Sunday night into Monday morning across the North and East Bay hills.
The latest forecasts now suggest conditions will worsen Monday night into Tuesday morning as another burst of strong offshore winds develops in the hills. This will occur with very low humidity values and drought stressed fuels. Winds will ease through the day Tuesday but warm and dry weather will persist through the Tuesday afternoon burn period until 6 PM PDT Tuesday.
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BREAKING: Payroll Protection Program Round 2 (PPP2) Out of Funding
As of 5/5/2021, The SBA announced that all PPP funds have been committed.
IMPORTANT: You may still be able to get funding even though the SBA has closed the program, please carefully read the following. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.
I have already submitted a PPP application, and my lender said they sent it to the SBA. Will I get funding? Possibly, YES.
Our current understanding is that the SBA “shut their doors” because they have committed all the money they have. If your lender is done reviewing your application and the federal government is now reviewing it, you may still get funding over the next three (3) weeks because the SBA has saved funds for your application while they review it.
I had just submitted my applications a few days ago? Will that application be funded?
Most likely, NO.
If your lender is still reviewing your application and has not yet sent it to the SBA, it is most likely too late for that application to get funded. Please see below for alternative options.
This isn’t fair and I need help! Are there any other ways I can get relief funding?
YES!
It is not guaranteed, but you may still get federal funding for your business in other ways.
We encourage you to apply ASAP as funds will run out quickly:
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All businesses can still apply for the PPP through “CDFIs”. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have a different pot of PPP funding that has not yet run out. We encourage you to apply to a CDFI as soon as you can. PLEASE CLICK HERE for a short list of CDFI lenders we will try to keep updated for you. We do not officially endorse these lenders and there are many more you can apply through, these are simply the ones we have been able to confirm are available.
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All “food-service” businesses can apply for the SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). If your business makes at least 33% of its sales from onsite food/drink/alcohol sales, you are most likely eligible for this funding that is worth much more than the PPP. You can still receive this even if you have received the PPP before.
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All “Shuttered Venue” businesses can apply for the SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). If your business charges ticket entry and serves “audience member” type customers, you may be eligible for this funding that is worth much more than the PPP. You can still receive this even if you have received the PPP before.
We are continuing to monitor all COVID relief programs for updates and new sources of funding. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)
Current Status: OPEN
The SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) is open for applications. Eligible food-service businesses will receive funding equal to their 2020 COVID-related revenue loss compared to 2019 gross revenue.
If your business makes at least 33% of gross revenue from food and/or drink sales, we highly recommend you apply ASAP! Funds are expected to run out quickly as restaurants all over the nation apply.
This is an extremely beneficial program for food-service businesses and can be applied for even if you received the PPP. The SBA claims that you can complete an application in just 20 minutes.
Please click HERE for our full tips/FAQs on how to apply for this program.
Please follow these steps to complete your application:
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Create an account via the Application Portal.
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See the Sample Application for the questions that you will fill out online.
- Prepare your Business Information:
- Owner info, tax ID, etc.
- 2019 and 2020 Tax Return Information or Profit/Loss documents
- Bank Account Info (So the grant money can be sent to you)
- PPP Loan Information, if applicable (SBA Loan Number and Amount)
If you have any questions at all, please reach out to us so we can help you take advantage of this grant!
SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
Current Status: OPEN
First steps needed to apply:
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Create a SVOG application account at their Website Portal.
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Create a DUNS Number in order to create the required SAM Account.
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Create a SAM Account in order to receive federal grants.
- Prepare your 2019 and 2020 financial records to prove revenue loss.
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Review the temporary grant guidelines on the SVOG’s official website.
Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their 2019 gross earned revenue, or a maximum $10 million.
IMPORTANT NOTE: New guidance from the SBA confirms you may now apply for both the SVOG and the PPP2. You will not be disqualified from the SVOG or the PPP if you choose to apply for both.
If you believe that your business is a “venue”-type business, you may be eligible to apply! Eligibility varies by business type, but a good indicator is if your business relies on ticket sales and “audience”-type customers.
Examples include but are not limited to:
- Movie theaters,
- Live venue operators or promoters,
- Festivals,
- Theatrical producers,
- Live performing arts organizations,
- Museum operators,
- Talent representatives.
Access the Business Assistance Program’s guide to the four (4) most popular COVID-19 relief programs available to you:
Your Local Human Resource for COVID-19 Funding
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. If you would like to have a “face-to-face” meeting to discuss your needs, feel free to schedule a Business Needs Assessment with Townsend Public Affairs via Phone or Zoom. This is available to all Lafayette Businesses and Non Profits. Please click HERE if you would like a Phone Conference. Please click HERE if you would like a Zoom Conference.
You are always welcome at the Lafayette Business Assistance Program’s webinar updates held every Thursday afternoon @ 4pm. You can access recordings of past webinars by clicking HERE. You can register to attend a future webinar by clicking HERE.
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Welcome New Members!
The following businesses and organizations joined the Lafayette Chamber last week! We encourage you to visit their website and social media to learn more.
271 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette
Brian Enriquez, 925-385-8573
Founders Donuts specializes in handmade decadent old fashioned style donuts and has a mission to produce the highest quality donuts, provide the most satisfying experience, and share a portion of all sales with local charitable organizations.
Category: Bakery
Walnut Creek, CA
Katie Santos, 925-200-5156
Meet Katie, a business consultant who specializes in Human Resources. Employee rules and regulations change almost every day. In this crazy time, you need a guide to help you understand & implement the changes that affect you and your team.
Category: Consultants
1041 Stuart St, Suite A, Lafayette, CA
Jennifer Mecham, 925-297-7863
It's time to RISE UP to the ADVENTURE that calls you. We take all of the guess work out of Goal setting, Training, Nutrition and Adventure. Simplify. Expand. Transform. This is your life. Gain the physical freedom to be UNSTOPPABLE.
Category: Fitness / Health Clubs
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Thank You Renewing Members!
The following members renewed their membership May 3-9, 2021.
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Member Shout-Out: Diablo Women
Advertising
Critics' Reviews
Special Advertising Section: Restaurants
Special Advertising Section: Diablo Women
Special Advertising Section: Diablo real estate
Join Diablo magazine for their 2021 Diablo Women Comedy Night, Thursday, May 13, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Three incredible comics (Laurie Kilmartin, Amy Miller, and Zahra Noorbakhsh) will have you laughing the night away. We all have worked so hard, and come so far. Let's celebrate this together with an evening of stand-up comedy! Learn more and register here.
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It's not too late to join the CHAMBER TEAM in the Hope Walk!
Virtual Hope Walk, May 9-15, 2021: walk, hike, swim, or ride from your favorite spot and send picture!
Take the first step, sign up and help our team move forward for a good cause.
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Support our neighbors who are homeless and in great need! Undies and Sock Collection Drive is under way!
Join us in the struggle to end poverty. Local Lafayette Chamber member businesses will be collection sites during the month of May. A list of sites is posted here including:
"We love that there are various drop-off points to make it easier for the community to contribute items that will be a blessing and an encouragement to the people in our community who are homeless or otherwise in great need." - Dean G. Hollenbeck | Director, Major Gifts, Corp. Partnerships & New Life Golf Tournament, Bay Area Rescue Mission
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The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County provides a variety of quality services to businesses in Contra Costa County and the greater East Bay. Our services support the needs of all businesses including high-demand sectors of the local and regional economy as we match employers with a diverse, skilled workforce. Our Business Services team provides these services mostly at no-cost.
The business services team has resources to help you with talent recruitment and referral to partners.
- Customized recruitment events for companies
- Job posting and access to qualified job seekers
- Space for recruitment events
- Financial assistance and subsidies for on-the-job employee training
- Assistance with identifying tax credits for new hires
- Access to Unemployment Insurance and Disability Insurance information and labor market data through EDD
- Layoff and Outplacement Services for businesses that are downsizing or closing
- Links to Business Resources
The WDBCCC and its partners provide no-cost HR services, no-cost business advising/training, and SBA funding, no-cost recruiting services, as well as introducing government incentives, etc. This is your tax dollars going to work for you. Call 1-888-599-7645 M-F, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Click here to learn more.
Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) is sharing its Human Resources commercial for CCC: Contra Costa County. This commercial is done in partnership between both the WDBCCC and the California Employers Association (CEA). This partnership provides no-cost HR services to businesses in Contra Costa County. Watch the video here.
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Classifieds
Now Hiring!
Are you looking for a job? See also our Instagram Highlight for Lafayette Chamber businesses that are hiring! |
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ICYMI - In Case You Missed It!
- Monday’s City Council Meeting: Something for Everyone TONIGHT AT 7pm
- Making a Housing Plan for Lafayette
- Fire Season Is Here. Have You Abated Your Weeds?
- Special Meeting of the City Council - 2021 Wildfire Preparedness and Response
- Lamorinda CERT’s May Virtual Monthly Meeting: Disaster Medical Operations
- California Rent Relief on its Way
- Contra Costa County Now Offering COVID Vaccines to Everyone Regardless of Where They Live
- State’s Updated Mask Guidance
- Do you Need a Replacement Vaccination Card?
- Guidance for Community Sporting Events
- Why isn't Contra Costa County in the Yellow Tier?
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General Plan Update: Housing Element Workshops
The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) is winding down its informational phase of the Housing Element update and is moving into the public input period. The GPAC is hosting four community workshops to gather input on how our community should plan for housing. Each session will be a deep dive into different aspects of what goes into the Housing Element and the workshops will be an opportunity to connect with other community members on the topic of housing.
Workshops will be held over Remo, a flexible online conference platform that will allow attendees to use a variety of tools to help the conversation. Use these links to sign up: Workshop 4 - Site Identification. |
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General Plan Advisory Council (GPAC) Survey: What Should be the mission of the City of Lafayette?
The City of Lafayette is conducting a survey of people that live and work in Lafayette to find out what you believe should be the vision of our city in the future. The General Plan Advisory Council (GPAC) is conducting this survey and the results will help guide the GPAC in suggesting a new vision of the city to the Lafayette City Council. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey and have a voice in our future.
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Walnut Creek Chamber: Back to Business Webinar Series
Perspectives on Homelessness: Successful Strategies & Continued Challenges for Contra Costa County
Please join the Walnut Creek Chamber for a multi-faceted conversation on the solutions and challenges to ending homelessness in Contra Costa County. We will be joined by Iman Novin Principal of Novin Development, Leslie Gleason Executive Director of Trinity Center, Jaime Jenett Community Engagement Specialist with Contra Costa Health Services, and Lt. Tony Mangini from the WCPD in a moderated Q & A with Chamber Board Member Attorney Matthew Guichard.
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Mt. Diablo Business Women May Meeting
Moms Who Write - Motherhood & Family Through 3 Different Lenses
Wednesday, May 12, 11:30am-1pm, Online
All Guests are welcome for 2 visits before joining as a member.
The past year has turned a spotlight on, among other things, our families and extended families. On some days, these people who are closest to us have been such a challenge. Other days, we’ve found them more intriguing, supportive, and loved than we ever realized.
Mt. Diablo Business Women's May meeting features three women’s experiences with motherhood and families, and what they've published on this topic. Join us for a great conversation about giving and receiving care, speakers include Ann Wrixon, Executive Director of CASA Contra Costa County (and Lafayette Chamber member).
You’ll also have the opportunity to introduce yourself and your business, network in small groups, and enjoy the camaraderie of every MDBW meeting! Register here.
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Congressman Mark DeSaulnier: Upcoming Grants Workshop
We know that many small businesses and nonprofits are experiencing financial hardship during this time. If you work at a small business or nonprofit, I hope you will join us this Friday, May 14 at 12:30pm PT for a virtual grants workshop to discover funding available to your organization. We will have representatives from federal grant-making agencies and grant writing organizations to help answer questions and connect you with resources. To RSVP, please email our Grants Coordinator Taylor Kimber at taylor.kimber@mail.house.gov.
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DIY Video Engagement Tactics
Tuesday, May 18, 12noon, Online
Sharing your stories and engaging your audience is one of the best assets in your toolkit. Learn strategies to amplify your impact.
Special guest, Christi Lowe – a two time Emmy Award Winning Video Producer, and broadcast journalism veteran, will join us to talk about the types of videos that work when marketing your business, and how to beef up your video quality.
We will discuss the following:
- Why Video Marketing Matters
- How to Look Pro on a DIY Budget
- Recording Strategies
- Engagement Ninja Tips
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White Rabbit Business Solutions: Let's Take A Trip!
Tuesday, May 18, 3pm-4pm, Online
2020 was trying for all of us and we are all itching to get out and take a trip. Let's start small and safe, let's get together, hang out and network. No mask needed! Do you realize this is a trip we are already on? It's like a rollercoaster ride, it's a networking trip and what a trip it is! But beware, sometimes networking can be like entering a rabbit hole! There are so many questions, decisions, and things to think about, if you don't know which way to go, you can find yourself lost and and sinking fast. Do you even know why you want to network and the best choice of where to network? These are two basic questions that if not answered correctly can begin your trip descending down the networking rabbit hole!
Be aware of all the information out there, because if you make ill informed decisions, you will continue your downward free fall finding it more difficult to escape this abyss. Rest assured, White Rabbit Business Solutions is here to help you navigate the free fall down the networking rabbit hole. While networking is critical for any business to grow, there is a right way to network for it to be successful for you and your business. Do you know the best way to find your way through the networking rabbit hole? Let us help you!
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Webinar: Working Towards Better Outcomes (Retirement)
Working Towards Better Outcomes: A Different Approach To Today's Retirement
Thursday, May 20, 12pm-1pm
Please call 925-297-4200 for login information.
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DLHA Law Group - Complimentary webinar: 2021 Legal Challenges & New Risks
Tuesday, May 25, Noon, Online
STATE/FEDERAL LABOR LAW LESSONS FROM CORPORATE NON-COMPLIANCE
2021 continues to bring new laws and their corresponding legal challenges to businesses of all sizes. In this webinar, DLHA Law Group will provide a comprehensive, action-oriented assessment on new supplemental paid sick leave in California and the subsidies and credits embodied in the American Rescue Plan Act.
We will review the ever-changing landscape related to COVID-19, including employee certifications for sick leave, employee COVID testing, and the use of vaccine policies (mandatory and voluntary).
Finally, we will provide an update on the independent contractor law known as AB5 and review current and new corporate formalities and their necessities in this environment (demonstrating real examples of businesses whose failure to follow corporate formalities resulted in personal liability for their owners). To register, email heather@dlhalaw.com. |
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Member & Community Announcements |
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International Film Showcase
WE'RE BACK! The International Film Showcase resumes screenings on Friday May 14 - Sunday May 16 at the Orinda Theatre. RIDERS OF JUSTICE, the Danish film starring Mads Mikkelsen, has won four Danish Oscars. USA Premiere! The film will play three times daily at 1:00, 4:00 and 7:00. Due to Covid 19 we can accommodate only 50 people per screening. Watch trailer here. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased in advance online here.
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FREE Medicare Seminars
Thursday, May 20, noon
If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare, our free, virtual, and educational seminars are perfect for you. We have licensed Medicare agents teaching you all the basics. Join us to get your questions answered. No cost, no obligation. No Sales. Under 1 hour. For times and dates and to REGISTER go to canopy.vanbergins.com OR call (877) 833-4253 TTY 711. |
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Diablo Magazine: A call for entries, tell us about an Agent of Change
Diablo magazine is looking for the next generation of changemakers, and they want to hear about how you're making your mark on the East Bay. Submit your own story, or tell us about someone you know who is a trailblazer in our community. Learn more and submit here. Entries due by May 31.
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State’s Updated Mask Guidance
Contra Costa County aligned with the state last week, relaxing mask requirements for people who are fully vaccinated. Contra Costa will not adopt anything more restrictive.
The new requirements include:
- People who are fully vaccinated can go without masks outdoors, except in crowded settings such as concerts, sporting events, street fairs and similar settings.
- For unvaccinated people, face coverings are required outdoors anytime physical distancing can't be maintained, including at events with crowds.
- Regardless of vaccination status, face coverings are still required in indoor settings in the community such as in stores, restaurants (except when eating or drinking), and on public transportation.
- Fully vaccinated people can visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors or outdoors without masks or physical distancing.
- Fully vaccinated people can visit indoors or outdoors without face coverings with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for COVID-19.
Learn more about mask requirements in CDPH’s Guidance for use of face coverings. |
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From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center |
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Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation Distinguished Speaker Series Presents Kelly Corrigan: Hello World!
You know her from her best-selling books, her popular podcast "Kelly Corrigan Wonders" and her PBS series. Now Kelly brings her signature wit and wisdom directly to you, answering your questions and sharing her inspirations!
You are invited to join Kelly Corrigan for an intimate conversation about her latest project that celebrates the people we meet and the ways in which they shape us.
Hello World! is a bright and entertaining look at how every interaction in life is an opportunity to connect and grow. Perfect for students - whether starting school or graduating - and for anyone embarking on a new chapter in life or simply eager to learn along the way.
Registration: $20 includes a signed copy of Hello World! Proceeds benefit the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
This program is presented by the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation.
WOW Presents Calder-Picasso at the deYoung Museum
The de Young Museum is the first American venue for the exhibition Calder-Picasso, featuring more than 100 sculptures, paintings, drawings, and graphics by Alexander Calder (1898–1976) and Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), two of the most innovative and influential artists of the twentieth century. American Alexander Calder brought movement to sculpture through his ever-evolving artwork. Spanish artist Pablo Picasso created deeply personal work that alternated between realism and abstraction. By juxtaposing works dating from the 1920s to the 1970s, this presentation examines the parallels between Calder and Picasso’s works while also looking at the unique qualities that make each artist distinctive. Don’t miss this insightful and thought-provoking visual conversation between two innovative artists who redefined modernism.
This program is presented by the Friends of the Lafayette Library.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, May 27, 2021
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Don Tatzin Community Hall
Give Blood. Help Save Lives! The Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation and American Red Cross have teamed up to host monthly community blood drives. Donating is a safe process and healthy, eligible individuals are strongly urged to give blood or platelets.
For a limited time, the American Red Cross will test all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to our donors. To schedule an appointment go to: redcrossblood.org/give or call 1-800-733-2767 and use Sponsor Code: lafayettelibrary.
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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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