News & Events from the Lafayette Chamber |
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Monday, September 21, 2020 |
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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Good afternoon Chamber Member!
We know you saw this coming, but we have to say it anyway…
The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce is announcing that we will need to cancel three of our 2020 annual events: Trick or Treat Street, the Community Thanksgiving Breakfast and the Holiday Celebration “It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette."
The good new is, Trick or Treat Street will be replaced by Dress Up Drive (click to learn more or see poster later in this email,) and the downtown Twinkle Lights will shine this holiday season thanks to our co-sponsors Branagh Development and the Dana Green Team!
We can take back 2020 safely ... one step at a time by participating in the Lafayette Res Run for Education. Sign up and support our schools. This event has been reimagined and will now take place over a 2-week period. It’s only $25 to register for any of the races: 2-miler, 5K, 10K or the new 2.7 mile Reservoir Walk/Run Challenge.
Hang in there Lafayette! Wear your Mask and practice social distancing and let our community be the leaders in shutting the virus down.
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"What does the Lafayette Community mean to you?" |
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In honor of the 2020 Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, Festival Presidents Kyle Sumner (2019 President) and Jeremy Steel (2020/21 President,) the producers of this fine video, ask "What does the Lafayette Community mean to you?"
Thank you ...
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ICYMI - Coffee with the Mayor: Meet the Candidates
Thank you to those who joined us for our almost-monthly Zoom meeting with Lafayette Mayor Mike Anderson. Mayor Anderson welcomed and introduced the four candidates that will be running for three City Council seats on November 3, 2020.
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Thank you Lafayette Res Run for Education Sponsors!
T-Shirt Sponsors:
Special thanks to Zoonie's who will be providing the first 100 students registered for the run from each school a gift certificate for a free 1/4 lb of bulk candy!
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Welcome New Members!
Last week we welcomed the following businesses to the Lafayette Chamber. We encourage you to visit their website to learn more!
1480 Moraga Rd, Suite C 178, Moraga
Amy Schofield, 510-397-9312
A shared commercial kitchen where foodpreneurs create and innovate
Categories: Restaurants, Wines / Liquors / Speciality Cheeses
215 Theater Square, Orinda
Lauren Fahrer, 415-341-5708
With over 30-years of sales and marketing experience my passion is to help others find a way to become a property owner or maximize their current investment. I sell homes, not houses.
Category: Real Estate Services
Welcome New Friends!
Gina and Michael Dawson
Danielle and Sean Gallagher
Teresa and Michael Gerringer
Thank you Renewing Members!
The following members renewed their membership September 14-21. Thank you for supporting us so that we can support you!
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Member Shout-Out!
Don’t take your pet for granted. Go for a walk. Schedule a playdate. Make an appointment for grooming. Maybe a nail trimming. Spoil them with a new toy or collar. Everyone needs a little extra attention these days … pets included. Thank you to our members that help us take care of our four-legged friends.
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Citing Lack of Federal Funding, City of Lafayette Suspends Business Assistance Program
In March 2020, a national emergency and a county shelter-in-place order were declared due to the global spread of COVID-19. Several Lafayette businesses were immediately impacted by the shelter-in-place order and had to cease operations. Other businesses had to severely limit their operations. Local non-profits were also restricted in their ability to raise funds necessary to offer their programs and services.
To assist local businesses and non-profits, the City of Lafayette created the Lafayette Business Assistance Program and hired Townsend Public Affairs in April to help businesses and non-profits access available resources offered by state and federal governments.
The Lafayette Business Assistance Program has been offering services for more than five months and the program has assisted 92 local businesses, including 10 non-profits to secure $1,561,100 in Federal funding, affecting some 460 members of Lafayette’s workforce. In addition, 822 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans were received by Lafayette businesses and organizations, including 718 loans below $150,000, and 104 loans above $150,000.
Despite months of negotiations, Congress has not reached a deal on the Phase 4 Coronavirus Relief Package. As a result, this week the Lafayette’s City Council voted to suspend the Business Assistance Program, effective September 15, 2020.
The City’s Business Assistance Program webpage will continue to provide the Lafayette business community with updated and useful information. You can find the webpage here.
Should the next round of Federal funding contain an assistance package that could benefit Lafayette businesses, City staff will return to the Council with a request to resume the program.
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Lead Magnet 101: Grow Your List Online
Wednesday, September 23, 6pm, Zoom
In this workshop, discover what a lead magnet is, how to create one to attract your ideal audience and how to design one. Lead magnets are the best way to grow your list online while offering value to your future clients. Register here >>
Workshop Presenter: Holly Jackson, Business Coach & Consultant
Holly helps business owners and entrepreneurs love their life and their business again. With over 12 years of technology and business experience, she helps business owners get their groove back physically, mentally and emotionally. She does this through a combined approach of both coaching and consulting providing practical and actionable results.
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Business Continuation Planning During Uncertain Times Lunch
Thursday, September 24, 2020 12pm-1:30pm
Please join CalCPA East Bay Chapter and MassMutual Northern California for an educational course on “Business Continuation Planning During Uncertain Times”. We will discuss and provide case studies on the nature of the closely held businesses and understanding why formal planning for business succession is important to protect, preserve and pass on the control and value of the business.
While navigating these transitions is always difficult, it is critical during these uncertain times that knowledgeable professionals are able to assist the owners of closely held businesses. We will address advantages, disadvantages and implementation of different planning options that could simplify the process, increase cost basis for the family and minimize taxes.
Business Continuation Planning During Uncertain Times
Hosted by CalCPA and MassMutual Northern California. Presented by Tom Barrett, JD, LLM, Advanced Markets Director-MassMutual. The event will be held in a lunch-and-learn format. So feel free to bring your lunch and your questions to the meeting and We hope to see you there. Register here.
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Moraga Chamber Lunch & Learn: Simple Social Media Strategies to Build Your Business Even During a Pandemic
Monday, September 29, 12noon, Zoom
In this practical, information-packed session, Dr. Tamara Monosoff will teach how to identify key digital touchpoints in the customer journey using strategic video marketing, social media, and cost-effective marketing tools. Understanding and utilizing these technologies will lead to increased customer engagement, retention, and profit.
You will learn how to:
- gain leads for customer acquisition with video marketing tools
- optimize customer interactions so that you gain valuable insight into their experience
- gather actionable feedback
- use free social media as a customer acquisition tool
- create long-lasting customer loyalty and engagement with Talk Triggers and more
About Tamara: Dr. Tamara Monosoff is Senior Director of Communications at Saint Mary’s College, a digital marketing strategist for small businesses, and a #1 Amazon bestselling business author of seven books. She consults leaders on industry-leading content marketing programs including the development and implementation of new methodologies to drive funnel expansion, generating new revenue and long-term engagement. Tamara has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, U.S. News & World Report, Wall Street Journal, Oprah, People & Time magazines to name just a few. Before becoming an author & entrepreneur she served in the White House and U.S. Department of Education as a Presidential Appointee to the Clinton Administration.
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It's that time of year again, the weather is changing, are you and your business?
Join White Rabbit Business Solutions Tuesday September 29 from 3:00-4:30 for an afternoon of networking. Meet small business owners and professionals who want to learn about your business. Learn about the different ways White Rabbit Business Solutions can benefit your business and the special pricing available!!! Register for this FREE event here.
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Looking to network (virtually)? The Lafayette Chamber is starting a networking/referral group called Chamber Connectors.
We are looking for founding members to help kick off the group. We will meet twice a month (first and third Wednesday of the month at 4pm). If you're interested in joining the group, please contact Fred Steingraf at fred.steingraf@edwardjones.com. |
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Experienced Business Professionals Help You Succeed
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The Lafayette Chamber is providing COVID-19 business and community resources through a number of channels. Please visit the following for further information: |
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VISIT OUR SOCIAL CHANNELS
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Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club Monthly Meetings
Every Friday, 7am-8:15am, Zoom
September Weekly Speakers include:
Sept. 25: Jim Marggraff, the Future of Rotary Meetings
October Weekly Speakers
Oct. 2: Don Jenkins, Rotary Foundation
Oct. 9: Troy Feddersen, Beer Judge
Oct. 16: Lorena Julio-Comparlante, Argentine Journalist
Oct. 23: Club Assembly
Oct. 30: Member Magazine
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Rotary Club of Lafayette Online Meetings
Here's the weekly lineup for speakers for the Rotary Club of Lafayette. Visitors are invited to attend! If you're interested in one or more of these sessions or learning more about the Rotary Club of Lafayette, contact Patricia at patriciafury@comcast.net.
Sept. 24 – Speaker Richard Whitmore, Lafayette Superintendent: “How Schools are Progressing”
Oct. 1 – Speaker Susan Candell, Lafayette City Councilmember: “Task Force to Effect Change & Action in Racial Equality in Lafayette”
Oct. 8 – Speaker John Donnelly: “Coronavirus, Vaccines, Military Medicine & Rotary Membership”
Oct. 15 – Speaker Erika Leonard, KidPower: “Personal Safety Skills for Adults & Children to Prevent Bullying, Abuse, Abduction & Other Violence”
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Lafayette Homeowners Council: Meet the Candidates Nights!
The Lafayette Homeowners Council (LHC) Board of Directors, in conjunction with the coming November election, invites you to attend what our Board considers to be one of the most important programs that we are fortunate to be able to bring to you, our Candidates Night.
This particular Candidates Night will, as usual, focus on our local contested elections but, in order to do justice to all of the candidates for the three Boards on which we believe that Lafayette residents most often focus, there will be two Candidates Nights, rather than just one.
These two Candidates Nights will be presented over two meetings These will be ZOOM-type webinar meetings, brought to you in your own home. The first, on October 1, starts at 7:00 p.m., with presentations from the four candidates for the three open Lafayette City Council seats- Cam Burks, Carl Anduri, Gina Dawson and Farschad Farzan.
The second Candidates Night will be in two parts, conducted in succession, on Tuesday, October 6. We will start the first part of the meeting at 7 p.m., with presentations by the four candidates for the two contested seats for the Governing Board of the Acalanes Union High School District.
At approximately 8:15 p.m., we will introduce the three candidates for the Debora Allen’s seat, District 1. Debora is running again and will have two challengers. To access these Candidates Nights via webinar ZOOMish type meeting, please click the link to the Lafayette Homeowners Council website,
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GATHER TOGETHER AND UNITE FOR SHELTER!
Now is the time to come together to prevent and end homelessness. Join us at 6 p.m. on October 1, 2020, at Unite for SHELTER presented by UnitedHealthcare. Join us from the comfort of your home as we gather for a fun, inspiring, and hopeful event to help those in our community who need it most.
We are planning entertainment, auctions, audience participation, and compelling stories directly from participants who have overcome homelessness and are rebuilding their lives through support from generous donors like you. We hope you will all join us and invite your friends and family. Learn more and register here.
CAN YOU PARTNER WITH US?
Many things have changed in the last several months, and the needs of our communities have increased as evidenced by a 300% increase in calls for assistance. We are actively recruiting sponsors for Unite for SHELTER, the virtual event taking place on October 1, 2020. Sponsors will have unique marketing opportunities and be recognized at the event. To learn more and request a sponsorship package contact: Contact Director of Development Julie Clemens at 925.957.7572 or Julie.Clemens@ShelterInc.org
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This September It’s “BeKind 21” in the City of Lafayette
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Fun, Flexible Jobs for H.S. Grads & College + Adults in SF Bay Area
Roughing It Day Camp has created KidCare and More where local young adults connect online to families looking to hire in-person help with their kids’ school work / activities. Choose your hours/pay/schedule. Help Out Our local Families! Join KidCare and More!
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Registration now open for Lafayette Res Run for Education
The Lafayette Res Run for Education which is traditionally held on a Sunday in October will instead be a virtual race over the two weeks spanning October 16-31, 2020.
Registration for all races is $25. Race packets that include our traditional long sleeve t-shirt and race bib will be available early October.
*The 5k, 10k, or 2mile run/walk course will be marked along the sidewalk on the South side of Mt. Diablo Blvd. Roads will NOT be closed for runners. Please see maps for course.
**Parking fees are not included in registration price.
Beneficiaries of the event are the local schools and the services and programs of the Chamber. Support your school. Sign up now!
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From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center |
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Friends of the Lafayette Library WOW Presents Diego Rivera: A New Art
Diego Rivera was one of the big men of 20th century art—big physically, in personality, and as an influence on American art at mid-century. His mural style was forged in the Mexican Revolution. In his American murals, he achieved an incongruous synthesis between a reverence for the indigenous cultures of his native land and an appreciation of the American industrial modernity of Detroit’s automobile factories.
Virtual Insect Discovery Lab
Explore the fantastic lives of beetles, millipedes, tarantulas, walking sticks, whip scorpions and more! Presenters will introduce you to the extraordinarily diverse world of insects and other arthropods. Learn about their key role in the web of life through scientific observation, insect identification, and the natural history of bugs’ lives.
Lafayette Library programs are made possible thanks to support from the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation and Friends of the Lafayette Library.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, October 14, 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 a community blood drive. 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.
Friends Corner Book Shop Open for Curbside Service
Tuesday - Friday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
If there is a specific book you would like to purchase, please request at friendscornerbookshop@gmail.com. A volunteer will let you know whether or not it is available. There will also be an opportunity to“window shop” as they will be placing books and other items in the windows. Masks and social distancing required at time of pick up. **Friends Corner Bookshop is NOT accepting donations at this time.** |
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Chamber Member Challenge!!
The City of Lafayette has a dedicated page to help you be informed and be prepared.
We encourage you, your employees and your customers to sign up for alerts. Take the challenge to be informed!
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Please note: to signup 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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