James Cooper
President/CEO
Pleasanton
Chamber of Commerce
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Workforce Development and CTE |
In August, I wrote about a new partnership between the Chamber and the Pleasanton Unified School District (PUSD) that connects local businesses to students participating in PUSD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. This is part of a broader effort to stimulate local workforce development efforts, by getting individual businesses involved with local students to provide mentoring and counseling about their future careers.
In September, we sent out a short survey, that is still active, to gauge business interest in supporting this program. There are different opportunities to participate listed in the survey, from visiting students in class to internships and everything in between. Today, I want to highlight two other ways to get involved in workforce development with your local school district.
PUSD has two programs for those with disabilities: WorkAbility, which serves students enrolled in high school and transition classes; and Adults with Disabilities. These programs, which provide funding for wages and insurance, serve as a crucial link for people who are capable and interested in working. They connect your organization to an under-tapped workforce that is ready and eager to get started.
When a business needs to find workers, there is an opportunity to think differently about the process that can lead to long term recruiting stability. PUSD’s CTE program and the programs serving disabled students are just two of the many examples available. Please email me if you're interested in learning more. |
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Checking in with our Chair |
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Jill Buck
Board Chair
Pleasanton
Chamber of Commerce
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Become a Certified Green Business… for Free! |
Businesses of every size can save money, attract new customers and promote employee wellness by becoming a California Certified Green Business. It is free to participate, and there are a wide variety of resources to help your business succeed.
More and more customers want to spend their money with companies that save natural resources and reduce pollution in our local community. Becoming a certified Green Business makes you part of a searchable database where consumers and B2B connections go to find vendors that share their values.
Once certified, you will receive marketing and promotional materials that give your company an advantage over your competition, and you can earn recognition as an environmental leader by the County and City.
Some of the categories in which you can earn recognition include: energy and water conservation; commute sustainability; pollution prevention; recycling; and much more.
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Circle of Influence - Elite business partners of the Chamber |
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70 Years of SafeAmerica Credit Union Serving the Bay Area |
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SafeAmerica Credit Union was originally chartered in 1953 as Safeway San Francisco Employees Federal Credit Union to serve Northern California Safeway employees.
Over the years, we’ve matured to an over $545 million community credit union serving the California counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara as well as numerous employer groups with branches in Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Brentwood, and Hayward.
Being a member of SafeAmerica Credit Union means you’re part of community-based financial cooperative, which is much different than a bank. It’s better. We’re here to provide the financial guidance you need to navigate life’s journey. Visit us at www.safeamerica.com. |
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1st United Credit Union is Collecting Supplies for Local Schools |
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School supplies for elementary, middle, and high school students can be dropped off at any of 1st United’s nine branches. And since schools need supplies all year, we’ll be accepting donations until December 31, 2023. NOTE: We aren’t collecting backpacks this year. Please only donate school supplies for students of all ages.
We’re Collecting Non-Perishable Food Too!
As the official Alameda County Community Food Bank food host, 1st United is continuing to collect food all year. Community members can drop off non-perishable food at our branches. If you can spare a little to help another family, please donate by December 31, 2023. United we are stronger! |
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The Circle of Influence recognizes companies whose continual support has been instrumental in the growth of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about the Circle of Influence here.
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David Wong
Board Chair
Pleasanton
Young Professionals
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Young Professionals Recognition Award |
The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce and the Pleasanton Young Professionals (PYPs) are proud to recognize the next generation of business leaders and advocates who are making strides in their industries and the business community in the Tri-Valley area.
Honorees will be announced and recognized during the State of the Chamber event in early 2024.
Please take a moment to cast your vote, as nominations are being accepted for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Nominee must be an employee of an active business OR business owner located or operating in the Tri-Valley.
- Nominee must be 39 years of age or younger as of December 31, 2023.
- Nominee must demonstrate leadership skills and initiative.
- Nominee must have demonstrated integrity.
- Application includes a brief description on how the following criteria applies to the individual:
- What innovative and effective practices does this individual bring to their organization?
- In what ways has this individual grown professionally?
- How has this individual made a positive impact in their industry?
- For what charitable organizations, youth programs, education, volunteer opportunities, etc., does the individual participate?
Honorees will be selected on merit, not volume of submissions. Nominations close Friday, December 15, 2023. Cast your vote today. |
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Alexander Chiropractic & Wellness Community Outreach Events |
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Alexander Chiropractic & Wellness has proudly served the East Bay Area since 1986, with four locations in Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Brentwood. They are pleased to present Wellness Outreach Community Events. These are for employees and guests and are hosted on site at your location free of charge with lunch provided. Spoil yourself, your employees and your colleagues with two options to choose from:
Lunch and Learn (1 hour)
- 30-minute presentation from a list of topics chosen around wellness, keeping it light and fun
- 20-minute question/answer session
Pamper Day (3 hours)
- Chair Massage conducted by our license therapists
- Wellness resources for employees
- Wellness screening
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calling Michael at 925-690-1896.
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Your Dream Garage Starts Here |
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Has your concrete garage floor seen better days? If it’s dirty, stained, and altogether unsightly, it’s time to call in our garage floor specialists at Garage Kings. Our coating systems can transform ugly floors into beautiful works of art. Polyaspartic floors are tough, durable, and long-lasting. For decades after Garage Kings completes your project, you will have a space that shines with minimal maintenance.
Ready to get to work on your garage this fall?
Come see us at The Alameda County Fall Home Show, this weekend from October 6-8 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Stop by the Garage Kings - Walnut Creek booth #94 + 95 and ask about our show only specials.
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An Amazing Gift Match For October benefitting Agape Villages |
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Agape Villages is a licensed foster family agency placing children in foster homes in communities throughout Northern California.
We are so grateful to our friends at the Community Health & Education Foundation (CHEF). CHEF will match an additional 1 dollar (up to $10,000) for every 2 dollars donated to Agape via credit card in the month of October. And they will cover all administrative and processing fees so your entire donation is matched! Let’s meet this match! Thank you for your generosity, CHEF!
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To take advantage of this amazing opportunity and help all the kids in foster care through Agape, please click here to be taken to CHEF’s website to process your donation. Once the month of October is over, or we meet our match, you will donate once again directly on Agape’s website. |
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Beautycounter: Because Beauty should be good for you |
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Nancy Morehead is a brand advocate for Beautycounter and she's excited about the following things happening in October:
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October 3 - Beautycounter Holiday sets launch
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Free Shipping for 3 days (October 3-5) when you purchase two or more holiday sets
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20% off for first time buyers (message me at 209-914-4274 for the code)
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October 22 at 2pm - Join me to unbox the holiday sets. Please RSVP here.
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Let’s plan a one on one meeting to discuss your skincare, makeup, and gifting needs or plan a Holiday get together so you can earn free and half-price products. Email Nancy here. |
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Nancy's Three Favorites (although it is really hard to pick!) |
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Let the Freshness Speak for Itself |
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Strizzi's mission is all about preparing great meals that are made with the freshest ingredients. The countdown to the Holiday Season has begun! Don't be late to the party, get your dining reservations made now and plan your parties with our easy catering options. We offer in house family style dining, easy to-go Party Pans and full service catering to cover all your holiday season needs. Just send an email to catering@strizzis.com to start the conversation today. |
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Welcome to the Chamber's New Members |
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Studies show consumers prefer to do business with chamber members by a margin of 2-to-1 over non-members. We recommend that you look to chamber members for your business and consumer needs. You can access our online member directory here. Congratulations to the following new members that have recently joined the chamber.
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies |
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Congratulations to the following businesses |
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Ribbon cuttings increase the visibility of a grand opening, new location, ground breaking or special anniversary. The chamber brings the giant scissors and the red ribbon, invites our ambassadors and publicizes the event in various publications. To schedule a ribbon cutting, email Dawn.
The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the following businesses on their recent ribbon cutting ceremonies.
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Valley Community Church held a celebratory ribbon cutting and official grand opening for their Families Building, which was followed by their worship service and lunch. It was a wonderful day with Pastor Heath sharing reflections from his sabbatical and their vision for the coming year. They also invited the surrounding community to join them and tour their newly dedicated spaces for kids, students, and people with disabilities. Find out more about how you can connect to our Families Ministries. Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. |
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Congratulations to Susan Schall & Stephany Jenkins of Park46 Real Estate on your ribbon cutting celebration. Park46 can open the door to your dream home, anywhere, at any price. They offer an innovative home buying and selling experience and represent clients in a variety of lifestyle categories. Agent-owned and locally focused, Park46 was founded by two top-producing, award-winning agents ready to take on a fresh approach to home buying and selling. |
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Congratulations to Le Palais Sucré on your one-year anniversary celebration, featuring a fun balloon artist, face painting, live music and an exciting raffle. Le Palais Sucré, a French crêperie, ice cream shop, and café is located in Downtown Pleasanton. Their menu has everything from sweet and savory crêpes and hand-churned ice cream to omelettes and salads to lattes and milkshakes. |
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We'd like to congratulate Manpreet Kaur of Preet Brows on celebrating her 10th anniversary. She always wanted to own a business of her own, and feels very fortunate that she is doing what she loves. Specialties at Preet Brows include threading, waxing, facials, henna, haircuts and makeup. Visit them at 4307 Valley Avenue, Suite D in Pleasanton. |
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The Specific Chiropractic Centers in Dublin, CA celebrated Dr. Sharma's first anniversary in practice. Dr. Sharma, and his clinic director Dr. Drew Vercellino express their gratitude for all who attended. Both of the doctors at The Specific base their clinical care on addressing the nervous system and all of the discomfort associated with a disconnect between the brain and the body. |
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Thank you to our mixer hosts |
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The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Scott Larson of Neighborhood Sports Bar and Kitchen for hosting a very fun mixer for us in August. Visit them online - on Facebook - on Instagram.
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The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Bob and Heather Rossi of Sunshine Saloon for hosting a very fun mixer for us in September. Visit Sunshine Saloon online - on Facebook - on Instagram.
Attendees enjoyed being on the new spacious and finished patio at Sunshine and learned a bit about US Foods as well. We also heard from Goodness Village as our non-profit partner of the mixer. Check out a reel here.
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The E-Business Connection is a bi-monthly electronic newsletter produced by the
Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce.
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PLEASANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Catalyst • Convener • Champion
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