The Chamber Endoreses…

• The Chamber endorses the three incumbent council members Loella Haskew, Justin Wedel, and Kevin Wilk, who represent the experience, the fiscal understanding, and the vision required to tackle the grave challenges confronting Walnut Creek. To watch the recorded version of the Candidates’ Forum held on September 15 click here.
• Chamber Board Endorses Debora Allen for BART Director. She is a current BART director focused on improving the BART rider experience and working conditions for BART employees while ensuring fiscal integrity.
• The Chamber urges you to:
  • VOTE YES on MEASURE X the Contra Costa County 1/2¢ Sales Tax
  • VOTE NO on PROPOSITON 15 which is a draconian tax shift, that will land squarely on Walnut Creek small businesses and nonprofit organizations

Monthly Chamber Civic Affairs

We indeed had a “Fireside Chat” with Kathleen Odne, Interim Executive Director of the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation on our Back to Business  – Non-profits and the new reality webinar.

Kathleen gave an in-depth glimpse on both the sides of the coin of how the non-profits are trying to thrive during the pandemic. Financial and funding ripples, programming disruptions, lack in fundrising options, decrease in volunteers are some of the struggles but at the same time non-profits are becoming more digitized and trying to evolve with new norm with high-level of engagement with the local governments, civic and advocacy organizations to name a few. To watch the entire recording of the webinar click here.

New Member Orientation

Join us at our orientation for new members, existing members and prospective members. This Zoom meeting offers an overview of the Chamber, programs and events, public policy initiatives and activities, sponsorship opportunities, networking, and ways to get involved.

Date: Wednesday Oct 28, 2020 | Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Location: Virtual Zoom Event (once registered Zoom link will be sent to your email)

Member Stories

Over the past several months, our members have been taking action and developing many creative ideas to face these challenging times, whether by helping the community, feeding our front line heroes, finding innovative ways to pivot their businesses and offices, keeping a positive spirit, and more. You inspire us and keep us motivated.

We invite all our members to share their stories of resilience and optimism as we continue this journey…together. Send your story to sfilardi@walnut-creek.com and we will feature them in the Chamber newsletter and Facebook. Pictures / videos that help tell your story are encouraged.

Click the below button to read about few of our member inspirational stories of resilence.

HALLOWEEN VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR BASH!

Join us for a Halloween Virtual Happy Hour BASH! Chamber members can “ZOOM” on in and guests are welcome too.  Costumes are encouraged but not required.

Date: Thursday Oct 29, 2020  | Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM Location: Virtual Zoom Event (once registered Zoom link will be sent to your email) 

East Bay Women’s Conference Webinar

Thank you all for joining us with Julie Gordon White, award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker. If you have missed the live webinar, click here to watch the recording and kindly share it with your friends & family.

For details about the 16th Annual 2021 East Bay Women’s Conference click the below link.

The Holiday Season Will Lose Some of Its Sparkle!

Walnut Creek On Ice, one of our most popular annual attractions, is being put on pause this year because of uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus crisis. This week in October typically begins the rink construction, and soon, passerby would see the giant tents going up that start the countdown to the Children’s Winter Festival and 10 weeks of skating fun.

The Chamber and the Walnut Creek Downtown want to thank all of our loyal sponsors, 40,000+ skaters each year and all the onlookers who have made Walnut Creek On Ice part of their holiday tradition for fifteen years. We plan to be frozen and back in Civic Park again next year!

COVID-19 UPDATES

The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau will be following the State and County guidelines and we will be canceling meetings through the end of March. Our office staff will be handing phone calls and emails from remotely and the office will be closed through the end of the month or notified sooner.

Small Business Resources – Simple Instructions

The Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications July 6, 2020 in response to the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act. The new deadline to apply is August 8, 2020. Click here to apply

East Bay EDA is compiling real-time trusted information and resources for employers and workers in our communities. Read Here

COVID-19 Testing: Bass Medical Group  |  Contra Cista Healthcare Services

Call Center  for Small Business Owners and Workers – More Info ...continue reading